C68

"Our master said that the weather was too cold and that Yunfei could go wherever she liked. She didn't want to go out because she wasn't comfortable." The maids around the princess consort were all superior. They looked up so high that only their chins could be seen.

Lu Shiyun had already heard that the princess' consort was very arrogant and had the support of the empress. Normally, she would look down on everyone, but she didn't expect to eat a completely closed door. Even her figure was nowhere to be seen as she only sent one palace maid back and forth.

"Sorry for disturbing you then!" Without another word, Lu Shiyun turned and left.

However, Yi Ling was holding her arm tightly, warning her not to speak any nonsense. Only when they had walked a little further did she shake off Yi Ling's anger, "It's fine if you're the princess. A palace maid is nothing but a dog in arms. What's so special about that? Your eyeballs have gone up to the sky!"

"Ina!" Yi Ling growled as she surveyed her surroundings. There were not many people walking around in this world of ice and snow.

Lu Shiyun's expression was calm, she did not feel anything, and Yi Na continued, "Am I wrong? A palace maid dares to put on airs in front of us princesses? I wonder how her master taught her! "

"Forget it!" It's cold outside, so it's natural that the Crown Princess doesn't want to go out. Let's go and take a look. " Lu Shiyun replied indifferently.

Ina wanted to complain but Icing stared at her: "It's all because of you. Princess doesn't want to go out in this weather. You are the one who came out! You can't create trouble for us!"

"Alright, alright! "I won't say anymore, Princess, let's go to Eastwood Palace. It's been a long time since we last saw the crown prince. He's a good person, and the green willow and green lotus in his palace are also getting along well."

When they were almost to the Eastwood Palace, two women came walking along the road. One of them was an ordinary palace maid, and the one in front was wearing a light pink cloak, with a layer of pure white and soft rabbit hair on the brim of her hat, making her pretty face appear even more charming. Far away, Shan Di had delicate eyebrows, big black eyes, rosy and delicate lips, and the corner of her mouth was smiling.

Her beauty was graceful. When she raised her head and saw Lu Shiyun running towards her, her smile became even more radiant. "Little Sister Yun, are you also stepping on the snow?"

"Hello elder sister Wu Yue. Both the two girls and I came from the Southern Champion Kingdom, and it's our first time seeing such a beautiful snowy scenery. We felt a sense of novelty, so we came out to take a look."

"That's right, the Southern Champion is warm. It won't snow, right? The best scenery would be after the snow melts. If the snow melts, it would be very cold."

"I heard that the palace is filled with plum blossoms and is extremely beautiful. I want to take a look. Would Big Sister Wu Yue like to go with me?" Actually, Lu Shiyun already knew that Wu Fei wanted to go to the Eastwood Palace, so she just said it out loud to avoid embarrassment.

As expected, Qian Wuyue smiled and said, "That's great. Your Highness likes peace and quiet, and I also want to see the plum blossoms. I'm afraid of disturbing Your Highness, but if I were to go with Sister Yun, Your Highness would not blame me."

She herself might not have such a great face, but it's probably because of the marriage alliance between the two countries. The Southern Champion and the Beiheng Kingdom are equal in strength, neither of them dared to easily start a war, and so she could only maintain this delicate peace.

Although they could imagine the beautiful scenery of Plum Blossom in the snow, Mei Lin who had really walked into Eastwood Palace was also dazed by the sight of Lu Shiyun, who had rarely been bewitched by anything outside the palace. Snow like plum blossoms, plum blossoms like snow, flower spirits like snow, snow spirits like spirits, ice like jade, occasionally the snow on the plum blossoms would accidentally fall, revealing beautiful pink petals.

The green willow and green lotus that came to welcome them did not say anything. Qian Wuyue had been in and out of the Eastwood Palace many times, so she wasn't as engrossed as Lu Shiyun. However, she slowed down her pace and followed them slowly.

Following the clear sound of the zither, they arrived at the Plum Falling Pavilion. The crown prince was playing the zither there while Cloudsoar was sitting diagonally at the side, a jade pot in his hand. It was unknown whether it was tea or wine.

