Since they had stopped to rest, it was only natural that they would start chatting.

And the only thing these concubines could talk about was the beauty of rouge and powder, or who had designed the most fashionable clothes, or which consort had received the most favor from the emperor during these days. Chu Qitong couldn't participate in these conversations at all, so she simply leaned against a pillar and stared blankly.

Ning Zhuangyan noticed that no one paid attention to this side. She quietly held Chu Qitong's hand in her palm and generously used her inner energy to warm Chu Qitong's hands.

The snow in winter always catches people off guard. The weather, which had been clear just moments ago, suddenly starts snowing. The snow falls heavier and heavier, and the sky becomes gloomy. The concubines who had originally planned to rest in the pavilion now have to calm themselves and wait for the snow to stop.

It was fortunate that the vibrant red plum blossoms were not affected by the heavy snow. Even though the weight of the snow bent the branches, the plum blossoms on the trees still bloomed brightly. Appreciating the plum blossoms in the snow added a unique charm to the experience.

The sky grew darker and the snow showed no sign of stopping. In the distance, a figure quickly ran towards this direction. As the person got closer, it could be seen that they were an elderly woman, hunched over and seemingly holding something in her arms.

The old woman seemed surprised to see so many people sitting in the pavilion at this time. She paused for a moment, then turned around and ran back in the direction she had just come from.

"What kind of person are you? Get lost." At this moment, the concubines in the pavilion had already recognized that the old woman was wearing the palace attire of the palace maids. Empress Wen, with the quickest reaction, slammed the table and stood up, loudly shouting at the figure.

Empress Wen's voice only caused the figure to pause for a moment, it didn't stop her from leaving. The old maid who had been following to guide her, probably eager to please Empress Wen, disregarded the wind and snow and chased after the departing figure.

Concubine Wen had probably not been ignored like this for a long time. Her expression grew gloomy. She pointed casually at a few palace maids behind her and ordered, "You, all of you, go and bring that thief back to me. I want to see who dares to be so arrogant in front of me."

I don't know if it was that the old nanny was eager to achieve something or if she was too familiar with the Plum Garden, but by the time the maids around Empress Wen arrived, the old nanny had already grabbed the old woman's sleeve. The old woman desperately tried to break free, probably because whatever was in her arms was especially important. Even though the old nanny had a hold on her sleeve, she still covered whatever was in her arms and struggled with sheer force.

The chief palace maid by Consort Wen's side is named Zhijin. She is known for her quick wit and always knows how to please Consort Wen with her clever words. Zhijin is a smart and clever person; she is practically Consort Wen's spokesperson in the harem. Seeing the scene where the old nanny and the old woman were entangled together, Zhijin quickly approached with a group of maidservants and swiftly helped the old nanny subdue the old woman.

I wonder what precious treasure that old woman held in her arms. Even when being pulled by a group of people, she still protected the thing in her arms with her sleeve.

When Empress Wen sent Zhi Jin to capture this old woman, she only mentioned bringing her back. Therefore, Zhi Jin doesn't care about what the old woman is holding in her arms. Anyway, whatever it is, it will become clear once it reaches Empress Wen's presence.

The snow grew heavier and the sky became increasingly grey. Zhi Jin, accompanied by two maids, brought the old woman to Empress Wen Gui. As the old woman caught sight of Empress Wen Gui, her cloudy eyes seemed to flicker for a moment. She still knew her etiquette and lowered her head, bowing to the noble ladies present.