“It is good that you have confidence.” After she was done speaking, Concubine Xiao turned to a palace maid and signaled her.
The palace maid stepped forward while holding a very exquisite brocade box. Then, she placed the box on the small table beside Ji Yunshu. With precaution, she lifted the cover of the box. What reflected inside Ji Yunshu’s eyes was a very beautiful Southern Sea pearl.
“That Southern Sea pearl was a gift the emperor bestowed me a few years ago. Although this imperial self is very fond of it, I believe that this pearl would suit Teacher Ji’s belt. I don’t lack such things, so I don’t mind gifting you this.”
‘How generous!’ Ji Yunshu didn’t show any pleasure receiving such gift, yet she also didn’t show any intention to refuse it. She simply reached for the cover, her fingertips touching the top and gently, she closed it, leaving her hand on it.
Concubine Xiao became confused. “Could it be that you don’t like it?”
“Your Ladyship’s gift is too beautiful and precious. This humble one is too used to plain clothes and common commodities. If I wear such an expensive object, I fear that I can’t get used to it.”
“Eh? Since Teacher doesn’t like Southern Sea pearls, this imperial one still has other things that may be to your liking.”
The palace maid understood the meaning and went to fetch a scroll. She unfolded the scroll in front of Ji Yunshu, revealing a full-colored painting of plum blossoms. That painting was more than a meter long and had focused on one thing only – plum blossoms. Each blossom was painted in light red, smudged at some places for gradient. The whole painting gave out a comfortable feeling for anyone who gazed at it. Moreover, the branches of the plum tree were arranged in a picturesque and intricate pattern, so it was not too dense nor too sparse, very pleasing to the eyes and dazzling as a whole. Ji Yunshu had to admit that this bribe made her feel moved.
Concubine Xiao extended her slender, long forefinger and pointed at the stamp on the painting. Then, she probed, “Do you recognize this stamp?”
Ji Yunshu looked at it and realized it was the stamp of the best painter in Great Lin – Master Bai Que. “Yes, it’s Master Bai’s stamp.” Ji Yunshu nodded.
“Master Bai’s painting techniques are considered the best in the whole empire and none has yet surpassed him. The painting in front of you is the ‘Land of Plum Blossoms’, which is his best masterpiece. I just happened to acquire it. Such a valuable object deserves to be appreciated by someone worthy of it. I believe that Teacher is that someone. Since you like it, it would be for the best for this exceptional work to be given to you, than for it to gather dust by my side.”
What a dilemma, Ji Yunshu really wanted to receive this generous gift, but she knew that as soon as she accepted it, it meant that she would join Concubine Xiao’s faction and renounce helping Jing Rong with the Lin Capital case. Coldness surged in her eyes which she quickly concealed it in a heartbeat, leaving only a pleasant smile on her face.
……
Meanwhile, Jing Xuan, who had changed into new clothes and re-combed her hair in a very good-looking hairstyle, was speeding toward the Zhangzhi hall. Behind her trailed several palace maids, appearing as if they were chasing after her. Finally, Jing Xuan arrived at the main hall entrance. Her heart was bursting with happiness as she was prepared to go inside. However, she was stopped by a eunuch.
“Princess, her Ladyship is currently meeting with Teacher Ji. She has instructed us not to let anyone disturb the meeting.”
“Presumptuous! You dare to obstruct this princess?!”
“This lowly slave doesn’t dare.”
“Then, get out of my way.”
The eunuch didn’t dare to obstruct her any longer and was forced to take two steps back while trembling.
Jing Xuan snorted. She lifted the hem of her skirt a bit and strutted in just in time to see Ji Yunshu let go of a captivating painting, and her imperial mother prying away at ‘his’ expression.
In another place, to be precise, in Fuyang hall, Qi Zhen emperor sat in front of a table with an appearance wrought with worries and solemnity from governing his empire and his people. Placed in front of him were a pile of memorials. When he looked over his table, Jing Yi stood on the left, followed by Jing Hua and Jing Rong who stood on the right. Behind the three princes stood several ministers.
And behind those ministers, there were several young officials. Amongst them, there was one called Chen Zhangqin, the son of the Minister of Rites. Half a year ago, he was chosen by his father to fill the position of assistant-minister of the Board of Rites.
Chen Zhangqin also happened to be Ji Wanxin’s future husband.
He was slightly bowed, but it didn’t hide his delicate appearance of a modest gentleman. Appearance wise, he was a perfect match for Jinjiang’s number one beauty, Ji Wanxin.