GLORIOUS TIMES: THE EVIL PRINCE AND HIS CUNNING CONSORT - CHAPTER 48

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CHAPTER 48 - THE ROYAL PALACE SPLASHES WATER

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Early the following day, Yun Qingqiao accompanied her father to the palace. While the Emperor held court, she waited alone in a side hall.


Periodically, palace maids would enter, offering refreshments and tea, but none conversed with her. Sipping her tea carefully, Yun Qingqiao noticed that the maids frequently changed her cup. Then, suddenly, one of the maids spilled tea on her veil. With quick reflexes, Yun Qingqiao leaned aside, causing most of the tea to splash onto the chair instead. She glanced at the maid with a cold yet amused look and slowly stood up.


At that moment, a woman dressed in a splendid rose-colored imperial gown entered. The tea-spilling maid immediately knelt, too frightened to speak.


Recognizing the woman from her father's description, Yun Qingqiao respectfully bowed, "Subject Yun Qingqiao greets Her Highness, the Shu Fei. May Your Highness enjoy peace and prosperity!"


Her father had informed her that the mother of the Fifth Prince might visit her, and he had described the noblewoman's appearance in detail. Yun Qingqiao was sure she had identified her correctly.


"Do you recognize me?" Shu Fei asked as she settled gracefully on a side seat near the throne. Raised in a noble family and well-educated, her royal bearing was evident at first glance. Yet, upon closer observation, a keen observer could detect a layer of cold harshness surrounding her — a trait common in the women of the deep palace, where long years of intrigue often hardened hearts and turned tactics cruel.


"Your Highness, this is my first meeting with you, but my father has spoken of you," Yun Qingqiao replied respectfully.


Shu Fei slightly raised her head and gestured with her fingers. 


"Change the chair. That one's wet now," she ordered.


"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Yun Qingqiao expressed her gratitude as she moved to a dry chair.

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Meanwhile, an elderly matron beside Shu Fei pointed at the maid who had spilled the tea. 


"You, explain yourself," she commanded.


Terrified, the maid could only plead for mercy, repeatedly kowtowing and repeating, "Please spare me, Your Highness!"


Frowning displeased, Shu Fei ordered, "Someone punish her for her silence. Maybe that will loosen her tongue."


The maid's pleas intensified, but she revealed nothing more than her desperate cries for pardon.


Yun Qingqiao observed the well-dressed, efficient maid, guessing she must be a trusted servant of someone influential in the palace. Knowing the water-spilling was likely intentional and aimed at her, Yun Qingqiao contemplated her next move. 


She decided to play the benevolent part for now, waiting to see how the situation unfolded. "Your Highness Shu Fei, this maid didn't do it intentionally. Please forgive her," she interjected gently.


Shu Fei raised an eyebrow, intrigued. 


"And how can you be so sure?"


"Due to my recent travel, I've developed a rash on my face," Yun Qingqiao explained calmly. 


"A gust of wind just lifted a corner of my veil, and the maid must have been startled by my appearance. I implore Your Highness to absolve her of any wrongdoing."


Shu Fei, aware that the maid was a favorite of Princess Jiu knew she wouldn't punish her regardless. The princess, despite her erratic nature, was a beloved daughter of the Emperor. This incident provided an opportunity to gauge the character of the Yun family's daughter. 


"Since you've pleaded on her behalf, let her go," Shu Fei conceded gracefully.


"Thank you, Your Highness," Yun Qingqiao said, aware of the complex dynamics of the palace. Even a seemingly insignificant maid could have powerful backing. Caution was essential in such an environment.


"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Miss Yun," the maid expressed her gratitude before retreating swiftly.

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°°°


MEETING THE SAINT FOR THE FIRST TIME


As Yun Qingqiao stood in the side hall, an attendant announced the Emperor's arrival through a side door leading to the main hall. Emperor Xuan Yuan Qing, known as Emperor Qing, entered the room, followed by Yun Qingqiao's father, Yun Xiuwen.


Yun Xiuwen, the Prime Minister, respectfully greeted Shu Fei with a bow. 


"This humble official greets Her Highness Shu Fei, long live Her Highness!"


Shu Fei acknowledged with a smile and stood to greet the Emperor, who graciously assisted her, saying,


"My beloved, no need for formalities." 


The Emperor and Shu Fei then took their respective seats, one beside the other.


For Yun Qingqiao, this was her first time seeing an ancient Emperor, and her curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't help but steal a few glances, which earned a stern look from her father, signaling her to perform the customary bow.


Quickly catching on, Yun Qingqiao lowered her gaze and stepped forward, bowing deeply. 


"Your Majesty, long live, long live, forever live," she said, careful not to look around too much.


"Rise," commanded Emperor Qing with a commanding voice.


The grand hall fell into a hushed silence, filled only with the sound of breathing.


Yun Qingqiao carefully stood up, discreetly observing everyone on the dais with a glance. She remained respectfully silent, her hands folded and her head bowed, avoiding further scrutiny.


Her father, Yun Xiuwen, noticed her astuteness and felt reassured by her wisdom and discretion.


"Look up, let us see you," commanded Emperor Qing.


Yun Qingqiao inhaled deeply to steady herself before raising her head. The Emperor, appearing slightly older than her father, exuded an aura of royal authority and dignity.


Emperor Qing inquired, "Your father mentioned that you have developed a rash due to the change in climate. Has it improved today?" 


He observed the young woman in a light blue gown with a white shawl and her hair neatly tied back, adorned with a sapphire hairpin. Her face, though obscured, radiated a sense of ethereal beauty.


Internally, Yun Qingqiao was skeptical—’ how could a rash heal so quickly?’ Yet, outwardly, she expressed gratitude. 


"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. I am feeling much better."


The Emperor asked, "Would you like Us to summon the Imperial Physician for a consultation?”


"Your Majesty, I assure you, it's a minor issue and not worth troubling the Imperial Physicians over," replied Yun Qingqiao with composed grace, neither too humble nor overly bold.

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"Your Majesty, which young woman would want to be seen in a less-than-perfect state?" interjected the Shu Fei, feigning modesty.


Emperor Qing nodded in agreement, saying, "Shu Fei always thinks things through." 


He had initially been curious about the appearance of Yun Xiuwen and Ye Heying's daughter, but it seemed he would not see her face today. He had once glimpsed Ye Heying upon her arrival in the capital and had been unable to forget her. 


If circumstances had been different, perhaps he would have pursued her. His decision to personally summon Yun Qingqiao to the palace was driven by a desire to see Ye Heying's daughter. Unfortunately, her rash and the veil thwarted his plans.


He considered inquiring about Ye Heying's well-being, as he knew of the strains in her marriage to Yun Xiuwen. However, considering the personal nature of the matter and Yun Xiuwen's status as a loyal and capable minister, he decided against it.


"Your Majesty, I thank you and Shu Fei for your concern," Yun Xiuwen spoke respectfully. 


"My daughter has already been examined by a physician who assured that once she acclimates to the local climate, her rash will fade. She just needs to be mindful of her diet, and she will soon recover fully.”

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