Chapter 31: Apricot Blossoms

This was the first time Wan Anran had seen a cat in the palace.

Unlike the soft, spoiled cats popular in later generations, the two big cats in front of her were sleek and glossy, exuding a majestic presence as they walked, radiating a powerful aura that caught the eye.

“I’m the one who feeds and cleans up after you two!” The young eunuch grumbled while covering his face. Watching the two cats act all soft and cuddly in Wan Changzai’s arms but turn arrogant and domineering the moment they saw him nearly made his nose twitch in anger.

Wan Anran had completely forgotten her original purpose.

She casually wiped the dust off a chair, then happily cuddled and stroked the two cats in her arms.

The cats were soft and warm—an absolute delight to touch.

The more Wan Anran petted them, the more she liked them. Her eyes sparkled as she looked toward Noble Lady Nara. “Sister Nara, can we keep them?”

“These two cats are raised at Jingyang Palace specifically to catch mice. If you really like them, why don’t we go to the pet ward and pick one out? Golden silk cats are great. I’ve heard they even have Persian cats with heterochromatic eyes—their fur is pure white and silky smooth…” Noble Lady Nara said with a smile.

The two cats bared their teeth at her.

Seeing this display of feline sentience, Noble Lady Nara quickly took a step back. She explained in a gentle voice, “It’s not that these two are bad, but Jingyang Palace uses them for pest control, so their temperament is naturally fiercer. They’re not like the ones raised as pets. If we brought them back to Xianfu Palace and someone got scratched, that would be a big problem.”

Being adopted by a mistress would, of course, be a great stroke of luck for the two cats. The young eunuch had also developed some affection for them after caring for them for some time. But thinking about what Noble Lady Nara said—if the cats hurt any of the mistresses, they’d likely be caned to death or drowned.

The eunuch shuddered.

Rubbing his hands together, he hurried to explain, “Mistress Wan, all the palace pets are registered. It’s not something you can just take home on a whim. Cats used for catching mice are entirely different from those kept as pets…”

His voice grew softer and softer.

In the end, he gritted his teeth and said, “If you want to keep a cat, you’d best listen to Noble Lady Nara and go pick one from the pet ward!”

“If I can’t bring them back, I’ll just come by and visit them,” Wan Anran didn’t mind.

“After all, keeping a cat is all about fate. Since I happened to see you two and you’re friendly with me, it must mean we’re destined, right?” Wan Anran smiled as she spoke to the cats, gently scratching their chins.

The two large cats seemed to understand her words, purring sweetly. One rubbed against her in her arms, while the other circled around her legs.

As long as she didn’t take them away, everything was fine.

Noble Lady Nara finally relaxed, smiling as she walked into the bookshelf area and quickly selected a few books to hand to Wan Changzai. “These storybooks are quite amusing. You should take a look.”

Wan Anran obediently agreed.

By rights, she should have returned to Xianfu Palace after retrieving the books, but seeing the two cats in Jingyang Palace made Wan Anran decide to linger a while longer.

Noble Lady Nara couldn’t help but laugh.

She nodded. “Alright.”

The sun was shining brightly today, and a gentle breeze blew through the air.

The chill that had lingered the past few days had vanished without a trace. Compared to the gloomy, sparsely populated Jingyang Palace, Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara decided to go sit in the rear garden of the palace and read their books.

The two cats followed them like shadows.

They pranced about at Wan Anran’s feet, leading the group toward the backyard like guides.

As the spring breeze flowed by, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air. Wan Anran instinctively looked up, then gasped in amazement.

With the palace finances strained, only the front hall of Jingyang Palace—used as a library—had been renovated. The rear hall and courtyard remained untouched. The mossy stone-paved yard was now overgrown with weeds, and nestled among them stood a magnificent apricot tree.

It was the perfect season for apricot blossoms.

Unlike the delicate, meticulously maintained apricot trees in the Imperial Garden, this one had a wild and untamed beauty. Unrestrained by human trimming, it stretched its branches freely, covered in clusters of snow-white blossoms. When the breeze stirred, the petals floated down like snowflakes, gently falling on Wan Anran’s hair and shoulders.

The cats were utterly enchanted by the swirling petals, leaping and pouncing among them with endless joy.

Noble Lady Nara had only ever visited to read and had never ventured into the back garden before. This was also her first time witnessing such a sight.

“It truly is another world,” she murmured, gently plucking a blossom as she smiled, her eyes soft and warm.

A beauty’s smile—enchanting enough to dazzle a city, to bring kingdoms to ruin.

Wan Anran couldn’t help but think of that line—It’s not just men who appreciate beauty; I do too!

After admiring the scenery for a while, the two of them walked hand in hand to the base of the tree. Sitting on the stone bench beneath it, they were bathed in the apricot tree’s sweet fragrance, their faces calm and content—wait, wait!

“Time to start reading.”

