Destined Marriage with Fragrance Chapter 143

This chapter was translated for only. And only for those people who don’t mind reading unprofessional translation that was being translated FREELY at the translator’s and editor’s own free times.

Chapter 143

Beautiful Flowers (Part 2)

There was a moment of quietness inside of Xiang Rui palace, Murong Shu Qing could feel that everyone’s line of sights was on her, they were curious, surprised, puzzled, and also clearly understood! Even though she did not want to face these group of n.o.ble women at all, but she still smiled with courtesy and lifted her head up, and slightly bent her knees to salute: “Shu Qing pays respects to all of the Imperial concubines (niang niang).” 

This kind of respect did not comply with the rule at all, and it seemed too perfunctory. But she really could not remember so many ranks (of those women), perhaps, these were their badge of statuses, but as far as she was concerned, this was extremely boring. 

Even though Murong Shu Qing did not kneel at all when she saluted, and her respect was also rushed through carelessly, but everybody did not really care about who (the person) was. But they were only staring at this black dress woman in front of them, whose face did not have any makeup, and her black hair was slightly pulled up. They could not say anything.

Inside the courtyard of the Imperial palace, there were numerous women, some were maybe here for the Emperor’s kindness and favor, or some were to compete with people’s attentions, or some who liked to show their statuses, so when they did not dress themselves exquisitely, they would absolutely not go one step out of the palace door. Even Imperial concubine Leng who was always known to be a cold and arrogant (person), everything that she put on her body was not the same as the other younger women. Even if the favor and pampered wives of the cabinet ministers outside the palace, entered the palace, they would dress up meticulously. But the woman in front of them, who did not belong to this Imperial palace, showed up impressively, so it made them feel bewildered and startled inevitably.

After a good while, Imperial concubine Shu recovered first, and asked a question that everyone wanted to know: “Empress Dowager, who is this person?”

The Empress Dowager leisurely drank the tea, n.o.bly and gracefully, she smiled faintly but she did not speak, when they were looking at each other in dismay, the Empress’ sweet and gentle voice smilingly said: “Presumably, she is the daughter of the Qi’s family, the future wife of the country General!” Murong Shu Qing entered the palace to study the etiquettes, the Head of the domestic affairs already reported this to her yesterday. She also heard that father said a few days ago that Murong Shu Qing’s graceful bearing and natural temperament were outstanding. This woman in front of her could definitely carry those statement (having that graceful bearing & natural temperament). Bi Xin Sui lightly lifted her hand up, and smilingly said to Murong Shu Qing: “Miss Murong, stand up quickly.”

Murong Shu Qing forced a smile and stood up, then she answered: “Thank you, the Empress.” She understood why the women inside the palace were obsessed with climbing on the top, if it was her, she would also work hard so she would kneel less to other people!

Most of the women in the palace were daughters of the important ministers of the Imperial court, even though they did not dare to meddle in the matters of the Imperial court, but they would still understand some. Maybe they did not know Murong Shu Qing’s name, but they would know the Qi’s family and Xuanyuan’s family. So understanding Murong Shu Qing’s status, they also understood why she did not kneel, or why she said that perfunctory (greetings). 

Imperial concubine De quietly looked Murong Shu Qing up and down, and clicked her tongue to praise: “I had heard since I was young that Miss Qi Yue was a person with a supernatural ent.i.ty in those years, after seeing Miss Murong today, I can really understand what outstanding (person) is ah!” No wonder Xuanyuan Yi let go of Chu Yun and requested a marriage decree to marry this beauty!

Murong Shu Qing faintly answered: “Imperial concubine De's praise is absurd, Shu Qing falls short of mother by a lot.” Towards this empty praise, Murong Shu Qing was not willing to talk to much, and she was already somewhat impatient.

“The Imperial decree asked Shu Qing to enter the palace to study etiquettes for half a month, so she is not familiar with this palace, you ladies have to look after her.” The Empress Dowager gently waved his hand, Qiu Rong immediately brought a chair for Murong Shu Qing, and arranged it beside the Empress.

