kvmb Chapter 214: Dining Together
Chapter 214: Dining Together
When they went to the Yangxin Palace to express their gratitude just now, the emperor just asked Li Yu to convey his message that he was busy with government affairs and had no time to see them.
Therefore, Fu Heng and Wei Yingluo didn't have to come and express their gratitude in person.
However, in order to maintain the friendship between the monarch and his subjects, he still rewarded them with a large number of gifts.
He also told Fu Heng to come to the Yangxin Palace to see the emperor after meeting the empress.
So Fu Heng walked towards the Yangxin Palace.
Fu Heng walked through palace walls and long corridors, the stone pavement under his feet making crisp sounds.
He was dressed in gorgeous official uniform, with a sword on his waist, and his posture was upright and his steps were steady. His eyes revealed determination and confidence, as if he was full of hope for the future.
The solemn and mysterious atmosphere of the Forbidden City shrouds everything, and every corner seems to tell of the weight of history.
The red walls and yellow tiles, the magnificent palace buildings, and the exquisitely carved doors, windows, beams and pillars all demonstrate the royal majesty and dignity.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, sunlight shines through the carved window lattices onto the ground, forming patches of golden light.
Fu Heng stepped into the palace and saw the emperor sitting on the dragon throne with a solemn expression. The carvings on the dragon throne shone coldly in the sun, as if announcing to the world the supremacy of the imperial power.
The emperor frowned slightly, his face was partially obscured by shadow, making it difficult to read his expression.
Fu Heng knelt respectfully and shouted, "Your Majesty, I, Fu Heng, pay my respects to you!"
The emperor slowly raised his head, his eyes as sharp as a hawk, staring at the newly married, young and promising minister in front of him.
His voice resounded in the palace like a huge bell, full of majesty: "Fuheng, after the Holan tribe helped the Qing army to wipe out the rebel leader, Turdu said he would offer tribute to the Qing Dynasty. You should go and welcome him back on my behalf."
Fuheng was wearing court robes, the exquisite patterns on which sparkled in the sun.
When he heard the emperor's order, his heart sank, as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart.
He knew what this meant. This mission was by no means an easy one and it would probably take more than a month to go back and forth.
He raised his head slightly, with a hint of hesitation in his eyes, but still tried to fight for it: "I obey your order, but I am still resting..."
His voice trembled slightly, with a barely perceptible hint of rejection.
The emperor frowned impatiently, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.
He interrupted, "Alright, I'm not an unreasonable person, so I'll give you two more days. You must set off in two days!"
The emperor's tone was unquestionable, and his majestic aura seemed to swallow Fu Heng.
Fu Heng sighed helplessly, he knew he could not change the emperor's decision.
He could only lower his head and answer respectfully: "Yes."
His heart was filled with helplessness and anxiety. He didn't know what kind of trouble this mission to welcome the tribute would bring him.
After leaving the Yangxin Palace, Fu Heng's steps were a little heavy.
The sunlight shone on him, casting a long shadow.
He asked Li Yu, who was seeing him off, in confusion: "Eunuch Li, what kind of precious tribute is this? Why does the emperor want me to go and welcome it immediately?" His eyes were full of curiosity and confusion.
Li Yu looked around carefully, his small eyes observing the surroundings vigilantly.
Make sure the distance is far enough that the Emperor cannot hear their conversation.
He then lowered his voice and whispered to Fu Heng: "Master Fucha, what Turdu presented is a peerless beauty."
Li Yu's voice was as faint and mysterious as the hum of a mosquito.
Fu Heng nodded in sudden realization, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.
Then he said to Li Yu gratefully: "So that's how it is. Thank you for telling me, father-in-law."
His heart was filled with gratitude for Li Yu's information. At least he now had some understanding of this mission.
In a quiet corner of Changchun Palace, Wei Yingluo was frowning, her eyes fixed on Mingyu.
Her eyes were full of worry and concern, as if she had thousands of words to say.
She advised earnestly: "Mingyu, you must keep a close eye on the Empress's use of medicinal food and don't miss a single day." Her voice was like the gurgling of running water, gentle but firm.
Mingyu stood aside, she raised her head slightly with a firm look.
She nodded and said confidently, "Yingluo, don't worry, the queen uses it every day."
Her tone was firm and confident, as if she was completely sure about the matter.
