kvmb Chapter 163: Winning over Concubine Xian
Chapter 163: Winning over Concubine Xian
When Concubine Chun saw Concubine Xian, who seldom went out, was actually in the Imperial Garden, she wanted to win her over, so she walked up to her with a smile on her face.
"Sister Xian Fei, why do you have such a refined taste? Are you collecting the dew to make wine?"
"No."
Empress Xian smiled and shook her head slightly, but did not elaborate on the specific use of Qinglu.
Then, she raised her head and looked at Concubine Chun, smiled slightly and said, "Sister Concubine Chun, long time no see."
Time has proven everything. Concubine Chun's care and protection for the Queen have now disappeared. The speed of change is astonishing.
Concubine Xian had long realized that Concubine Chun's scheming and methods were not as simple as they seemed, and that she, a person who "did not care about worldly affairs", should never have close friends with her.
After saying hello, Empress Xian continued to collect dew.
Seeing that Concubine Xian seemed unwilling to pay attention to her, Concubine Chun's smile seemed a little stiff and awkward. After thinking for a moment, she came up with a plan in her mind.
Concubine Chun took Yongrong from the wet nurse and coaxed him in a soft voice, making the little guy laugh.
Concubine Xian has always liked children, and she dotes on the Fourth Prince Yongsheng even more, taking care of him meticulously. It can be said that she cares about him more than Concubine Jia, his biological mother.
At this moment, she was also deeply attracted by the lovely Yongrong, and she couldn't help but walk up to tease him, making Yongrong giggle.
"Sister, I think Yongrong likes you very much. Why don't you come and hug him?" Concubine Chun said with a smile and handed Yongrong to Concubine Xian's arms.
Concubine Xian had a gentle smile on her face and carefully took Yongrong. Yongrong was also exceptionally well-behaved, as if he understood that his mother wanted him to please the person in front of him. He was very well-behaved and kept smiling very happily.
When Concubine Xian looked at the delicate and graceful Yongrong in her arms, her heart melted and her attitude towards Concubine Chun also improved a lot.
The two of them started chatting with laughter.
"Sister, you are so caring towards Yongcheng, no matter how big or small the matter is. I am not as caring towards my own son Yongrong as you are."
When Concubine Chun said this, Concubine Xian's smile froze. Zhen'er beside her also looked a little angry.
But Empress Xian was not really angry, she just smiled gently, "Sister, you are still young, I am naturally more experienced than you."
Seeing that Concubine Xian was not angry, Concubine Chun said, "Then I will ask for your guidance in the future."
Concubine Xian nodded, and then handed Yongrong back to Concubine Chun, "Of course, but I still have some dew to collect, so I won't play with Yongrong for now."
Concubine Chun took Yongrong and rocked him gently, holding a rattle in her hand. While teasing the child, she turned to look at Concubine Xian and said sincerely:
"Sister Xian Fei, I know some of my words may not be appropriate, but now that the Fourth Prince has grown up, shouldn't you think more about yourself? Or should you have a son of your own?"
Concubine Xian smiled slightly, but she did not stop her hands and continued to collect the dew. She responded in a gentle voice, "Thank you for your concern, sister, but I have no such intention. I am satisfied with having the Fourth Prince."
Seeing how calm Concubine Xian was, Concubine Chun couldn't help but get anxious. She gritted her teeth and said with determination:
"Sister, I know you have always been indifferent to fame and fortune and don't pursue these things, but I have a rare painting here, it is Zhao Mengfu's "Autumn Scenery of Quehua". If you like it, just consider it as a birthday gift from me."
Zhao Mengfu was a famous calligrapher and painter in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty. His paintings are known for their beauty and strength. His works have a unique style and are deeply loved by people. More importantly, his paintings are in line with the aesthetic taste of Emperor Qianlong.
Moreover, Zhao Mengfu, although a member of the royal family of the Song Dynasty, chose to serve the Yuan Dynasty and was regarded as a "model" of surrender by the Yuan Dynasty. This is quite similar to the situation of the Qing Dynasty as a foreign race ruling the Central Plains. Therefore, Emperor Qianlong highly respected Zhao Mengfu.
Hearing the name Zhao Mengfu, Empress Xian's eyes moved slightly, and she obviously understood it. However, she still smiled and shook her head to refuse.
The entire Qing Dynasty knew that the emperor liked Zhao Mengfu's paintings, especially the masterpiece "Autumn Scenery of Quehua", and the emperor could not put down the imitations.
If this painting were presented to the emperor, it would surely gain his favor and appreciation.
However, when she turned her head to look at Concubine Xian, she was stunned for a moment, then shook her head firmly, "No need, I'm afraid my love for calligraphy and painting is not as good as my sister's, so I'll leave it to you to appreciate."
After hearing this, Concubine Chun couldn't help but be a little surprised. She originally thought that Concubine Xian would gladly accept the painting. After all, this was a great opportunity to please the emperor.
But Empress Xian refused without hesitation, and seemed not to care whether she could gain the emperor's favor.
Now it was Concubine Chun's turn to be stunned. She didn't expect that Concubine Xian loved the emperor so much, but didn't want his favoritism? What a weird person.
Concubine Chun adjusted her mood, covered her mouth and laughed, her tone becoming more gentle, "Sister, you don't have to be modest. Everyone in the Forbidden City knows that you are an expert in appreciating calligraphy and painting. I will definitely give you this gift."
Concubine Xian smiled slightly and said, "I think the emperor will like this gift more. I'd better present it to him."
Empress Xian was still very determined. She turned around and handed the bamboo tube to Zhen'er, "Zhen'er, keep the dew."
Afterwards, Concubine Xian smiled and signaled to Concubine Chun again, "We will leave first. Sister, take Yongrong to enjoy the flowers."
After saying that, she turned and left, leaving Concubine Chun looking at her back, puzzled.
It was not until Concubine Chun's subordinates found out that Concubine Xian had been going to Changchun Palace every day recently that she realized that Concubine Xian had also hooked up with the Queen...
"Your Majesty, why don't you want that painting? I heard that the Emperor loves Zhao Mengfu's paintings very much. This gift is extremely precious..." Zhen'er was interrupted by Yuan Chunwang before she could finish her words.
He bowed deeply and said sincerely, "I know that the queen does not want to give others an advantage. If you get this painting, you will be indebted to the queen, and there will be endless things that you cannot control in the future."
Zhen Er asked in confusion, "How could that be? It's just a birthday gift. If she gives it, it's ours."
Yuan Chunwang raised his head, looked at Zhen'er, and continued, "I think that the purpose of Concubine Chun's gift of the painting is not simple, and there may be a deeper intention hidden in it. If the queen accepts this painting, she will probably fall into the trap she set and find it difficult to extricate herself. Therefore, the queen wisely rejected this gift."
After hearing this, Empress Xian smiled slightly, a hint of approval flashed in her eyes, and she said softly: "You see it very clearly."
This sentence sounded like both an admiration for Yuan Chunwang and a slight warning.
She knew very well that the hearts of people in the palace were complicated, and everyone had their own thoughts and calculations, and Yuan Chunwang was too insightful, so she had to be on guard...