Everyone nodded one after another and answered: “Yes.” The Qi’s family darling daughter, and the country highest general’s loving wife, with this kind of status, even if the Empress Dowager did not say anything today, n.o.body would dare to make things difficult for her ah!

Gently closing her eyes, Gu Qian Yun was somewhat tired, and she said: “Alright, you ladies also return to rest.”

“Yes.” They were from famous families after all, so their bearings were graceful, after the ten women gave their courtesies, they withdrew out quickly and quietly.

Murong Shu Qing also softly and leisurely breathed, it finally ended, she was just about to get up and go to the backyard to enjoy the warm sunshine and breeze, but a hand softly captured (her hand). Murong Shu Qing turned her head around, and faced Bi Xin Sui’s gentle eyes.

“Bengong really feels kindred spirits with Miss, I do not know if Miss is willing to sit at Bengong’s place for a little bit?”

Kindred spirits? She actually did not feel that she would have any kindred spirits with the owner of this harem. She was afraid that this would be related to her relationship with Xuan Tian Cheng, and she (MSQ) did not know how much she (BXS) knew anything?!

“Go, the Empress is the model of the harem, if you spend sometimes with her, it will be better than studying for several days with those stubborn elder ladies (momo).”

When Murong Shu Qing was hesitating on how she should refuse (the offer), Gu Qian Yun’s words forced her to nod and answer: “Yes.” 

Somewhat feeling absent-minded, she followed the people in the Empress’ party, and strolled along the way, but they did not walk too far to reach the Empress’ Fei (fly) Feng (phoenix) palace.

The size of the palace was almost similar to Xiang Rui palace, the style of building was also basically the same, it also exceptionally decorated, was gorgeous and elegant. Murong Shu Qing causally looked for a moment, but was not interested to continue to admire it anymore. 

Holding the fresh steep hot tea in her hand, she did not plan to speak anything since the Empress did not speak either, so she was leisurely fiddling the new tea with her hand. The palace maids were standing in the reception pavilion, and they were actually so quiet as if n.o.body was around. 

Just when Murong Shu Qing was about to fall asleep boringly, the Empress finally opened her mouth, but what she asked was: “What does Miss Murong usually do for recreation?”

Gently coughing to conceal the smile that was on the corners of her mouth, these women in the palace, did they all like to ask what she normally liked to do, when they opened their mouths?! Murong Shu Qing smilingly answered: “Reading books.”

Murong Shu Qing’s answer was vague, so Bi Xin Sui was also a philosophical person and already knew that she was not interested with this subject, so she switched the topic and said: “I heard that the natural silk materials from the Murong family’s Su Ni Chang (clothing store) are soft, their textures are delicate and very light, and very glossy like l.u.s.ter of gems. They can keep warm during the winter, protect from the heat in the summer, and they are the best quality. When one wears them, one can feel calm and peaceful in their minds, and very refreshing. Miss is wearing this today, right?” The average person when they wore a green silk dress on their body, would look monotonous and oppressive. But this dress that was on Murong Shu Qing’s body looked very bright in color and comfortable, and it reflected a light ray that appeared to show a different change in shade. The light texture made it look like it would move and swirl in the air gracefully without any wind.

Murong Shu Qing laughingly looked one glance at her own clothing, really the public opinion could obscure the actual truth. If a clothing could have this unusual effect, then no one would need any medical care and medicines! Murong Shu Qing did not know whether to laugh or cry, and answered: “The rumor on the street is erroneous, and it made the Empress to be ridiculed. The quality of the silk is indeed soft, and the outside clothing is bright, but it does not have any efficacy at all.”

But the Empress shook her head, as she saw it with her own eyes, this clothing was indeed dazzling, no matter if there was a mysterious effect like that, she really liked it. So she smilingly said: “Miss Murong is too modest. But do you know how to purchase this silk?” 