However, it is not.
On a sunny day, sunlight shines through the window into the room, illuminating every corner.
Empress Fucha accidentally discovered that the daily cost of this medicinal diet was as high as about one hundred taels, and a hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes.
She frowned slightly and was startled.
She felt that her body had almost recovered and she did not want to continue taking expensive medicinal food every day, so she asked Mingyu to stew it again every two days.
Empress Fucha was a little hesitant. She didn't want to make Wei Yingluo worry, so she decided to order everyone not to tell her.
After hearing this, Wei Yingluo still looked unconvinced. Because there was something wrong with Empress Fucha's pulse, she showed a worried expression and frowned.
She held Mingyu's hands tightly, her hands trembling slightly, and she solemnly warned:
"Mingyu, you are not allowed to lie to me! Changchun Palace is now handed over to you and Zhang Jianyi. You two must not be careless like before. Especially when it comes to the matters between the Queen, the Second Prince, and the Third Princess, you must be extra careful."
Her voice was serious and earnest, and no one dared to be negligent in the slightest.
"Although nowadays, the concubines in the Forbidden City all respect the Empress, but one day something might happen that makes them obsessed."
Mingyu looked at Wei Yingluo and couldn't help laughing. Her laughter was as clear and sweet as a silver bell, as if it could dispel all troubles.
She said, "Okay, I get it, Yingluo. Now that you're married, you've really become a nagging woman." There was a mischievous smile in her eyes.
When Wei Yingluo heard this, she immediately stretched out her hand and pretended to scratch Mingyu's itchy spot, with a hint of anger in her eyes.
She scolded, "How dare you, Mingyu, make fun of me? Let me see how I will deal with you."
The two of them were laughing and joking, and the cheerful atmosphere filled the room.
Qingyun finished her work and rushed over. She happily hugged Wei Yingluo, "Yingluo! I missed you so much!"
"I'm thinking about you too, Qingyun. I'm telling you, you should pay close attention to the people coming and going in Changchun Palace to see if they have bad intentions..."
Wei Yingluo started to chatter again, and she had a few words to say to everyone in Changchun Palace.
After a while, Fuheng returned to Changchun Palace.
The sky above the Forbidden City is like a huge sapphire, clear and high, with a few white clouds floating in the sky leisurely and contentedly.
The sunlight sprinkled down like golden threads, passing through the vermilion palace walls and golden glazed tiles, casting mottled light and shadows on the palace floor.
The light and shadow seem to be the mark of time, telling the vicissitudes and glory of this palace.
In Changchun Palace, warm sunlight shines through the carved windows onto the ground, forming soft spots of light that seem to be jumping elves, bringing a touch of life to this quiet palace.
It's time for lunch. The table is full of delicious food, which exudes an enticing aroma that permeates the air, making people salivate.
At this time, the palace maids and eunuchs were busy in an orderly manner. Their figures were like nimble butterflies, shuttling through the palace.
Wei Yingluo looked at the busy palace maids and eunuchs, and a different emotion surged in her heart.
There was a hint of tenderness in her eyes. As Concubine Ling, she used to be surrounded by people in the palace, but her mood was completely different at this moment.
She had long regarded everyone in Changchun Palace as her brothers and sisters, and that kind of kinship and friendship flowed in her heart.
She smiled and said to Empress Fucha: "Empress, why don't you let everyone go to eat? I will serve the dishes here, and we can have a good reunion dinner as a family."
Her heart was full of love for everyone in Changchun Palace. She didn't want them to suffer from serving her, and she didn't want to destroy the relationship between herself and everyone.
Empress Fucha smiled gently and nodded, her beautiful face like a blooming flower.
She had long seen through Yingluo's thoughts and said softly, "You all can go down and rest. There's no need to serve us. You've all worked hard." Her voice was like the sound of nature, gentle and pleasant.
Wei Yingluo let out a long sigh and was about to stand up to serve the food.
Fu Heng stood aside, his eyes fixed on Wei Yingluo. His eyes were full of love and understanding for her. He knew what Wei Yingluo was thinking, and he loved this affectionate and righteous woman even more.
He patted her shoulder gently, his hand gentle but powerful, and motioned for her to sit down.
He said gently, "Yingluo, please sit down. Don't worry. I will serve you the food."
