Chapter 1980 - 1918: The Strange Palace Maid
Chapter 1980: Chapter 1918: The Strange Palace Maid
Although Empress Dowager Mo did not plan to celebrate her birthday extravagantly, officials, whether to curry favor with her or to make a good impression in front of the Emperor, continuously sent well-prepared birthday gifts to another palace, hoping to bring joy to the Empress Dowager.
Wufu brought Prince Dong into the other palace to accompany the Empress Dowager, and with the arrival of a child, this oppressive and somber palace began to feel lively.
Inside the palace, in order to please the Empress Dowager, numerous red lanterns symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and longevity were hung in celebration of her birthday, adding a festive atmosphere.
"...You don’t need to come so early to keep me company. If you leave, what will happen to Ah Jiu without anyone to take care of him?" Empress Dowager Mo smiled, looking at Wufu who was accompanying her in the garden.
Wufu supported her arm and said as they walked, "There are plenty of people in the palace to serve him. I came early to fulfill my filial duty, and also to fulfill his duty."
Empress Dowager Mo patted her hand, asking, "Is your uncle coming?"
Wufu’s expression softened, nodding: "He’s said to be on his way. Because my younger brother is traveling with him, they’re likely to move slower. They should arrive around early May!"
"Hmm."
Wufu waved her hand, instructing the palace maids and eunuchs who were following them to stop. She then continued supporting Empress Dowager Mo forward, lowering her voice to ask, "Royal Mother, the Emperor’s health is weaker than last we met; he..."
Empress Dowager Mo glanced at her, sighed deeply with a voice barely audible: "He’s just enduring each day. The imperial physicians dare not speak, but I know..."
She shook her head, standing before a cluster of begonias, gazing at the red flowers with a distant look in her eyes.
"Do you still resent him, Mother?"
Empress Dowager Mo smiled: "Given his current state, what is there to resent? Should I resent myself for not raising him well, causing him to make mistakes? You don’t know how, in those past years, when Ah Jiu was young, we supported each other through blood and turmoil, both obvious threats and covert schemes. Resentment? In those days, it hardly mattered."
Wufu quietly glanced at her, sensing her complex emotions. Perhaps Empress Dowager Mo herself couldn’t articulate her true feelings?
"Things are quite good now." Empress Dowager Mo smiled faintly: "Life is simple, which isn’t necessarily a misfortune, though it’s regrettable given these circumstances."
"Perhaps it’s the inevitable exchange of gains for losses." Wufu remarked.
Empress Dowager Mo nodded in agreement: "So, no need to force gains and losses; everything is predestined!"
The atmosphere turned somber, and Wufu changed the subject, speaking about her birthday and recounting some amusing stories about Prince Dong, which made Empress Dowager Mo laugh heartily.
As the two returned, a group of palace maids brought various types of potted flowers into the garden. Upon seeing the Empress Dowager, they all stepped aside, kneeling on the ground.
Wufu glanced casually around; the potted flowers were all noble varieties of orchids, meticulously arranged and cultivated beautifully. These must surely be meant for someone who loves orchids.
It’s well known that the Empress Dowager loves orchids, so who else would these orchids be prepared for?
Wufu withdrew her gaze, her eyes casually sweeping over several palace maids, suddenly stopping on one nearly at the back.
The silhouette looked familiar.
"Imperial Grandmother, Ninth Royal Auntie." The joyful voice of a child pulled Wufu’s gaze. She saw Prince Dong carrying a branch of apricot flowers, running over with a crowd of eunuchs, palace maids, and guards following behind.
"The child is here." Empress Dowager Mo smiled and stepped forward.
Wufu had no choice but to follow, glancing back once more; the palace maid had just raised her head, quickly lowered it again.
It was an ordinary face.
Wufu had no time to ponder further; Prince Dong had already stuffed a bouquet into her arms, chattering away and drawing all her attention.
The group moved away, and the palace maid exhaled deeply. The Princess Consort of Jin is indeed perceptive.