NABC Chapter 217 "Sisterhood"
Chapter 217 "Sisterhood"
Concubine Cen's eyes were deep and complex, a subtle glint flickering within. A gentle breeze rustled past, lifting a corner of her cloak, revealing the delicate robe beneath, its embroidered gold thread gleaming faintly in the sunlight. Her lips pursed slightly, and the image of Zhang's desolate state after her demotion and confinement recurred in her mind, a surge of satisfaction welling up within her.
As she got closer to Concubine Zhang's residence, Concubine Cen's heartbeat inexplicably quickened. She took a deep breath, as if to calm the waves in her heart, or as if to gather strength for the upcoming meeting.
Arriving at Wuqiu Palace, she stopped, withdrew her arm that was supported by Mingyue, lowered her head and gently stroked the dog in her arms. The dog squinted his eyes comfortably and made a humming sound in his throat, as if he was enjoying his master's touch.
Mingyue, already a sympathetic figure, bowed knowingly and took a few light steps forward. She reached the gate of Wuqiu Palace and respectfully saluted the awe-inspiring imperial guards, her manners impeccable and thorough. Then, she said crisply, "Please tell Concubine Cen that she is here to visit Concubine Zhang."
The imperial guards were stunned at first, a flicker of surprise in their eyes, as if somewhat surprised by Concubine Cen's arrival. After all, in their minds, Concubine Cen was like a treasure hidden deep within the palace, having never left her palace in years. Over these long years, Jingyu Palace had been like a forgotten island, with little contact with the outside world, and Concubine Cen existed only in the gossip of the senior palace attendants.
Soon one of them came to his senses and hurried forward to pay his respects, "Greetings to Her Majesty Concubine Cen."
It’s not their fault that they didn’t recognize her. The newly appointed Imperial Guards had only heard of a master named Concubine Cen through rumors in the palace, but had never actually seen her.
Concubine Cen nodded slightly and accepted their greeting calmly, "Get up! I want to visit Concubine Zhang today, can you make it convenient for me?" Her voice was very thin and she seemed to be out of breath.
"This?" The guard hesitated, scratching his head, his mind torn. On the one hand, the person standing before him was Concubine Cen, currently the highest-ranking empress in the palace; he couldn't easily offend her. On the other hand, His Majesty had ordered Concubine Zhang to remain under house arrest; the decree was clear. If he allowed anyone in to visit, and His Majesty reprimanded him, a mere guard couldn't bear the consequences.
He hesitated for a moment, but still said with a stiff upper lip: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. His Majesty has ordered Concubine Zhang to be under house arrest. We dare not let anyone in to visit without permission. I hope Your Majesty will understand our difficulties." After saying that, he hurriedly lowered his head again, not daring to look at Concubine Cen's expression.
Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen's lips curled up in a faint smile, but a subtle chill flashed in her eyes. She gently stroked her beloved dog in her arms and said slowly, "I understand your majesty's order, but your majesty only ordered Concubine Zhang to remain at home, not to prohibit nearsightedness. I simply wanted to see how she's doing, remembering our past friendship. Is that not okay?"
"This?" Although Concubine Cen's words were soft, every word struck a chord with the Imperial Guard. He felt as if he were caught in a dilemma, and he stammered, not knowing how to respond.
Mingyue stepped forward, walking beside the imperial guard, and whispered, "Our queen doesn't mean to embarrass you. Think carefully. If you hinder the queen's good intentions today, and if His Majesty later learns that the queen once cared about Concubine Zhang, and you interfered, how do you think His Majesty will view you?"
Many thoughts flashed through the mind of the Imperial Guard. Now the Emperor would go to Concubine Cen's palace every now and then. Everyone in the harem knew that Concubine Cen was in the Emperor's favor. If he went against her wishes today, who knows what kind of troubles he would face in the future.
His thoughts raced, and he quickly put on a respectful expression. "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. I was inconsiderate and failed to appreciate your kindness. Since you care about Concubine Zhang, I'm sure Your Majesty would appreciate your sisterly love if he knew. I hope Your Majesty won't blame me for my earlier recklessness."
"You are so loyal and dedicated to your duties, which is rare." Concubine Cen nodded slightly, "Then please open the door, my Lord."
"Yes!" The Royal Guards did not dare to delay any longer. They turned around and walked quickly to the gate of Wuqiu Palace, stretched out their hands and slowly pushed the door open.
"Your Majesty, please!" The Royal Guards bent sideways, making a respectful gesture of invitation, their eyes full of awe.
Mingyue immediately stepped forward to support Concubine Cen. Concubine Cen gently patted her beloved dog in her arms, signaling it to be quiet. Then, with light lotus steps, she slowly walked towards the palace gate. Her cloak fluttered gently with her steps, like a flowing colorful cloud.
The moment she stepped through the palace gates, she raised her eyes slightly, scanning the somewhat desolate scene within. Once, Wuqiu Palace had been bustling with activity, but now that Zhang had fallen from grace and was under house arrest, the place seemed to have lost its former vitality, a sense of desolation permeating every corner.