“…Alright, alright.” What else could Wan Anran do but nod in agreement? She opened the book and quickly became absorbed.

The books Noble Lady Nara had chosen were all storybooks.

Some were quite famous in later generations, like In Search of the Supernatural and Journey to the West, while others were ones Wan Anran had never heard of. The stories were short and charming, filled with rural tales. Wan Anran read with great interest, occasionally asking questions.

Question by question, the atmosphere was harmonious.

After a full hour of reading, Wan Anran reluctantly closed the book, deciding to return to it later. Looking up at the apricot tree, she mused for a moment and asked, “Sister, can you make wine from apricot blossoms?”

Noble Lady Nara was still admiring the scene before her.

When she heard Wan Changzai’s question, she rolled her eyes involuntarily.

Was now the time to talk about food?

Looking at the blooming branches, Noble Lady Nara still gave a firm nod. “Of course you can.”

Haitao and the others twitched at the corners of their mouths.

Next thing they knew, their mistress and Noble Lady Nara were gleefully circling the apricot tree.

How much wine could one tree produce?

If the apricot tree had a spirit, it would’ve stopped looking so proud and started trembling in fear.

Naturally, Noble Lady Nara had no intention of stripping the tree bare.

She held back the eager Wan Anran. “We can only take a portion. First, we won’t drink that much wine. Second, do you still want to eat apricots in summer or dried apricots in autumn?”

Wan Anran nodded.

She patted her chest. “Don’t worry, Sister Nara. I know what I’m doing.”

With that, Wan Anran instructed the eunuch to fetch a ladder, cheerfully preparing to pluck petals. Just seeing the cold sweat forming on the palace attendants was enough—Haitao and Zisu quickly rushed to stop her. “Mistress! Please let us do it!”

Reluctantly, Wan Anran backed off.

She and Noble Lady Nara stood at the base of the tree, directing the picking process. While they didn’t strip the entire tree bald, they did thin out the crown a bit. After filling two whole baskets with apricot blossoms and gathering the books, the group left Jingyang Palace with smiles on their faces.

Returning to Xianfu Palace—

As soon as they stepped through the door, Nanny Xia rushed forward. “Mistresses, where have you been? His Majesty came by with the Ninth Prince!”

Wan Anran and Noble Lady Nara froze.

Then they looked at each other, a flicker of guilt rising in their hearts—they had completely forgotten about Wan Fu.

They exchanged glances.

After thanking Nanny Xia, they hurried toward the main hall.

Inside, the Kangxi Emperor sat imposingly on the main seat.

A sulking Wan Fu sat below him, nestled pitifully in Consort Xuan’s arms. Xu Changzai was also present for a rare appearance. Her pretty face was lifted slightly, gazing tenderly at the Emperor—but unfortunately, the falling flower longed for love while the flowing water was indifferent. Kangxi paid her no attention whatsoever.

When Noble Lady Nara and Wan Changzai entered, he set down his teacup with a sharp clink. “Where have you two been? Wan Fu rushed back to study, and the two of you ran off to play.”

Truly outrageous.

Kangxi’s face darkened as he launched into a scolding.

“Exactly! Studying, huh? You ran off to have fun without me!” Wan Fu rarely had the Emperor to back him up, and he took full advantage, standing with hands on his hips and grumbling non-stop.

Noble Lady Nara no longer carried the arrogance she once had.

She sank into a deep curtsy, her voice respectful. “This concubine knows her mistake.”

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly froze.

Wan Anran finally understood why, despite Noble Lady Nara’s striking beauty and figure, and even having a child like Wan Fu, her rank had remained at Noble Lady.

This was probably the reason.

Wan Anran stepped forward with a smile and said, “Your Majesty, Elder Sister Nara took this servant to Jingyang Palace.”

“Jingyang Palace?” Kangxi was a bit surprised.

“Yes,” Wan Anran continued with a gentle smile. “Elder Sister Nara selected a few books for this servant, and we also found an apricot tree and picked some apricot blossoms. Elder Sister Nara plans to brew apricot blossom wine, hehe.”

The last time, His Majesty had enjoyed plum blossom wine.

Kangxi clearly recalled that as well. He coughed deliberately to shift the mood, and then casually brushed the matter aside. He changed the topic. “I came to Xianfu Palace today to inform you all that from now on, Wan Fu will begin his studies alongside the Crown Prince.”

Noble Lady Nara suddenly looked up.

Her almond-shaped eyes widened, and she couldn’t hide the shock in her expression. After a long moment, she managed to suppress her excitement and happily dropped into another curtsy.

Kangxi, having said his piece, left in a hurry.

Wan Anran took Noble Lady Nara’s hand. “Elder Sister Nara, this is such wonderful news!”

Noble Lady Nara’s nose tingled with emotion.

She nodded, her eyes shimmering with tearful light. “Yes… it’s good news!”

