Li Yuyu pushed away Feng Yin and Hua Yin’s hands, steadily jumped to the ground, clapped her hands and said, "Alright, what bad news are you hiding from your master? Let’s hear it."
Feng Yin and Hua Yin exchanged a glance, still undecided on who should speak, when they saw Little Xianzi rushing in.
"Master, someone from Jingxiang Palace has come, saying the Imperial Concubine invites you to dine at Jingxiang Palace."
Li Yuyu was shocked: "Are you sure it’s Jingxiang Palace and not Cining Palace?"
"Aunt Wei from Jingxiang Palace came to invite you personally."
Li Yuyu: ?
Imperial Concubine Zhuang lives in Jingxiang Palace, isn’t she Yan Zixuan’s mother? She’s invited me to a meal, what kind of meal? A Hongmen Feast?
"Master should go change clothes first; I’ll go entertain Aunt Wei." Feng Yin said softly.
Li Yuyu nodded and entered the inner room with Hua Yin.
"Which skirt does the master want to wear?" Hua Yin took out two long skirts of similar color but different styles from the chest for Li Yuyu to choose.
"That Flowing Immortal Skirt, it’s nice."
Li Yuyu had recently taken a liking to the Flowing Immortal Skirt, wearing it makes her feel ethereal.
What would a little fairy wear if not a Flowing Immortal Skirt?
Hua Yin laughed softly while helping Li Yuyu change clothes, then helped her sit in front of the copper mirror, styling her hair into a semi-updo and adorning it with accessories that matched the skirt.
"Not bad." Li Yuyu admired herself in the mirror.
Indeed, she looked celestial, her face white with rosy cheeks, lips naturally red, eliminating the need for blush and lipstick.
As Li Yuyu walked out, she thought about meeting Imperial Concubine Zhuang, and her beautiful mood gradually turned sour: "I wonder if Yan Zixuan is in the palace, I really don’t want to see him."
Hua Yin: ...
She didn’t hear a thing.
"Where’s Aunt Wei?" Li Yuyu asked curiously, not seeing the so-called steward aunt from Jingxiang Palace.
"Lady Concubine, Aunt Wei said that since the master agreed to the invitation, she went ahead to report back to Imperial Concubine Zhuang." Feng Yin replied.
Li Yuyu: ...
So if she hadn’t agreed, Aunt Wei wouldn’t return to report?
That statement makes it seem like she had the opportunity to refuse but deliberately chose not to.
"Feng Yin, come with me." Li Yuyu took the fan handed to her by Hua Yin, gently waving it as she left Luaxin Pavilion.
Cining Palace.
Han Guiren was attending to the Empress Dowager during her meal.
Chen Jing walked in quietly, saying, "Empress Dowager, Lady Li went to Jingxiang Palace."
The Empress Dowager frowned: "What is she going to Jingxiang Palace for?"
"The servants below said she went to accompany Imperial Concubine Zhuang for a meal."
Hum.
The Empress Dowager’s expression instantly turned sullen.
Does Lady Li find Cining Palace’s meals unappetizing or something? She doesn’t fear the heat or distance but eagerly dines at Jingxiang Palace!
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s displeasure, Chen Jing dared not speak further, standing quietly to the side.
"Empress Dowager, have some mushroom soup." Han Guiren lifted a white porcelain bowl carved with phoenix tails, gently placing it before her: "This soup, I’ve heard from the master chef, requires thirty-six steps to infuse flavor; drinking it long-term is beneficial for the skin."
The Empress Dowager pursed her lips; although she had no appetite, she drank a sip to save face for Han Guiren.
Han Guiren helped serve a few more dishes, coaxing the Empress Dowager into finishing the meal.
Chen Jing breathed a sigh of relief, called for people to clear the tableware, and brought rinsing tea, attending to the Empress Dowager’s mouthwash.
Han Guiren also rinsed, then stood up, preparing to assist the Empress Dowager for a walk in the courtyard.
Outside the door, Zhu Yuan’s voice came to report: "Empress Dowager, Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying from Yunmo Pavilion have come together."