Yumiya (Upper)

  Yumiya (Upper)

  The concubine pays respects to Madame Fu, wishing her good fortune and prosperity.

  "Alright, everyone sit down." Yunzhu said calmly, "Have you all brought your finished embroidery? Open it and let me see."

  "Yes." The lady sat on the ground screen with elegant posture, her whole body exuding a subtle and refined aura, like a distant mountain, soft and gentle as a bright moon. Although she looked very approachable, she had an intangible yet palpable dignity that inspired reverence. Su Bao Rou hadn't seen Yun Zhu often in the past two years, and each time she saw her, she felt envious in her heart. This time, following others to respond, she didn't dare to be the first to express herself.

  Fu Cha. Fu Ling A gave birth to Hong Li's eldest son Yong Huang, and her position among the many gege has always been first, which is no exception this time. In June, she received from Yun Zhu a piece of green woolen fabric and a piece of yellow satin. The green woolen fabric was made into a winter-worn padded robe with intricate embroidered peach blossoms on it. The yellow satin was made into a long back apron with red plum embroidery, suitable for autumn and winter wear over thin silk or woven silk cheongsam.

  Yunzhu looked and nodded, "Not bad, the embroidery is fine, it can be seen that it was done with heart." Fuling heard this and smiled, "If the mistress thinks it's good, then the servant girl can rest assured." Without saying more, she personally carefully folded the two garments and put them back on the square sandalwood tray.

  At that time, Gao Lü Mi served Emperor Qianlong for a shorter period than Ke'er Jiaoyue. Moreover, Ke'er Jiaoyue's unclear and unjustified early childbirth of Yongrong had left a bad impression on Emperor Qianlong, so she kept a low profile and didn't compete with Gao Lü Mi in anything. Gao Lü Mi was used to being tolerant, but this time she stood out second without hesitation.

  It's just that her mood isn't very good, and the reason is clearer than a pearl in his mind.

  Every year, regardless of whether the Yongzheng Emperor's birthday or the Xi Guifei's longevity day is celebrated, their gifts to the two palaces are always respectful. So Yunzhu took various furs, silks, and fabrics from the warehouse and distributed them to Fulinga, Gaolüwei, and several other gege (princesses), instructing them on what kind of things to make for the Emperor or Xi Guifei. In order to show their filial piety, they not only had to work with their own hands but also had to do it meticulously and with care, so that the wearer would feel comfortable and at ease. If they were careless and damaged the items, it would be considered disrespectful and unfilial. Yunzhu's punishment of them was not unjustified.

  This method, on the one hand, allows them to have something to do during their mourning period and won't have time to cause any trouble. On the other hand, it also better demonstrates the unity of Duan Xi and Shi Xiang's upper and lower levels in showing filial piety to the Emperor and Empress Dowager Cixi.

  Of course, there is also a deeper reason inside, which cannot be told to others.

  In recent years, Gaolü Weimian has been obedient on the surface, but in reality, she has always been plotting. Taking advantage of her father Gao Bin's power, she and her brother Gao Heng have been smuggling a batch of medicine-dyed fabrics into the Suzhou weaving factory every year, which were then distributed to the two western routes by Lu Zhi.

  However, Yunzhu has been able to reuse some of the nails she had previously inserted into the Gao family over the years. Some of them were hidden in unnoticeable but crucial positions, allowing her to uncover many secrets. Among these were materials about Gao Bin's inspection tour of Jiangnan on behalf of Emperor Yongzheng, as well as information about Gao Heng secretly sending out messages and plotting. With careful calculation, she was able to clearly understand the situation and add more "gifts" to the mix. In recent years, she has taken advantage of the influence left behind by her ancestors in the Imperial Household Department to intervene and distribute some of these materials to Chongqing Palace and Jingyang Palace. This way, when the matter is exposed in the future, the target will not be too strong on Qianxi, and it will also attract more attention from the Emperor.

