ushernet Chapter 31: Consort Fucha's Display
Chapter 31: Consort Fucha's Display
Seeing the chubby orange cat's reaction, Fucha Peiyun, who was sitting to the side, felt a little flustered.
But she quickly explained, with a hint of shyness and apology:
"As the baby in my womb grows bigger, strangely enough, I have become obsessed with spicy food."
If I don't get to taste that one bite every day, it feels like a million ants are gnawing at my heart.
The discomfort was truly indescribable.
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange tree frowned slightly and said earnestly:
"Although this spicy dish has a rich flavor and a fragrant aroma, it can really whet people's appetites."
However, it is ultimately too spicy and can be quite irritating to the stomach and intestines.
Even if Ah-Jun is very fond of this, she must remember to enjoy it in moderation.
Having said that, the chubby orange cat's gaze fell upon the brightly colored dish in front of it.
Suddenly, he felt his mouth watering.
He, who had never been interested in spicy food, was now surprisingly curious and looking forward to it.
Su Peisheng, who was serving nearby, was very observant. He quickly stepped forward and gently picked up a piece of spicy food for Da Pangju and placed it steadily into his bowl.
Seeing this, the big fat orange didn't hesitate to pick up the bright red spicy vegetable and put it in its mouth, starting to chew and savor it.
But after only a few chews, the big, fat orange couldn't hold back any longer. It gasped sharply, hissing repeatedly.
The spiciness far exceeded his expectations!
Big Fat Orange's face turned bright red from the spiciness, even the base of its ears turned bright red.
Seeing this, Fucha Peiyun panicked.
He quickly handed over the water glass that was next to him, and said anxiously:
"Your Majesty, please drink some water to rinse your mouth and moisten your throat."
You know, if this big fat orange gets sick from eating the spicy food here, that would be a real disaster!
Big Fat Orange hurriedly took the water cup, tilted its head back, and gulped it down in one big mouthful.
After catching his breath, he said, "Well, this dish is a bit spicy, but the taste is actually quite good."
Upon hearing this, a smug look immediately appeared on Fucha Peiyun's face, and she proudly said:
"How is it? Delicious, isn't it? This dish was an idea that I racked my brains to come up with."
Then I instructed the kitchen staff to prepare it carefully.
The chubby orange cat looked at her with great interest and said with a smile, "I never expected that A-Jun would have such talent. I really don't know how many other abilities you have that I don't know about?"
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun immediately rolled her eyes at him, her expression a mix of coquettishness and reproach, as she playfully retorted:
"Hmph, Your Majesty's heart and eyes are only on your beloved Huanhuan all day long, how could he possibly notice any other merits of me?"
Fucha Peiyun tilted her head slightly, her beautiful eyes glancing at the chubby orange with a mixture of pride and reproach.
In that instant, Big Fat Orange caught a glimpse of the former Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, in her expression.
If at this moment, Fucha Peiyun could know what Da Pangju was thinking, mistaking her for Nian Shilan,
It would probably be so disgusting that I'd want to rush up there and beat that philandering emperor, Big Fat Orange, to a pulp.
In this way, it can be said that the big fat orange cat luckily escaped a disaster.
The chubby orange cat gazed at the beauty before him, a smile playing on its lips, and softly asked:
"Is Ah-Jun jealous? Tell me quickly, what other talents do you possess? I have heard you play the zither before."
Fucha Peiyun lightly covered her lips, smiled sweetly, and said in a charming voice, "Then Your Majesty, why don't you guess?"
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange was taken aback at first, then seemed to be deep in thought.
Knowing that the Fucha family was of Manchu bannerman origin, he assumed the woman must be skilled in horsemanship, and so he spoke uncertainly:
"Ah-Jun, is it because you have excellent riding skills?"
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun couldn't help but giggle, her laughter as clear and melodious as a silver bell.
She nodded gently and said slowly, "His Majesty has guessed a little."
The concubines were not only proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but their greatest skill was horseback riding.
However, compared to literary pursuits, I, your humble servant, prefer martial arts.
A hint of surprise flashed in the big orange cat's eyes, then he exclaimed in admiration:
"I never imagined that Ah-Jun was such a multi-talented woman!"
Upon hearing the chubby orange's praise, Fucha Peiyun quickly waved her hand gently, a shy blush rising on her face, and said in a sweet voice:
"Oh, Your Majesty, you flatter me! How could I possibly be considered a talented woman?"
I just know a tiny bit about these things on a regular basis.
In terms of talent, I am far inferior to your beloved Huanhuan!
She is the one who is truly learned and talented.
To be honest, it's been quite a while since I've touched these things.
But if Your Majesty wishes to see it, after this evening's meal, I am willing to make a fool of myself and perform for Your Majesty.
I hope Your Majesty will not find my skills lacking.
The chubby orange cat listened to Fucha Peiyun's humble yet playful words.
Overjoyed, he nodded repeatedly in agreement.
"Very well, I am naturally very much looking forward to A-Jun's performance!"
Fucha Peiyun mentioned these things because she was currently pregnant and it was inconvenient for her to serve the emperor.
Big Fat Orange will most likely go to the side hall to find An Lingrong, and Fucha Peiyun would never be reluctant to part with Big Fat Orange.
