novelhk Chapter 170 Visiting the Palace
Chapter 170 Visiting the Palace
Unable to gain the support of the people, Yang Yuyan was ultimately forced to accept the rank of concubine. During this time, she was extremely depressed, constantly melancholy, and even her appetite was greatly affected, causing her overall condition to deteriorate. The Empress Dowager witnessed all of this and felt deep pity for Yang Yuyan. Therefore, the Empress Dowager made a decisive decision to summon Yang Yuyan's close friend, Su Yuning, to the palace, hoping to use Su Yuning's help to comfort Yang Yuyan, enabling her to regain her spirits, eat and rest properly, and adjust her physical and mental state as soon as possible.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Su Yuning dared not delay for a moment and hurriedly began packing her belongings. She frantically stuffed clothes into her bundle and haphazardly shoved frequently used items together, her heart filled with anxiety, fearing she might waste time. Once everything was ready, she didn't bother to tidy her slightly disheveled hair and clothes, picked up her bag, and rushed towards the palace.
Along the way, Su Yuning spurred her horse on, the sound of its hooves echoing through the quiet streets, raising clouds of dust. She was anxious, wishing she could fly to Yang Yuyan's side immediately. After a long and arduous journey, she finally arrived at the palace gates where Yang Yuyan resided.
The moment she stepped through the palace gates, her gaze was immediately drawn to a figure not far away. There sat Yang Yuyan, once radiant and graceful, now quietly on a stone bench in the courtyard, her figure gaunt and haggard. Her face had lost its former luster, and her eyes were dull and lifeless, like a flower about to wither.
Seeing this, Su Yuning felt as if an invisible hand had gripped her heart tightly, and a strong sense of heartache surged through her. Without thinking, she quickened her pace and walked forward to Yang Yuyan, then reached out and tightly grasped the other's hands.
"Sister, why are you torturing yourself like this?" Su Yuning's voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with concern and worry.
Hearing Su Yuning's words, Yang Yuyan slightly raised her head and looked at her caring younger sister. Her eyes immediately welled up with tears, which seemed about to fall at any moment.
“Sister…” Yang Yuyan choked out, “Back then, I was filled with anticipation and joy, firmly believing that I could spend my life with him. I thought we would be like those legendary loving couples, supporting each other through thick and thin, growing old together. But who would have thought… in the end, I was just a concubine! Moreover, since entering the palace, people around me have been quite critical of my status, and complaints and dissatisfaction have been endless…” At this point, Yang Yuyan could no longer suppress her grief, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam.
Seeing this, Su Yuning's heart tightened, and she quickly stepped forward, extending her slender, white hand to gently wipe away the glistening tears from Yang Yuyan's eyes. Her movements were extremely gentle, as if she were afraid of hurting the pitiful woman before her. At the same time, Su Yuning gently comforted her in a tender and caring voice, "Sister, since things have developed to this point, let's try to accept this cruel reality. As the saying goes, 'Since it's here, let's make the best of it.' If you continue to be so depressed, not only will you not be able to change this difficult situation, but those who already despise and look down on you will become even more arrogant and fearless. Besides, as long as His Majesty still loves you, what does a mere title matter? Right now, the most important thing is for you to take care of your health! Only when you are healthy will you have the energy and resources to cope with the various challenges and difficulties that may arise in the future!"
Yang Yuyan listened quietly to Su Yuning's heartfelt words. A faint light gradually appeared in her previously dull eyes, clearly moved by the other woman's sincere words. Just then, a clever and obedient palace maid carefully carried in an exquisite tray, upon which sat steaming, fragrant dishes. Su Yuning smiled and nodded to the maid, then personally picked up a pair of ivory-white chopsticks and bowl, choosing a delicious dish and offering it to Yang Yuyan, saying softly, "Sister, please try this. These are all your favorite things."
Yang Yuyan looked at the food Su Yuning handed her, a hint of hesitation in her eyes. But she eventually reached out and slowly took the bowl and chopsticks, beginning to chew and swallow small bites. Seeing Yang Yuyan gradually resume eating, Su Yuning's anxious heart finally relaxed a little.
After Yang Yuyan finished her meal gracefully, she gently placed her bowl and chopsticks on the table, her movements so delicate as if afraid of disturbing something. Suddenly, as if she had made up her mind, she abruptly raised her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on Su Yuning's charming and beautiful face, as lovely as a spring flower in bloom. At this moment, Yang Yuyan's expression was unusually serious and earnest, making one feel tense as well. She parted her lips slightly and slowly asked, "Yuning, do you really not resent me at all?"
Upon hearing this, Su Yuning was slightly taken aback, then responded with a gentle smile. She said softly, "You've always been incredibly kind to me, like a loving older sister, caring for and protecting me. Whether in the mundane and complicated daily life or in the confusing and tangled world of emotions, you always patiently and meticulously taught me so much useful knowledge and wisdom. I feel nothing but gratitude towards you; how could I possibly harbor any resentment?"
Yang Yuyan didn't reply immediately after hearing this, but remained silent for a moment, seemingly thinking about something. Then, she pressed on again, "Then... what about her? Is she good to you?" Her words revealed a hint of urgency and concern.