  She was fond of using the tactics "顺手推舟" (taking advantage of the situation) and "借刀杀人" (using someone else's knife to kill). The things that were distributed by Qian Xi were all allocated by Yunzhu herself. Most of the materials sent in by the Gao family were used by Su Baorong, Gao Lüwei, and Xi Guifei to make long gowns, padded jackets, undergarments, shoes, socks, backrests, and cushions. The remaining small portion was also generously given to Gao Lüwei and a few others, mixed in with other materials.

  Su Bao Rou was nothing, she was originally relying on Xi Gui Fei to be appointed to the Qian Xi Er So, flattering her was voluntary, but Gao Lu Wei had suffered a psychological torment after receiving the cloud pearl distributed materials.

  What kind of material was added, she was clear in her mind that it was high-quality, but she was also happy that Su Shi and several others had obtained these materials, and yet she was worried that the share she had allocated to herself were all these adulterated goods, which she couldn't use even if she wanted to, not to mention giving them away as gifts, although it would serve its purpose for now, but later on, when something went wrong, she wouldn't be able to shirk her responsibility.

  Give Gui Fei's spring cheongsam, silk gauze lining, fur velvet cape, interlining, and satin long socks to Yunzhu for inspection. After getting her approval, Gao Luwei put them away and took some clothes and socks from Laiyue to present to Yunzhu: "These are the maidservants' works for Furen, I hope Furen won't despise our rough craftsmanship."

  They all made clothes for Xi Guifei, and Xi Guifei wore them herself, but thought they were crude? If it gets out, the four Fu Jin will also be held accountable. With a hint of a smile, she glanced at Gao Luowei, until her face turned pale and her movements almost couldn't be maintained, before saying: "Get up, I've accepted your kind intentions, you still remember my share when making clothes for the Emperor and Xi E'ma, it's clear that you have a good heart, don't worry, I and the master won't treat you unfairly."

  Ming Xin immediately stepped forward and took over the dish presented by Gao Luowei and handed it to Yunzhu, putting it aside.

  As soon as Yunzhu's words fell, Fucha and Korite had already turned their disdainful expressions into arrow-like disgust. Fox Spirit, it seems that she really wants to curry favor with Master through flattery! Even Su Bao Rou subtly furrowed her brow, this Gaolü is too arrogant, not only trying to please Master with feminine charm, but also trying to win over Xi Guifei and Fucha, leaving no room for others?!

  Indeed, a servant's upbringing can't be changed, always humble and lowly, serving others. Korriet's heart was cold, thinking that even if Gaolü Weixiao made a fool of herself, she wouldn't mind being laughed at, and if she endured any longer, she might really be squeezed out of her place. So she smiled and stepped forward, saying: "Sister Gao is indeed thoughtful, why not make some clothes for me one day?" She bowed to Yunzhu and presented her own embroidery, "My skills are not refined, compared to the sisters, I'm truly ashamed."

  Her words not only revealed Gao Luwei's unspoken purpose but also subtly conveyed her own intentions to Yunzhu, achieving two goals at once.

  Yunzhu smiled and looked at her embroidery, "The stitches are fine and dense, it's rare to see such skill. In the future, there's no need to be so humble."

  Guo Xin listened to her and didn't know what she meant, so he had no choice but to retreat. Su Bao Rou saw the situation and presented her own work, Yun Zhu reviewed it one by one, feeling that although they were all luxurious patterns, Su's work was more dignified and elegant, as if she had put thought into it, so she praised her, saying: "Since Su Gege entered Qian Xi Er So, it will soon be three years. Don't worry, after I give birth, I will arrange a good life for you."

  "Thank you, thank you Fu Jin." Su Bao Rou's face was flushed with pleasure as she thanked him softly, ignoring the envious and piercing glances from Madam Gao and others.

  "Alright, I won't rob you of your credit. You can bring the finished birthday gifts to Chongqing Palace with me now." Traditionally, the princes' mansions would prepare birthday gifts for the emperor and empress, as well as the imperial mother, ten or half a month in advance. Like the previous emperor's many sons, several princes would make an appointment to go to Changchun Garden or their own gardens to invite a troupe of performers to entertain the birthday star and seek joy. "Mingxin, go take a look if Gu Niangniang and Ling Shuo have prepared the birthday gifts for the imperial mother, and we'll leave once they're ready."

