Quick Transmigration: Leisure

They were unable to have a proper contest.

Consort Liang was really bored!

She even went to stroll outside Xia Youmi's palace, but was stopped before she could knock, told that the virtuous concubine did not receive guests, and was given the cold shoulder.

It wasn't until she discovered that His Majesty would visit the concubines in various palaces, but never went to Jinzhu Palace to see Consort Xian.

Only then did he let go of his fear of secrecy, which turned into disdain.

Today, upon hearing that the other party had gone to Yunlan Palace, she immediately went out to confront them. She was unwilling to be outranked by too many people in the palace, as all precious resources were limited. If she lost, she would only be able to pick up what others had left over.

Xia Youmi didn't even glance at her, and with palace maids and eunuchs watching her intently, Consort Liang couldn't launch a physical attack for the time being.

He was slightly at a disadvantage and spoke again:

"Some people are just pretentious! Everyone knows His Majesty never even visits her!"

Xia Youmi inwardly complained to Niannian that Consort Liang was too aloof; the atmosphere would be much more pleasant if she had a companion to chime in. Imagining that scene, she couldn't help but smile.

Liang Xun felt that Xia Youmi was mocking her, and she was so angry that she wanted to rush up and attack her.

"What are you so smug about! You're just an orphan, and General Xia can't come back easily either. Who gave you your confidence?"

Xia Youmi withdrew from the encirclement, handing the stage over to her own Shi Yi and Shi Rong. Seeing Liang Xun jumping up and down in anger but unable to get close, she was truly worried about Liang Xun's future. With that brain, she was destined to be someone else's pawn.

"Alright!" Xia Youmi spoke up, not wanting to stir up trouble with these persistent pests. While Liang Xun was still in a daze, she moved closer to her and explained in a low voice:

"You're not competing with me for His Majesty, so why provoke me?"

As he spoke, he crushed the stone in his hand, letting it scatter downwards. Then he patted Liang Xun on the shoulder and beckoned the palace servants to leave.

Liang Xun stood there dumbfounded, feeling completely taken aback. She wasn't trying to suppress Consort Xian for favor, she was after status! She stamped her foot, annoyed at her poor performance, vowing to teach her a lesson next time.

The days went by like this.

Xia Youmi sent someone to find the Imperial Concubine and asked for a "Jade Pot Spring" chrysanthemum to take back to the palace, where he began to immerse himself in painting chrysanthemums.

In the previous world, she studied painting under Master Zhang. Although she was always helping the county government arrest people and didn't focus on enjoying herself, she still memorized the techniques and key points Master Zhang taught her. Furthermore, many works by renowned masters were stored in the system's interface.

In this world, she plans to specialize in landscape painting. All sorts of oddly shaped bamboo are frequent subjects in her paintings. Using materials readily available, she's currently engrossed in painting chrysanthemums. The palace servants are used to it; their daily routine involves finding paints, washing brushes, and drying the paint for her.

When I get tired of painting, I go to the bamboo forest to practice martial arts. There's a special area there where I can be tortured by the bamboo, which is very relaxing.

In spring, in addition to the added greenery, there are also fresh bamboo shoots carefully prepared by Chef Qian.

The entire Jinzhu Palace was brightly colored.

The third year of Chongze.

During the Qingming Festival, a message circulated in the palace that His Majesty was going to go on a spring outing in the countryside.

Any concubine in the harem who is willing can participate. Currently, there are only twelve concubines in the palace, including the Empress and Consort Sun, who is in the Cold Palace. For Lian Shaoyuan, it's not a lot of pressure, as the location is a royal estate in the suburbs. It's heavily guarded, and there are no other residents around, making it a good place to relax.

For the past two years, the male protagonist has worked diligently and tirelessly, dedicating himself to building a stable and peaceful nation, where the seas are calm, the rivers are clear, and all things are prosperous.

A few days ago, I received a memorial detailing the praises of the people of Jiangnan for His Majesty's achievements. Such a diligent male protagonist also lays a solid foundation for his future entanglements with the female protagonist, spending time in the harem.

