Chapter 35: White Snow and Red Plum Blossoms

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Chapter 35: Red Plum Blossom on White Snow

The summer heat was scorching, and the dog days were the most unbearable of all. Beyond the heat itself, there was the cloying sensation of sweat and a restless agitation that burned the heart. People exhausted every means to escape the heat, and the palace was filled with cooling luxuries, yet Ye Wanwan’s constitution was unique—she could use none of them. Consequently, after using ice basins for only two days, she had caught a cold in the height of summer, and her entire being had instantly withered.

She was wrapped in a lotus-root pink gauze dress, every inch covered, yet the fabric was so sheer that the faint outline of her undergarments was visible, tracing the graceful, slender curves of her frame. It was a sight of unparalleled allure, but the beauty herself lacked all spirit, leaning listlessly against her cushions.

Seeming to suffer from a headache, she raised an arm to shield her forehead. Her wide sleeve slid down, revealing a snow-white, rounded arm. The skin was lustrous, glowing with a gentle radiance, and as the sunlight caught it, it appeared even more translucent and rosy. This arm was exquisitely beautiful, yet a single splash of scarlet marred that snow-like purity. It was like a petal of red plum blossom fallen upon a field of snow—striking, dazzling, and yet incredibly seductive. It was the forbidden mark of a woman’s purity: the cinnabar dot.

The rumors that the Noble Consort had consumed a sterile decoction and could never conceive were rampant throughout the palace, yet no one remembered that the Noble Consort had, in fact, never shared the Emperor’s bed; she remained as flawless as white jade. Such a peerless beauty, accented by that touch of crimson plum, would surely stir the heart of any man.

When Yan Chen entered, this was the scene that greeted him. At the very first glance, he felt as though he had been scalded, and he hurriedly averted his eyes.

"Your Highness."

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He spoke in a low, soft voice, as if afraid to disturb the stillness.

"Hmm?" Her voice was hazy, slightly husky, and seemed to possess a hook that tightened the listener’s heart.

Regrettably, the Noble Consort had no such awareness. She opened her eyes slightly, her expression weary and her brows knitted together, looking as though she were in great discomfort. It was a sight that made one want to reach out, smooth her brow, and cherish her with all one’s heart.

Yan Chen’s hands, hidden within his sleeves, tightened. His voice remained as neutral as possible. "Eunuch Yuan requests an audience. He has brought the newly conferred Noble Lady Jiang and Noble Lady Wei with him."

With Eunuch Yuan, who served Zhao Yi, bringing new concubines to see her, Ye Wanwan knew the answer before he even spoke. With Jiang Feixue entering the palace, the Empress Dowager would naturally place her in the Guanju Palace. Since Jiang Feixue was coming, one extra Noble Lady seemed to make little difference. She only wondered what kind of move this Noble Lady Wei represented.

Sure enough, Yuan De brought the two women in to pay their respects: "The Emperor has decreed that Noble Lady Jiang and Noble Lady Wei are to reside in the side halls of the Guanju Palace. I am now leaving them in your care, Noble Consort."

Yuan De scrutinized Ye Wanwan, hoping to detect some reaction on her face. He did see her frown with a hint of dissatisfaction, but it faded the moment she looked at Jiang Feixue.

"I understand."

As soon as Yuan De left, Jiang Feixue eagerly approached her, her face filled with joy: "Cousin."

Ye Wanwan, exhausted and helpless, tapped her forehead. "You should address me as Noble Consort. Have you no sense of propriety?"

Jiang Feixue playfully stuck out her tongue: "I know, Noble Consort."

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Jiang Feixue was one of the three who had attended to the Emperor. Although she still wore that lively, coquettish expression, she was different now; the charm of a woman who had known a man lingered at the corners of her brows and eyes.

Jiang Feixue and Ye Wanwan were cousins and naturally very close, which left the Noble Lady Wei standing nearby feeling restless and uneasy. Although she, too, had attended to the Emperor, she was still a young girl, and this was her first time in the palace; she lacked the powerful backing Jiang Feixue enjoyed.

Ye Wanwan sensed her restraint. "Noble Lady Wei, if you are not accustomed to things here, Nanny Lin, take her to get settled."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Noble Lady Wei cast a grateful look at Ye Wanwan. "Thank you, Noble Consort. This concubine takes her leave."

Noble Lady Wei was eighteen this year, older than both Ye Wanwan and Jiang Feixue. She was not frail, but rather quite full-figured, with a soft, oval face. She was not a classic beauty, but she was pleasant to look at, possessing a countenance that suggested a kind heart.

Ye Wanwan’s attitude toward Noble Lady Wei was peaceful, but Jiang Feixue was displeased. "Cousin, why did you bother with her?"

"Did she offend you?"

Jiang Feixue gave a cold huff and did not answer.

Ye Wanwan understood. The rivalry had already begun, hadn't it?