Yonglian sat obediently beside him, his young face full of curiosity.
He held his chin with both hands, his round little hands were so cute. He watched the adults being polite to each other, and there was a flicker of doubt in his clear eyes.
"Okay, let's do it ourselves. There are no outsiders here today, so there's no need to worry about etiquette. Just treat it as your own home."
Empress Fucha covered her mouth and laughed. That smile was like the warmest sunshine in spring, shining on everyone's heart.
Seeing that the two were still in a daze, Empress Fucha picked up a handful of seasonal vegetables with chopsticks and put them into Wei Yingluo's bowl, her movements gentle and elegant.
She said gently, "Hurry up and start eating. You have been busy all morning."
Wei Yingluo was deeply moved, and her eyes became slightly moist. She quickly said, "Thank you, Queen."
Then she took Empress Fucha's soup bowl, her hand trembling slightly. She filled a bowl with Empress Fucha's favorite chicken soup, which was steaming and filled with fragrance.
Empress Fucha smiled even more happily, and she reminded: "Yingluo, when there is no one else around, just call me sister." Her voice was like the whisper of a loved one, gentle and kind.
Wei Yingluo nodded, and the two exchanged a knowing look, which was filled with deep affection between sisters.
At this time, Fu Heng was standing aside, as if he was ignored. He frowned slightly, feeling a little helpless.
Yonglian took over the conversation sensibly and put a piece of food into Fuheng's bowl.
"Uncle, please have your meal." Yonglian's eyes were clear and bright, with a hint of innocence and curiosity, as if he had special expectations for this meal. His voice was crisp and pleasant, making people feel happy.
Fu Heng looked at Yonglian gratefully, his eyes full of relief.
He stretched out his warm big hand and gently stroked Yonglian's head, conveying endless love.
He smiled and said, "Thank you, Yonglian. Yonglian is the best." Yonglian smiled happily, revealing two little white front teeth.
Then, Fu Heng picked up his chopsticks and picked up a handful of tender winter bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots looked crystal clear under the sunlight and exuded an alluring aroma.
However, he put the dish into Wei Yingluo's bowl and said softly, "Yingluo, eat more."
His voice was full of tenderness and affection, as if it could melt people's hearts.
Wei Yingluo was slightly stunned, then a blush appeared on her face, and a warm current surged in her heart. She lowered her head, and the corners of her mouth rose unconsciously, enjoying the care from Fu Heng.
Yong Lian witnessed this scene and suddenly widened his eyes. He looked at his uncle with a shocked expression, as if to say, "You have failed me, uncle!"
However, the clever Yonglian quickly understood the situation.
He realized that if he wanted to ask his uncle for help in the future, he would have to please his aunt first.
So, he reacted quickly, immediately picked up Wei Yingluo's soup bowl, and held it carefully in his hands, showing a well-behaved and cute look.
He poured a bowl of chicken soup, "Aunt, please have some soup." His voice was clear and loud.
"Second Prince is so good." Wei Yingluo saw Yonglian's cleverness. He was worried that his uncle would be unhappy, so he picked up food for him first, and he also gave enough face to his aunt.
Her heart was full of love for Yonglian.
Yong Lian blinked happily and picked up another piece of mutton for his royal mother. "Royal mother, please enjoy your meal."
That look is so cute.
He is now lively and healthy, and smiles more often than when he was a child.
His heart was filled with happiness and joy. Although he was still studying hard how to govern the country, he felt the warmth of home in this warm family relationship.
Lunch was held in a warm atmosphere, but Fu Heng's heart was always shrouded in a layer of haze.
He knew the task he was about to face, and he also knew that he didn't know when he would be able to return.
He looked at Wei Yingluo, Empress Fucha, Yonglian and others, and felt reluctant to leave. He ate his meal in silence, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.
He was thinking, how should he tell Wei Yingluo this news? Would she be sad? His heart was filled with worry.
Wei Yingluo was unaware of Fu Heng's concerns at this time. She was immersed in this rare atmosphere of reunion.
She looked at Empress Fucha and Yonglian, her heart filled with happiness. She felt as if she had returned to the past, to the days in Changchun Palace.
Her heart is full of emotion and expectation for the future. She hopes that such days can continue forever, and she hopes that everyone can be safe, happy and joyful.