Balala the Magic Fairy

On that day, the spring was bright and beautiful, with shadows of flowers swaying. Zhen Huan, Yan Lili and Shen Meizhuang, along with Liu Zhu and several other maids, went to visit Rongguo Mansion in a small carriage.

Upon hearing the news, Mrs. Dun personally went out to greet them, smiling like a flower. "Imperial Concubine Xi, Miss Yan, and Lady Shen, how lucky we are today to have three of you here." Mrs. Dun's voice was as sweet as the chirping of an oriole, her eyes full of joy.

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Madam, you are too modest. We have long admired the reputation of Rongguo Mansion and came here today to take a look."

Mrs. Dun then led Zhen Huan and the others to tour the mansion. From the main hall with carved beams and painted rafters to the winding paths leading to the secluded back garden, every place was exquisite and elegant, showing the style of an aristocratic family.

"Although this garden is not as large as the Grand View Garden, it also has its own charm." Mrs. Dun walked leisurely, her eyes revealing nostalgia for the past prosperity.

Zhen Huan nodded slightly and said, "The Rongguo Mansion has a long history. Every brick and tile carries many stories."

Yan Lili said softly: "Fujin, the flowers and trees in this garden are all carefully cultivated, which shows how much effort the people in the mansion put in."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Dun was delighted and said, "Miss Yan is right. These flowers and trees were all planted by me. Watching them grow is like watching my own children."

Shen Meizhuang gently stroked a blooming peony and said, "This peony is so beautiful and fragrant that it is truly worthy of being the king of flowers."

Mrs. Dun smiled and said, "Madam Shen, you are too kind. Although this peony is beautiful, it cannot compare to your beauty."

Maids such as Liuzhu were standing nearby and exclaimed in admiration from time to time, praising the beautiful scenery of Rongguo Mansion.

After the tour, Mrs. Dun invited Zhen Huan and others to the flower hall for tea. The aroma of tea wafted in the air, and everyone chatted and laughed, and the topic unconsciously turned to the prosperity of the world in the past.

"Thinking back to the past, there were revelries every night in the Rongguo Mansion, and the guests were like clouds." A trace of confusion flashed across Mrs. Dun's eyes, as if she had returned to that prosperous era.

Zhen Huan sighed and said, "The prosperity of the world is ultimately fleeting. Nowadays, we cultivators should pursue the tranquility of the soul."

Yan Lili nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right. The path of cultivating immortals is lonely but peaceful."

Shen Meizhuang said softly: "Those who cultivate immortality, although they transcend the mundane world, they never forget the true love of the world."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Dun's eyes flashed with emotion, and she said, "The three nobles are all cultivators. Although my cultivation is shallow, I am willing to discuss the way of cultivation with you."

So, everyone drank tea and discussed philosophy in the flower hall.

Xia Dongchun, a former maidservant in Yinzhen's mansion, was favored by Yinzhen for her beautiful appearance. However, she was impetuous and restless, and she secretly fell in love with Prince Dun.

Yinzhen noticed this, but instead of being angry, he gave Xia Dongchun to Prince Dun as a sign of favor.

Prince Dun doted on Xia Dongchun, and Xia Dongchun became increasingly arrogant due to her favor.

On that day, Zhen Huan was discussing philosophy with Lady Dun in Rongguo Mansion. Xia Dongchun heard about it and became jealous. She disregarded etiquette and broke into the flower hall, speaking disrespectfully to Lady Dun.

When Mrs. Dun saw Xia Dongchun like this, although she was unhappy, she put the overall situation first and did not take it seriously.

Seeing this, Zhen Huan frowned slightly, but she didn't say much, and only said softly: "Miss Xia, today we are discussing the Dao here, it is a quiet matter, it is not appropriate to make noise."

Xia Dongchun heard this and instead of restraining himself, he sneered, "Quiet? I think you are just a bunch of people pretending to be noble, but in fact you all have your own plans in mind."

Mrs. Dun's expression changed slightly, but she still forced a smile and said, "Miss Xia, you are going too far. People like us who practice Taoism should value harmony."

Xia Dongchun was not willing to give in, and said, "Peace is the most important thing? I think you are just a bunch of hypocrites. Cultivating immortals? What you cultivate is nothing but deception and intrigue!"

