The Virtuous Concubine

Malu certainly didn't know about the ridiculous farce going on at home, she still took walks every day to take care of her pregnancy. But today, when she was walking, she found that there were many fresh plants in Yonghe Palace, especially a small flower bed, which was very novel.

In the center of the flower bed, there are many orchids, shaped like lotus flowers, with elegant colors and unique beauty. They are rare species. There are also many Dieffenbachia flowers scattered around. The leaves are as big as palms, the color is like emerald, and the edges are inlaid with milky white patterns. The orchids in the middle are like two completely different plants that have merged together to form a new beautiful species.

Malu stopped and looked at the newly added plants carefully, and asked Bai Xiabaifu beside him: "What kind of flowers and plants are these?"

Neither Bai Xia nor Bai Fu were good at gardening and flower arrangement, so they called the palace maid who was responsible for taking care of the flowers and plants. There was still a lot of dirt on the palace maid's hands, and it was almost impossible to see the color of her hands.

Bai Fu scolded, "You servant, you are so rude in front of the master! You have offended the master's eyes. You should be sent back to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to learn some etiquette before serving in front of the noble."

After hearing this, the palace maid hurriedly bowed her head and said in a trembling voice: "I deserve to die! I deserve to die! I was just tidying the flower bed just now, and I heard Sister Bai Xia calling me, and I didn't have time to wash my hands." As she said this, she hurriedly took out a handkerchief from her waist and wiped her hands, but the dirt on the back of her hands seemed to be deeply embedded in her extremely rough skin and could not be wiped clean.

Ma Lu smiled and patted Bai Xia's hand, signaling her not to be so angry, and then asked the little palace maid in a friendly manner: "It's not a big deal in the first place. Did you take care of this flower bed?"

The maid breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Malu's question, and quickly replied, "Yes, my master. These orchids are called Suguan Heding, and they are the masterpieces of the world that the emperor personally ordered the flower room to carefully cultivate and send to you. The flowers are graceful and the fragrance is far-reaching, and they can be said to be a treasure worth a fortune."

She paused, turned her gaze to the emerald green leaves, and continued, "And these leaves next to them are called Dieffenbachia, which I carefully selected to match the elegant temperament of these orchids. The patterns on their leaves are as if they were created by nature, elegant and vivid, and complement the Suguan Lotus Tripod."

Malu nodded and said with a smile, "You did a great job. This flower bed is really beautiful. You are also quite eloquent, and you are indeed a person who knows flowers. What's your name?"

The maid replied in a low voice: "My name is Xiaofeng."

Ma Lu smiled and said, "What a good name, Willow Bank, Morning Breeze, and Waning Moon, it's as unique as you are. Bai Xia, come and see."

Although Bai Fu was still somewhat unhappy, she could not say anything more seeing Malu being so generous, so she could only stand aside and observe silently. Bai Xia took out a purse from her sleeve and handed it to the little maid: "Go! Don't forget to take care of yourself in the future. Even if you take good care of the flowers and plants, you must not forget your appearance."

Xiao He nodded quickly and bowed to Malu with gratitude. Then she walked to a bunch of roses in the distance, turned around and washed her hands with water from the kettle.

Malu admired the wonderful combination of the white crown lotus tripod and the dieffenbachia for a while, then went back. But in the future, she would always walk to the edge of the flower bed in her spare time and look at it quietly for a while. Bai Xia once asked her master why she liked the white crown lotus tripod so much?

Malu smiled shyly: "This is a gift from the emperor, how can I not love it? Besides, orchids are the most noble among flowers, and the emperor used this as a symbol, hoping that I can be as noble and dignified as orchids. Whenever I see this flower, I feel happy."

Bai Xia joked: "This flower really represents the emperor's unique love for the master!"

But within two days of Malu and his servant saying this, the Suguan Lotus Cauldron began to show signs of withering.

Malu stood by the flower bed and looked at the gradually withering white lotus flowers, feeling a little angry and worried: "These flowers are withering so quickly, does it indicate a bad omen?"

The palace maids behind him looked at each other, their hearts sinking. They knew that Malu had placed too much emotion on the Suguan Lotus Tripod, and its sudden withering was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her.

At this moment, Xiaofeng, who was tending to the flowers, stepped forward and said, "My dear master, flowers bloom and fade at their own time. The blooming period of this Suguan Lotus Ding is short..."

Xiaofeng continued, "Moreover, look at this Dieffenbachia, it is still full of vitality. If you must compare yourself, in my opinion, this Dieffenbachia is just like your status in the palace. The withering of the Suguan Heding may be to make way for this Dieffenbachia!"

This statement actually has a hidden meaning. If Malu believes it, then she will admit that she is lowly and is a foil to the precious species, and she is ambitious and wants to seize the high position. If Malu does not believe it, then she must feel that her grace and the good qualities she has placed on the flowers will be as fleeting as this short-lived Suguan lotus tripod.

But Malu seemed not to understand the mystery in Xiaofeng's words. She just felt that the little maid had successfully convinced her. She wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled again: "You are right. The withering of flowers is a natural law. I shouldn't be too obsessed. But I still prefer these flowers that bloom forever."

As he spoke, he noticed something and said, "So, the name of this Dieffenbachia is auspicious."

Xiaofeng was delighted when she saw this, knowing that her words had worked. She quickly struck while the iron was hot and replied respectfully: "Yes, Master. This Dieffenbachia is like your favor and honor in the palace, eternal and everlasting." Every word she said seemed to be carefully selected, and every word struck the heart of the concubines in the deep palace.

Malu's eyes once again turned to the emerald green Dieffenbachia. She even walked forward and gently stroked the leaves of the Dieffenbachia, whispering, "Xiaofeng, you are right. Tomorrow you will arrange a pot of Dieffenbachia as the main flower in my room. From now on, I will follow the example of this Dieffenbachia and stay strong and alive no matter what kind of wind, frost, rain or snow I encounter."

Xiaofeng nodded repeatedly, her face full of joy of being valued and affirmed. She also added softly: "Master, this Dieffenbachia not only looks good, but also has auspicious meanings. It can also be used in cooking and tea!"

Upon hearing this, Malu's eyes flashed with curiosity: "Oh? What do you mean?"

Xiaofeng explained respectfully, "My Lord, the leaves and rhizomes of Dieffenbachia are both extremely nutritious and good for health. In folk culture, people often use its leaves to make delicacies or make tea for drinking, which can beautify the skin and strengthen the body. Otherwise, just because it is evergreen all year round, it is not enough to be called Dieffenbachia."

Ma Lu was even happier after hearing this: "Xiao Feng, you are such a thoughtful person. Not only do you understand the beauty of flowers and plants, but you also know how to use them. Then tell me the recipe and I will follow your instructions to make it."

Xiaofeng was very terrified: "How can I let the master do this? I have been drinking since I was a child, and I am used to doing this. Let me do it!"

Malu thought about it and agreed: "It is true that it may not be done properly for the first time, so why don't you prepare a pot of Dieffenbachia for viewing tomorrow, and prepare a dish and a pot of tea. I want to eat this feast of ten thousand years!"

Xiaofeng bowed respectfully and said, "I obey your command."