Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 193 Pilgrimage

"The princess even specially asked Granny Gui to bring a roll of ribbed paper..." Mengzhu placed the Lotus Sutra on the table, her face showing a complicated expression.

Ruizhu, standing to the side, was indignant and pouted angrily: "Are they trying to prevent us from imitating Miss's handwriting and copying it for her? Granny Gui specifically instructed that the prayer scrolls should not be cut. They really went to great lengths to make things difficult for Miss."

Donggua brought in tea and said, "Your Highness thinks too highly of us. Apart from Huayan who can imitate Miss's handwriting, among us, only Mengzhu has some knowledge."

Hua Yan entered the study, took the ink stick from Meng Zhu's hand, and gestured for Meng Zhu to go to the outer room.

“Miss, copying scriptures is not a big problem, but the copied scriptures must not be given to the Princess.”

If the other party were to secretly use some tricks, even altering the words in the scriptures, it would be no small matter—especially when the emperor is seriously ill, any small matter could be magnified.

Consort Zhen frowned, a surge of resentment rising in her heart.

A few days ago, when paying her respects, the princess specifically thanked her father for transporting grain supplies to the northwest, which calmed things down for a few days...

After a while, Consort Zhen said in a deep voice, "In that case, I will send Xiao Yuanzi to find a pretext to enter the palace and report to the Prince."

Unless summoned, concubines are not allowed to enter the palace easily according to the rules.

Before leaving, Eunuch Jing mentioned that the Prince is currently busy dealing with the case of Prince Heng's rebellion. Why don't we go and find Consort Hui?

Hua Yan explained in a low voice, "The eunuchs around Consort Hui are our people. It might be more convenient to ask Consort Hui than to ask the Prince."

The front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, the official clothing office.

Mingyue emerged from the Yunyi Palace storeroom and, with Chun'er and Xia'er, headed straight for the clothing department. The household provides its servants with two sets of clothes each season, and today was the day for distributing the summer clothes.

On the way, Chun'er couldn't hide her joy and said, "Yesterday when I went to the kitchen, I heard from Granny Yu that the Prince prayed for His Majesty's well-being and granted a general amnesty, and the masters of the Duke's Mansion were among them. Granny Yu and two former stewards discussed that they should take a bath together and plan to go to Guangci Temple outside the city to offer incense."

Xia'er's expression also relaxed, and she replied, "I wonder if the Duke and his wife are well. It will probably take some time for the decree of amnesty to reach the Northwest."

Following the cobblestone path, passing through the moon gate on the left side of Wangqin Tower, we happened to meet two maids beside Consort Shen.

Mingyue said to Xia'er in a slow and unhurried manner, "Guangci Temple is very popular, and Granny Yu is quite thoughtful. I heard that many military officers and their families go to Guangci Temple to pray for their families far away on the border, especially during times of war."

Chun'er tugged at Xia'er's sleeve and said nervously, "Then we should remind Granny Yu later that it would be better to leave early tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Yuehuan, the head maidservant beside Consort Shen, turned around and first curtsied to Mingyue.

“Sister Mingyue is right. Guangci Temple was originally built under the supervision of twelve generals at the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It is most effective for praying for blessings and good fortune. The ladies and young ladies of the Shen family used to go there often.”

"It's surprising that Granny Yu misses her former master so much. It's just a pity that even if she went, she wouldn't be able to enter the temple. Tomorrow, the Princess Consort will go to Guangci Temple to pray for the General and the two young generals. The temple will be closed to receive visitors."

Zhixue's voice came from behind them.

The moon hung low, a barely perceptible sneer appearing at the corner of its mouth.

Consort Zhen and Hua Yan sat side by side at the table. Hua Yan carefully estimated the number of words and neatly divided a roll of ribbed paper into twelve sections. The two had a clear division of labor and wrote furiously at the same time.

About an hour later, Li, the eunuch who was with Consort Hui, returned from the palace.