Although puzzled, Qingqing dared not delay. She had not heard anything about Yafu’s return, and why would Mrs. Yao personally come to summon her? More curiously, Yafu chose to meet her not in the main hall but in a small flower hall beside the west wing. Yafu was already seated properly in the main seat, dressed with the elegance and dignity befitting a palace consort. Her hair was done in a full chignon, making her look mature and charming. Despite the recent turmoil in the palace, she remained graceful in every movement.
Qingqing approached, bowing deeply, “Your servant greets the Virtuous Consort.”
Although Qingqing was to be the future Empress, she had not yet entered the palace. Yafu, however, showed no sign of humility, slowly sipping her tea from a blue and white porcelain cup without asking Qingqing to rise. Puzzled, Qingqing kept her head bowed, not daring to look up. After a while, as if just noticing Qingqing, Yafu put down her tea cup, “Oh, dear sister, I can hardly accept such respect. Once you enter the palace, I will have to call you ‘Empress Sister’.” She then helped Qingqing up, sat her down, and had her maid, Xiaotang, bring over a food box with palace delicacies for Qingqing to try.
Qingqing, although frugal in her time at the palace, had tasted many imperial dishes. Why would Yafu bring snacks just because she hadn’t visited the imperial study for a few days due to the Emperor’s passing? Qingqing thanked her with a smile, but noticed Xiaotang’s odd demeanor, as if she had seen something unusual.
They chatted and ate, with Yafu in an unusually good mood, constantly joking. Under Yafu’s urging, Qingqing ate an entire plate of pastries. Strangely, Yafu seemed to visit just to share some laughter and snacks with her dear sister, then returned to the palace after they were done. Having eaten so much, Qingqing skipped dinner, feeling unusually drowsy.
Chapter 103: The Strange Bamboo House
