sjar Chapter 974 Kangxi's Harem, Consort Liang (11)
Chapter 974 Kangxi's Harem, Consort Liang (11)
I must say, this camellia is really nice.
They examined it closely and found almost no cracks.
It certainly looks like it's been well cared for.
"I heard that little palace maid is exceptionally beautiful?"
The Empress Dowager chuckled and teased, "How come a pretty little palace maid has entered Qiqige's palace?"
"Your Majesty, your daughter-in-law did not know."
The Empress Dowager smiled and shook her head, "I've never seen a palace maid tending to flowers and plants."
I heard she's a sensible and well-behaved person.
I don't go anywhere except the small garden every day.
"So you're saying he's an honest and upright person?"
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow, clearly somewhat skeptical.
"He has been very well-behaved during the months he has been in Kangshou Palace."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Buni has investigated and found that this girl is lazy and loves flowers and plants. She specifically requested to be assigned to the garden to tend to the flowers and plants."
It just so happens that I'm short-handed for my little garden.
The people from the Imperial Household Department then assigned her to this position.
"No matter what they look like, as long as they behave themselves, that's fine."
The Empress Dowager looked at Kangxi and said with a hint of teasing, "I heard that the imperial court is quite lively?"
If Your Majesty is so inclined, why not select a few to place in the harem?
You don't have many people in your harem right now.
"Grandmother, I understand."
Emperor Kangxi was somewhat embarrassed, but he did not refuse the Empress Dowager's kindness.
So, within a few days, several more concubines were added to the harem.
As for Li Siqi, she was naturally forgotten.
Of course, she did benefit from it as well.
At least this time, Camellia was saved. Xue Lan gave her a piece of cotton cloth, which could be used as underwear.
Granny Bunni was quite generous and rewarded her with ten taels of silver.
There were also two gold hairpins, three silver hairpins, and five small rings.
It must be said that this is quite a generous reward.
Li Siqi accepted it generously.
At the same time, he took out a silver hairpin and two small rings and stuffed them into Chunlan's hand, saying, "Let's share them together."
"Jin'er, please stop!"
Chunlan was startled by her. Upon seeing the exquisite jewelry, she quickly returned it, saying, "Jin'er, it's too valuable."
I cannot accept these things from you.
"What's this little bit?"
Li Siqi stuffed it in again, "Chunlan, you've been taking care of me all this time."
I'm just trying to give you something and you won't even accept it?
How can I possibly let you continue to take care of me?
"Take it quickly, or I'll get angry."
"Jin'er, you are so kind."
Chunlan's family was relatively poor, and her monthly allowance had to be sent out of the palace.
She didn't have much saved up.
I was a little hesitant to accept the 'valuable' gift that I suddenly received.
"We look out for each other."
Li Siqi smiled and said, "Besides, what's wrong with me giving you something?"
Are you still going to be so polite with me?
"Then, I won't stand on ceremony with you."
Chunlan smiled happily, "If anything happens in the future, just tell me."
I will definitely help you with anything I can.
"Okay, you too."
"Will do!"
The two smiled at each other, and the room was filled with a happy atmosphere.
Perhaps some troublemakers have left.
The following days were very quiet.
Li Siqi took excellent care of the small garden in Kangshou Palace.
No one caused trouble, and everyone was living comfortably.
A year passes quickly.
Finally, news came that a palace maid from Chengqian Palace had climbed into the emperor's bed.
Upon hearing this news, the young palace maids of Kangshou Palace couldn't help but secretly utter a few sarcastic remarks or gloatingly mocked him.
Regardless, the turmoil in the harem has nothing to do with Kangshou Palace for the time being.
this day.
Li Siqi is checking on several chrysanthemum plants.
There are many varieties of chrysanthemums here, including black chrysanthemum, single-stem chrysanthemum, golden silk chrysanthemum, green chrysanthemum, dragon claw chrysanthemum...
These are all rather special varieties, kept to present a rare item to the Empress Dowager.
"what are you doing?"
Li Siqi, who was busy examining the roots, did not notice the person who had come.
Hearing the sound, he quickly stood up.
It was only then that she realized the Empress Dowager had arrived sometime earlier.
It was actually the first time she had ever met the Empress Dowager.
She immediately bowed and said, "This servant, Wei Luojin, greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager be blessed!
"Good boy, get up quickly."
A look of amazement flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes.
She has seen many beautiful women in her life.
But this was truly the first time she had ever seen such a beautiful palace maid.
She didn't feign weakness or act coy, nor did she have that annoying, frail, or pitiful appearance.
Although she was incredibly beautiful, she was also very elegant and serene.
It gives people a very comfortable and friendly feeling.
She unconsciously won people over with her kindness, and then, smiling, asked, "You still haven't answered me. What were you doing just now?"
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
Li Siqi smiled and stepped aside, allowing the other person to see the roots she had exposed by digging through the soil. "There seems to be a problem with the chrysanthemum. I'm checking its roots."
The roots are starting to soften and begin to rot.
If left unchecked, all these chrysanthemums will eventually wither and die.
"I see."
The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, "You've figured out the cause. Can you resolve this problem?"
"Your Majesty, I will do my best."
Li Siqi wouldn't be foolish enough to take on everything.
Even if you are confident, you should always leave yourself some room for maneuver.
"Okay, I'll leave it to you."
The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction, "I do not wish for these beautiful chrysanthemums to wither, so I can only ask you to take good care of them."
"Yes, Queen Mother."
"Alright, you're busy, I won't bother you any longer."
"The slaves dare not!"
Li Siqi quickly bowed and said, "This servant respectfully sees off Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
The Empress Dowager took a stroll in the small garden.
After getting some fresh air, he returned to the main hall and sat down.
He took the tea and drank a sip.
The Empress Dowager asked slowly, "What do you think?"
A meaningless sentence.
Granny Bunny, standing to the side, knew what she meant. "He's a good person, sensible, and doesn't cause trouble."
"Yes!"
The Empress Dowager said softly, "She has been in Kangshou Palace for more than a year, almost two years, and she is still calm and composed."
I don't know if she really intends to hide in my palace until she's twenty-five and then leave."
"Your Majesty, I think that's what she thinks."
Over the course of more than a year, Granny Bunny had thoroughly figured out the other person's personality.
I know she has no real interest in the Emperor's harem.
It was discovered that on several occasions when the Emperor came to Kangshou Palace to pay his respects, that maid would first hide in her own room.
Other palace maids couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks when talking about the emperor's concubines.
He couldn't hide the envy and jealousy in his eyes.
But she was different.
No matter who it is, her eyes and emotions remain unchanged.
Instead, they treated the events that occurred in the harem as entertainment.
I really don't know if this girl is genuinely naive or just genuinely innocent.
"If that's the case, she'll probably be disappointed."
The Empress Dowager smiled slightly, "With her appearance, who but the Emperor could protect her?"
If she dared to leave the palace, she would surely be torn to pieces.