Chapter 1496: 1493: Paying Respect
Chapter 1496: Chapter 1493: Paying Respect
She lifted her somewhat aged eyelids, “Imperial I dare not leave just like this, the emperor would likely be very sad.”
“Since it can still be nurtured, let it be nurtured.”
Upon hearing this, the nanny rejoiced and urged, “Empress, take heart. This Doctor Lu who recently entered the palace indeed has some skills. Moreover, there are the medical books sent by Madam Chu, rumored to be from overseas, treating this is just a common ailment.”
“She is a good one.” The Dowager Empress, having lived most of her life, knew how to read people. It’s obvious Ye Muyu’s behavior towards her was not deliberate fawning, precisely because she wasn’t greedy, the Dowager Empress would be amiable, for even palace people wish to be genuinely treated.
Seeing the Dowager Empress in a good mood, the nanny smiled and said, “I hear both Miss Li and Miss Chu went to pick plum blossoms for you. You love flower viewing the most, be sure to take a good look later.”
As they were speaking, the voice of a palace lady reporting sounded at the door.
The nanny joked with a smile, “Look at that, I just mentioned it, and here they are.”
With that, she instructed the palace lady to come in.
Two vases of plum blossoms were brought in.
The Dowager Empress loved flowers and immediately noticed a vase of plum blossoms, simple yet elegantly arranged.
Flower arranging has always been cherished, especially by women like the Dowager Empress, who enjoyed a luxurious and noble life, though as a woman of the inner chamber unable to travel far, she naturally loved refined activities.
Chu Ziluo’s flower arranging skills were learned from a Master specifically hired by Ye Muyu.
Naturally, it looked far better than the casually arranged plum blossoms nearby, especially with green leaves accentuating it.
“Who arranged this vase of plum blossoms?” The Dowager Empress, quite knowledgeable about the skills of her palace people, undoubtedly knew this was not done by servants of Cining Palace.
The palace lady stepped forward and respectfully answered, “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, it was arranged by Miss Chu.”
“That young girl from the Chu family?” The Dowager Empress was slightly surprised, recalling her first impression of Chu Ziluo’s clean and shy smile, a favorable impression immediately formed: “That child seems thoughtful, unexpected that her skill is so deft.”
“Indeed, no wonder Madam Chu keeps Miss Chu close at home, turns out she’s a treasure.” The nanny joined in the jest.
The Dowager Empress smiled graciously, instructing the palace lady to present the vase on the nearby tea table for viewing.
“By the way, the other vase must be arranged by Chun’er, right?” the Dowager Empress asked, and the palace lady respectfully answered.
She chuckled, “No surprise there, if that girl ever had such skill, I would be astonished.”
“Reward them both.”
The Dowager Empress’s rewards swiftly reached the side hall.
Deng Jieyu and Imperial Concubine Qi Zhao Yi, who had just left the main hall, heard it clearly.
Both their expressions slightly changed, whatever was on their minds, no one could tell.
At this time, Prince Rong came to pay respects to the Dowager Empress.
The Dowager Empress quickly called for him to be let in.
Li Chongjin strode in, the elegant young man already showing a commanding presence, with a touch of steadfastness.
“Greetings, Imperial Ancestral Mother.” He straightforwardly bowed.
“Good child, come here quickly.” The Dowager Empress beckoned him, her eyes full of caring expression, as he approached, a palace lady already bestowed a seat.
The Dowager Empress reached out and held his hand, her gaze scanned his face up and down and sighed, “You’ve tanned and grown sturdy.”
“How is Imperial Ancestral Mother’s health today?” Li Chongjin’s icy aura dissipated a bit as he inquired with concern, though he still appeared indifferent, hard to see it was a concerned query.
Yet, the Dowager Empress was not upset, her eyes showed satisfaction.