Volume 1 Chapter 2
Inside Baihua Garden, the originally green stone ground was now covered with thick carpets. It wasn’t because the ground was slippery, but because the Empress Dowager liked to stroll barefoot in the garden. Therefore, the chief steward, Lord Lu, had ordered carpets to be spread throughout the garden to make it more comfortable for the Empress Dowager to walk.
In recent days, everyone in the Weiyang Palace noticed that the Empress Dowager had changed. She had become more beautiful and lively, no longer easily angered as she used to be, and she asked them every day to inquire about the Emperor’s news. The imperial physician speculated that the Empress Dowager might have developed amnesia due to the fall, forgetting some things, which explained her change in temperament.
Although the Empress Dowager was now more approachable, no one dared to be disrespectful, especially when she would narrow her eyes and smile. It sent chills down their spines.
Lu Chang entered, holding a dust brush, and looked at Leng Jiu lying on the grass. He sighed in resignation, “Empress Dowager, the ground is cold. Don’t lie here for too long.”
Leng Jiu didn’t even bother to open her eyes, “I know.”
Seeing that he couldn’t persuade her, Lu Chang changed the subject, “Consort Li is pregnant with the Emperor’s first child. Today, the Emperor conferred her as Noble Consort, and there will be a grand banquet in the Imperial Garden tonight with all the courtiers. Empress Dowager, would you like to attend?”
“Why should I concern myself with their banquets?”
Certainly, here’s the revised text with the names provided in the original text:
“Consort Li sent someone to invite, so this servant was just inquiring. Since Empress Dowager Long is willing to go, this servant will go and inform her.”
Lu Chang was about to leave when Empress Dowager Long opened her eyes. Her beautiful azure eyes shimmered, and she slightly curled her red lips, “Wait! Since she’s invited me, how can I refuse? Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve been out. It’s time to go for a walk!”
After a few days of absence, Consort Li had transformed into Noble Consort. This woman was not ordinary; she possessed her own methods. She had been quite bored lately and spending time with them seemed like a good idea. Moreover, she was curious about how Emperor Long Yi would look at her with resentment after that slap.
The palace was inherently dark, and for a woman to survive here, she had to rely on her cunning and maintain her position. If she were merely an observer, she might have admired Noble Consort Li’s skills, but now she had used her to secure her own position. How could she just stand by? She considered herself a pawn in Noble Consort Li’s game, and she wanted to see who would ultimately control the chessboard.
Empress Long Jinghua’s clothing mostly consisted of deep blue-black or dark crimson, which Empress Dowager Long couldn’t compliment. A woman under twenty dressed as if she were fifty; she couldn’t fathom what she was thinking. It was no wonder Emperor Long Yi had lost interest in her. She was truly unappealing!
Choosing a simple white palace dress embroidered with subtle peony patterns, she trimmed the long hem, layered it with another garment, and fastened it with a wide waistband. Although the waistband was a bit loose and tight in places, if left unbound, her waist would look like a barrel. So, she preferred to cinch it in!
A palace maid styled her in the simplest of updos, adorning it with a white jade butterfly hairpin. Matching earrings swayed from her fleshy earlobes, and her face was adorned with light makeup. The moment she turned around, all the palace maids in the room were stunned! With her exposed temples, delicate arched eyebrows, seductive phoenix-shaped eyes, and skin as smooth as warm jade, her lips resembling roses, she exuded a charming allure. Two strands of hair by her cheek gently brushed against her face, adding a touch of irresistible charm. Her slender waist, as well as the flowing skirt that swayed with her movements, created ripples. This was the epitome of a peerless beauty!
The youngest palace maid, Xiangming, blushed and looked at Empress Dowager Long, her eyes sparkling, “Your Majesty looks so beautiful!”
“Yes! When Your Majesty goes out, you’ll surely outshine everyone!”
“Your Majesty is the most beautiful!”
Lu Chang chuckled with his eyes narrowed. He believed that Empress Dowager Long would definitely astonish everyone tonight. He swung his feather duster to the left and extended his right hand, “Empress Dowager Long, please.”
—Off-topic—
Feel free to critique my performance; don’t hold back! Tomorrow’s palace banquet promises to be a sight, watching the female lead dazzle the entire crowd, hehe!