  "It is." Everything was already prepared long ago, and this trip was just a notification that they could set off for the Chengqian Palace.

  "Let's go." Yunzhu supported Suwen's hand and stood up, walked down from the treasure seat, and led the way out of the main hall. Fulinga and others hurriedly followed with things in their hands. With their identity, they could go to Chengqian Palace, which was a great opportunity for Yunzhu to show her face, like a nanny or personal palace maid who couldn't be brought along.

  I didn't expect the Empress to not let them do these things for even half a day while waiting in the main hall! Gaolü Weibited her teeth, holding the tray and following behind Fulinga as she slowly walked. Xi Guifei that dead old woman always looked down on herself, yet still made her make clothes for her every year, not caring whether she enjoyed it or not...

  She was puzzled as to why the birthday gifts she and Su Shi made for Xi Guifei every year were always more than others, yet she didn't suspect that Yunzhu had done it on purpose. Originally, for imperial princesses like them, if they wanted to curry favor, the emperor's birth mother would be more beneficial to themselves than the emperor himself, and they weren't even worthy of the emperor's attention.

  So, after guessing and guessing, it was decided that letting Su Shi do it would be a way to show affection for her, and wanting Su Shi to show her face in front of Hong Li would be a deliberate attempt to torment herself. Perhaps, Xi Guifei still knew about the secret contact between Empress Xiaojing and herself back then. Wasn't the Lamei who was close to Lamei taken down by Xi Guifei for a mistake and sent to the Xinzheku?

  Upon arrival at the Chengqian Palace, Xi Guifei had already arranged for people to wait at the palace gate. A series of joyful announcements filled the entire Chengqian Palace with a festive atmosphere, exceptionally glorious. It was also true that even the late Empress Xiaojing had rarely celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival more than a few times, but Xi Guifei had now received an imperial edict from the emperor, allowing her to celebrate a comfortable, grand and elegant Mid-Autumn Festival, how could she not be overjoyed? From the moment she received the edict, all the servants in the Chengqian Palace walked with a spring in their step.

  "Fourth Mistress An." Qin Mama personally guarded the main gate of Chengqian Palace, and as soon as Yunzhu came, she smiled and greeted her.

  "How dare you trouble Qin Ayi." Yunzhu supported her for a moment, "Is Mother around?"

  "Waiting for the Fourth Imperial Concubine." Early in the morning, many imperial concubines came to pay their respects and have fun, chatting and laughing when they received news that the Fourth Imperial Concubine had sent someone to present a birthday gift. Everyone congratulated Xi Guifei, saying how filial the Fourth Prince's wife was, having prepared the gift so early. They spoke until Xi Guifei smiled with pleasure, feeling honored, then immediately dispatched someone to wait outside the palace and also asked Qin Mama to personally go out of the palace to welcome her.

  "Then let's go in first."

  As soon as she entered the palace, Empress Hui sat on the precious throne, with Concubine Ning of Yanxi Palace, Imperial Noble Consort Li, Imperial Noble Consort Chang, and High Consort Gao of Zhongxian Palace sitting on either side. Also attending was Liu Shang, who stood beside her in support.

  "The daughter-in-law pays respects to her mother-in-law, wishing her a long life." Yunzhu bowed respectfully to Empress Xi.

  She saw her wearing a lotus-colored cloud-patterned flag dress, with a red fox fur cape draped over her shoulders, and two small braids combed behind her head. Her soft, shiny hair was piled on top of her head in a horizontal bun, with a gemstone flower in the middle, two camellia flowers like flames on the left, and a pair of crimson gold silk phoenix hairpins with pearl drops on the right. She wore eastern pearls on her ears and white jade bangles on her wrists, which matched her elegant and refined temperament perfectly. Thinking that the mourning period for Empress Dowager was about to pass, she would be able to appear in front of Emperor Qianlong every day, charming him with her beauty, and his heart sank.

