PFC Chapter 250: Departure Mulan has her own plans
Chapter 250: Departure Mulan has her own plans
In a blink of an eye, it was the beginning of September in the lunar calendar, the day to set out for Mulan Paddock.
The concubines in the harem who could go were overjoyed and had packed their luggage early, while those who could not go could only beat their feet and chests and sigh in despair.
Among the concubines who went to Mulan Paddock this time, there were two people worthy of attention. One of them was Chen Daying, who had just entered the palace of Concubine Niuhulu this year.
Because Concubine Nianhulu clearly showed that she didn't like her, everyone usually ignored this person. Chen Da Ying was also sensible. She kept a low profile and quiet since entering the palace. She never got involved in the intrigues among concubines, nor did she try to hook up with Kangxi. Apart from paying her respects every day, she stayed in the bedroom.
No one expected that Chen Da Ying would come to Mulan Paddock this time. This was really beyond everyone's expectation and many people were looking at her.
Shi Nanxi was also looking at Chen Da Ying.
At the moment, the other person was following behind Imperial Concubine Nianhulu with her head lowered. Her appearance could not be seen clearly due to her posture, but just from her charming figure that could not be concealed by her straight Manchu dress and her exposed white jade-like chin, it was clear that she was a rare beauty.
"Empress?" Hongying also saw Chen Da Ying following behind Concubine Niuhulu, and felt a little worried.
Shi Nanxi slowly withdrew her gaze, calm and composed. Even if she was a rare beauty, so what? As an emperor, Kangxi was destined to have countless rare and charming beauties coming to his house at any time. She didn't need to treat each one as a formidable enemy.
Besides, Concubine Nianhulu has always disliked Chen Da Ying, but now she suddenly pays attention to Chen Da Ying and even brings Mulan Paddock to her. It is obvious what she is doing.
But if Imperial Concubine Nianhulu was really willing to support Chen Da Ying to consolidate her favor, she would have arranged it long ago when she entered the palace. Why would she wait until now? It's just that seeing that she has always been the only one favored, she had no choice but to show her true colors and support Chen Da Ying reluctantly.
Thinking of this, Shi Nanxi's expression suddenly paused. Compared with other concubines, Concubine Niuhulu was the first to target her, and she was also the person who was most hostile to her except for Concubine Guo Luoluo.
But in reality, the two of them did not have much hatred. Even if she was resentful that Kangxi rejected her opinion on the day of the palace selection, the other three concubines were also rejected. Why did she hold such a grudge against Concubine Nianhulu?
Following this line of thought, Shi Nanxi thought of Concubine Nianhulu's attitude towards her and the tricks she used secretly after she entered the palace, as well as her attitude towards Chen Da Ying. Shi Nanxi seemed to be thinking about something for a moment.
Could it be that Concubine Nianhulu fell in love with Kangxi, so she hated her so much and wanted to harm her all the time?
If the speculation is true, then there is finally a reason why the other party, a noble concubine with a son and a good background, has repeatedly targeted her.
Kangxi is really a male beauty who brings disaster. Shi Nanxi secretly complained in her heart, suppressed this guess, and waited for an opportunity to verify it. She patted Hongying's hand and said softly:
"no need to worry."
After saying that, she stepped onto the footstool and got into the carriage. Hongying and Nanny Yang, who was holding Xixi, followed in. Just as the curtain was lowered, Wu Su's flattering voice was heard outside the carriage:
"My lady, let me help you get into the carriage."
The next moment, Concubine Hui's reply came:
"Thank you for your promise, Wusu. Wusu promised to be diligent and sensible. It's getting late, so you should get on the carriage early."
"Thank you for your concern, Concubine Hui. I will get on the carriage right away."
The curtain was lowered and the voice disappeared, and this person was the second person worthy of attention that Shi Nanxi mentioned - Wu Su Da Ying.
As a new concubine entering the palace, Wusu promised that she had never served Emperor Kangxi in the emperor's bedchamber, but she was reprimanded twice in succession by Emperor Kangxi and was punished by house arrest, copying books, and confiscating her monthly salary.
