The Marquise: I Earn My Own Worship

Song Shengfu sat in the sedan chair and headed towards the palace. She opened the curtain and saw the majestic palace in the distance.

Compared to the imperial palaces depicted in films and TV series from past lives, what I saw before me was not even one-tenth as magnificent. The majesty and splendor presented before me were beyond words; the gate alone was enough to inspire awe.

The walls of the imperial palace towered into the sky, resplendent with gold and jade, and adorned with exquisite carvings. The palace gates stood open, and rows of guards in golden armor stood at the entrance. They stood tall, their expressions solemn, their spears flashing with a cold light.

Entering the palace, one sees palaces and pavilions standing in a disorderly manner. The red walls and yellow tiles, carved beams and painted buildings show the majesty and luxury of the royal family.

When they reached the second gate of the inner court, Song Shengfu, who was of the second rank, could not take the sedan chair and could only walk to Fuhua Palace where Concubine Ning was.

After walking for about quarter of an hour, Mother Qi, who was supporting Song Shengfu, felt that the old lady's body was trembling a little, so she quietly took out a ginseng qi-replenishing pill and gave it to the old lady to take.

After taking the pill, Song Shengfu felt much better. At least she could see more clearly. Just now, she felt like everything in front of her was almost dark.

Fortunately, Song Shengfu has been exercising these past few days. Besides practicing Tai Chi in the morning and evening, she also takes walks in the garden. Otherwise, with her current condition, she would have collapsed before she even finished her walk.

Finally, they arrived outside the hall. Mother Song went in to report, and Song Shengfu had to wait outside. Mother Qi quietly stuffed two pills into Song Shengfu's mouth.

Song Shengfu: In this damned era of imperial power, an old woman like me who has one foot halfway into the coffin has to endure this kind of suffering.

The interior of the palace was magnificent, with a thick carpet on the floor embroidered with a pattern of a blue phoenix playing with a pearl.

Seated in the main seat was a woman dressed in gorgeous brocade, her demeanor elegant and noble, seemingly possessing a stunning beauty. Her skin was as white as mutton fat and as delicate as silk; her willow-shaped brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were burdened with endless thoughts. Her eyes, as they flickered, seemed to conceal a myriad of emotions.

"Your Majesty, Madam Duan has arrived and is waiting outside the palace." Mother Song bowed her head respectfully.

Concubine Ning's eyes moved, her figure as gentle as jade. "Oh? Come in quickly."

Soon, Song Shengfu was led into the inner hall. She glanced around calmly along the way. This imperial concubine must be very favored. The vases outside the hall, used as a screen for plants, were all blue and white Ru porcelain female vases, not to mention the various flower pots she saw everywhere along the way. Even in December, the imperial concubine's hall was still a scene of vibrant blossoms.

Song Shengfu made up her mind. When she reached the inner hall and was about to kneel down to pay her respects, the graceful and beautiful Concubine Ning spoke softly:

"Why does Madam Duan have to perform such a grand ceremony? You are the elder. Zhiyu, why don't you help her up?"

Immediately afterwards, Song Shengfu was helped up by a pretty maid next to her.

"Your Highness, you are too kind to me. I am not even considered your elder."

Song Shengfu stood up and bowed with fear.

Concubine Ning smiled and said nothing. She told someone to take Song Shengfu to sit down and chatted about trivial matters for a while. Suddenly, she changed the subject and mentioned casually:

"It's rumored that the old lady's eldest son hasn't been in good health. This reminds me of my poor child. I wonder if the old lady has any experience."

Song Shengfu knew something was up when she heard that, and she replied respectfully, "My good-for-nothing eldest son has been weak since childhood, and I've been nurturing him all these years."

Then he continued in a sincere tone:

"A few days ago, I stumbled upon a boxing technique that's said to be good for strengthening the body for the sick. My eldest son has been practicing it day and night these past few days, and his complexion is much better than before. He used to break out in a light sweat and pant after walking a few steps, but now he can walk around our garden more than three times."

When Concubine Ning saw Song Shengfu's understanding, her eyes lit up. "Oh? What kind of boxing technique is this? It's so effective?"

Song Shengfu was nervous but pretended to be calm on the surface.

"It's not a rare method. I heard that the Sixth Prince of Your Majesty is also a little weak. When I came here, I specially asked someone to copy a book for me to take with me."

He turned around and took the atlas from Mother Qi and handed it to Zhiyu who was standing next to him, then continued:

"This method is called Tai Chi. It requires alternating between slow and fast movements during practice. Regular practice can enhance physical fitness, improve breathing and blood circulation, and is beneficial for those with chronic illnesses and physical weakness. To be honest, my son, daughter-in-law, and daughter all practice it every day."

Concubine Ning opened the album and carefully examined the moves above, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"I know Tai Chi, but I've never heard of Tai Chi boxing. Looking at this atlas, I see that Tai Chi boxing is truly exquisite. Thank you, Madam Duan, for the gift."

Song Shengfu quickly stood up and said humbly, "Your Highness is too polite. If this method is beneficial to the Sixth Prince's health, it would be my honor."

"Old Madam Duan is very thoughtful." Concubine Ning said with a smile, "If this skill can really benefit the Sixth Prince, I will definitely reward him handsomely."

"I am very sorry, but this is what I should do." Song Shengfu said respectfully with her head down.

"However, I heard folk rumors that this method was given to the old lady by an immortal in her dream. Is this true?"

Song Shengfu's heart immediately became alarmed. Normally, the imperial concubine would not ask about this skill again, but now that she asked, it was probably that person who wanted to ask.

Make a decision while your mind races.

"To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I was not aware that the family affairs had been spread outside. As for the immortal's teachings, that was all nonsense."

"I learned this boxing technique from a ragged Taoist priest when I went to Old Foshan to pray for my son a few years ago. I felt sorry for him and gave him some money. He then gave me a book of illustrations, but I didn't look at it carefully at the time and just handed it to his servant."

"I found it a few days ago while tidying up the storeroom, but the preface was already yellowed and the handwriting was a bit blurry. I could only vaguely make out the words 'strengthen the tendons and bones.' At the time, I was struck by the urge to give it a try. I pondered it privately, and since the book was so difficult to read, I copied the main postures."

"After practicing for a few days, I found myself feeling more agile than before, so I tried to get you to practice with me, and it worked quite well. I'm sure you know what happened next. I really don't know how such rumors got around."

Concubine Ning nodded thoughtfully, "So that's how it is..."

Then he smiled and said comfortingly, "Old Madam, don't worry about those people. They are just talking nonsense because they are full all day."

Song Shengfu secretly breathed a sigh of relief; this hurdle had been overcome. She knew she was being tested here and needed to be cautious. But she saw that Concubine Ning was not the kind of person who would bully others. Instead, she was gentle and polite. No wonder she was so favored.

Song Shengfu stood up and bowed her head, her expression moved.

"Your Highness is so generous, I am truly grateful. I don't care to care about those who spread rumors. But I heard that the Sixth Prince is so similar to my eldest son. I know your pain, and I have considered whether to offer this method to the emperor."

At this point, Song Shengfu smiled bitterly. "But I'm sure you're aware of my family's current situation, and I'm afraid it might seem like flattery. And I'm not sure if it's truly beneficial to the Sixth Prince's health, so I've been trying to share your concerns. Please forgive me, Your Highness."