Qian Wuyue was already considered incomparably beautiful, and even Lu Shiyun's red dress was dazzling in the pure white snow. However, it was still slightly inferior compared to Mu Rong Qing in the pavilion.

Mu Rong Qing was currently focused on playing the zither. His black hair was casually tied up with a snow-white silk scarf. His brows and phoenix-like eyes, lips that seemed to be painted with vermilion, and his expression was one of forgetfulness. No one wanted to break this wonderful moment.

After he finished playing, he stood up and said with a smile, "Let's walk for a long time. Come and sit in the pavilion for a while."

Qian Wuyue smiled as she pulled Lu Shiyun into the pavilion. There was a thick cushion placed on the stone bench by a neat palace maid. After she elegantly sat down, she said, "Your Highness' zither music is really good, even Yue'er doesn't dare to play it. I wonder how well Little Sister Yun is playing it?"

"I also can't compare to your highness." Looking carefully at the zither with lowered eyes, one could tell from its luster that it was definitely a rare good zither. That kind of clear and melodious sound was not something that an ordinary zither could emit.

Mu Rong Qing suddenly pushed the zither over to Lu Shiyun and said, "I was just borrowing the zither's power. Yun'er, you can play a song for me. There's nothing to do anyway."

Lu Shiyun didn't like to perform in front of others, but she loved the zither very much. Seeing the name zither, her hands couldn't help but feel itchy, so she nodded and agreed.

He gently caressed the body of the zither and slightly brewed for a while. After taking a deep breath, his fingers began to move on the zither, and his movements were very practiced, like flowing clouds and flowing water, with layers of rippling zither notes, like a frozen spring, clear and cold, like a garden full of snow plums. It was very moving, and Murong Qing couldn't help but have a look of appreciation on her face.

The zither was suitable for people, although Lu Shiyun was a princess, she did not have a trace of extravagance. She was as calm as a chrysanthemum and as elegant as the plum.

Seeing that everyone was intoxicated, Yi Na's face was filled with pride. Her family's princess was just like other people who loved to show off, but her zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting were all extraordinary. There was no lack of talented Consort Sin Palace; quite a few of them were her masters.

Qian Wuyue had been secretly vexed when she saw the admiration in Mu Rong Qing's eyes, but with Lu Shiyun's talent, she would show it sooner or later. A hint of disappointment flashed across her face, but it was quickly replaced by a smile as she praised, "You're really strong! Your highness, Little Sister Yun's zither is not any weaker than yours!"

"That's right, Yun'er, this zither looks more suitable for you, so I'll give it to you." Mu Rong Qing said generously.

Ah!" Lu Shiyun was a little surprised. Such a good guqin was obviously very fond of him when she saw him playing it previously. He actually said that he would give it away so easily.

Qian Wuyue felt both envious and jealous as she said, "His Highness really treats little sister Yun well. Little sister Yun, this is His Highness' favorite zither."

"This, Your Highness' good intentions …"

Lu Shiyun was about to reject, but Mu Rong Qing quickly said, "Yun Er, please accept it. A good zither is most suitable for those who understand the zither. In the future, we will also have good luck with our ears. "

"Then, many thanks your majesty!" Lu Shiyun could only express her gratitude. Perhaps a zither meant nothing to the crown prince.

"Your Highness, I only know that Your Highness' palace has countless plum blossoms, but I don't know how many varieties of plum blossoms there are?" Qian Wuyue changed the topic humbly.

Mu Rong Qing didn't say anything, but Yun Fei teased him mockingly, "No matter how many plum blossoms there are, it's impossible for a peach blossom to appear."

"It's not like I'm asking you, you talk too much!" Qian Wuyue said angrily.

Mu Rong Qing also didn't seem to notice as he glanced at Merlin and replied, "Although I don't have all the plum blossoms in the palace, there are currently a total of 16800 plum blossoms, 315 varieties, 18 types of flowers. Currently, the ones blooming are mainly palace powder, light pink, red, winter solstice, early red, and so on.

"There's so much that I can't even say it. I just saw a flower that was so beautiful, I've never seen anything like it before."