It was obvious that Kangxi disliked him, but he actually had the opportunity to go to Mulan Paddock. This was obviously not simple. Shi Nanxi picked up Xixi and tapped its nose, thinking about Wu Su's agreement.
She had a deep hatred with the other party, so there was no guarantee that she would not take the opportunity to cause trouble in Mulan Paddock. Shi Nanxi never looked down on anyone, so after learning the news, she asked someone to secretly monitor Wu Su's every move.
At the same time, Concubine Hui was also thinking about Wu Su's promise.
"What do you think Wusu's plan is?" Concubine Hui held the Buddhist beads given by the eldest prince as a gift in her hand, with a smile on her face.
Madam Jiang smiled and poured a cup of tea for her master, then put down the teapot and said:
"Whatever Wu Su promised to do has nothing to do with the Queen. The Queen just couldn't bear Wu Su's request, so she promised to bring her to Mulan Paddock."
Yun'er followed and said:
"Yes, it's all because of your kindness. If Wu Su agreed to do something, it was her own decision. She failed your kindness. Your Majesty was just deceived."
Concubine Hui slowly turned her Buddhist beads. The hot tea gave off white smoke, which obscured Concubine Hui's expression. She could only sigh:
"Yeah, I don't know anything!"
The Forbidden City is more than 400 kilometers away from Mulan Paddock. Because the Empress Dowager was old and the journey was long, she stayed in the palace this time. Kangxi led princes and ministers, the elite soldiers of the Eight Banners, and a group of princes and concubines to the palace. There were so many people and logistical support that the journey was not fast.
Along the way, they camped in various palaces along the way most of the nights. Occasionally, they could not make it to a palace and camped where they were. The team had been traveling for ten days and stopped to rest temporarily. Hongying, who had been gathering information, came back.
"Your Majesty, the Rehe Palace is ahead. We don't need to camp in the wild tonight. We can stay in the palace."
Hongying opened the curtain of the carriage with an excited look on her face. Her master was the most favored queen. Even if she lived in the wild, the conditions were the best. But no matter how good it was, it was still the wild, and it would not be as comfortable as the palace. Moreover, she heard that there was a hot spring pool in the Rehe Palace and the water was warm, but she didn't know if it was true.
Hearing Hongying's words, the listless Shi Nanxi raised her head from the couch and finally perked up a little.
"We are almost at the Rehe Palace."
Thinking of the hot spring and warm water that Hongying had just mentioned, she brushed away the hair stuck to her face and explained softly:
"That's called a hot spring. The water is indeed warm, and it can also beautify your skin and soothe your mood. Anyway, it has many benefits."
"Really? Then this time I will have to broaden my horizons."
Hongying became even happier after hearing this. At this moment, she suddenly looked at Xixi who was sleeping in the corner and asked with great interest:
"My lady, can Xixi take a hot spring bath?"
Shi Nanxi looked at Xixi who was curled up in a ball in the corner, and nodded, thinking that cats can take a hot spring bath.
"Xixi can soak in the hot springs, but not for too long."
Hongying nodded happily upon hearing this.
"I understand. I will personally help Xixi soak in the hot spring and pay attention to the time."
After making the decision, the master and servant got off the carriage chatting and laughing to get some fresh air. However, as soon as they got off the carriage, they saw Chen Da Ying getting out of the carriage of Concubine Niuhulu in front of them, holding a box and walking towards the imperial carriage in front.
The smile on Hongying's face stopped immediately, and she reminded her master in a low voice:
"Your Majesty, Chen Da Ying has gone to deliver something to the Emperor again."
Along the way, Chen promised to give something to the emperor whenever she stopped, either food or clothes and daily necessities, and no one knew her intention.
Shi Nanxi followed her line of sight, looking at the graceful and charming figure, and said lightly:
"They are all concubines of the emperor. It is normal for Chen to promise to send gifts to the emperor. Besides, he is a smart man. He didn't see that the emperor didn't like it and didn't say anything."