She just wanted to annoy An Lingrong and prevent An Lingrong from getting the better deal.
And then, it's just a convenient way to put down Zhen Huan.
The original owner was actually skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but was only so-so in the other two.
Fucha Peiyun: "Your Majesty, I was forced to learn these things by my family."
Therefore, I, Your Majesty, am not used to such things. This time, however, I did it all for Your Majesty's sake.
After saying that, she looked at the big, fat orange cat with affection, her eyes full of tenderness and expectation.
Upon hearing this, the chubby man was overjoyed. He smiled and picked up a piece of Fucha Peiyun's favorite dish with his chopsticks, placing it in the bowl in front of her, and said gently:
"I am delighted that Ah-Jun is so thoughtful. Come, quickly try this dish and see if it suits your taste."
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun repeatedly said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."
After saying that, she gently picked up the bowl and chopsticks, took a bite of food, and chewed and savored it.
After a short while, she swallowed the food in her mouth, her face showing joy. She nodded and smiled, saying, "This dish tastes very good, I like it very much."
Before long, the two had finished their meal.
Fucha Peiyun gently raised her jade hand, signaling Ye'er, who was serving beside her, to prepare the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
Ye'er understood immediately, quickly agreed, and hurriedly turned to leave.
In no time, she had prepared everything she needed.
The sheet of white Xuan paper was neatly laid out on the desk, emitting a faint fragrance;
Inside the Duan inkstone, the ink is jet black and shiny, as smooth as a mirror.
Several calligraphy brushes were neatly arranged to one side, with long, straight handles and soft, delicate tips.
Fucha Peiyun slowly stood up, supporting her protruding belly, and walked lightly towards the desk.
After she stood still, she took a deep breath, then reached into the pen holder, took out a sheep-hair brush, and dipped it in ink.
She nodded slightly, her delicate brows furrowed as if deep in thought. After a moment, she flicked her wrist slightly.
The brush in her hand moved like a nimble dragon across the snow-white Xuan paper.
With her fluid, effortless movements, in the blink of an eye, a few strokes were completed.
A lifelike, elegant, and graceful ink bamboo painting has been presented to everyone.
The green bamboo is tall and straight, as if it is about to pierce the sky;
The leaves are arranged with varying density, swaying gracefully in the wind, as if real bamboo were right in front of you.
The large, chubby orange cat, who had been standing quietly to the side, had initially just been watching with interest.
But when the ink bamboo painting was completed, a hint of surprise and admiration appeared in his eyes.
Those once calm eyes now brightened, staring intently at the painting.
The chubby orange cat slowly approached, carefully examining the ink bamboo painting, and clicking its tongue in amazement:
"Ah Jun, I never realized before that you possess such superb painting skills!"
Such exquisite craftsmanship is truly a rare sight.
And look at the bamboo in this painting—tall, elegant, and full of life. You must have a special fondness for bamboo, right?
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun smiled and nodded, then said softly:
"Your Majesty, I do indeed greatly admire bamboo. Bamboo is resilient and evergreen."
Because of her noble character, the concubines often painted ink bamboo paintings.
"I am fortunate to have acquired this fine work today. I hope Your Majesty will inscribe a few words upon my ink bamboo painting, so that it may be further enhanced."
The chubby orange readily agreed, saying, "Of course, since A-Jun has made this request, I will certainly grant it."
After saying that, he walked to the desk, his eyes sweeping over the many calligraphy brushes on the table, and finally selected the one that he liked best.
Then, he rolled up his sleeves, picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and prepared to leave his mark on the ink bamboo painting.
"Alone I sit in the secluded bamboo grove, playing my zither and letting out long sighs; deep in the forest, no one knows, only the bright moon shines upon me." — Wang Wei, "Bamboo Grove Hermitage"
As his brushstrokes moved, lines of elegant and unrestrained characters gradually emerged.
It seems to echo the ink bamboo in the painting, blending together as one.
Standing to the side, Fucha Peiyun's face was filled with joy, and she said softly:
"This poem is my favorite one when I write about bamboo. Thank you for bestowing the title upon me, Your Majesty."
The chubby orange cat smiled slightly, gazing at her tenderly, and said slowly:
"If A-Jun is happy, then it's good. It seems that A-Jun and I are truly of one mind!"
However, in reality, Fucha Peiyun's favorite poem was not this one, but Zheng Banqiao's "Bamboo and Rock".
"Clinging firmly to the green hills, its roots firmly planted in the broken rocks. A thousand blows and ten thousand strikes cannot break its strength, it stands firm against the winds from all directions."
The poem's depiction of perseverance and indomitable spirit deeply touched her heart.
Immediately afterwards, Fucha Peiyun picked up her brush again, this time with swift strokes, and in the blink of an eye, a fresh and elegant lotus painting appeared on the paper.
The emerald green lotus leaves are crowded together, like a bunch of open green umbrellas;
The pink lotus flowers stand tall and graceful, some still in bud, others already in full bloom, emitting a captivating fragrance.
Then she switched to a fine brush and carefully began to paint the orchid.
The slender leaves are arranged with varying density, and delicate orchids, some white and some purple, adorn the scene, exuding elegance and purity.