"That's a new breed cultivated by the gardeners in the palace. This year is the first time it has bloomed, and it is indeed quite ordinary. Yue'er, if you like it, you can have your servant fold two stalks of it later and bring it back to insert the bottle."

"This?" Thank you, Your Highness! " It had to be known that the plum blossoms in the Eastwood Palace weren't so easily given away. Unless it was Mu Rong Qing's personal consent, no one would dare pick them. Even if the empress wanted them, she would have to send someone to ask for permission.

When Yunfei saw her joy, he couldn't help but let out a light snort. This time, Qian Wuyue rolled her eyes at him and didn't say anything.

"It's still lively here, Your Highness. Such a big snowfall, yet everywhere is cold and quiet." Everyone raised their heads upon hearing the voice. They saw Duanmu Rong'er, the princess consort, walking towards them with three or four palace maids.

She was wearing a flowered green skirt with large peonies trailing along the ground, and a red cloak with thin golden threads and smoke. Her hair was tied up with pearls at the side of her hair, and she was swaying in her steps. Her face was gorgeous, and her phoenix eyes were proud. He casually walked into the pavilion and sat beside Mu Rong Qing without even looking at Lu Shiyun and Mu Ru Yue.

"Brother Qing, it's so lively here, why didn't you call me?" Mu Ru Yue had been summoned by the empress to the palace when she was seven or eight years old. It could be said that she grew up before Mu Rong Qing. Her feelings towards the empress were completely different.

Mu Rong Qing chuckled lightly. "It's such a cold day. Rong'er, don't you want to sleep in? How can I let others disturb your dreams?"

"As long as you call me Brother Qing, Rong'er will always be here. Brother Qing, I haven't even eaten breakfast!"

Lu Shiyun did not deny it and went to the door to find her. She did not pay any attention to them and instead came running over, ignoring them. She was indeed arrogant and proud, but Mu Rong Qing's expression was gentle, without a hint of displeasure.

"Lu He, send down the order that the Crown Prince's consort, Wu Fei and Yun Fei are having lunch here. Prepare some good food, it's faster!" Mu Rong Qing immediately instructed the palace maids to prepare them, ignoring the subtle changes in their expressions.

She could only remain silent. However, Qian Wuyue said, "It's a pity that big sister Rong'er just arrived late, little sister Yun's zither is really good. Your Highness, after listening to the song, gave this favorite Phoenix Tail Zither to little sister Yun."

"Really?" "If big brother Qing is able to win the prize, then Yun Fei will definitely play the zither very well. Even Rong'er would have to play this zither before. If big brother Qing doesn't give it to me, I'm afraid I'll ruin the zither." Duanmu Rong'er protested coquettishly, her gaze sweeping over Lu Shiyun. A trace of displeasure quickly flashed through her eyes, so fast that she couldn't catch it in time.

Qian Wuyue continued to laugh, "Little sister Yun is a noble princess after all. This talent and the aura around her are things that Wu Yue should learn well."

"Big Sister Wu Yue, you're too kind!" Lu Shiyun was secretly shocked in her heart. Qian Wuyue's words were obviously meant to make the Crown Prince's wife hate her, but after glancing at Mu Rong Qing, he didn't seem to care about what was going on between them at all. He wouldn't care about that at all, right?

It was definitely not a pleasant affair to eat at the same table as Duanmu Rong'er, Qian Wuyue, who had ulterior motives, and Mu Rong Qing, who was polite and indifferent. Even Lu Shiyun's appetite for eating had completely disappeared, and even though the food in Eastwood Palace was exquisite and delicious, she only buried her head and hurriedly ate a small bowl of rice.

In fact, she did not eat much. However, it did not seem like Lu Shiyun did not have any appetite, but rather, she ate too little and too much. Qian Wuyue had the best appetite, eating with relish and praising the chef of Eastwood Palace from time to time.