Wan Fu stood with his hands on his hips.

His little head tilted up, he thumped his chest firmly. “Mother, Mother Xuan, Mother Wan, don’t worry! I’ll do my best to keep up with Elder Brother the Crown Prince. I won’t bring shame to Xianfu Palace!”

“Wan Fu, did you just call me ‘Mother’?” Wan Anran was clearly startled, looking at him in surprise. The boy had always referred to her as “Changzai” this and “Changzai” that. She’d long stopped bothering to argue with him.

Wan Fu turned his head away, pretending he didn’t hear.

Wan Anran pinched his chubby cheek. “Say it again?”

Wan Fu looked everywhere but at her.

Laughter and chatter filled the main hall of Xianfu Palace. Soon, everyone was busy preparing — laying out flowers to dry, readying glutinous rice, and beginning the great endeavor of winemaking.

Noble Lady Nara was a true expert.

She efficiently directed the palace maids to carefully wash the apricot blossoms. Meanwhile, she and Wan Anran washed the glutinous rice together. After being washed three to five times, the rice had to rest for three whole hours, until it became soft enough to be crushed between the fingers.

Wan Fu watched with great interest.

The next day, the Crown Prince Baocheng was drawn over by the activity. And soon after, he brought someone whom Wan Anran had never met before.

The seven-year-old Eldest Princess.

Though called “Eldest Princess,” everyone knew she was the eldest daughter of Prince Gong Changning. Half a month ago, the emperor had decreed she be raised in the palace, and she was currently under the Empress’s care.

She had only been here for about ten days.

The Eldest Princess was clearly uneasy. To be uprooted from one environment and placed into another so suddenly — even adults would find it hard to remain calm, let alone a seven-year-old child. Her heart was filled with anxiety, clinging only to her nanny’s words: “You must get along well with the Crown Prince.”

But…

The Eldest Princess glanced at the Crown Prince, who was busy talking to the Ninth Prince, then looked at the busy palace servants all around. Aside from standing helplessly in place, she didn’t know what she should be doing.

Wan Anran’s heart softened.

The secondary consort who had given birth to the princess must’ve been quite beautiful herself, for the child was adorably charming. Her round, tender face was pale as snow, and her long, curled lashes made her look like a delicate doll. Wan Anran approached and said gently, “Eldest Princess, would you like to help pick flowers?”

The Eldest Princess blinked in surprise.

She looked up at Wan Anran, then gave a soft “yes.”

Wan Anran took her hand.

It was small and soft, but her palm was sweaty and trembling. Wan Anran’s heart softened even more. She led her into the group of busy people.

The bamboo baskets were piled high with apricot blossoms.

Any yellowed or damaged petals were picked out one by one. Occasionally, finding a caterpillar would be an absolute calamity.

Surprisingly, the Eldest Princess wasn’t afraid of bugs.

She picked up a chubby caterpillar and carefully carried it to the base of a tree. Her actions made the adults around her feel a little embarrassed.

“You’re not afraid of bugs, Eldest Princess?”

“Mother…” the princess began, but her voice faltered. After a pause, she looked down and said softly, “Consort of Prince Gong said that when caterpillars grow up, they turn into beautiful butterflies. That’s why I’m not afraid of them.”

But that caterpillar was probably going to turn into a moth…

Wan Anran paused for a moment, then decided not to shatter the child’s dream. Wasn’t it better to let her keep her innocent hope? She nodded and said, “That’s right. Just like the ugly duckling that becomes a beautiful swan.”

“Ugly duckling? White swan?”

“Once upon a time, there was an ugly duckling with gray-brown down and a black beak. His siblings all had golden-yellow feathers and little orange beaks…” Everyone knows the story of the ugly duckling, and Wan Anran told it with great flair. Before long, the Eldest Princess, the Crown Prince Baocheng, Wan Fu, and even Noble Lady Nara and the palace maids were all listening intently to Wan Changzai’s story.

The Eldest Princess’s eyes sparkled.

The Crown Prince, however, wasn’t impressed. “But the ugly duckling was a swan all along, so—mmph!”

Wan Anran quickly covered his mouth.

She shot him a look: Please, just let the princess and Ninth Prince have their bit of fantasy, won’t you?

The Crown Prince wasn’t happy.

He tried to defend himself in a whisper. “I was just revealing the truth to them.”

Wan Anran ignored him.

She was comforted by the fact that the only one acting like an old soul was the Crown Prince. At least the Eldest Princess and the Ninth Prince still had dreams in their eyes. Wan Fu even shouted that he wanted to raise a whole flock of ducklings in Xianfu Palace. He declared with conviction, “Maybe one of them will grow into a swan!”

Oh please, give it a rest.

Noble Lady Nara grabbed Wan Fu by the ear. Before she could even act, he was already begging for mercy. “I won’t, I won’t! I won’t raise them anymore—aaahhh!”