GBP Chapter 308 Never Truly Understood
Chapter 308 Never Truly Understood
Chapter 308 Never Truly Understood
Even after leaving Zhuohuitang and standing at the gate of Changchun Garden Palace, Zhou Bai had a complex and indescribable feeling.
Disappointment, solace, sadness, helplessness, and perhaps a lingering sense of resentment.
I was still a little dazed about what I had just said to Meng Shu and what she had said.
Perhaps, to put it more accurately, he never truly understood Meng Shu.
All my impressions of her are still from when I was a child, from when I had something to ask of her, from when she would say in her childish voice, "Uncle, what kind of gift will you bring Shuer next time?"
Upon realizing this, Zhou Bai was overwhelmed by an unprecedented feeling called guilt.
As they returned to the city by carriage, Xiuyun nestled against Zhou Bai's chest and sighed:
"Shu'er always says that Consort Chun is simple-minded, but isn't she just as simple-minded?"
Lady Yun is as shrewd as the sea, and the Marquis is worldly-wise. The reason they trust Shu'er so much is because they know that Shu'er is empathetic and, having received kindness from the Tang family, will wholeheartedly repay it and would never harbor any other thoughts.
Zhou Bai sighed heavily, his voice muffled as he spoke: "She told me to find solace in nature, yet she confined the rest of her life within these palace walls, deprived of freedom..."
-
The clouds on the horizon are like brocade, layer upon layer, dyed in gold, red, crimson, and orange, reflecting the warm colors of the blue bricks and gray tiles.
As Hua Yan left Zhuo Huitang, she passed by Qianli Pond. On the lake's surface, the reflection of the setting sun was shattered by the ripples, transforming into floating golden scales. She paused for a moment, gazing at the lake in a daze.
Judging by the time, the lake tour was probably over. A palace attendant came to announce that the Empress Dowager was hosting a banquet at Huaqing Palace.
"Your Highness, we still need to go back to Bilang Pavilion to change our clothes. We must hurry and not be late," Green Willow urged softly.
Hua Yan asked, "Did Consort Chun's trip on the lake go smoothly?"
"Aunt Mei had Ruizhu pass on a message saying that Qu Baolin has performed exceptionally well and is very much favored by the Emperor."
Hua Yan frowned slightly, and Lv Liu explained, "During the lake tour, His Majesty was in a very good mood. He asked the concubines to compose poems on the theme of lotus and wind, and Qu Baolin won first place."
Hua Yan was even more surprised, "If we're judging by poetry and prose, how could Consort Chun lose to Consort Qu?"
"Previously, when Consort Chun was boating on the lake, her clothes were accidentally stained by spilled tea. She had to go back to Xiefang Garden to change, which took a lot of time. By the time she returned, it was already time to go to Huaqing Palace to watch the play with the Empress Dowager."
Hua Yan's eyes darkened. "...Was it Qu Baolin who did this?"
Green Willow shook her head. "Ruizhu only said that it was an accident when the palace servants were serving tea. Her Majesty the Empress has already dealt with that person according to palace rules."
Hua Yan turned around, her pace noticeably quickening.
Consort Chun arranged for Xiao Nianzi to accompany her and serve her. Hua Yan instructed, "Aunt Mei should have already gone to investigate that person. Xiao Nianzi, go and take a look first, and then check whether Qu Baolin's maids have left her side after arriving at the palace."
Xiao Nianzi responded and headed straight for Huaqing Palace.
After returning to Bilangxuan, Huayan personally chose a green dress, with a thin gauze robe with intertwined branches on the outside, and had Lvliu style her hair into double buns.
Xia'er couldn't help but praise, "Your Majesty looks so beautiful in this outfit. When I was in the palace, I learned from Sister Ruizhu how to apply 'light makeup'—a light layer of foundation, a pale blush, and just a touch of lipstick..."
Hua Yan nodded slightly, "Alright."
Xia'er immediately and happily applied makeup to Hua Yan.
According to Hua Yan's preferences, Lv Liu took out a simple gold hairpin from her makeup box, but Hua Yan pointed to the gold phoenix hairpin bestowed by the Emperor.
Green Willow was secretly surprised: "Shu'er usually goes out without makeup, but this time she's dressed up so formally."
Hua Yan packed her things and only took Green Willow with her when she went out.
When we arrived at Huaqing Palace, the rosy clouds on the horizon had faded from their intense color to a pale purple before disappearing into the twilight.
Xiao Nianzi was waiting at the palace gate. When he saw his master coming, he stepped forward and whispered a few words to him.