Chapter 215 Prepare
Chapter 215 Prepare
By the time she reacted, the figure was already in front of her.
She was slightly startled, a hint of surprise welling up in her heart. Before she could fully recover, a familiar voice sounded in her ears.
"What are you thinking, Master? Why don't you tell me?"
It’s Jinzhong.
He held a whip in his hand and walked forward with an upright posture.
The soft light coming through the window reflected on his face. At this moment, he no longer had the flattering and cunning look he usually had, but was replaced by full of gentleness.
His originally tough face became incomparably gentle the moment he saw her, like the surface of a lake brushed by the spring breeze, rippling with gentle ripples.
His eyes were filled with concern and curiosity as he stared at her closely.
"Of course, I'm thinking that since Concubine Yu has just entered the palace, she may have many inconveniences. I have to take good care of her."
She had been sitting for a long time, and her body was gradually becoming stiff. With Jinzhong's help, she slowly stood up and gently stretched her sore legs and feet.
Jinzhong's hands held her steadily, with just the right amount of strength, giving her enough support without making her feel uncomfortable.
"Of course. Now that the Master has been ordered to take charge of the harem, it's only natural that he should take care of the Mongolian concubines. The Emperor said he would come over for dinner, so I was able to come now."
Jinzhong spoke respectfully, his voice steady and gentle. He bowed his head slightly, his attitude humble and loyal.
Yan Wan looked up at Jin Zhong. Ever since becoming the Imperial Chamberlain, Jin Zhong's burden had grown heavier, requiring him to take care of everything. In less than two years, he had lost a lot of weight. Yan Wan's eyes wandered over Jin Zhong, and a sense of emotion welled up in her heart.
He was thinner, but fairer and more handsome than before. The edges and corners of his face were more distinct, like a carefully carved sculpture, which only added a bit of heroic spirit.
The deep eyes were full of tenderness when they looked at Yan Wan, like a warm lake that could embrace everything about her. Yan Wan looked at Jin Zhong, and her heart moved slightly.
She had to carefully plan every step she took in the palace, and only Jinzhong's company made her feel inexplicably at ease.
Yan Wan pursed her lips slightly and said softly, "You've worked hard. Your Majesty is coming for dinner. Do you have any special instructions?"
Jinzhong quickly replied, "My Lord, the Emperor has not given any special instructions. He simply asked the servants to prepare the meal."
Seeing Yanwan bowing her head in thought, Jinzhong's heart stirred slightly. He felt a little jealous and couldn't help but squeeze her palm.
At that moment, it seemed as if an electric current flowed between the two of them, causing his heartbeat to involuntarily speed up a few beats.
"I finally came here, why doesn't your master care about what I want to say?"
Jinzhong's voice was filled with a hint of grievance and expectation. His eyes were fixed on Yanwan, eager to get a response from her.
Since she came in, she had only asked questions about the emperor, which made Jinzhong feel inexplicably lost.
When Yan Wan heard Jinzhong's words, she immediately knew that he was acting like a child again.
She raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a doting smile, then raised her head and gazed at him leisurely. There was a hint of tenderness and a hint of teasing in her eyes, as if she could see through every corner of Jinzhong's heart.
As she watched, Yanwan's cheeks grew slightly warm, a blush as delicate and alluring as peach blossoms in bloom in spring. Her eyes softened, and she couldn't help but raise her hand to caress his cheek.
Her fingers gently stroked Jinzhong's face, feeling the warmth of his skin, and an indescribable emotion surged in her heart.
"Okay, okay, then let me ask you, how has my dear Jinzhong been doing these days? Is he eating well? Is he sleeping well? Is there anything you want to tell me?"
Yanwan's voice was soft and gentle, like the gurgling of water, flowing into Jinzhong's heart. Her eyes were full of concern, as if everything about Jinzhong was closely related to her.
After his promotion, to avoid suspicion, he never set foot in Yongshou Palace except for ordinary tasks. Their time alone became even less and less. During these long days, Yanwan often thought of Jinzhong and the time they had spent together.
She knew Jinzhong's helplessness and understood the predicament they were in, but the longing in her heart continued to spread and grow like a vine.
Jinzhong's heart warmed at Yanwan's words. He slowly reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, his movements gentle yet firm. He rested his chin gently on her forehead, feeling her warmth, his heart filled with satisfaction.
