Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 14.1: The Reeds and Rushes 1

Only when they have walked far away, did Ling Ruo straighten up from her bow. Looking at the kneeling maid Mo Yu, Ling Ruo gave a sigh before speaking: "Let her say whatever she wants to, you don't have to argue with her. I'll like to see if you still dare to be so reckless after this incident."

Mo Yu quickly shook her head: "Your humble servant dare not cause any more trouble for Miss again."

Looking at her upset face, Ling Ruo's heart softened. Squatting down, Ling Ruo said: "I am not afraid of trouble, and I know you were speaking up for me. But just winning a verbal argument will not solve the actual problem. Instead, it is easy for others to make use of your weaknesses and result in tragedy. Currently, I am alone in this Fourth Prince's Residence. You are the only one whom I trust. If anything happens to you, what will I be able to do?"

Mo Yu was greatly touched by Ling Ruo's words and she promised: "Your humble servant has remembered by lesson, I promise to speak and act more cautiously."

"Alright." Ling Ruo nodded, before asking worriedly: "Is kneeling too painful?" The road was paved by small sharp pebbles for anti-slip purposes. However, if someone kneels on it, the sharp edges of the pebbles may cut the fabric and pierce through skin. Thankfully it was still winter time, Mo Yu was wearing thick woolen clothes. However, pain would still be unavoidable.

Mo Yu shook her head: "I am not in pain, as it is not my first-time kneeling, I am used to it. On the other hand, Miss, you have only just recovered. Please do not tire yourself out. There is a pavilion nearby, please have a seat there. Your humble servant promises to kneel diligently, I will not move or stand."

Seeing that Mo Yu was still worried about her despite being punished, Ling Ruo's eyes blurred. However, her heart became clear and firm. Since fate cannot be changed, the only thing she can do is to face anything that comes her way. She will not give up, live on persistently, and protect all those whom she loves.

"Miss, why are you crying?" Mo Yu asked in concern.

"I'm not crying. Some sand was blown into my eyes, I'll be fine." Ling Ruo smiled while she wiped away her tears. "Just endure for some time, two hours will pass by quickly. I will be here with you."

Ling Ruo dare not allow Mo Yu to stand up. If anyone saw it and reported to Li Ce'fujin, both of them will definitely have a difficult time in the Fourth Prince's Residence in the future.

After two hours have passed, Ling Ruo assisted Mo Yu back to their accommodation to rest. Time is like the clear water in a small stream, quiet and peaceful, but always moving. Ling Ruo stood beside the window, staring into the dark skies that was gently illuminated by the moon and stars.

"Bang!" The sound came from somewhere far away, jolting Ling Ruo from her daze. Looking at the direction of the sound, a beautiful firework blossomed in the night sky. This was merely the beginning, as more fireworks bloomed, dying the night sky into dozens of colours. Attracted by the beautiful sight, Mo Yu also came over to the window and joined Ling Ruo in admiring the fireworks display.

"Do you know who is lighting the fireworks?" Ling Ruo asked. Although fireworks and firecrackers are both made from gunpowder, but fireworks required much more work to create. Hence, fireworks cost many times more than firecrackers. The usual families are unable to afford fireworks.

Mo Yu replied: "Today is the wedding of the Eighth Prince. The fireworks must have been lighted by the Eighth Prince's Residence. I heard the Di'fujin who is getting married to the Eighth Prince today is the only daughter of General Mobaren. Not long after General Mobaren died valiantly in war, his wife also passed away. His Majesty Kang Xi took pity on the orphan and fostered her in the Imperial Palace."

Counting the days with her fingers, Mo Yu continued: "Its seven more days to Lunar New Year, it will be so lively and jolly soon! My daddy will cook the pig we would have raised for a year, and mommy would bring out the new clothing she tailored..." Her voice suddenly trailed off, as Mo Yu suddenly remembered she will not be able to be with her family in the next three years.

Sighing, Ling Ruo comforted Mo Yu: "It's only three years, it will pass in a blink of an eye. After these three years, you can reunite with your family members. For these three years, I will accompany you to celebrate the Lunar New Year."

Sniffing hard, Mo Yu wiped away her tears and nodded: "Yes, your humble servant will accompany Miss to celebrate Lunar New Year together!"

At night, Ling Ruo lied on the bed restlessly, unable to fall asleep. Mo Yu would be able to reunite with her family in three years' time, but what about herself? Will there be an end to this? Or will she never see her family members ever again?

"Sigh..." Ever since the Imperial Harem Selection, Ling Ruo has sighed more times than she ever did in her past fifteen years. Slipping her cape on, Ling Ruo walked out to the courtyard. Without the fireworks, the moon now shone more brightly in the night. Ling Ruo slowly walked along the pathway under the moonlight.