The moment Li Yuyu set foot towards the Lotus Reflection Pavilion, Shen Quan received news and reported Li Yuyu’s whereabouts to Yan Xiu.
"Grapes?" Yan Xiu paused his writing: "I remember the Imperial Kitchen has plenty left. Choose some sweet ones to send to Luaxin Pavilion, and send more ice, too, so that Lady Li won’t feel hot and need to go out to escape the heat."
Shen Quan: "...Yes."
Your Majesty, do you not find anything strange?
Your Lady Li prefers to wander outside Luaxin Pavilion rather than send you off. Can’t you perceive that?
Yan Xiu shows no perception and, upon seeing the foreign tribute fruits listed on a note, suddenly has a new idea, saying several fruit names to be sent to Luaxin Pavilion together.
Shen Quan: ...
Well, he will get used to it.
The happenings at the Lotus Reflection Pavilion naturally reached the ears of Princess Consort De.
"They seem quite in high spirits." Princess Consort De snorted coldly.
For such a delightful occasion, Noble Lady Ying participated without notifying her, reflecting less than respectful intentions.
"Does the Lady wish to go over?" Lan Qin asked.
"Go, of course, we must go. Such rare elegance among the harem sisters, how could I miss out?" Princess Consort De angled her head before the bronze mirror, observing her hairstyle: "Bring the Seven-tailed Phoenix Hairpin bestowed by the Empress Dowager."
According to her rank, she’s not supposed to wear the Seven-tailed Phoenix Hairpin, at most just five tails. But now, with the harem’s higher position vacant and her being the highest-ranked among concubines, she has the right to assist in harem management, thus qualifying to wear the hairpin granted by the Empress Dowager.
Princess Consort De finished her grooming and led Lan Qin and others towards the Lotus Reflection Pavilion.
"The servant greets Lady Li, and greets the three masters." Eunuch Donglai led four little eunuchs into Yinghe Pavilion, bowing.
"Why is Eunuch Donglai here?" Li Yuyu asked curiously.
"The Emperor heard Lady Li enjoys eating grapes and ordered the servant to deliver some sweet, cooling fruits. Quick, serve them up," Donglai instructed the little eunuchs behind him.
The four little eunuchs filed in, placed the fruits on the table, and casually took away the fruits ordered by Beauty Zhou earlier.
Beauty Zhou couldn’t help but tighten her lips, twisting the handkerchief in her lap.
"Enjoy, Lady Li, these are just a portion. Many others have been sent to Luaxin Pavilion," Donglai said, grinning widely.
"So many? Won’t they spoil?"
Li Yuyu remarked, slightly surprised, as it’s so hot and there’s no refrigerator to store them, making spoilage likely.
"Don’t worry, Lady; the servant just had an ice chest moved over, where the fruits are stored. You can take them out as desired."
"That’s perfect, thank you, Eunuch Donglai. Hua Yin, quickly escort Eunuch Donglai," Li Yuyu exclaimed joyfully.
Just yesterday, she felt overly hot and longed for cold drinks, but couldn’t have them; today, Yan Xiu resolved her issue.
"The servant takes his leave," Donglai bowed out.
Hua Yin, understanding the hint, after leading Donglai a distance, took out a sachet filled with gold beads from her sleeve and handed it over: "I appreciate your trouble, Eunuch Donglai, hard work indeed."
"Ah, not tiring at all. To assist Lady Li is a blessing for this servant," Donglai giggled as he accepted the reward, weighing it as he turned; a hefty reward indeed.
Exemplary of Lady Li’s generosity.
The other three at Yinghe Pavilion watched the scene with envy; Eunuch Donglai merely exchanged greetings as he came and went, hardly giving them notice.
"Lady Li truly enjoys great fortune..."
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Delivering the fourth update, see you at midnight~
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