She already heard the benefit of the silk earlier when Hao-er was born, so she wanted to make several soft clothing for him. But after she was searching everywhere in the Capital, she could not find them, and Su Ni Chang did not sell them either. After she asked from a lot of people and places, she just found out that Su Ni Chang only made this silk for Murong Shu Qing only.

Murong Shu Qing answered with a shallow smile (one her face): “The quant.i.ty for the natural silk (material) is not many, the top quality is also hard (to make), the bleach and dye are very complicated, so Su Ni Chang can never sell the natural silk (material).” The Empress was very meticulous towards this silk (materials) like this, so she certainly already made discreet inquiries clearly. She was fully aware that they did not sell them, but she still asked her, and she still wanted her to give some to her. If her motive to ask her to go to Fei Feng palace for this, then there was no harm to give her some silk (materials). Murong Shu Qing laughed generously and said: “If the Empress likes them, Shu Qing will send three (natural silk materials) for Prince Hao, to congratulate the Prince’s first birthday.”

Sure enough, she had an exquisite mind, Bi Xin Sui slightly nodded her head, and politely smiled to say: “So, thank you Miss.”

Murong Shu Qing answered with a smile, after she gave them to the Empress, it would be unavoidable that there would be more and more people who would ask her later. It seemed that she should urge Qin Fu to make a new type of natural silk material, and sell them to these high officials and n.o.ble people, best of all, if they could sell them in limited quant.i.ties. The rarer something was, the greater its value would be, she wanted to sell the natural silk materials for a prime price. And the young Prince would exactly be the best spokesperson!!

Murong Shu Qing was planning on how to launch the natural silk materials in her mind, nothing she could do, as she had been a merchant for a long time, so this was an occupational disease inevitably. At this time, a palace maid slowly walked in, and half-kneeled in front of the Empress to say: “The Empress, the young Prince woke up.” 

The originally dignified and graceful Empress, became happy at once and said: “Quickly bring him here so Bengong can see.”

Murong Shu Qing followed the Empress’ line of sight, and saw a slightly plump wet nurse who came in from the outside palace hall, and she was carrying a delicate child. The child was very adorable, with his sparkling big eyes, his brightest eyes were looking at people with affection. The Empress was already somewhat impatient and she stood up to welcome him, taking the child from the woman’s hand, she happily and intimately kissed the child’s delicate pink cheek.  

The Empress' love and pampering smile was just like any other mother’s, but the mother within the palace was actually more pitiful than the ones outside the palace. As they were not allowed to raise their own children on their own, at night, the princes and princess must leave their mothers’ palaces, and could only come and pay respects during the day. If the mother made a mistake, she could still be deprived the privilege to see her child.

So once they were older, the princes stayed even less and less time with their mothers, the person who would accompany them the most, was the wet nurse and the palace maids. One did not know if this kind of system was trying to torment the mothers or the children.

Murong Shu Qing watched the young prince was naughtily smiling in the Empress’ bosom, dancing and gesticulating in joy. She thought of her family, Xing Yue in her mind, this year, young Xing Yue would be five years old. When she just arrived in Dong Yu, Xing Yue was not as big as this young prince! 

Thinking about Xing Yue’s lovable, foolish and spoiled appearance, Murong Shu Qing’s face also perked up with a gentle smile, but this smile was quickly broken by a loud and clear’s announcement voice….

Sian’s notes:

The appellation that MSQ used to salute all those women was niang niang. This can be used for pretty much all the women in the harem, regardless what their ranks are. So when somebody uses it for the Empress, he or she will use Huang huo niang niang, if it’s to call one of the Fei rank concubine, it’ll be Shu Fei niang niang, etc. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll only translate this niang niang appellation as imperial concubines, even though the Empress is included in this appellation.

Bengong is a self appellation for the Empress, Princess. Similar to Zhen for the Emperor & Aijia for the Empress Dowager. Benw.a.n.g for Prince.

It’s rather strange to see the Empress who will show her affection to her child. Usually women who live in the palace don’t show that kind of affection even to their own sons or daughters. Is the Empress really a good woman & different than any of those typical evil women from the harem???

Trouble is brewing for MSQ….