Volume 2, Chapter 15: Blue Rose Latter Part (1/2)
The Spring Garden Party was held within the Spring peonies. It was held a little earlier for the year, but it became like this for the continued appearance of those who couldnt bear with the coldness each time. Changing custom so it could be earlier was difficult.
In the park, a red carpet was laid out and long tables and chairs were set up. The orchestra, as they waited eagerly, were tending to their instruments.
Harried court ladies checked if everything was perfect in preparation. Young military officers watched in enjoyment as they stroked their still sparse beards. At the back where the curtains were drawn, someone was making a racket.
A short maid who was gaunt from weight loss was carrying a large vase. Multicoloured roses, that were slightly early in season, were arranged there.
You truly made it?
Jinshi gazed at the flower buds that have yet to open. Colours red, yellow, white, pink, blue, and far from it, even black, purple and green was arranged there. She said she would make blue roses, but who would have thought that they could become this gorgeous?
How is this even possible? Jinshi blinked rapidly.
As expected, it was hard. They havent bloomed.
Maomao said regrettably from the bottom of her heart. Rather than a response to Jinshi, she said it out of disappointment that she couldnt do what she had thought. Jinshi understood that the girl had that kind of personality. He understood but it was somewhat irritating. It really was irritating.
Nah, its good enough.
Jinshi picked up a stalk of rose. A drop of water slid down from the stem.
Hm?
Jinshi had a somewhat uncomfortable feeling but returned the rose to the vase. It doesnt matter what happens now.
At any rate, even though she said blue roses, this was arranged rather lively.
Jinshi left the girl who looked like she was going to collapse from overwork to the maids of the Jade Palace and went to adorn the seat of honour with the vase. The flowers that were still budding seemed to be good enough to steal the attention away from the gorgeous peony flowers.
Everyone surrounding him at a distance was astonished.
The high officials who had scoffed, saying that is impossible, raised an uproar.
Jinshi was a eunuch who stood high in the emperors favour. Though this appearance had hardship even when he says it himself, he understood that it takes the breath away from most people. Even so, it wasnt that he had no enemies.
It wasnt just officials who are so free of aspirations they like to butt in on the stripling of a eunuch.
Jinshi, maintaining his celestial maidens smile, straightened his back as he smiled bewitchingly, and headed towards the platform. He was aiming for the seat where the emperor with the beautiful beard was surrounded by his beautiful consorts.
The looks that were gathered onto Jinshi hid all sorts of expectation. Lust was still okay, he had many uses for that. Jealousy, that too was okay, it was easy to handle. No matter what emotions there are, he had many ways to deal with it if he understood that they were thinking.
The most troubling was-
Jinshi looked at the official who was waiting to the left of the emperor. Plump cheeks, eyes whose thoughts couldnt be discerned.
You could say that this was what he was bad at dealing with.
This man ought to recognise him as a mere stripling eunuch.
A motionless stare that seemed to be staring into the abyss. That incomprehensible vague smile.
This was Shishou[note], Zi Chang[/note], the father of Rouran, a consort who was currently in the inner palace. He had gained the favour of the previous emperor, no, that persons mother, the empress. Even now, the emperor still cant stand on equal ground with him.
In a bad way.
Jinshi didnt erase his smile nevertheless.
He couldnt have erased it.
Shishous gaze shifted over to the left, that is, he met the eyes of the man who was sitting to the right of the emperor.
The fox-eyed man with the monocle was chewing on a chicken wing, not reading the atmosphere of the occasion. Nonetheless, as if the person in question was planning to hide it, he hid his nibbling inside his sleeves and hid his chewing again.
Currently, the most troublesome person was this guy, Rakan.
It was fine if it was just that, but Rakan was staring at the head of the high official who was standing next to him, and, whatever was he thinking, gently plucked off their coronet.
For some reason, a clump of black hair came along under the coronet. Rakan looked dramatically surprised. About three high officials facing opposite them who could see the bald top of the officials head lost it.
He did such a cruel thing. Even though it was a nicely made wig.
At that childish action, there were those who smiled wryly, those who were shocked, those who were trying their utmost not to burst into laughter.
It wasnt just Jinshi whose expression cracked.
However, Jinshi couldnt afford to burst into laughter there. He somehow endured when he felt his expression was cracking and knelt on the red carpet.
He held up the multicoloured roses towards the emperor, who nodded in satisfaction while stroking his beard.
Jinshi stepped down from the back, holding back a big sigh.
Rakan, while dramatically peeking into the rose vase, picked up raisins this time.
Why does this guy cant help being rude? Jinshi couldnt help thinking.
You mustnt go to the Crystal Palace again.
A fair distance away from the banquet, Infa was letting Maomao rest on her lap.
Infa had stayed with Maomao the entire time out of concern.
Consort Gyokuyou who was almost sure of her pregnancy postponed this times banquet. Officially, she handed over her seat for the Pure Consort, for Consort Rourans debut.
There was a reason as to why Maomao got so skinny to the point of worrying Infa.
Apparently, Maomao cant help getting over-worked when she goes to Crystal Palace.
For a little over this month, Maomao visited the Crystal Palace again. She paid no heed to the maids of the Crystal Palace who were, as usual, treating her like they were looking at a monster.
Nevertheless, Maomao needed to come here to make the blue roses. The arrangement was handled by Jinshi whom she asked for his consent.
The place left when Jinshi had requested for beforehand, the sauna of the Crystal Palace. It was something constructed at top speed for Maomao previously to cure Consort Rifa.
Consort Rifa, as usual, was a noble lady, but it said she immediately gave her permission. Since she knew that there was a place that was splendidly generous, she checked it out. Maomao thought it was bad to use it as it is,
This is the emperors favourite book.
She said, and handed over the book she newly ordered from the brothel the other day. It was because the emperor had asked for something different. When Consort Rifa realised its contents, she returned to her room, her steps graceful.