Free Web NovelChapter 244: Chapter 244: Summoned to the Palace, A Bit Too Hasty
Ji Qingwu looked directly into Mo Lingling’s eyes.
"Nothing is more important than your life. Even if the clinic is gone, you can’t be. Do you understand?"
Mo Lingling’s excitement came to an abrupt halt.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Since the Mo family’s misfortune, no one had ever told her that her life was the most important thing.
Mo Lingling blinked furiously, trying to force the tears back.
She didn’t want to appear vulnerable, so Ji Qingwu pretended not to notice. She glanced around at the piles of lush, leafy thousand-year-old orchids surrounding her.
’It would be a shame to throw away such lovely flowers.’
’But having them right here would just be a constant, annoying reminder of the past.’
Ji Qingwu said, "Lingling, if you’re free today, find a shop on the street that buys flowers and sell all of these."
Mo Lingling had thought Ji Qingwu bought these flowers herself, but on second thought, she understood why Wei Ting’s expression had been so awful on the way here.
She promised, "Miss Ji, don’t worry. I’ll make sure not a single leaf is left!"
*
「Four days after Princess Qingyun’s grand wedding.」
The Empress Dowager, having recovered from the joyous occasion, sent her personal attendant, Aunt Fanghua, to the Ji Mansion to deliver a decree.
The entire Ji Family had gathered in the front hall of Shou’an Hall to wait, but the decree had not yet been announced because not everyone had arrived.
The missing person was Ji Qingwu.
In the whole room, only Old Madam Ji was seated. Aunt Fanghua, Mrs. Qiao, and the others all stood in the hall.
The old madam exchanged a few pleasantries with Fanghua, then asked if the Empress Dowager and Princess Qingyun were well.
Fanghua said, "The Empress Dowager and the Princess are both well. Yesterday, the Princess and the Prince Consort returned to the palace together. They are in their honeymoon phase, and the Empress Dowager was very pleased to see it. She is in high spirits."
Old Madam Ji noted that for all her talking, Fanghua hadn’t mentioned the Empress Dowager’s decree. This could only mean that the person it was intended for had not yet arrived.
She turned to Mrs. Qiao and said slowly, "Eldest Daughter-in-law, send someone to see where Qingwu has gotten to."
Mrs. Qiao acknowledged the order and quickly called Chunhua to her side, telling her to go out and meet Xiao Wu on the path.
Ji Qingyuan stood beside Ms. Wu. Ever since her son had passed away, Ms. Wu’s spirits had plummeted, and she barely reacted to anyone’s conversations.
Ji Qingyuan looked displeased. The entire family was waiting for Ji Qingwu.
’This is an even bigger deal than my own return to the family. To think that even Old Madam Ji and the Empress Dowager’s own chief palace maid are being made to wait for her.’
Ji Qingyuan said tartly, "First Aunt, Fifth Sister has been coming and going at all hours lately. Don’t tell me she wasn’t at home again and is rushing back from outside right now?"
Mrs. Qiao shot her a glance and said, "Of course not. Xiao Wu is on her way."
Ji Qingwu was indeed on her way. She was a little late, but not because she was unwilling to come.
Rather, her Wutong Garden, though secluded, was in a remote location, so the journey took more time.
’I’ve been counting the days.’
’Princess Qingyun was scheduled to return to the palace on the third day after her wedding, so the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have time for me then. It had to be one of the days that followed.’
’But the Empress Dowager was even more impatient than I’d anticipated, sending someone over first thing on the fourth day—practically the moment the palace gates opened.’
’This morning, I deliberately stayed home and even had Lan Zhi meticulously style my hair and makeup. My prediction was spot on.’
In the main hall of Shou’an Hall, before Ji Qingwu herself arrived, everyone heard a soft tinkling sound from the corridor at the entrance.
It was the sound of jade pendants on the hem of her dress, knocking against each other.
Upon entering, Ji Qingwu smiled before saying a word.