Mu Rong Qing, on the other hand, ate slowly and gracefully. It was unknown whether it was because he wasn't picky or because he liked to eat all the dishes. He had tried most of the dishes, but he only ate one mouthful of each dish before stopping. Although his way of eating was impeccable, Lu Shiyun sighed to herself. Back then when she was in the Cold Palace, it was already good as long as she could eat her fill. How could she not be extravagant?

It was hard for her to survive this meal, so she quickly got up and took her leave. No one knew what Yi Na was thinking, but she didn't make a sound even after walking far away. On the other hand, Yi Ling was the first to whisper, "Princess, I didn't expect that Wu Fei had ulterior motives."

"Isn't that normal?" Lu Shiyun smiled bitterly. She didn't care much about this kind of situation, even though she hadn't heard much about it. It was just that Mu Rong Qing's attitude of not caring about anything made her a little disappointed, so she didn't want to get involved in this mess anymore.

Yi Na held the zither in her arms and tilted her head as she said, "I feel that the princess' consort is very arrogant and rude. The way she's being called up is also very clumsy, so there's nothing to be afraid of. As long as Your Highness likes the princess, I think the princess should show more of her talents."

Lu Shiyun shook her head, "You know what I'm thinking. I just want to pass the day peacefully. I don't want to cause trouble, so it's better to restrain myself in the future."

"The princess' idea is indeed good, but in this harem, many things can't be easily avoided. Princess shouldn't be too passive." For once, Yi Ling did not agree with Lu Shiyun's words.

Lu Shiyun looked at her but did not say anything. She quickened her steps towards the Xi Yun Palace. The snowy scenery was still as beautiful as the early morning. However, the three of them were not in the mood to watch.

"Mother, the aunt is too detestable towards us. Why doesn't father care?" There was not a single snowflake left in the Clear Tide Courtyard. It was completely drenched, as if it had just experienced a heavy rain. Yun Shengyue and the Zhou family sat around the stove and chatted while Murong Yu followed behind.

Madame Zhou's eyes flickered. "At that time, your father was out on duty and didn't know about it …"

This was also the reason Zhou had always been looking for for Yuncheng Ridge. Although she was gradually gaining clarity, she still did not wish for Yunsheng to hate her father.

"Then we were almost frozen to death in this world of ice and snow, weren't we? It is fortunate that Second Imperial Brother and Imperial Concubine Lian saved us. No wonder Second Imperial Brother said that he was familiar with me.

"Yes, but Duke Ming and Senior Concubine Lian are both extremely valuable, and there is no need for us to thank them. Furthermore, we have been slaves for ten years in the Baili family, and have also returned a lot of favor. Yue Er, you are now an official imperial concubine, so don't think about the past anymore." Mrs Zhou did not wish for Yun Shengyue to think about it again. If she thought of the conflict between them and Murong Mingzi, it would do them no good at all. She was very clear about the stakes involved.

"Mother, then have you always been living alone in the courtyard? Is it too lonely? "

"Silly child, back then you were the one who wholeheartedly wanted to live in the guest courtyard. Although it was a bit deserted, you were still a lot more at ease. It's pretty good, so don't worry." Although Madam Zhou could not figure out what had happened after going through all this mess, she had completely given up on Yun Chengling. All she wanted to do was to pass the rest of her days peacefully.

"Then mother, please accompany me at the prince's mansion. Don't go back to that courtyard again. Yu will take care of us."

"Alright, then you have to listen to me and take good care of your body. Stop thinking too much. As long as mother can see her obedient grandson die, then you will rest in peace."

"Mother, don't be so disheartened. Didn't the doctor already say that you are in good health? If you continue to recuperate, it will be even better."

"Mm, let's not talk about this anymore." Madame Zhou finally smiled. Even though she hadn't been able to obtain a good person for herself, she was still satisfied with her daughter being pampered by her husband. She had clearly seen how much Murong Yu valued Littlemoon.

"I still want to find some time to properly thank Second Imperial Brother and Imperial Concubine for saving my life. If it weren't for them, my mother and I would have perished a long time ago." Yun Sheng said with a grateful tone.

Murong Yu, who had just walked out of the room, happened to hear these words and couldn't help but stop in his tracks. After hesitating for a moment, he turned around and left.