noffsinger Chapter 435: Concubine Shu is overjoyed
Chapter 435: Concubine Shu is overjoyed
On the west side is the Luoxia Lake in the Imperial Garden, which is some distance away from here.
When everyone looked over there, they could vaguely see ripples on the lake and something floating.
As I got closer, I realized that they were actually light lotus lanterns. To be more precise, they were not just flower lanterns, because there were red Kongming lanterns attached to the lanterns.
However, the lanterns did not rise up with the Kongming lanterns, but swayed slowly on the water, looking beautiful.
Inside each lamp is a folded lotus orchid with beautifully shaped flowers in full bloom, floating on the water, emitting wisps of fragrance that make people feel relaxed and happy when they smell it.
The officials' wives by the lake couldn't help but speak when they saw this scene.
“This is really beautiful!”
"Yes, this lotus orchid is placed among the lanterns, and the lotus lantern looks different."
"I've never seen so many lanterns before, and the fragrance is so delicious."
Jiang Suining listened to these words silently, and estimated in his mind that he had seen enough. Before Emperor Xiao could ask any questions, he bowed and reported.
"Your Majesty, after seeing these orchids, Concubine Shu was very fond of them. However, she said that rather than keeping them in the palace, she would rather use them to express her good wishes. The flower language of orchids is noble, beautiful, and virtuous, so Concubine Shu wanted to offer these flowers to the heavens for blessings, praying that the heavens would protect the emperor's health and everything would go well. She also prayed that Beiyang would be peaceful and prosperous, with good weather and good harvests, and that the people could live and work in peace and contentment."
After saying that, Jiang Suining gestured to Wei Yao and the others who were not far away.
Following an order, the eunuchs hiding on both sides of the lake carefully pulled out the ropes connecting the rows of lanterns.
Without the control and force of the rope, the Kongming lantern connected to the lantern began to rise.
Red lanterns slowly rose before everyone's eyes, and in an instant they looked like a tree full of flowers in full bloom, or like stars falling on the lake and flying back into the sky. It was a sight that made people dazzled and amazed.
Emperor Xiao was delighted, "Great! Great! My beloved, you really are thoughtful!"
Concubine Shu, who was looking up at the Kongming lanterns, came to her senses, felt delighted, and spoke quickly.
"Your Majesty, thank you for your compliment. I just want to show my appreciation."
"But this lotus orchid was carefully cultivated by your father and brother as a birthday gift to you. Are you reluctant to use it just for blessing?"
"For me, the emperor's good health and the peace and prosperity of Beiyang are the best birthday gifts. Not to mention the lotus orchid, even if I have to give up everything, I am willing to do so. I believe that my father and brother think the same way."
Concubine Shu gave her brother a look, and the latter spoke immediately.
"That's right, Your Majesty. Your Majesty's heart is ours. It is an honor and a gift that the orchids that I and my father have cultivated can be used for blessing. Cheng and others are flattered and very happy."
"Well said! You are worthy of being my Beiyang Kingdom's right-hand minister." Emperor Xiao nodded in approval, and then looked at Concubine Shu with a gentle look, "My beloved, I am very touched that you have such a heart. Don't worry, I will order a special area in the palace flower room to be set aside to plant lotus orchids. When the flowers bloom next spring, I will enjoy them with you."
Concubine Shu was overjoyed and bowed immediately.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The Kongming lanterns rose higher and higher, like red stars, blending into the night sky.
Since Emperor Xiao had already spoken, the others present naturally praised him.
Many people also sighed in their hearts that Concubine Shu was really good at scheming.
Although he only plucked some flowers, he received praise from the emperor and a good reputation for praying for the country. He even gave his father and brother a chance to show their loyalty to the emperor, which was a great deal no matter how you looked at it.
And the look in Shufei's eyes when she secretly looked at Jiang Suining was no longer filled with anger and blame, but rather with great satisfaction. It was obvious that this remedy was exactly what she wanted.
Queen Shi had not had any hope of Jiang Suining's remedy before, but now, seeing this scene, she felt relieved.
She didn't mind Concubine Shu showing up in front of Emperor Xiao. After all, even if she got a good reputation for praying for the country, her status would not surpass hers.
On the contrary, she was fully responsible for the affairs of the female officials, and she was also the one who arranged and handed over the birthday banquet to Jiang Suining and others. If anything went wrong, she would be to blame.
Everyone had different thoughts, but they all had smiles on their faces. Even Qin had an appropriate smile on her face, but there was a hint of pity in her eyes when she looked at Jiang Suining.
Only Yang Manman, who was standing behind the crowd, had a rather unhappy expression on her face.
I didn't expect Jiang Suining had this trick, and he actually let her escape like this!
She stared at Jiang Suining with a dark face, and the latter suddenly turned his head to look at her as if he had sensed something.
Yang Manman was startled and looked away, but Jiang Suining walked straight to her side.
"It seems that you are very disappointed." Jiang Suining said in a low voice.
Yang Manman glanced at her and said, "I don't know what you are talking about."
"You really don't know?" Jiang Suining glanced at Yang Manman, "You were the one who destroyed those lotus orchids, right?"
Yang Manman narrowed her eyes quickly, and then said, "How ridiculous! Do you have any evidence to support your claim? If there is no evidence, then it is a false accusation. Even though the Duke's Mansion has fallen, I am still a seventh-rank female official, on the same level as you. If you dare to frame me and bring the matter to the attention of the Queen, you will suffer the consequences!"
Jiang Suining stared at Yang Manman intently and suddenly laughed.
"I was just guessing before, but seeing your expression, I am now more certain. But I don't understand why you did this. Aren't you afraid that the Concubine Shu will punish you after the incident?"
Yang Manman snorted coldly, "I said this matter has nothing to do with me, so stop talking nonsense here."
After saying this, she turned around and was about to leave, but Jiang Suining grabbed her sleeve.
"You haven't finished your words. Are you in such a hurry to leave because you feel guilty?" Jiang Suining stared at Yang Manman with sharp eyes.
Yang Manman didn't expect Jiang Suining to take action in public. She quickly looked at everyone else and whispered a warning after making sure no one was paying attention.
"I've already said that this matter has nothing to do with me. If you want to complain to Concubine Shu, you have to produce evidence first! Also, if you continue to make a fuss and the matter becomes a big deal, affecting Concubine Shu's birthday banquet, you will not be able to escape punishment!"
Yang Manman pulled her sleeves back with force, glared at Jiang Suining again, and quickly left the lake.
Jiang Suining did not stop anyone, but just stood there, with the corners of his lips slightly raised, his eyes floating, meaningful...