activa-t Chapter 123 Going to Dali Temple
Chapter 123 Going to Dali Temple
Just then, He Mingning flashed out of the magnificent Phoenix Palace like a nimble rabbit. Her speed was astonishing, like an arrow released from a bow, rushing towards the palace gate with lightning speed.
He Mingning and Lan'er were walking hurriedly, almost reaching the palace gates. However, halfway there, He Mingning suddenly seemed to have been doused with cold water, or as if struck by a thunderbolt, abruptly stopping in his tracks. Lan'er, who had been closely following her mistress, was taken aback by this sudden change. She looked at He Mingning, who had just been so anxious, as if she wanted to fly out of the palace gates immediately, and asked with a puzzled expression, "Master, why did you suddenly stop?"
He Mingning turned her pretty face to Lan'er beside her, her red lips parted slightly, and she said softly, "Lan'er, I rushed here in a great hurry! After all this commotion, my makeup is probably a complete mess by now, and my clothes are covered in dust and grime. If I were to walk out like this, I'd become a laughingstock. So, let's hurry back to Yu Ning Palace and tidy ourselves up properly!" After saying this, she couldn't help but sigh softly, as if endless sorrow was welling up in her heart.
Upon hearing this, Lan'er was initially taken aback for a moment, then pondered for a while, thinking to herself: "What my mistress said makes perfect sense." She then nodded slightly in agreement: "My mistress is indeed right. Let's hurry back home then." As soon as she finished speaking, the two turned around simultaneously, their lotus-like steps light and graceful, like two dancing butterflies, and walked slowly towards Yu Ning Palace.
Before long, a magnificent palace with carved beams and painted rafters came into view—this was the Jade Tranquility Palace. As soon as they stepped through the palace gates, He Mingning immediately ordered Cui'er beside her, "Cui'er, quickly prepare hot water. This princess wants to bathe and cleanse herself of all fatigue and grime." However, Cui'er looked on with suspicion, asking in bewilderment, "Your Highness, why do you need to bathe now?"
He Mingning nodded slightly and replied softly, "Indeed, I ran too fast just now, and I'm covered in sweat. The sweat is like sticky glue, clinging tightly to my body, making me feel very uncomfortable." Upon hearing this, Cui'er, who was standing nearby, suddenly recalled the princess's lightning speed when she ran. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, and quickly agreed respectfully before hurriedly going to begin preparations.
He Mingning slowly turned her neck, her watery gaze gently falling on Lan'er, who stood quietly beside her. Her voice, like a gentle spring breeze, softly brushed against Lan'er's ear: "Lan'er, you should also go and wash up properly." Upon hearing this, Lan'er obediently nodded her head, indicating that she understood her mistress's instructions. Then, with graceful steps, she slowly turned around and left the room with a light, butterfly-like gait.
In the blink of an eye, the nimble and efficient Cui'er had prepared a large tub of steaming hot bathwater. Wisps of white steam rose from the wooden tub, like clouds swirling in a fairyland. Seeing this, He Mingning's face blossomed into a radiant smile, like a lazy, content kitten. He happily leaped into the warm, comforting water. Instantly, water splashed everywhere, and crystal-clear droplets shimmered in the air, like stars fallen from the night sky. He Mingning was completely immersed in this moment of relaxation and joy, stretching his limbs to his heart's content, allowing every cell in his body to fully experience this rare comfort and ease.
However, despite the unparalleled comfort of the warm water, she did not linger in the bath for long because she had urgent business to attend to. In a moment, she rose gracefully and nimbly, like a butterfly fluttering from a flowerbed. Then, she swiftly picked up her soft undergarment and expertly put it on, before settling gracefully before the exquisite dressing table, like a quietly blooming lotus, exuding an aura of tranquility and nobility.
Just then, the door was slowly pushed open, and Li Mama, Cui'er, and Lan'er filed in. Among them, Lan'er walked briskly, like a cheerful little deer, straight towards He Mingning. When she got close, Lan'er bent down slightly and asked in a clear, melodious, and gentle voice, like a nightingale singing in a valley, "Your Highness, what kind of hairstyle would you like to have styled today?"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning first nodded slightly, then parted her cherry-red, luscious, and alluring lips and softly replied, "It's alright, feel free to do as you please." Her voice was like a babbling brook, melodious and pleasant to the ear.
The moment the words left her lips, Lan'er, standing to the side, couldn't help but beam with joy, a slight smile playing on her lips. That smile was like a profusion of flowers blooming in spring, vibrant and captivating, leaving one unable to contain their delight. Lan'er then said in her soft, sweet voice, "In that case, Lan'er will humbly offer to style your hair into a flowing cloud bun for the princess. This hairstyle will surely make you even more beautiful, dignified, and charming, like a fairy descended to earth."
Meanwhile, Cui'er naturally didn't let herself be idle. With graceful movements and light, lotus-like steps, she slowly walked towards the wardrobe, like a fairy dancing in the air. Each step was so light it seemed she was walking on clouds, without making a sound.
Upon approaching, Cui'er gently extended her jade-like hand and slowly untied the cabinet door. In an instant, the door opened, and a dazzling array of clothes inside unfolded before one's eyes like a magnificent and colorful painting. These clothes were either gorgeous or simple, exquisite or minimalist, a feast for the eyes.
Cui'er carefully examined each exquisite garment, her eyes revealing admiration and delight. After meticulous selection and comparison, she finally chose two of the most outstanding pieces from among the many magnificent outfits.
One of the garments was a light purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), its color perfectly matching the vibrant and dazzling sunset. The light purple hue was both elegant and lively, captivating the eye and making it difficult to look away.