However, faced with this sudden question, Su Yuning seemed somewhat bewildered and at a loss. She blinked and asked in confusion, "Who is this 'she' you're talking about? I don't quite understand what you mean."
Seeing Su Yuning's reaction, Yang Yuyan frowned and replied with slight dissatisfaction, "It's that cold girl!" Her tone was clearly impatient and annoyed.
At this moment, Su Yuning nodded in realization, indicating that she understood. Then, after thinking for a moment, she answered seriously, "Well... that Miss Leng, she was very polite to me and my whole family, and her manners and speech were very proper and generous."
"So, is she better or am I better?" Yang Yuyan asked coquettishly, her beautiful eyes fixed on Su Yuning, as if she had to get a definite answer from the other party.
Faced with such a direct question, Su Yuning was stunned and didn't know how to answer for a moment. She hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly and slowly said, "Sister, you two both have extremely special and important meanings to me, so it's really difficult to compare you simply. You are like my own sister, always caring for me and protecting me with great tenderness; and Miss Leng is also sincere and kind to me. So, asking me to say who is better is really too difficult for me."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yuyan frowned slightly, let out a soft snort, and revealed a hint of resentment on her face. Clearly, she was not satisfied with this ambiguous answer.
Just then, a eunuch's shrill, high-pitched voice suddenly rang out from outside the door: "Miss Leng has arrived!" Immediately afterward, a graceful figure swayed and entered. It was indeed Miss Leng, dressed in a light blue long dress, the hem fluttering gently in the wind, like a fairy descending to earth. When she saw Su Yuning there, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
Miss Leng first gave Yang Yuyan a graceful bow, then turned to Su Yuning with a smile and said softly, "What a coincidence today, I didn't expect Sister Yuning to be here as well."
However, at this moment, Yang Yuyan's mood was utterly terrible, as if shrouded in dark clouds, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. When she saw Miss Leng approaching gracefully, the frustration in her heart erupted like a volcano, and her face turned gloomy. She parted her lips slightly and coldly questioned, "What brings you here?" These words were like a sharp blade, piercing directly at Miss Leng, the hostility and ill will contained within them self-evident.
Faced with Yang Yuyan's impolite questioning, Miss Leng remained as calm as a still lake, without the slightest ripple. Her elegant smile remained, like a peach blossom in spring, beautiful and captivating. She replied calmly and unhurriedly, "I heard that you've been slightly unwell lately, and I've been very worried about you, so I've come to visit." As she spoke, she gently took a beautiful box from her maid and carefully presented it to Yang Yuyan. The box was intricately carved and emitted a faint fragrance, clearly containing something precious. Then, Miss Leng added softly, "This box of pastries was specially prepared by my servants, hoping it will suit your taste and be helpful for your recovery."
Seeing the atmosphere growing increasingly tense, as if a taut string were about to snap, Su Yuning quickly stepped forward, her face beaming with smiles, to smooth things over: "Oh dear, Miss Leng, you're so thoughtful! This deep affection is truly touching." As she spoke, she gently patted Yang Yuyan's shoulder, signaling her not to be too impulsive.
The young lady walked slowly to Yang Yuyan's side with light steps, leaned down slightly, and whispered in her ear, "Sister, please don't hurt yourself because of a moment of anger! As the saying goes, 'Entering the palace is like entering a deep sea.' The palace is complicated and unpredictable. No matter what, good health is the most important thing."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yuyan, though still harboring a lingering resentment, softened her expression slightly. After all, she knew that being in the deep, secluded inner palace, she should perhaps suppress her sorrow and carefully consider all matters; that would be the best course of action.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager was deeply gratified and delighted to hear that Yang Yuyan had finally agreed to eat. Yang Yuyan herself, after experiencing this ordeal, gradually realized that wallowing in self-pity was ultimately futile; it was better to cherish what she had. Therefore, she began to regroup and carefully manage her daily life again. Every morning, she would sit before the bronze mirror, meticulously grooming herself; in her spare time, she would occasionally stroll leisurely in the Imperial Garden, admiring the magnificent display of blooming flowers.
It was by sheer coincidence that one day, while the emperor was strolling through the palace, he inadvertently caught sight of the transformed Yang Yuyan. Her makeup was exquisite, her clothes magnificent, and every gesture exuded a unique charm and elegance. The emperor was immediately captivated, and his fondness for her grew. From then on, the emperor frequently visited and stayed by Yang Yuyan's side, making her life gradually more pleasant and fulfilling.
Turning our attention back to Xinghua Village, Dali, a newcomer who had recently moved there, unexpectedly landed a new job—leading the village women in drying various vegetable products. However, the village chief's wife was deeply unhappy about this. She had been eagerly anticipating this role, but instead, it had fallen into someone else's hands. When the eldest son of the Su family personally went to call her over to help, she didn't even bother to acknowledge him.
"Auntie, what's wrong? You always readily agree to help me with anything in the past! What happened today that upset you? Did someone upset you?" The eldest son of the Su family approached her with a puzzled look and asked cautiously.