Sheng Chumu became frantic. “You dare!”
“I dare.” Consort Han maintained a cold glare. “Why? Do you want to point your sword at me now?”
Sheng Chumu took a deep breath. All of a sudden, he seemed to be able to control his anger as he kneeled down in front of Consort Han. “Elder Sister, I really like her. I have never liked someone so much before. I beg you to not hurt her.”
Consort Han was moved but she did not show it. “Father spent his life on the battlefield and suffered numerous injuries before he was conferred the title of Duke Lu. Now that our parents are getting old, you have to be the role model to your two younger brothers. Chumu, you can’t behave as wilfully as you did before. Fu Rou is safe with me. If you truly want to be with her then you should show your sincerity. You can’t ignore the consequence and do as you wish. The first thing you have to do is gain Mother’s approval.”
Sheng Chumu did not blink and listened to his sister. He then bowed politely to Consort Han. Consort Han was slightly relieved. She felt that her brother had matured quite a bit. As Sheng Chumu walked out, he saw Fu Rou walk over.
Deep down, Consort Han cared for her brother. When she knew that Sheng Chumu had come, she summoned Fu Rou so the two could meet.
For a moment, his gaze became docile. Fu Rou was also overwhelmed with emotions. However, as she remembered Madam Lu was ahead of her, she quickly lowered her gaze. However, Madam Lu understood Consort Han’s intentions and quickened her steps after greeting Sheng Chumu, giving the two of them some space. Sheng Chumu took the chance to grab onto Fu Rou’s wrist. “I will get you out of here. Wait for me.”
Chapter 9.2: Chang’an
“I will always wait for you.” Fu Rou gently removed her wrist from his grasp as she continued on her way.
Hearing what Fu Rou said, Sheng Chumu walked with an air of determination as he left. Having seen Chumu, Fu Rou also felt more confident in facing Consort Han.
“I heard from Xiahan that you were the one that mended this robe.” Consort Han had summoned her because of the mended robe that she received that morning.
Fu Rou looked at Xiahan, who was standing nervously by the side. She smiled. “Yes, it was me.”
Consort Han did not mention how the entire robe now looked much better but only commented, “There are less pearls.”
“I removed some.” Fu Rou replied, “Too much of anything is never good. The same goes for embroidery. The picture on this robe is already extremely vibrant. It was embroidered with gold threads, silver threads, five different colours of silk and a large number of pearls. It was so dazzling such that it looked slightly coarse.”
As soon as Madam Lu heard this, she scolded. “Impudent! Consort Han is extremely respected and honourable. It is only right for her to wear luxurious clothes. Who are you to critique?”
Consort Han said to Fu Rou, “Continue speaking.”
Fu Rou gained confidence. “An embroidery is like a painting, it cannot be completely filled. Some areas should be complicated while other areas should be intentionally left blank. Only then, can the irregular arrangement become charming and refined. This is just my humble opinion. Please forgive me if I am wrong.”
Consort Han seemed happy as she nodded. “Although there are less pearls on this robe, it still looks pleasing. You have done well. Reward her.”
By the side, a servant carried a plate. On it were two strings of coins. Fu Rou received them. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“However, I still have to punish you for making your own decisions to change the design on the robe.” Consort Han gestured. Two servants carried a large screen over. It was covered in a white fabric with a picture of a peony on it.
“This was a peony drawn by a famous artist, Fan Luzeng, also known as Mister Fan, for his son. I have always wanted to turn it into an embroidery but could never find an appropriate person to do it. Since you seem to be good at embroidery, I will hand this task over to you. Fu Rou, you have to be careful with this. If you do this well, you will be rewarded. However, if you don’t, I will add on today’s mistake and you will be receiving a harsh punishment.”
Fu Rou's eyes were already glowing with excitement. Not only would she be able to see a famous painting, she could also try to embroider it out. What a valuable opportunity.
Fu Rou was pondering over the picture of the peony when Xiahan walked in. The two of them had gotten closer because of Xiahan’s younger sister’s wedding dress. “Are you still thinking about the screen? If you really can’t embroider the flower, I suggest that you ask for forgiveness from Her Highness. Her Highness has always been forgiving. She will at most scold you but will not give you a harsh punishment.” Xiahan was still feeling slightly guilty. After all, this was all because of her.
Fu Rou turned back and smiled at her. “It is not that I can’t do it. I am thinking about the best way to embroider it. When dealing with a high grade embroidery piece, where the first stitch is placed is the most important thing. Once I have thought it through, the rest will be easy.”
Fu Rou noticed the paper bag in Xiahan’s hand and asked, “You just came back from your relatives? How is your sister?”
“My sister was extremely delighted when she saw the wedding dress. When she heard that you helped me, she specially bought a green bean cake for me to give to you.” Xiahan opened the box containing the green bean cakes.
The two of them chatted while enjoying the green bean cakes. “It has been a few days since you entered here, why haven’t you gone out to visit your relatives?” Xiahan asked.
“Her Highness only allows me to have one day of leave over the new year.” Fu Rou paused as her tone became light once again. “But the days will pass very quickly. There is someone out there who is more anxious than me. He is thinking of a way to get me out of here.”
“Who is this person that you are talking about?” Xiahan was extremely curious. Fu Rou smiled but did not say anymore. It was not yet time to announce her relationship with Sheng Chumu. Not only was this to protect herself, it was also to protect him.
“Fine, I won’t ask. I want to ask you for another favour.” Xiahan took out a pouch. She flattened her hands together as she pleaded earnestly. “Can you help me bring this to the Pear Garden and give it to someone?” She leaned in towards Fu Rou and whispered the name into her ear.
Fu Rou teased Xiahan. “You have to personally give it to him to feel your sincerity.” She remembered the lonely look that Xiahan had when she talked about her sister getting married. She did not not know that Xiahan already had someone she liked and was delighted for her.
Xiahan blushed as she grabbed onto Fu Rou’s elbow and acted cute. “If I could hand it over myself, I would have done it already. Why would I have to ask you? Will you help me please?”
Fu Rou succumbed to her coax as she took the pouch and headed to the Pear Garden.
There were quite a number of people in the Pear Garden. Some were training their voices while others were practicing their expressions and actions. Some were also rehearsing for a play. Fu Rou was looking at everything with interest when all of a sudden, someone holding a rod walked up to her. “Who are you looking for?” The man was handsome with stunning features. He was on the tall side. The edges of his eyes were turned slightly upward as his pupils could change expressions easily.
“Is Xiong Rui around?” Fu Rou liked beautiful people and smiled at him gently.
“Xiong Rui is on leave today. He went to visit his relatives. If you have something to tell him, I can relay it to him when he gets back.”
The handsome man spoke slowly, giving off a casual and lazy vibe.