Seeing Xia Dongchun being so rude, Shen Meizhuang couldn't help but say, "Miss Xia, you are going too far. Lady Dun has treated you well, how can you say something so hurtful?"

Xia Dongchun snorted coldly and said, "You treat me well? Why do I need others to treat me well? I am favored by the prince, why do I need you hypocritical people!"

Seeing Xia Dongchun like this, Mrs. Dun finally couldn't help herself and said in a deep voice: "Miss Xia, if you are so rude again, don't blame me for being merciless."

Xia Dongchun was not afraid at all, and said, "No mercy? I want to see how you can be so merciless!"

Prince Dun happened to walk into the flower hall at this time. Seeing this scene, he frowned and said in a deep voice: "Chun'er, what do you mean?"

When Xia Dongchun saw Prince Dun coming, she immediately changed her expression and said in a tender voice, "Your Highness, I was just arguing with them for a few words. I never thought they would be so petty."

Prince Dun was dissatisfied when he saw Xia Dongchun like this, but he couldn't scold her in public, so he said to Mrs. Dun: "Mrs., Chun'er is young and ignorant, you should not argue with her."

When Lady Dun heard Prince Dun say this, she could only suppress her anger and said, "Your Highness is right. I will not argue with her."

Xia Dongchun was even more proud to see Prince Dun speaking for him, but he did not dare to do anything else and had to leave in disappointment.

When Prince Dun saw Xia Dongchun leave, he said to Zhen Huan and the others, "I'm sorry to have made fun of you all. Chun'er is young and hot-tempered. I will definitely discipline her in the future."

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Your Highness, don't blame yourself. Miss Xia is young and it's normal for her to be impulsive. As immortals, we should be tolerant."

Upon hearing this, Prince Dun felt relieved and continued discussing with Zhen Huan and others.

In the afternoon, in Rongguo Mansion, Zhen Huan and others were drinking tea and discussing philosophy with Lady Dun, when suddenly a maid came to report that Concubine Shu from Ningguo Mansion had sent someone to deliver some homemade cakes.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Dun was delighted and hurriedly ordered people to serve the cakes. The cakes on the plate were exquisite and fragrant. After tasting them, everyone praised Concubine Shu's superb craftsmanship.

Zhen Huan took a sip of tea and smiled, "The Queen Mother's craftsmanship is really superb. This pastry not only tastes great, but also exudes a sense of elegance, which is endless aftertaste."

Mrs. Dun also smiled and said, "Concubine Shu has always been clever and skillful. It is our honor to taste her cooking today."

Shen Meizhuang said softly: "The Queen Mother's cakes are like her personality, gentle but elegant."

Seeing that everyone was praising him, Sun Zhuxi said, "Concubine Shu heard that you were here, so she sent some cakes to show her respect. She likes quietness and doesn't like socializing, so she couldn't come in person. I hope you can forgive me."

Zhen Huan and the others expressed their understanding, and chatted with Lady Dun for a while before saying goodbye and going to Ningguo Mansion to thank Concubine Shu in person.

In Ningguo Mansion, Concubine Shu had already known that Zhen Huan and others were coming, so she set up an incense table in the courtyard, burned incense and waited.

The courtyard is full of lush flowers and trees, and is quiet and peaceful. Compared with the prosperity of Rongguo Mansion, it is even more elegant.

Zhen Huan and others walked into the courtyard and saw Concubine Shu wearing plain clothes, sitting upright on a stone bench, with a kind face and elegant temperament.

Zhen Huan took a step forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty, I am Zhen Huan, and I have come with my sisters to pay my respects to you."

Concubine Shu smiled slightly and said, "No need to be so polite, Concubine Xi. I heard that you nobles were visiting Rongguo Mansion, so I wanted to show my hospitality. This pastry is just a small craft I made when I had nothing to do. I am very happy to be appreciated by you."

Shen Meizhuang also stepped forward and said softly: "The Queen's cooking is not only delicious, but also exudes a sense of fairyland, which makes people feel relaxed and happy."

Yan Lili said: "The Queen's cakes are like the Queen's personality, elegant and refined, and admirable."

When Concubine Shu heard this, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, and she said, "You are too kind, my dears. I am just an old woman, and I feel honored to receive such praise from you."

Zhen Huan saw that Concubine Shu's words were full of detachment, so she said, "Your Majesty's character and craftsmanship are both role models for us to learn from. It is our honor to meet you today."