He greedily sucked in the fragrance of her hair, the familiar smell intoxicating him. His eyes were full of attachment, as if at this moment, the whole world had become quiet and beautiful.
He replied in a somewhat dull voice: "I am good, everything is good. The only bad thing is that I can't see my beloved master all the time..."
Jinzhong's words were filled with longing and helplessness. He knew that his relationship with Yanwan was full of risks and challenges, but he couldn't control his heart. He was willing to give everything for Yanwan, even at the cost of his life.
His words were like soft feathers, gently touching Yanwan's heartstrings and making her heart surge with warmth. She closed her eyes slightly, feeling Jinzhong's embrace, her heart filled with happiness and emotion.
How lucky she is to have someone in this palace who thinks of her all the time.
"I have to stay in this palace all my life. I remember the sky of the Forbidden City clearly. What it looks like in the morning and what it looks like in the evening. I am tired of seeing it." Jinzhong's voice was low and a little tired.
Jinzhong slowly lowered his head and his gaze fell on Yanwan again, his eyes full of attachment and helplessness.
"Life is so long, but the days I can spend with my master are too few..." His voice trembled slightly, and his words were filled with deep grievance.
Jinzhong continued to talk to himself, pouring out all the grievances that had accumulated in his heart in the dead of night. His eyes were slightly red and his voice became choked with sobs.
The sighs were like heavy hammers, hitting Yanwan's heart again and again.
Yanwan listened to Jinzhong's words, her heart aching, tears welling in her eyes. She knew Jinzhong's helplessness, and understood how difficult their relationship was in this palace. She gently reached out and held Jinzhong's hand, as if wanting to offer him some comfort.
"You, stop imagining that. Don't worry, just wait a little longer. Once I've defeated them all, you'll be able to stay by my side openly and honestly sooner or later..."
The white hand was like a delicate petal, gently caressing Jinzhong's cheek.
The delicate touch, as if filled with endless tenderness and compassion, gradually outlined his features. The slender fingertips slightly lifted Jinzhong's chin, like a paintbrush painting a moving picture.
In this quiet moment, their eyes met, and a fiery emotion surged in the air. Yanwan's eyes were full of determination and courage. She didn't want to hear those sad and unlucky words anymore.
So, she decisively responded with action. The moment their lips touched, time seemed to stand still. That soft touch, filled with endless love and warmth, shut down all the grievances and frustration.
Her fingertips gradually moved down and hooked up the belt hanging around his thin waist.
The purple robe was paired with a black and gold belt, and the way to tie it was more complicated than the previous indigo blue one.
Jinzhong's eyes trembled and his breathing became faster.
He suppressed his impulse and raised his hand to stop her movements.
"Master..."
Her fingertips were like nimble butterflies, gradually moving downwards and gently hooking up the belt hanging around his slender waist.
The purple robe was paired with a black and gold belt, which shimmered mysteriously in the dim light. The tying method was even more complex and elaborate than the previous indigo belt. This belt seemed more than just an accessory, but more like a symbol of the complex and delicate relationship between them.
Jinzhong's eyes trembled violently, as if flames were burning in those deep eyes. His breathing became increasingly rapid, and his chest rose and fell violently.
The intense emotional impact nearly made him lose his mind, but a trace of clarity remained in his heart. He suppressed the surging impulse in his heart and raised his trembling hand to stop her movements.
"Master..."
His voice was hoarse and full of restraint, filled with endless attachment and struggle.
Before he could say no, a white finger gently touched his lips. The soft touch seemed to carry an irresistible force, forcing all his words to be swallowed.
Jinzhong stared at Yanwan in a daze, his eyes filled with surprise, emotion and struggle.
Yanwan gently fiddled with the beads hanging on the hat string around his neck. The round beads swayed slightly under her slender fingertips, as if telling the secret and complex emotions between them.
She slowly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "It's okay. The old man is being pestered by Concubine Yu, but he can handle it well. If he asks, just say you're waiting for the medicinal food cooked in the kitchen..."
Her voice was soft and gentle, like a breeze blowing past your ears, bringing a hint of warmth and comfort.
Her breath was like orchid, and the sweet fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose, refreshing his heart. Jinzhong took a deep breath, and the familiar aroma made his heart beat faster.
