Chapter 262: Show the Ropes 01

Chapter 262

Although everything was fine in Jiangnan, as summer approached, heavy rains became frequent, and the annual floods were a headache for everyone.

Despite being in the imperial palace, Xiao Jingheng's heart was always concerned with state affairs.

Lately, he had no interest in leisure activities. Instead, he accompanied the water transport officials of Suzhou to inspect various river embankments every day, discussing how to rebuild and reinforce them to minimize the damage caused by the floods.

As a result, during their stay in Suzhou, the imperial consorts could only stroll around the city.

Suzhou's residents were devout Buddhists, and there were as many as sixty-six Buddhist temples, particularly the Hanshan Temple outside the city. Legend has it that the Puming Pagoda inside the temple housed the remains of the Puming Patriarch, making it a sacred Buddhist site.

The Empress Dowager, who was dedicated to Buddhism, naturally couldn't miss such a place when she visited.

However, paying respects at each temple took up a good portion of the day, which the young and beautiful consorts couldn't endure.

Only Song Zhao never complained and wholeheartedly served by the Empress Dowager's side, further deepening the Empress Dowager's fondness for her.

Now that they had arrived in Suzhou, they were actually visiting Consort Hui's maternal family, and Consort Hui had done her best to show hospitality.

Not only did she arrange good accommodations and meals for everyone, but she also sent valuable gifts according to each person's preferences.

On this day, after the consorts finished paying their respects to the Noble Consort and were dispersing, Song Zhao noticed a few new blemishes on Consort Yao's face.

Given that Jiangnan was prone to summer heat and was damp, with naturally oily skin, Consort Yao always carried a handkerchief to wipe away the oil stains on her face. It seemed like a lot of hard work.

Song Zhao called her over, smiling warmly, and said affectionately, "You made it out of the palace in time. The divine beauty powder from the Imperial Household Department hasn't been made yet. I suppose your supply from the sister's place must have run out?"

Consort Yao felt slightly embarrassed, using a silk handkerchief to cover the blemishes on her face, she replied, "It was enough when I was in the capital, but since coming to Suzhou, the dampness here has caused me to use it three times a day, and now it's almost gone."

"If my sister and I are no longer close," Song Zhao pretended to be annoyed, "then I really will be upset. We're supposed to take care of each other as sisters. If you run out of something in your palace, you should let me know."

Consort Yao bitterly smiled and replied, "I'm afraid I don't have that kind of good fortune. Consort Hui and I entered the palace together, and she is more suitable for the position."

As they were talking, they suddenly noticed Yun Shan entering with a potted kumquat tree in his hands. The leaves of the tree were made of thin emerald jade, and the kumquats were crafted from pure gold, indicating their considerable value.

Yun Shan carefully placed the potted tree on the purple sandalwood table in the main hall and said, "Your Highness, this kumquat tree has been taken care of."

Song Zhao nodded and replied, "Don't leave it there. Move it to the inner room. After all, it's a heartfelt gift from Consort Hui. We wouldn't want it to get damaged."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yao couldn't help but sigh and say, "She really is generous with her gifts."

Song Zhao smiled and said, "Consort Hui has a kind heart. It's only fair to reciprocate. I also want to prepare something she likes as a gift. Giving her gold and silver treasures is unnecessary since the Wei family is not in need. I thought it would be better to prepare some of her favorite delicacies, as it shows thoughtfulness and conveys my feelings."

Pausing for a moment, Song Zhao propped up her chin and furrowed her brows lightly. "But if I think about it carefully, I'm also confused. I've noticed that Consort Hui loves all kinds of food in the palace, as if she's open to anything, but I don't know which flavor she loves the most. Well, isn't this an opportunity to find out at her home? When I have some free time later, I'll go and inquire with Madam Wei."

Consort Yao's eyes went hollow upon hearing these words, as if she unintentionally took Song Zhao's words to heart, contemplating something.

Later, when Song Zhao was seeing Consort Yao off, she mentioned that she would go and find Madam Wei afterward.

However, just as they reached the entrance, Yun Shan hurriedly followed them out.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince is crying loudly, and his nursemaid can't soothe him. Please come and have a look."

"Why is he suddenly causing a fuss? Wasn't he fine just now?"

As soon as Song Zhao heard that something was wrong with the child, her face immediately turned anxious.

Consort Yao hurriedly said, "Then, Your Highness, you should go and take care of the Crown Prince first. I'll go back."

Song Zhao nodded in agreement and rushed towards the side chambers.

But it was just a feigned action. She had only taken a couple of steps before stopping in her tracks, turning her head to look at Consort Yao's hurried figure as she departed. Her brows relaxed, and she silently smiled.