allonlinenovel Chapter 852 [Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace 42]
Chapter 852 [Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace 42]
Hongli carefully accompanied Youyou as they walked slowly towards the Imperial Garden. Suddenly, their sights were drawn to a scene not far ahead - Concubine Jia was waving her hands arrogantly, beating a maid again and again. The maid curled up on the ground, powerless to resist, and could only silently endure Concubine Jia's brutality.
Seeing this, Youyou frowned. She stepped forward without hesitation and shouted, "Empress Jia! This is the Imperial Garden. How can you beat and scold the servants here? Besides, these palace maids were selected in the flag selection to serve in the palace. They all have their own dignity and respect!"
When Concubine Jia heard Youyou's scolding, she was stunned at first, then she turned around and saluted, saying respectfully: "Your servant greets Concubine Zhao, and greets His Majesty."
Youyou ignored Concubine Jia's greeting and turned to Ningdong beside her. Ningdong understood and hurried forward to help Ying'er up. Youyou looked at Ying'er with concern and asked softly, "What's your name?"
Ying'er had tears in her eyes and replied with a trembling voice: "My name is Ying'er, Your Majesty."
Youyou nodded and said to herself thoughtfully, "Ying'er... this name is quite nice. But I seem to remember that Concubine Xian's maiden name was Qingying. Concubine Jia, tell me, how deep is your hatred for Ruyi that you are so cruel as to want to use her as a maid?"
Facing Youyou's questioning, Concubine Jia's face turned pale instantly, and a layer of fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. She lowered her head quickly and responded tremblingly: "I dare not, I have no such intention, please understand, Your Majesty."
However, Hongli on the side said coldly: "Humph, I think you are really brave!"
Upon hearing this, Concubine Jia's body trembled violently, and she fell to her knees with a thud, kowtowing like pounding garlic and begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I really know I was wrong, please forgive me!"
Seeing Concubine Jia's frightened look, Youyou couldn't help but sigh softly, turned to look at Ying'er, and then asked again: "Forget it, get up first. I want to ask you, what was your original name?"
Ying'er, who was kneeling on the ground, hesitated for a moment, but finally answered truthfully: "In reply to your Majesty, I am Wei Yanwan."
I saw the graceful and pretty Youyou narrowed her eyes slightly and opened her red lips: "This name is quite pleasant to the ear. I wonder if you are willing to work in my palace?" Her words revealed a sense of superiority yet friendliness.
Wei Yanwan, who was kneeling below, couldn't help but feel delighted when she heard this, and kowtowed quickly to express her gratitude, saying: "To be appreciated by Her Majesty Zhao Guifei is the blessing I have earned in several lifetimes. Of course I am more than willing! Thank you, Her Majesty Zhao Guifei!" Her voice was clear and melodious, like the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley.
At this time, Youyou turned her head to look at Concubine Jia standing beside her, and asked with a smile: "Concubine Jia, you are not reluctant to give Wei Yanwan to me, are you?" After saying that, her eyes fell straight on Concubine Jia, as if she wanted to see through her.
Concubine Jia's heart tightened and she quickly stood up and saluted, responding respectfully: "Your Majesty Zhao, you are too kind. How dare I have such thoughts. Since your Majesty has chosen Wei Yanwan, from now on she is yours." Although she said this, Concubine Jia could not hide the trace of loss in her eyes.
Seeing this, Youyou nodded with satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Hongli who was sitting on the high seat, and asked coquettishly: "Your Majesty, what do you think about this matter?"
Hongli smiled slightly, stretched out his hand to hold Youyou's soft hand, and said softly: "My beloved concubine, please make the decision. I will obey your arrangements in everything."
Hearing the emperor's doting words, Youyou's face blossomed with a flower-like smile. She then turned to the maid Ningdong beside her and said, "Ningdong, take Yanwan back to Chengqian Palace first."
"Yes, Madam." Ning Dong responded respectfully, then walked to Wei Yanwan, carefully helped her up, and left together. As the two of them walked away and disappeared from everyone's sight, this small storm also came to an end temporarily.
"Concubine Jia, please leave first. I still need to appreciate the flowers with Concubine Zhao." Hongli turned his head slightly and whispered to Concubine Jia beside him.
"Yes, I will follow Your Majesty's orders and will take my leave now." Concubine Jia bowed respectfully, then turned around and left tactfully, her steps light and quick.
After Concubine Jia left, only Youyou and Hongli were left in the garden. Hongli turned around, his eyes fell gently on Youyou, and he slowly asked, "Wanyin, I remember that you have never been the kind of person who likes to meddle in other people's business. Why are you making an exception today? Did Concubine Jia offend you in some way?"
Hearing Hongli's question, Youyou couldn't help but smile slightly, and asked coquettishly: "Does Your Majesty think that I rescued Wei Yanwan because of Concubine Jia? Your Majesty misses me so much, which really makes me sad."
"Oh, you know, that's certainly not what I meant." Hongli explained quickly, with a hint of doting on his face.
Youyou shook her head gently and said softly, "I was just joking with the emperor. In fact, I saved Wei Yanwan purely for the sake of convenience. You also know my character. I have never been the kind of master who likes to punish servants. Besides, I am now in charge of all matters in the harem on behalf of the queen, so I should set an example. Seeing Concubine Jia act like this, how can I stand by and watch?"
After listening to what Youyou said, Hongli nodded with satisfaction, stretched out a hand and patted Youyou's jade hand, saying approvingly: "I really didn't make a mistake, Wanyin, you understand my thoughts best."