Jinzhong's throat moved, and the strong emotion surged in his body like a surging tide.
His blazing gaze seemed to burn with a fiery flame, nearly melting Yan Wan before him. It was filled with endless attachment, longing, and deep affection, as if he wanted to engrave every inch of her skin and every expression deeply in his heart.
He lowered his head slightly and slowly moved towards the red lips that he had been thinking about day and night.
With every step closer, his heartbeat intensified, and the intertwined emotions of nervousness and anticipation made his breathing quicken. His hand, which had been stopped, finally moved at this moment.
He took her hand, and the warm touch made his heart tremble.
Their fingertips intertwined, as if expressing the inseparable feelings between them. Their fingers were tightly intertwined, and together they reached down to the knotted area at their waists.
Pieces of clothing fell to the ground, and Jinzhong picked up the person in front of him and walked towards the bed.
The floor was a mess, with jewelry and clothing scattered everywhere. Each piece of clothing fell to the ground like falling petals, making a soft rustling sound. Jinzhong's eyes burned with a fiery fire as he lifted the person in front of him, his movements firm yet gentle.
The strong arms held Yanwan tightly, as if wanting to integrate her into his life. He walked towards the bed with steady steps, each step carrying strong desire and determination.
The ground was a mess, with jewelry and clothing scattered everywhere, sparkling with tiny sparks. The messy scene seemed to speak of their inner excitement and indulgence.
In this private space, they cast aside worldly constraints and fully release their emotions.
The soft bed was like a warm harbor, waiting for their arrival.
Jinzhong gently placed Yanwan on the bed and leaned over to look at her, his eyes full of love and pity. Their breathing intertwined, and their heartbeats were clearly audible in the silent air.
……
The weather was getting hotter day by day, and the bright sunshine was getting hotter, as if announcing the arrival of summer. Yupin had been in the palace for less than three months, but the emperor had already begun to consider making her a concubine.
In the imperial palace, the position of consort is held with high regard and is highly respected. Currently, three of the four consorts are in the palace: Consort Mei is bright and beautiful, with an elegant temperament; Consort Shu is exceptionally talented, gentle and intelligent; and Consort Ying is dignified, generous, intelligent and courageous. If Consort Yu is added to the harem, the four consorts will be complete.
After all, the Khorchin tribe made great contributions in the war against Dzungar. They sent brave soldiers, provided sufficient supplies, and worked closely with the imperial army.
Throughout the long years of war, the warriors of the Khorchin tribe bravely fought bravely against powerful enemies, making invaluable contributions to safeguarding the border. It was precisely because of their dedication that the Junggar, a perennial threat to border stability, was completely eradicated in just five years.
The Dzungar threat hung like a dark cloud over the hearts of the people living along the border. But now, that cloud has finally dissipated, and the sun is shining once again on that land.
The emperor was well aware of the importance of the Khorchin tribe, and he also understood that giving Concubine Yu a high position was a recognition and praise of the Khorchin tribe.
This was a scourge that Emperor Shengzu and his father hadn't been able to resolve for years, and he was naturally very proud of having cleared it up in one day. He was very proud during this period, with flattery from the ministers and praise from the censors, and even his temper improved a lot.
Therefore, it was impossible for the emperor to treat her badly.
In addition, Eyinzhu was from the Borjigit clan, an important Mongolian family. Her ancestors had produced several queens. With such a noble background, the position of a concubine alone was far from enough.
Although Ruyi has been released from house arrest, she still has a grudge in her heart and still stays indoors in the Yiku Palace. She doesn't want to see the emperor, let alone the concubines.
In the past few months, apart from sending people to visit Ling Yunche in the cold palace, Rong Pei in the laundry department, and Sanbao and others who were doing hard labor in the flower room, there was no movement at all.
In addition to these, Yunzhi and several other palace maids have also reached the age to leave the palace. In order to solve the problem once and for all, the emperor simply released them all from the palace during the Lantern Festival, and put an end to Ruyi's idea of bringing them back to Yiku Palace.
It’s a pity that the order was given by the emperor himself. Even if she was unhappy, she could not restore all the people who had served in Yikun Palace one by one. Even Ling Yunche was implicated by her.
The emperor knew her character very well. Seeing her like this, he no longer had any hope in her. He turned around and handed over all matters related to the consort's appointment to Yan Wan.
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