The other garment was a stunning aquamarine pomegranate-colored dress. The dress's color resembled a clear, bottomless lake, shimmering and sparkling with captivating light and color when sunlight fell upon it. The aquamarine was both pure and profound, seemingly capable of absorbing all the noise and restlessness of the world, bringing an indescribable sense of tranquility and peace. When people gazed at this dress, it was as if they were already immersed in a rippling lake, surrounded by a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere, instantly feeling transcendent.
At this moment, Cui'er, overjoyed, reached out and gently lifted the two garments. Her movements were exceptionally gentle, as if she were handling priceless treasures, fearing that the slightest carelessness would damage them. Then, Cui'er took light, quick steps, slowly walking towards He Mingning. Each step was taken with utmost caution, as if she were treading not on solid ground, but on fragile glass. When she reached a short distance from He Mingning, Cui'er slightly curtsied, giving an elegant bow. Then, she raised her head and asked softly in a gentle, soothing voice, "Your Highness, which garment do you intend to wear when leaving the palace today?"
Hearing Cui'er's question, He Mingning paused slightly to think. However, judging from her expression, she didn't seem to have a clear idea of which outfit to choose for going out.
After a moment's thought, He Mingning frowned slightly, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two exquisite garments. Finally, she parted her lips slightly and casually replied, "Hmm... both are quite nice, I think either is fine."
Upon hearing this, Cui'er, who was standing to the side, hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Princess, please choose one. After all, these two dresses each have their own unique characteristics! The light purple dress on the left is elegant and refined, while the light blue pomegranate dress on the right is bright and beautiful. If you wear them, Princess, you will surely show different charming styles."
Hearing Cui'er's words, He Mingning couldn't help but re-examine the two garments before her. She first leaned closer to observe the embroidery and texture of the pale purple dress, then moved to the light blue pomegranate-colored dress, gently touching the gold thread at the hem with her fingers. After a moment, she slowly extended her jade-like hand, as if surveying a landscape, and lightly pointed to the light blue pomegranate-colored dress, saying with a smile, "Then this one will do."
Upon seeing this, Cui'er's face immediately lit up with joy, and she quickly replied, "Yes, Princess. This pomegranate-colored dress is indeed extremely beautiful. I believe that when you wear it, you will look like a fairy descending to earth, stunning everyone. Moreover, you have such discerning eyes that you immediately chose the one that suits you best."
Meanwhile, on the other side, Granny Li was intently watching Lan'er, who was meticulously applying makeup to He Mingning. Lan'er held a delicate eyebrow pencil, carefully and attentively outlining He Mingning's eyebrows, each stroke precise, as if sculpting a precious work of art. After watching for a while, Granny Li finally couldn't help but ask with suspicion, "Lan'er, why are you making the princess's makeup so exquisite today? In the past, wasn't a light touch of makeup enough to highlight the princess's natural beauty?"
Lan'er's hands didn't stop moving at all. While continuing to draw He Mingning's eyebrows, she replied softly, "Replying to you, Granny, it's because the princess will be leaving the palace later. This time, leaving the palace is different from usual, so naturally, she needs to dress up carefully to show the nobility and beauty of our princess."
Granny Li stared intently at He Mingning, her eyes filled with concern and doubt. She couldn't help but ask again, "Princess, are you really going to leave the palace?" He Mingning nodded slightly, her lips curving upwards into a smile as beautiful as spring flowers in bloom. She replied softly, "Yes, I do want to go out for a walk. My destination is the Dali Temple."
When Cui'er, who was standing to the side, heard the words "Dali Temple," a look of surprise instantly appeared on her face. She exclaimed in surprise, "Go to Dali Temple? Why would the princess suddenly think of going there?"
Upon hearing that the princess's destination was the Dali Temple, Granny Li was startled, her previously calm face immediately tensing up. She hurriedly stepped forward, approaching He Mingning, and anxiously asked, "Your Highness, has something happened? Otherwise, why would you need to go to such a solemn place as the Dali Temple?" Seeing Granny Li's panic, Lan'er couldn't help but cover her mouth with her hand and chuckle softly, then slowly explained, "Granny, there's no need to be so alarmed. Actually, it's nothing serious. Our princess is just looking for someone."
After hearing Lan'er's words, Cui'er was still full of doubts and continued to ask, "Looking for someone? Who exactly are you looking for? Cui'er has never heard of the princess having any acquaintances at Dali Temple!" Granny Li nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Cui'er's question, and said, "Yes, the princess has always lived a secluded life and rarely interacts with others. Where would these acquaintances at Dali Temple come from?"
At this moment, Lan'er giggled, as if deliberately keeping everyone in suspense. After a moment's pause, she slowly said, "Oh dear, have you all forgotten? That Lord Fan is none other than the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review!" Upon hearing this, everyone present suddenly realized, as if struck by a thunderbolt. Granny Li even lightly patted her forehead, her face showing shame, and muttered remorsefully, "Look at my memory! Lord Fan has been serving as the governor for so many years, and I've completely forgotten his time working at the Court of Judicial Review."
Cui'er's eyes crinkled into crescents, a playful smile playing on her lips. She teased, "Oh dear, so that's how it is! Your Highness is going to meet your beloved, so naturally you must dress up carefully. When you do, you'll enjoy delicious food with your sweetheart, strolling hand in hand through the bustling streets, hee hee hee... Your Highness must look as beautiful as a fairy descended from heaven!"
Upon hearing this, He Mingning's fair face instantly flushed with a shy blush, as delicate and alluring as a ripe apple. She waved her hands hastily, hurriedly denying, "Cui'er, don't talk nonsense! I don't have a sweetheart! I just wanted to check if he was alright, that's all, I really didn't mean anything by it." Having said that, she lowered her head shyly, as if her secret had been exposed, not daring to look at anyone else.