A Jade Pendant with Carved Lotus and Catfish and a simple-looking green jade ring hung from her slender waist. The two ornaments swayed and knocked together as she walked, creating a light, pleasant sound.
Ji Qingwu first smiled and paid her respects to the old madam. Old Madam Ji, also a master at hiding her emotions, lovingly praised her for being a good girl, showing not a hint of displeasure at her tardiness.
They put on such a good show that an outsider would never guess at the deep rift between the grandmother and granddaughter.
Fanghua, who had maintained a neutral expression, stepped forward with a smile. "Fifth Missy."
Ji Qingwu said, "Greetings, Aunt Fanghua."
Fanghua announced in a clear voice, "Now that everyone in the mansion is present, this servant has come on the order of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. His Majesty’s Longevity Festival is approaching. The Empress Dowager is in charge of the preparations every year, and this year, she is thinking of trying something new."
"The ladies of the palace couldn’t think of any good ideas, so the Empress Dowager thought of the young ladies of the Ji Mansion, who might have some fresh perspectives. Thus, she has sent me to invite the two of you to the palace for a time to help with the arrangements, staying until after the Holy Emperor’s birthday has passed."
After hearing this, Ji Qingyuan said with a delighted expression, "For Grandmother’s birthday celebration, I helped First Aunt and Mother with the arrangements. I am willing to help ease the Empress Dowager’s burden."
’So that was their excuse.’
’Ji Qingyuan has experience, sure, but I’ve never even had a proper birthday party. How would I know anything about managing birthday ceremonies, let alone the Emperor’s Longevity Festival?’
Ji Qingwu asked, "When is His Majesty’s birthday?"
Fanghua bowed her head respectfully and answered, "It is on the ninth day of the eighth month."
Upon hearing this, Ji Qingyuan also sensed that something was off. There wasn’t much time left—only half a month.
An ordinary family would prepare for a birthday celebration one or two months in advance. The Empress Dowager’s excuse was far too hasty.
Mrs. Qiao immediately realized what the Empress Dowager was truly after.
"Aunt Fanghua, we are honored by the Empress Dowager’s high regard. However, since returning home, Xiao Wu hasn’t been involved in any banquets. If she goes, she might end up being more of a hindrance than a help to the Empress Dowager."
Fanghua said, "First Madam, you are too modest. The Fifth Missy is bright and clever. Even if the Empress Dowager simply keeps her by her side to look at, it would put her in a pleasant mood."
’I never thought I’d one day be used as a decorative good luck charm.’
’They can phrase it as nicely as they want, but this is just about sending me to the Emperor.’
Mrs. Qiao started, "But—"
Old Madam Ji said sternly, "Ru Ying, I know you can’t bear to be separated from Qingwu, but the Empress Dowager has issued a decree. How can you refuse it time and again?"
Fanghua nodded. "The Old Madam is correct. This is the Empress Dowager’s decree."
With that, Mrs. Qiao was effectively silenced.
Ji Qingwu looked at Mrs. Qiao and gave her a slight nod. Mrs. Qiao frowned but said no more.
Fanghua said, "Will the two Misses please pack some clothes and then follow me to the palace."
Ji Qingyuan asked in surprise, "So soon? We have to leave right away?"
’They just delivered the decree, and now they’re taking us away? This is all too rushed.’
Fanghua’s gaze fell on Ji Qingwu. She noted that since entering the room, Ji Qingwu had maintained a smile. No matter what shocking words were spoken, her face showed no great surprise or joy, only a steady and calm demeanor.
She said, "I must ask the Misses to pack as quickly as possible. The Empress Dowager is waiting in Cining Palace."
Ji Qingwu gave a curtsy and left Shou’an Hall.
Mrs. Qiao followed behind her, her expression grave.
Once they reached Wutong Garden and shut the door tightly, the mother and daughter sat facing each other.
"Xiao Wu, what are you really thinking?"
