Chapter 635 (2/2)

The Yao family had always been rather democratic. Aside from the rule set down by Yao Xian of “men will not take concubines, and women will not be concubines,” they had always been rather respectful of the younger generation’s desires. For example, Yao Shu and Lu Yao’s marriage, even if Lu Song asked the Emperor many times, and even if the Emperor brought it up with Yao Xian many times, if Yao Shu did not want it, Yao Xian would definitely think of a way to refuse.

But it was because Yao Shu accepted it that the Yao family chose to respect the child’s decision. As long as he wanted it, the Yao family wanted it. However, who knew that this person would want a wife that would cause them to feel a deep regret.

“Is young miss still feeling worried for the Yao family’s young master?” It was now night time, and Feng Yu Heng sat next to her bed. Leaning close to the window, she did not want to sleep. Wang Chuan saw that she had no intention of sleep and simply prepared some light jasmine tea to chat with her.

Hearing mention of Yao Shu, Feng Yu Heng put on a helpless expression, “He himself wants it. What is there that I can say. I am just worried about grandfather. After that Lu Yao enters the manor, it would be good if she knows to restrain herself. If she continues to stir up trouble, with grandfather getting up there in age, how could he handle it. Forget it.” She waved her hand, “In the end, this is all in the future. That is not the reason that I cannot sleep tonight.”

“Then why is it?” Wang Chuan was puzzled, “Is there something else troubling young miss?”

Feng Yu Heng furrowed her brow, her face filled with hesitation. After a while, she said: “I also can’t quite say. It’s just a flustered feeling. I keep feeling as though something is about to happen, but I can’t figure out what it is. With this on my chest, I can’t quite feel at ease.”

Wang Chuan pushed the cooled jasmine tea toward her: “This sort of tea tastes best at this sort of temperature. It helps reduce inflammation. Young miss, drink some.”

Feng Yu Heng picked up the cup of tea and brought it to her lips; however, she could not bring herself to drink it. What could be the problem?

The night was starting to turn cloudy. The moon that could be seen was covered after a short while. Inside the imperial palace, all of the palaces had shut their doors and blown out their candles. Either way, the Emperor had not visited the inner palace for over 20 years. The imperial concubines were already accustomed to this sort of regulated life. There was no longer even a shred of expectation left in their hearts.

On a small path in the palace, a swaying lantern was held in a servant’s hand, as they hurriedly moved forward. To this person’s side was a woman wearing a cloak and hat. While walking, they looked around. Fortunately, this small path was always quiet. Because the Emperor did not visit, even the imperial guards relaxed their patrols. At this moment, aside from these two, not another person could be seen.

The two went straight to the entrance of a palace before stopping. There was a palace maid waiting in front of this palace. Upon seeing them arrive, she quickly pushed the gate open and brought them inside.

This was Yong Ning Palace. There was no palace princess. There was only a high-ranking concubine living here. That high-ranking concubine saw the people arrive then bowed, saying: “Paying respects to imperial concubine Shu.”

The person that had come was imperial concubine Yuan Shu!

The two were seated, and imperial concubine Yuan Shu looked at the girl that was younger than her, yet the girl appeared to be older. Sighing, she shook her head and said: “Unfortunately, if we’re comparing appearance, the high-ranking concubine Jing of that time would be the best at that time. What a pity! Without given a chance to meet, that imperial concubine Yun was brought back the second year after you entered the palace. You didn’t even get a chance to get pregnant with a child. You didn’t get a chance to get even closer. Like this, you’ve been here in the inner palace, wasting your time for twenty years. This is retribution!”

Imperial concubine Yuan Shu’s laments covered the complaints that she had of imperial concubine Jing from the years. Imperial concubine Jing’s lip trembled, and a fishy-sweet taste surged into her throat and was forcefully suppressed. She smiled bitterly, “That’s right. In the end, my life was not as good as elder sister Shu’s. No matter how it is, you still have a child. There are times when I think that even if I had a daughter, it would be great. But daughters in Da Shun are even harder to come by than sons.”

Imperial concubine Yuan Shu looked at imperial concubine Jing, a look of viciousness flashing through her eyes, “Could it be that younger sister wishes to continue living like this? Without returning to your old home and remaining without hopes, just remaining inside this large palace. Even if you spent every day counting the pigeons, you should have finished counting all of them over the years. Now, your hairs about to turn white. Could it be that younger sister is giving up?”

Imperial concubine Jing was puzzled, “What can I do aside from accepting my fate? Over the years, it’s not like there haven’t been concubines that have had private encounters with imperial guards, but which of them wasn’t dismembered by five horses? Could it be that elder sister has such a thing in mind?”

Imperial concubine Yuan Shu shook her head, “It’s as you said. In any case, this One has a son. How could I have any other thoughts. This One is thinking for younger sister and wishes to provide younger sister with a way out.”

“What does elder sister mean by such things?” Imperial concubine Jing became interested, “There was a servant that came by during the day to tell me that elder sister wanted to meet tonight, but younger sister could not figure out what is the reason elder sister wishes to see me?”

Imperial concubine Yuan Shu covered her mouth and smiled faintly, “That’s right! You and I don’t often speak, yet this One suddenly paid a visit. You wouldn’t believe anything that was said, but this is a situation that would only occur once every thousand years. This One will not hide it from younger sister. The reason that you were chosen is that you have an elder brother working in the palace, and the person in charge of the imperial guards tonight is him.”