The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1527 - 1524: Are You Courting Death?
For a moment, even the usually calm and composed individuals couldn’t help but chant prayers while expressing their intent to go in and bow to Wang Yongzhu.
Wang Yongzhu was not only saving their mistress’s life but also their own!
The Imperial Noble Consort quickly stopped them, and they all waited in the adjoining room.
Previously, it hadn’t felt like this, but now that hope was in sight, every minute of waiting was especially excruciating.
The Imperial Noble Consort remained composed, but the two senior attendants, Hong Fei and Lv Cui, kept glancing at the water clock, while Steward Huai was pacing back and forth, wringing his hands.
It was unknown how much time had passed when Wang Yongzhu’s voice finally emerged from the Warm Pavilion: "Madam, I have recalled all the movements—"
The Imperial Noble Consort and her attendants exchanged glances, took Hong Fei’s and Lv Cui’s hands, and walked over together.
Wang Yongzhu had already overheard the conversations in the next room, and she wasn’t surprised. She simply handed a stack of paper to the Imperial Noble Consort. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
On the paper were various precautions to take note of.
After the Imperial Noble Consort received it, she glanced at it once before handing it to Hong Fei. Hong Fei silently recited it to herself as she read, trying to commit it to memory.
"In a while, I will accompany Madam to try the movements once; we’ll try to achieve the correct positions. The two senior attendants should also watch carefully. If in the future Madam’s movements are incorrect, please remind her."
Hong Fei and Lv Cui nodded eagerly.
Wang Yongzhu then asked Chief Steward Huai to guard outside personally and not allow anyone to enter.
Chief Steward Huai, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed promptly without needing the Imperial Noble Consort’s instruction and left.
With everyone else gone, Wang Yongzhu smiled sheepishly: "Please forgive me, Madam. These big clothes are inconvenient for movement; please allow me to loosen them."
The Imperial Noble Consort regained her composure and quickly instructed Lv Cui to assist Wang Yongzhu in removing the outer garments and hairpins.
Hong Fei also fetched a casual garment, which the Imperial Noble Consort hadn’t worn yet, for Wang Yongzhu to change into, making her look neat and fresh.
Wang Yongzhu had already figured out the spot; the large kang in the Warm Pavilion was just right in terms of firmness and cushioning.
The Imperial Noble Consort, having already been relieved of her jewelry, was dressed in loose, casual wear and did not need to change.
Wang Yongzhu demonstrated the movements first, then the Imperial Noble Consort followed.
When movements were not executed correctly, Wang Yongzhu assisted her in getting them right.
Some movements were quite difficult for someone who was less than a month away from giving birth.
Not to mention, the Imperial Noble Consort, having been accustomed to being pampered, found it even more challenging, often feeling as if her limbs didn’t belong to her.
It was only with sheer determination and refusal to admit defeat that she persevered.
Fortunately, the number of movements wasn’t many, just seven or eight, and after half an hour of struggle, she finally learned them.
Not only was the Imperial Noble Consort drenched in sweat, Wang Yongzhu was also thoroughly exhausted.
After wiping off the sweat and changing clothes, the Imperial Noble Consort lay down, and Wang Yongzhu carefully checked her pulse before massaging the area around her abdomen for a while.
Soon, the Imperial Noble Consort closed her eyes and fell asleep deeply.
Hong Fei and Lv Cui, who had been serving on the side, had their suspicions and worries completely dispelled.
They knew that for the past half a month, their mistress had been unable to eat well or sleep well, and she didn’t dare to use medicine. Even when she managed to doze off, she’d wake up at the slightest noise.
But right now, she was sleeping soundly and sweetly.
Hong Fei and Lv Cui looked at each other in surprise and then at Wang Yongzhu with such gratitude that they practically wished to revere her.
Wang Yongzhu had been busy the entire day; it was already late afternoon, and she hadn’t even had lunch.
Moreover, after the physical exertion, she couldn’t stand it anymore.
Seeing that the Imperial Noble Consort was in a deep sleep, she got up and moved to the adjoining room to sit and catch her breath.
Hong Fei stayed back to look after the Imperial Noble Consort, while Lv Cui followed Wang Yongzhu. Before Lv Cui could speak, Wang Yongzhu preempted her: "Lv Cui, could you find me something to eat? I only had a couple of bites in the morning, and now I’m so hungry my stomach is touching my back!"
Having to work for the Royal Family while going hungry, Wang Yongzhu was indeed speechless.
Lv Cui slapped her forehead and quickly apologized: "I’m sorry, truly sorry! Today’s events got everyone flustered, and we forgot about this. Our mistress, due to poor appetite, never eats at regular times; whenever she’s hungry, the small kitchen sends over a few dishes. We overlooked this! Please bear with us, Wife of the Heir-Apparent, I’ll have someone prepare something for you right away!"
She spoke while hurrying out to give instructions.
At the door, Chief Steward Huai had also overheard and had already instructed a little eunuch to convey the message to the small kitchen.
The small kitchen at Changchun Palace was specially set up after the Imperial Noble Consort became pregnant because she ate at irregular times. There were always people on standby day and night, ready to serve food whenever the Imperial Noble Consort wanted to eat.
Even with today’s significant events, the staff in the small kitchen didn’t dare delay, always remaining prepared.
