frightfiction Chapter 1758 Also Wants to Share the Empress's Worries 12
Chapter 1758 Also Wants to Share the Empress's Worries 12
“A few days ago, I accompanied my father to visit a retired scholar who had collected an extremely rare ancient inkstone from the Tao River. The stone is warm and smooth, and when you tap it, it produces a metallic sound; your breath on it creates clouds of light. That is true elegance!”
Sun Mingyuan shook his head and said regretfully, "Those kinds of antiques are rare and hard to come by. They are extremely valuable. How could we possibly even dream of them?"
Not entirely.
Zhao Wenxuan's eyes gleamed as he whispered, "The old scholar said that good things aren't necessarily found in grand mansions."
"Some traveling merchants from the north and south can occasionally find some inconspicuous but interesting items at reasonable prices."
"His Taohe inkstone was acquired by chance from a Shanxi leather merchant many years ago."
Shen Zhiqin felt a slight stirring in his heart upon hearing this.
Although the Xia family was extremely wealthy, they only granted the Imperial Noble Consort's every request; they had little to do with him.
His monthly allowance was limited, and although his aunt had some savings, it wasn't much, and lately she kept talking about saving money for him to use in the future.
Luxury items were something Shen Zhiqin, an illegitimate son, could never even dream of.
But if, as Zhao Wenxuan says, there is indeed an opportunity to find one or two tasteful and elegant scholar's objects at a reasonable price...
My father has always been fond of this, so if I present him with something that pleases him...
The moment the thought crossed Shen Zhiqin's mind, he shook his head inwardly.
How could there be such a good thing? Even if there were, I wouldn't have the connections.
Zhao Wenxuan seemed to have seen through Shen Zhiqin's thoughts and said with a smile, "Brother Shen, if you are interested, I will let you know if there is any news like this next time. It would be good to take a look and broaden your horizons."
Shen Zhiqin hurriedly replied, "Then thank you very much for your kindness, Brother Zhao!"
As the sun rose higher, the light in the bookstore became brighter.
The three chatted for a while longer before taking their leave.
Shen Zhiqin walked out of the Hanmo Forest and stood at the bustling street corner, taking a deep breath of the air filled with the lively atmosphere of the city.
Conversing with his two friends made him realize that he wasn't so aloof and boring, or completely devoid of elegance.
They appreciated the travelogue and his commentary.
This feeling of being recognized gave Shen Zhiqin a lot of confidence!
He even began to think that perhaps he wasn't hopeless, but just a late bloomer, or that he had never found the right method.
Zhao Wenxuan's extensive knowledge and Sun Mingyuan's profound insights are precisely what he can learn from and draw upon.
On the way back to the Shen residence, when passing by Wenhuazhai, a shop specializing in writing brushes and ink, Shen Zhiqin remembered the Taohe ancient inkstone that Zhao Wenxuan had mentioned, and couldn't help but stop and look inside.
The shop was elegantly furnished, and the shopkeeper was gently dusting the shelves with a feather duster. Seeing him looking around, he nodded amicably.
Shen Zhiqin didn't go in; she continued walking forward. But in a corner of her heart, a seed was quietly planted.
An elegant object might win a father's favor...
……
Changchun Palace.
Consort Zhuang wore a light blue palace dress today. The fabric was thin and light, and the collar and sleeves were embroidered with patterns of the same color, which was elegant but not ostentatious.
She sat on a soft couch by the window, with a tea set on a small table beside her.
Consort Kang sat on an embroidered stool at the lower end of the table, holding a teacup in both hands, her eyelashes lowered, looking gentle and respectful.
Since she sought refuge with Consort Zhuang, her life had indeed become much better.
Her allowance was distributed on time and in full, and the Imperial Household Department no longer made any excuses. Even the best ice for summer was sent to her palace.
Even the palace servants in her Chuxiu Palace, who were originally somewhat lazy, became much more diligent in their work.
All of this was, of course, because Consort Zhuang stood behind her.
Consort Kang knew exactly what was going on.
Zhuang Yumin was hardly a kind and benevolent person. Every favor she bestowed came with a price tag.
The protection and convenience you enjoy now will all have to be repaid with interest in the future.
Consort Kang had no choice but to take advantage of this influence.
The cold stares from the inner palace made her realize that without a powerful backer, it was impossible to move an inch in the harem.
Seeking refuge with Consort Zhuang was her only way out, after weighing her options.
For several months, she frequently visited Changchun Palace under the pretext of paying her respects, delivering gifts, and inquiring about palace customs. Her words and actions were filled with gratitude and dependence.
But secretly, Consort Kang kept a close eye on every little movement in Changchun Palace, trying to find evidence that her miscarriage years ago was related to Consort Zhuang.
Unfortunately, Consort Zhuang was meticulous in her actions. She kept everything perfectly secret, from her words to her interactions with other concubines.
Consort Kang dared not be hasty.
She knew that if she showed even the slightest hint of probing, Zhuang Yumin, with her suspicious and ruthless nature, would immediately notice.
At that point, forget about gathering evidence; it's hard to say whether you can even save your own life...
Consort Kang could only wait, continuing to play the role of a disgraced concubine seeking gratitude and protection.
Consort Zhuang took a sip of tea, looked up at Consort Kang, and smiled like the warmest spring breeze: "...Consort Kang, how have things been going in the palace lately? Are there any ignorant people who dare to neglect you?"
Consort Kang quickly put down her teacup, curtsied, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am doing well."
"The Imperial Household Department is very attentive, and the people serving in the palace are also very dedicated. No one dares to neglect me anymore."
"This is all thanks to the Imperial Concubine!"
That's not entirely untrue.
Consort Kang's life has indeed become much more comfortable these past few months.
Except that His Majesty has never been to Chuxiu Palace...
"That's good."
Consort Zhuang said gently, "We are sisters, we should take care of each other."
"I am pleased to see Consort Kang taking good care of herself and not worry too much."
At this moment, Xiao Caizi, who was standing to the side, sighed softly.
Consort Zhuang glanced at him and scolded, "Why are you sighing? Can't you see I'm talking to Consort Kang?"
Xiao Caizi immediately feigned fear and slapped himself in the mouth, saying, "This servant deserves to die!"
"This servant just... just noticed that Your Highness has been troubled by some trivial matters lately, and hasn't been sleeping well at night. I felt so frustrated that I couldn't help myself..."
"Speak up!"
Consort Zhuang gave a light rebuke, but when she looked at Consort Kang, her face was once again adorned with an impeccable smile: "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Consort Kang."
"The people below don't know the rules. I will definitely give them a good talking to later."
Consort Kang sneered inwardly.
Zhuang Yumin and Xiao Caizi's ability to sing in harmony has become increasingly refined.
He'd first let Xiao Cai throw out a pretext, then feign a reprimand. He was just waiting for her to naturally respond, express her loyalty, and ask for the reason.
How could she not ask?
Consort Kang is now relying on Consort Zhuang. If Consort Zhuang has troubles, wouldn't Consort Kang appear ungrateful and her previous reliance on her be hypocritical?
Consort Kang felt disgust welling up inside her, but her face was full of worry: "Your Highness, please don't blame Xiao Cai. He is only loyal to his master and cares about Your Highness."
"If Your Highness has any worries, I, though foolish, would like to share some of your burdens."