On the way to Plum Garden, Xiao Fuzi asked Song Zhao,
"Is the young master afraid that Yun Shan will follow and something unexpected will happen?"
Song Zhao replied, "She is timid, and I'm afraid she will panic if she sees something dirty and end up getting hurt instead."
Xiao Fuzi said, "I understand. The young master didn't tell Yun Shan in advance because she is too innocent, and you didn't want her to worry."
Song Zhao nodded lightly and instructed, "Be more alert. If something really happens, make sure to take care of yourself and avoid getting hurt."
"You can rest assured, young master. I will protect you well."
During this period, Song Zhao hadn't been clear about many things with Yun Shan, but she had regular discussions with Xiao Fuzi.
Yun Shan was loyal, but she lacked cleverness.
In fact, not everything needed to be made known to a loyal servant.
When Song Zhao arrived at Plum Garden, Consort Hui, Concubine Xiao, and Concubine Liu from Zhaochun Palace had already arrived.
She saw Consort Hui running around in Plum Garden from a distance, looking as joyful as a child,
Concubine Xiao and Concubine Liu followed closely behind, afraid that she might stumble and fall.
Song Zhao should have greeted Consort Hui, but she didn't pay attention and accidentally bumped into her.
Consort Hui was not tall, only reaching Song Zhao's chin,
She rushed into her, losing her balance and almost falling.
Fortunately, Song Zhao quickly supported her, saying, "Be careful, Consort Hui."
After regaining her balance, Consort Hui was still in high spirits,
She reached out and held Song Zhao's hand, smiling and saying,
"Sister Song, come and take a look. The plum blossoms are so beautiful~"
With Consort Hui pulling her along, Song Zhao arrived under a plum tree.
In the palace, white color was considered taboo, so red plums were planted in Plum Garden.
The plum tree in front of them was the most vibrant,
With its icy branches and tender green leaves, elegant and sparse shadows, vibrant red flowers, and a lingering fragrance, it truly added a rare touch of color to the winter.
Originally, she was enjoying the plum blossoms happily, but Song Zhao noticed the smile on Consort Hui's face gradually fading,
Soon, her eyebrows drooped and her small red mouth pouted, looking somewhat sad.
"In the past, during winter, my mother used to incorporate plum blossoms in our meals and make plum blossom pancakes for me to eat."
As she spoke, her eyes turned red, and her tone became more aggrieved, "I miss my mother..."
Consort Hui's words also stirred up memories for Song Zhao.
When she was young, two red plum trees were planted in the side courtyard of Duke of Protector's Mansion,
Whenever winter came and white snowflakes fell, the plum blossoms bloomed, and Song Zhao's birth mother would pick plum blossoms and make many plum blossom pancakes for her.
The taste was sweet and filled with memories of Song Zhao's entire childhood winters.
Unfortunately, she had never tasted that flavor again.
As she looked at Consort Hui, who longed for her mother, she also recalled her past self.
However, in comparison, Consort Hui was considered fortunate.
Although she hadn't seen her family for four years since entering the palace at the age of ten,
At least, the people she missed were still alive.
As long as someone is still alive, there will always be a day for reunion.
Her wandering thoughts were quickly pulled back to reality,
Song Zhao's face did not show a hint of sadness. Instead, he smiled and said to Consort Hui:
"In the past, my concubine's aunt would make plum blossom pastries for me to eat. The Empress's mother and my concubine's aunt are both from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, so it seems there are many similarities in our cuisine."
Consort Hui asked, "Can you make plum blossom pastries?"
Song Zhao nodded, "Of course. If Consort Hui likes them, I will make them in a few days and bring them for you to enjoy together. How does that sound?"
"Really?" Consort Hui, being young and easily swayed by her emotions, immediately smiled again upon hearing that Song Zhao would make delicious food for her. "Then let's make it a promise!"
As she spoke, she extended her hand and hooked her pinky finger with Song Zhao's.
Later, the remaining concubines gradually arrived, and finally, the Empress and Consort Chen made their appearance.
The Empress had a heart condition and couldn't be exposed to cold winds, so when she came today, she was carrying a hot water bottle.
The water inside the hot water bottle was boiled, emitting a faint and pleasant fragrance that made people feel at ease.
After all the concubines greeted the Empress, she solemnly said, "On the thirteenth day of the tenth month, we have a tradition of appreciating plum blossoms. Plum blossoms possess both arrogance and humility, fearlessness and perseverance. The act of appreciating flowers reflects the qualities we should possess as individuals. Our ancestors established this tradition, hoping that we, the women of the palace, can have these beautiful qualities, just like plum blossoms."
Everyone echoed in unison, "What the Empress said is absolutely right. We, the concubines, have learned from your teachings."
Amidst the harmonious response, a voice with a hint of mockery could be heard, "The Empress is well-read and knowledgeable in all matters."
Consort Chen lazily stroked her hair and smiled as she glanced at the Empress, "It's just appreciating flowers, yet the Empress can speak such profound truths. I truly feel inferior."
The Empress smiled and said, "Looking at your confidence and pride, I know you also understand these principles. There's no need for you to belittle yourself."
Consort Chen coldly snorted and didn't respond to the Empress's words.
When the Empress led everyone to appreciate the plum blossoms, Consort Chen unexpectedly took two quick steps and deliberately bypassed the Empress, taking a position in front of her.
This act was extremely presumptuous.
However, the Empress didn't say a word, and the other concubines could only quietly express their grievances.
Song Zhao overheard Consort Ying whispering to Consort Shu, "The Empress is the highest-ranking consort, and Consort Chen has been provoking her lately. The Empress has been magnanimous and hasn't bothered with her. But I think I should find an opportunity to inform the Emperor."
Consort Shu sighed and advised her, "What will telling the Emperor accomplish? Consort Chen has been like this for so many years. Have you ever seen the Emperor intervene?"
"Oh! There's a snake!"
Song Zhao was listening to the commotion when suddenly he heard Concubine Liu exclaim from the crowd.
She was frightened and her face turned pale. She stepped back in panic and pointed at the soft mud in front of her.
From behind the plum blossom tree, two snakes, nearly half a zhang in length, darted out.
Their heads were triangular in shape, their bodies thick with short tails, and their backs had dark brown coloration with circular patterns on the sides.
Snakes are usually wary of humans, but these two snakes were behaving unusually. They hissed and writhed as they rapidly crawled in the direction of the consorts.
The consorts were frightened and screamed in alarm, scrambling to escape. The scene immediately descended into chaos.
Song Zhao, who had been prepared for this, remained calm even when faced with the snakes. She moved back with the crowd, while Xiao Fuzi protected her from the front.
Since the snakes had emerged from the front, Consort Chen, who was at the forefront, ended up running at the back.
The palace attendants shielded her as they retreated, and just as she reached Song Zhao's side in the midst of the confusion, something seemed to trip her up.
Suddenly, she leaned forward and fell to the ground.
The two relentless snakes with their fiery red tongues continued spitting venom and darted towards Consort Chen...