His Majesty was in a good mood and planned to take his concubines to enjoy the scenery.

Xia Youmi certainly wouldn't let this opportunity pass her by; what a great place for field research! So she began actively preparing her gear and announcing her name.

This caused a slight tension for a moment.

Having been out of sight for so long, her sudden announcement of accompanying His Majesty on an outing was truly strange to those unaware of the situation. In recent years, the Imperial Concubine had steadily enjoyed the Emperor's favor, and the other concubines' ambitions had waned considerably. With His Majesty about to emerge from mourning and return to the palace, everyone wanted to seize this opportunity to secure their place in the court.

Naturally, they took strict precautions, fearing any unforeseen changes.

When the Emperor's chief eunuch, Eunuch Chang, came to inventory the luggage, he discovered that Jinzhu Palace had brought a whole array of painting boards, paints, and Xuan paper, but not a single hairpin or piece of jewelry. He then happily sold the news for a few silver ingots.

On the day of their departure from the palace, they discovered that half of the concubines were missing. The Empress wasn't going, and those from the Cold Palace couldn't go either. Consort Zhuang's eldest daughter had caught a cold and wouldn't go. Noble Lady Lu wasn't going, and only one of the Attendants of the Palace went.

Such a scene.

Consort Liang was so proud of herself! She thought she was the most favored person after the Imperial Concubine. She kept rolling her eyes at Xia Youmi's carriage, but still received no response.

Xia Youmi was engrossed in admiring the scenery along the way. She also spotted Qi Zhuo, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.

After Lian Shaoyuan ascended the throne, Qi Zhuo no longer followed him. Instead, he took on a post and gradually rose to become the leader of the Imperial Guard. He was also in charge of coordinating the guards for this trip.

Xia Youmi stared at the BMW beneath him for a while, but ultimately gave up the idea of ​​riding it. She decided to wait until it was less conspicuous. This was also the first time she had experienced such a life of being confined to a small space. No matter how free and unrestrained a cage is, it is still a cage in the end.

Upon arriving at the imperial estate, Xia Youmi was once again assigned to the place furthest from the male protagonist. She only greeted Consort Ye before plunging into the woods, accompanied only by two maids. She ignored the activities arranged by the others.

Even after nightfall, when the banquet jointly organized by His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine had ended, Xia Youmi still hadn't returned.

The palace servants assigned to attend to him panicked, unable to find anyone who knew his whereabouts, only that he had gone out carrying his easel.

Left with no other choice, they reported it to Eunuch Chang, who then ordered them to keep quiet and send them on their way.

Lian Shaoyuan was sipping his fragrant tea when he heard the report.

When did you leave?

"They said they got off the carriage, rested for a few moments, and then went into the woods with their belongings," Eunuch Chang replied cautiously. He knew the inside story and understood that Consort Xian was quite skilled in martial arts and not as weak as she seemed.

"How come I've never heard of her being so obsessed with painting before?" Lian Shaoyuan squinted, his tone barely changing.

"This, it is said, began after he entered the palace. He would paint for a long time every day and had a great love for plants such as bamboo and chrysanthemums." Eunuch Chang glanced at His Majesty's expression and continued to add.

"It is said that his painting skills are superb. His paintings are very expressive."

"Oh, so carefree?" Lian Shaoyuan became slightly interested, entirely focused on how well he could draw. He had no concern whatsoever for Xia Youmi's personal safety.

Eunuch Chang chimed in from below. He knew this master had no future, so he rarely paid attention to news from Jinzhu Palace. This was just a report from his subordinates as usual. He had no real understanding of the matter, nor had he ever seen the paintings in person.

"Alright, no need to alarm everyone. Tell Qi Zhuo to take a few people to search the area."

"Yes, this servant takes his leave." Eunuch Chang hurried off to report to Chief Qi.

Qi Zhuo received the order and did not delay.

He immediately selected several of his men, each to follow a guard familiar with the terrain of the imperial estate, to search for the person separately. He, along with his trusted confidants, carefully examined the map, estimated the most likely direction, and set off that very night.

Xia Youmi didn't know either.

Zhuangzi's movements.