The water in the koi pond had just submerged the palace maid's shoulders, thoroughly soaking her. When Kong Qing and a few young eunuchs pulled her up, she was tightly clutching a purse in her hand.
As Ye Yun and Ning Chen approached, the maid started trembling and bowed her head.
"Servant didn't mean to offend the Emperor and Empress. It's just that something important fell into the water, and I had to retrieve it. I ask for your punishment for my lack of decorum in front of Your Majesties."
Her voice trembled from the cold.
"What exactly is this important thing that's worth jumping into the pond in this cold weather?" Huiyue asked.
She was quite wary, fearing it might be another delusion.
The maid opened her palm and shyly said, "It's—it's a silver ingot given by the Empress. I dropped it while washing my hands in the pond, and the purse fell from my sleeve into the water."
Kong Qing leaned in for a closer look and then nodded at Ye Yun; the purse was indeed a reward from Ye Yun.
So, this was a case of jumping into the water for a few taels of silver, all for profit?
The maid was extremely anxious and quickly explained further.
"The Empress and Emperor are in perfect harmony, deeply in love. The Empress has given birth to two sons and a daughter, making her the luckiest person in the world in our eyes. Everyone says that if one receives something from the Empress, and if they share a bond with her, they will surely live well in the future."
"I...I will soon reach the age to leave the palace and have already made a marriage agreement. It took me a lot of effort to earn the Empress's gift, and I wanted to cherish it and take it with me when I get married, so I couldn't bear to lose it."
I must say, this answer was unexpected for everyone.
Ye Yun and Ning Chen exchanged glances.
"Am I now... a lucky charm?"
This nonsensical remark made Ning Chen burst into laughter.
He reached out to pinch her nose.
"You've always been fortunate; everyone can see that, can't they?"
He then pointed to the palace maid.
Ye Yun felt somewhat complicated; how had her life turned into that of a lucky charm?
"I don't dare to speak recklessly, Your Majesty. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to ask around; everyone says the same thing." The maid bowed her head again.
Seeing her shivering from the cold, Ye Yun said, "Kong Qing, take off your outer robe and give it to her. You can change into a new one when you return."
Kong Qing complied and quickly took off his coat to drape it over the maid.
"Since you already have a marriage agreement, I'll give you a wedding gift: twenty taels of silver. Use these days to prepare and leave the palace; go home and celebrate the New Year, and marry in the spring," Ning Chen said with a smile.
Hearing those words about harmony and deep marital affection was very pleasant to hear.
The maid was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed to express her gratitude, saying many auspicious words before leaving.
After this little incident, Ning Chen's smile didn't fade.
As they walked all the way to the Plum Garden, Ye Yun finally couldn't hold back.
YOU ARE READING
The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)
Fiction HistoriqueNote: This is a translated novel by me (Xiao Bai) Title: 贵妃她千娇百媚 Ye Yun was supposed to be the prince's concubine, but due to the sudden death of the late emperor, her entry into the palace was delayed for over a year. She entered the palace with th...