Hearing that food was needed, they were somewhat puzzled as to why the Imperial Noble Consort, after such a major incident, would have the appetite to eat, and more so than usual.
However, she only dared to murmur in her heart; her hands did not slow down, and soon she prepared four or five dishes, along with snacks and soup, and sent them over.
It was Wang Yongzhu’s first time tasting the culinary skills of the imperial chefs from the palace’s small kitchen, and it was truly exceptional.
Probably because the Imperial Noble Consort ate lightly, these dishes were all light, but the skill was evident.
There was a Hibiscus Chicken Fillet, Braised Supreme Fin, Abalone with Pearl Vegetables, Lotus Tofu, and a pot of simmered Shredded Mountain Chicken with Bird’s Nest, plus a Crystal Plum Blossom Bun, and a serving of Black Rice Porridge.
Wang Yongzhu was extremely satisfied with the meal.
Although there were about seven or eight items, the portions were not large.
Wang Yongzhu was starving and managed to eat up most of it before finally putting down her chopsticks.
Lv Cui saw Wang Yongzhu’s good appetite and was so hungry watching her that she considered getting something to eat later.
After the meal, since the Imperial Noble Consort hadn’t woken up, Wang Yongzhu didn’t leave.
However, Chief Steward Huai was afraid Wang Yongzhu would be bored, so he simply suggested taking her for a walk around Changchun Palace. He surmised that this Wife of the Heir-Apparent would likely become a regular guest of Changchun Palace, so it was good for her to familiarize herself early on.
After making a round around Changchun Palace, they heard that the Imperial Noble Consort had woken up; the first thing she asked after opening her eyes was where Wang Yongzhu was.
Hong Fei, upon hearing this, hastily sent someone to fetch Wang Yongzhu and invite her in.
The Imperial Noble Consort had slept for about an hour and a half, very soundly. Upon waking up, her face had a bit of blush, and she looked in much better spirits.
She herself felt a bit more energetic, and her gaze at Wang Yongzhu was like looking at a lifesaver.
After speaking a few words with Wang Yongzhu, she actually felt rare pangs of hunger and had the appetite for something.
Hearing that the Imperial Noble Consort was hungry, the palace attendants felt a sense of assurance, and smiles broke on their faces.
Accompanying the Imperial Noble Consort for the meal, Wang Yongzhu casually offered some advice on what to eat less and more.
Hong Fei quickly took notes on the side, fearing she might forget.
After the meal, seeing that it was getting late, Wang Yongzhu proposed leaving, fearing the palace gates would soon close if she delayed further.
Although the Imperial Noble Consort didn’t want Wang Yongzhu to leave, feeling at ease with her nearby, the palace had its rules and no precedent of allowing Ladies of the Outer Court to stay overnight within the palace.
Reluctantly, she agreed but didn’t forget to remind Wang Yongzhu to come early to the palace the next day.
She had Chief Steward Huai give Wang Yongzhu a waist badge for Changchun Palace, making it much more convenient for her to enter and exit the palace.
Wang Yongzhu accepted it without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Lv Cui had already prepared a large tray of rewards.
It was customary for every Lady of the Outer Court who came to pay respects to the palace for the first time to receive rewards from the palace.
Moreover, Wang Yongzhu was now the hope of everyone in Changchun Palace, so the rewards Lv Cui brought out were significantly more generous than those given to ordinary ladies.
The Imperial Noble Consort, after a glance, still found it insufficient and opened her private warehouse, taking out various headpieces and jewelry bestowed by the Emperor, various clothing materials, and a dou of sea pearls the size of pinky fingers.
Four or five little eunuchs carried them, instructed to safely escort Wang Yongzhu back to the Duke Weiguo Residence before returning.
Such honor was unprecedented in Changchun Palace; even the Imperial Noble Consort’s family had never received such a privilege upon entering the palace.
Others looked on enviously, but only Hong Fei, Lv Cui, and Chief Steward Huai knew Wang Yongzhu truly deserved this honor.
Chief Steward Huai personally escorted Wang Yongzhu to the palace gate.
After verifying the waist badge and exiting the gate of the Imperial City, Wang Yongzhu let out a long sigh of relief.
Looking up, she saw Du Zhongjing sitting on the carriage, his face dark as he stared at her.
Instantly, she swallowed back the sigh she just let out.
Wang Yongzhu slowly approached, whispering, "Senior Brother? Why are you here?"
Du Zhongjing sneered, "Get up here!"
Wang Yongzhu sensed something was off but could only obediently climb onto Du Zhongjing’s carriage, "Senior Brother, the rewards the Imperial Noble Consort gave are still behind us—"
"Rewards? You’re about to lose your life!" Du Zhongjing glared at her, frustrated, before turning to the little eunuchs, "We have some things to discuss, please sit in the carriage behind, gentlemen."
The little eunuchs, having been specifically chosen by Chief Steward Huai to escort Wang Yongzhu home, were very perceptive, and one of them was Little Luzi.
Immediately, he said, "Yes, we’ll follow behind."
Saying that, they climbed onto the carriage at the back.
Once on the carriage, Du Zhongjing couldn’t suppress his anger any longer, and directly said, "What’s going on? Why did you leave Chicheng County to run to the palace for no reason? And getting involved with the Imperial Noble Consort and the Royal Family? Are you looking to get yourself killed?"
