The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 239 - Hibiscus

However, leaving the house was not something one could simply avoid if they wanted to.

Not long after, Ye Yun received an invitation from the great patron.

Huai'an came with a smile, conveying the message, "The Emperor has heard that the orchids in the Imperial Garden are blooming beautifully and has asked for Xiurong to go and take a look."

"Thank you for the trouble. I'll change my clothes right away," Ye Yun replied with a smile.

Bai Zhu saw him off and quietly asked, "Did the Emperor only call for us Xiurong, or are there others as well?"

"Of course, he only called for Ming Xiurong. No one else has such good fortune," Huai'an chuckled.

Hearing this, Bai Zhu felt a bit relieved.

Once Ye Yun changed her clothes and came out, she said, "Fewer people are better; I don't like being the star surrounded by many admirers."

After adjusting her outfit a little, she stepped into the sedan chair and set off.

Since it was Ning Chen who invited her, naturally, he arrived first.

However, when Ye Yun arrived, she found that Zhang Cairen and Cui Baolin were already there.

Huai'an had clearly said she was the only one invited, so it seemed these two had come on their own accord.

This made Ye Yun feel somewhat displeased.

What was supposed to be a gathering of beauties had turned into a bustling market.

Once at the location, Ye Yun disembarked and properly bowed to Ning Chen, then returned the greetings of both Zhang Shi and Cui Shi.

"This outfit is beautiful; is it Suzhou embroidery?" Ning Chen looked her up and down.

The misty blue pleated ru-yi skirt was quite eye-catching, topped with a plain little blouse balancing elegance with a hint of liveliness.

Ye Yun smiled sweetly, "Since the Emperor invited me to see the flowers, I didn't want to be outshone by them, so I dressed up especially. It's just that..."

She paused mid-sentence, her gaze sweeping over the two behind her.

"I didn't expect the Emperor to invite not just me; the flowers were hard enough to compete with, but it seems there are beauties as well."

Zhang Cairen reacted quickly, lowering her head, "Ming Xiurong is joking; how can my humble appearance be considered beautiful? Xiurong is the true flower-like beauty."

"Really? I think Zhang Cairen looks exceptionally vibrant today. If you hadn't said anything, I would have thought you came here to compete in beauty with me. Wouldn't you agree, Cui Baolin?"

Ye Yun smiled lightly, shifting the conversation to include Cui Shi.

She feigned surprise again, saying, "Oh, how did I not notice? Cui Baolin looks stunning today as well!"

Finally, she gave Ning Chen a playful glare.

"Since the Emperor already has beauties by his side, why did you call me here? I just said I dressed up with great care, but now, standing before my two younger sisters, I feel embarrassed."

She knew she was being playful, but Ning Chen enjoyed watching her little antics.

Originally, Zhang Shi and Cui Shi had come on their own, so he hadn't planned to bring these two along. 

"Even if you are modest, if you weren't beautiful, countless women in the world would be crying their hearts out. Alright, you two may leave; I want to take a walk with Ming Xiurong."