Accord de Mu Yucheng

Chapitre 25

"Embroidery relies not only on skill, but also on heart."

"That sounds familiar; people say that during the day too," I chuckled.

Lu Li smiled faintly, "Anyway... just put your heart into embroidery. No matter what the final result is, I won't blame you for embarrassing me."

"Hey, why are you talking so pleasantly today?" I glanced at him and smiled, a hint of annoyance in my eyes.

"Who told you to make me look good in the palace today?" He was smiling, but suddenly paused and fell silent. "However... a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. You, as a woman, should behave yourself."

I nodded casually, then asked, "Aren't you going back to the manor today?"

"No, the drought has been severe for days, and the Jiangbei Reservoir is almost empty. We need to stay here to discuss countermeasures, and we also need to go back to the Emperor to report back later."

"It's dry again," I said, looking up at the sky.

“Yes…” Lu Li frowned and glanced at the gloomy sky. “If a thorough rain comes, the people will be saved.”

My heart suddenly sank, and for a moment it seemed as if something collided with my heart. I excitedly pushed away Lu Li, who was blocking my way. Lu Li looked at me with a confused expression.

I didn't care about anything else. I rushed into the house, grabbed my handkerchief, and clutched it tightly to my chest. "I've got it! I've got it!"

Fourth and sixth sisters-in-law hurriedly put down their work and rushed to my side. One touched my forehead and asked the other, "Did you catch a chill from the night wind?"

I quickly shook my head, "No, I'm pregnant, I'm pregnant."

Fourth Sister-in-law glanced at my lower abdomen with surprise, "You...are pregnant? When did you consummate the marriage without saying a word?"

"What are you talking about?" I quickly pushed her away. "I'm talking about the embroidery, the Emperor's gift."

Fourth and sixth sisters-in-law sighed in disappointment and returned to their table to continue their work.

Clutching the fluorescent thread and the handkerchief, I walked into the corridor and, in the dim moonlight, tried to feel the sensations in my fingertips that Qin Lanruo had taught me…

On Millennium Day, lanterns and decorations were hung, creating a joyous atmosphere.

The magnificent imperial garden was already filled with masters of all ranks. Just as Lu Li had said, the sky was overcast, but there was no sign of rain.

As the emperor arrived in his long imperial carriage, everyone knelt down.

As soon as the emperor sat down, someone brought him a long plank covered with a cloth.

The emperor pointed to the long plank beside him, "This is the final answer... Before it is revealed, I want to personally appreciate the skills of my daughters-in-law."

After saying this, he and the Empress both stood up and walked away.

The Crown Princess, who stood at the head of the table, was the first to present her embroidery.

"What are you embroidering?" the Emperor asked softly.

As the Crown Princess unfolded her handkerchief, she said, "These are the banners of our dynasty."

What is the meaning behind this?

"It was a great victory for our dynasty on the battlefield."

The emperor nodded and touched the embroidery with one hand.

"The needlework is delicate and smooth, it was done in one go, isn't it? The embroidery is exquisite, and the colors are bright. It is a masterpiece among masterpieces." The Emperor said, turning around and gesturing for the eunuch behind him to accept the Crown Princess's embroidery.

They walked in turn. The eldest sister-in-law embroidered a flying dragon, symbolizing the emperor's imperial power. The third sister-in-law embroidered a phoenix, the fourth sister-in-law embroidered a magpie bringing good news, the fifth sister-in-law embroidered a jade ruyi, and the sixth sister-in-law embroidered a peach.

Until those gleaming dragon boots landed before my eyes, I calmly opened the brocade handkerchief, eliciting a gasp of astonishment from those around me. The corner of the colorful silk handkerchief wasn't some magnificent auspicious symbol, nor was it opulently colored. It was simply an ordinary oil-paper umbrella.

"What is this? Is it an oiled paper umbrella used by ordinary people?" the emperor asked with great interest.

"yes."

"Is this what you thought my intentions were—an umbrella?"

I looked up and saw Lu Li's calm yet resolute face behind the emperor.

“It’s not the umbrella, but something related to it,” I replied.

What is it?

"It's raining."

The emperor paused, looking at me thoughtfully. I glanced at the man in blue robes, whose master was now wearing a knowing smile, still calm and composed.

I looked back at the oil-paper umbrella on the brocade handkerchief. Because of the fluorescent threads, it seemed to be floating on the silk, emitting an eerie and dazzling light.

"Is this fluorescent gold and silver wire?" the Emperor asked.

"No, this is ordinary silk thread prepared using a special method, yet it has the same effect as gold and silver threads. Last night the stars were dim, and I guessed it would be cloudy today. Using fluorescent silk thread not only makes it shine brighter than ordinary silk thread on cloudy days, but it can also regulate the mood that is often suppressed in gloomy weather, making people feel refreshed and broadening their horizons."

The Emperor nodded. "Although your skills are not outstanding and your needlework is a bit immature, your idea of using special fluorescent thread is truly eye-opening. Furthermore, your consideration for the feelings of those watching is very touching. You put your heart into embroidery."

Just as I was secretly pleased, the emperor had already ordered someone to take away my handkerchief.

After seeing the plum blossoms embroidered by his eighth brother and sister-in-law and the Chaoyang Palace embroidered by his ninth brother and sister-in-law, the emperor returned to his seat. To his left was the crown prince's embroidery, and to his right was mine.

The Emperor smiled and asked the Crown Princess, "How did you come up with the idea of banners?"

The Crown Princess blushed slightly with nervousness. "The other day, His Majesty was worried about the war with the Liao people. When he goes to pay respects to his ancestors, he will surely consult the late Emperor about this matter. I dare to speculate on His Majesty's thoughts. His Majesty hopes for a great victory over the Liao army when he goes to pay respects to his ancestors. That is why this banner symbolizing a great victory was embroidered."

The Emperor's smile deepened. "With the Crown Princess worrying about state affairs, I truly feel a lighter burden on my shoulders. It seems I really should reward the Crown Prince."

My sister looked at the Emperor with a flattered expression. The Emperor glanced at me sideways, remained silent for a long while, and then slowly asked, "You said you guessed that my heart belongs to Yu. What is the meaning of this?"