  Her eyes swept over the few people of the Gao and Su families, not missing their attire and adornments. She thought to herself that in treating these concubines, she was indeed a kind and generous one. Forget it. Not wanting to think about those annoying things on this joyful day, she smiled and said: "Quickly get up, why did you bring them over?"

  "They also showed their filial piety by bringing their own gifts for Mother's birthday, and the daughter-in-law couldn't take all the credit, so she let them bring theirs along."

  After all, she was the sister of Hong Li, so even if she didn't win the favor of Xi Guifei, she at least tried not to make herself look displeasing. So these embroidered works were not only exceptionally fine in craftsmanship but also elegant and refined in style, with a variety of patterns that were both beautiful and dignified. Xi Guifei glanced at them briefly, smiled slightly, and nodded: "You've all made an effort. Someone, bring over a few stools."

  Yunzhu, as the imperial son's consort, did not need to pay respects to consorts below the rank of fei. On the contrary, all consorts sitting in attendance, except for Xi Guifei, had to pay their respects to Yunzhu. Afterwards, they voluntarily made way and yielded their seats to Yunzhu. As for Fulinga Gaolü and others, without Xi Guifei's special permission, they were not qualified to sit down.

  "The slave thanks Your Highness." After Fulinga and others paid their respects, they carefully sat down on the embroidered stools.

  "Mother, this is the fourth brother and his wife's filial gift to you, wishing you a life of prosperity and good fortune, with both wealth and longevity." He presented a long list of gifts, mostly clothing and embroidery, but at the top were several high-quality items, including a purple sandalwood screen embroidered with phoenixes and peonies on cloud-patterned brocade, as well as several sets of elegant and refined gold jewelry and pearls, all suitable for use by Empress Xi.

  It can be seen from the longevity gift that the person who prepared it was very thoughtful, precious but not too luxurious, everything is just right. Xi Guifei also wouldn't spread out the list for the concubines to see, indicating that the female official Chunlan came forward to receive and put it away, then let Yunzhu sit down, lovingly and sympathetically saying: "You must be exhausted this time, having to prepare the emperor's birthday gift, and also preparing for our own palace, and at home there are happy events one after another..."

  Yunzhu smiled and said, "Such a happy event, even if the daughter-in-law is tired for a few more times, she is willing to do so. I hope that year after year, we can serve our parents, the Emperor and Empress Dowager, with filial piety."

  Li Guiren and others all nodded in agreement. No matter what they thought in their hearts, these four consorts could never afford to offend Xi Guifei.

  Xī Guì Fēi paused for a moment, smiled and said: "This child is just sweet-talking!" But in her heart, she thought, Is this guy stupid or not? If the Emperor really lives to be over 100 years old, then Hóng Lì's good days are far from over?! However, looking at Yún Zhū's gentle smile like jade, she changed her mind and said, This is indeed a clever person, how could he not know, I suppose he has other plans in his heart.

  After the earthquake in Beijing in the seventh year of Yongzheng, Yunzhu's performance made her even more vigilant. The kind of demeanor and wristwork that she was unwilling to admit in her heart, but had no choice but to acknowledge that she was inferior to Yunzhu. As for Yunzhu's behavior in front of her, she also felt that sometimes Yunzhu pretended not to understand and responded perfunctorily.

  If it weren't for Yulan's sake and the emperor's favor towards her, she wouldn't have endured that breath of hers.

  Liu smiled and replied, "The Fourth Imperial Concubine is elegant and refined, with a strong sense of propriety, and has been praised by the Emperor for her filial piety. I only hope that the child in my belly can be half as good as hers, and I will be eternally grateful."

  Although living in Chengqian Palace, Liu had been suppressed by Xi Guifei before she received favor and was already dissatisfied. After becoming pregnant, she was even more cautious of Xi Guifei due to the miscarriage of Lu Guiren, and if not for the emperor's remaining affection, it would have been difficult to survive. She was originally a clever and perceptive person, and during this time, she had been trying to curry favor with Yunzhu without leaving any traces, thinking that she could borrow power from her to move out of Chengqian Palace...