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墨書 Inktalez
Since she was there to enjoy the flowers, Qing Luan certainly did not want to sit idly by like a fool. After a brief moment of hesitation, she noticed someone heading into the garden and stood up to follow, completely disregarding the curious gazes of those around her.
At this moment, Zhu Qingluan's reputation in the capital was mixed; some looked down on her lowly status, others coveted her wealth, and some were drawn to her beauty. Thus, there were both praises and criticisms. However, Qing Luan paid no mind to these opinions; as long as she lived freely and gracefully, that was enough for her.
"Miss Zhu, Consort De requests your presence," an older eunuch approached her, his harsh voice ringing in her ears. She frowned slightly and replied softly, "Thank you for leading the way."
The eunuch showed no particular expression; he understood Consort De's intentions and respectfully escorted her.
Lin Ya had been watching Zhu Qingluan from the shadows, waiting for a good opportunity. However, she found it difficult to approach because Qing Luan stood apart from everyone else, looking down on the crowd with an air of superiority. This made Lin Ya feel both jealous and furious. It wasn't until the eunuch led Qing Luan toward Consort De that Lin Ya narrowed her eyes and followed closely behind.
"Your Majesty," Qing Luan did not kneel but instead bent her knee in a respectful gesture.
"No need for such formality," Consort De smiled kindly, nodding in satisfaction as she looked at her. "What a lovely young woman you are!"
Qing Luan remained silent, merely displaying an appropriate smile. What was this? Did they summon me just to flatter me? Don't treat me like a fool; I've been around long enough to know better. Her smile held a hint of cunning—there was no conspiracy but perhaps an open scheme!
"Mother," Yunlin walked past Qing Luan and deliberately paused before moving closer to Consort De, casting a meaningful glance at the calm woman before him.
"Lin Er," Consort De comfortingly patted his hand. She placed all her hopes on her only son and tried her best to fulfill his wishes. "Miss Zhu, I invited you here today because I have something to discuss with you."
The significant gaze fell squarely on Qing Luan. Even if she were foolish, she could understand Yunlin's intent. Seizing the opportunity, she calmly interjected, "I understand, Your Majesty is interested in the jewelry from Jade Pavilion. I have brought several designs that I hope you will like... Sister Yun."
"Miss," Sister Yun lowered her head and presented the carefully prepared designs from her mistress, a glimmer of deep meaning flashing in her eyes—something unusual indeed.
Consort De was somewhat taken aback by Yunlin's actions, but with the young ladies watching nearby, she refrained from saying much. She ordered the Eunuch who had just guided Qing Luan to bring her the designs. As she looked down at the exquisite and precious jewelry, she was stunned. These magnificent pieces formed a complete set, entirely different from those in the palace, and she fell in love with them at first sight—this woman could only belong to her son; no one else could have her.
"Very good, very good," Consort De said, her face breaking into a gentler and more amiable smile after confirming her thoughts. She gazed at the bright and beautiful woman before her and nodded in praise.
"Your Highness flatters me," Qing Luan replied, a flicker of unease flashing in her eyes as she met Consort De's gaze. She suppressed that unease and responded calmly.
"Zhu Qingluan, your gift pleases me greatly, and your beauty is remarkable. I shall grant you to marry the Second Prince as a concubine. I will request the Emperor to issue a decree for your marriage," Consort De said with a calculating smile, shocking everyone present.
Qing Luan stared in disbelief at the self-satisfied woman before her. Her gaze shifted to Yunlin, who looked at her with a meaningful sidelong glance, his smile slightly raised as if he were quite pleased with this outcome.
"What? A concubine?" Lin Ya gasped, whispering in disbelief. Her original intention was to make Zhu Qingluan disappear completely; she never expected her to be married off to the Second Prince.
"She is a Merchant's Daughter; how can she become a concubine?" someone protested. Their family backgrounds were all better than Zhu Qingluan's; why did she get such good fortune?
Sister Yun discreetly squeezed Qing Luan's hand, noticing it was clenched into a fist, struggling to contain herself. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in her eyes before she released Qing Luan's hand.
"Your Highness," Qing Luan suddenly dropped to her knees. She respectfully bowed her head and spoke earnestly, "I am already betrothed, so I cannot accept Your Highness's generous offer." How bold of you, Consort De, to play such tricks! A concubine? What a grand title! But unfortunately for you, I, Zhu Qingluan, am not just anyone; your scheme has miscalculated.
Taken aback by the rejection, both Consort De and Yunlin froze for a moment. Especially Yunlin, whose eyes flashed with a cruel intent as he lowered his head and rubbed his palm silently. Meanwhile, Consort De narrowed her eyes slightly but maintained her expression, smiling beautifully as she said playfully, "Miss Zhu is truly humorous; who in the capital doesn't know that the Boss of Jade Pavilion is a girl and has no engagement yet?" If there were an engagement, would she still be allowed to show herself?
After clenching her hands tightly then releasing them again, Qing Luan understood that Consort De was targeting her because of the substantial wealth behind her. Without that wealth, they might not even spare her a glance.
Just when Qing Luan found herself in an awkward position with no way up or down, a sharp voice rang out: "The Emperor has arrived." Qing Luan had never found the Eunuch's voice so pleasant; a barely noticeable smile crept onto her lips.
"Your Majesty," everyone knelt down, including Qing Luan, who had been kneeling all along.
"Rise," the Emperor, dressed in bright yellow, entered and made the previously tense atmosphere even more delicate. He sat beside Consort De and smiled, saying, "My beloved consort, what brings you such joy? You look even more radiant than a blooming flower."
"Your Majesty," Consort De playfully shot him a glance and then said with a charming smile, "There is indeed something to celebrate. I wish to request your decree for a marriage!"
"Oh?!" The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly and cast a meaningful glance at the person kneeling on the ground. His tone turned indifferent, and the smile from earlier faded from his face.
"This Miss Zhu is both talented and beautiful, and she has captured my affection. I would like to ask Your Majesty to grant her marriage to Lin Er as a secondary consort," Consort De continued to gaze at Qing Luan, completely oblivious to the change in the Emperor's expression. She was filled with secret delight, thinking that with the Emperor's favor towards her, this small request should not be too difficult.
Zhu Qingluan's status was not high; being granted as a secondary consort would be considered an honor.
"Your Majesty, Consort," seeing the two of them putting on an act of deep affection while being so disconnected in reality, Qing Luan could hardly agree. She felt sorry for them, realizing they were likely unaware of who was using whom; perhaps only they themselves knew the truth in their hearts. "I do have someone I admire deeply, and we have already made vows to each other. I cannot betray my promises..."
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