Concubine Shu nodded slightly and said, "My dear nobles, you are too polite. As immortal cultivators, we should value harmony."

In Ningguo Mansion, Zhen Yurao, the wife of Aisin-Gioro Hongshi, learned that her elder sister Zhen Huan was coming to visit, so she hurried to meet her with her personal maids Songzhi and Jianqiu.

Zhen Yurao was wearing a light green long skirt and her steps were as light as willow catkins in the spring breeze, with a look of anticipation and excitement in her eyes.

When she saw Zhen Huan, her voice trembled a little: "Sister, I haven't seen you for many years. Are you okay?"

Zhen Huan looked at her sister, her eyes showing a trace of tenderness and nostalgia: "Yu Rao, although we haven't seen each other for a long time, you have always been in my heart. Seeing you so graceful now, I feel relieved."

Songzhi and Jianqiu stood behind Zhen Yurao, and their eyes showed respect for Zhen Huan.

Songzhi said softly, "Madam, it is a joy to see you and the Second Miss reunited after such a long separation."

Jian Qiu also said: "Yes, Madam, the Second Miss often mentioned you. It is fate that we can meet here today."

Zhen Huan smiled slightly, took Zhen Yurao's hand, and sat down on the stone bench in the courtyard together.

She said softly: "Yu Rao, you and I are sisters. Today we will not talk about cultivation, but just chat about family matters."

Zhen Yurao nodded, her eyes wandering around the courtyard, as if looking for shadows of the past.

"Eldest sister, do you still remember the days when we were little and played in the mansion? We were carefree and happy at that time."

Zhen Huan's eyes flashed with confusion, and she sighed softly: "Those days, of course I remember them. Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, we have all grown up and have our own lives."

Zhen Yurao's eyes flashed with emotion: "Yes, elder sister, you are now the Imperial Concubine Xi, and I have my own family. Although our identities have changed, the love between sisters will never change."

Zhen Huan gently patted Zhen Yurao's hand and said, "Yurao, although you and I have taken different paths, our concern and blessings for each other are the same."

The two chatted and laughed in the courtyard, as if they had returned to their carefree childhood.

Songzhi and Jianqiu stood quietly by the side, occasionally interjecting a word or two.

Seeing her sister Zhen Yurao's sincere feelings, Zhen Huan was also happy, so she led her to the side and said softly: "Yurao, today I would like to introduce you to a fellow cultivator, she is Miss Yan."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yurao looked up and saw a woman in plain clothes, with picturesque features and a cold temperament, like a fairy from the Moon Palace.

She secretly praised her in her heart, then took a step forward, bowed and said, "Miss Yan, Yu Rao has long heard of your name. It is a great honor to meet you today."

Seeing Zhen Yurao's graceful demeanor and sincerity in her words, Yan Lili returned the greeting and said, "You are too polite, Madam. Lili has heard of your name for a long time. After meeting you today, I find that your reputation is well-deserved."

The two smiled at each other, and felt a sense of closeness in their hearts.

Seeing this, Zhen Huan was also pleased, so she said, "Yu Rao, Miss Yan has achieved great success in cultivating immortals. You two can communicate more and learn from each other in the future."

Zhen Yurao nodded in agreement, her eyes swept over Yan Lili, then turned to Zhen Huan and said softly: "Eldest sister, although Yurao is not talented, I hope to discuss the way of cultivation with Miss Yan."

Yan Lili also said: "Your Majesty is right. Lili is willing to make progress together with Fu Jin."

The three of them sat opposite each other in the courtyard, with the fragrance of flowers and the sweet singing of birds. For a moment, they felt as if they were out of this world.

Zhen Huan opened her red lips and said, "The road to becoming an immortal is long and arduous. You two need to support each other in order to go further."

Zhen Yurao and Yan Lili looked at each other and said in unison: "We will follow your Majesty's instructions."

The afternoon sun shines through the treetops, casting a mottled shadow on the three of them.

The moonlight was dim and the lights in Ningguo Mansion were dim. Zhen Huan, Yan Lili and Shen Meizhuang were invited by Zhen Yurao to stay in the mansion. In the dead of night, Yurao took the three of them to stroll in the mansion garden to enjoy the shadows of flowers under the moon.