HBWnovel Chapter 133 'Buddha's Hand'
Chapter 133 'Buddha's Hand'
Late at night, the palace was completely silent, save for the faint glow of lanterns under the eaves and the flickering lights of the patrolling Imperial Guards. Suddenly, the sound of birds flapping wings drifted overhead. After a moment, silence returned.
The next day, a maid from Feiyu Palace came, saying she wanted to meet Princess Jin'an. Han Shuang happened to see her and didn't recognize her. She asked the people around her, but they also said they didn't know her. So she stopped the maid at the gate and asked her what she wanted.
The maid, despite being stopped, showed no anger or grievance. She politely handed over the tray, asking Han Shuang to pass it on to Princess Jin An. Princess Jin An naturally understood. The tray contained several purses embroidered with various designs, and the air was filled with a faint herbal aroma. Seeing that these were medicine bags, Han Shuang naturally didn't dare to give them directly to Princess Jin An.
Seeing that Han Shuang didn't take it and was looking at the tray in her hand with some caution, the palace maid said, "Sister, if you are worried, you can give it to Madam Zhao. She will understand it at a glance."
After hearing what she said, Han Shuang took the tray and said, "Please wait a moment." Then she handed the tray to Madam Zhao.
Looking at the purses, Madam Zhao immediately knew who the visitor was. She hurried to Princess Jin'an's inner chamber and reported the matter to her. After inquiring, Jin'an learned that the visitor was probably Gan Cao. She ordered Madam Zhao to bring the person in.
A moment later, Gan Cao followed Madam Zhao in. She stepped forward respectfully, kneeling before Princess Jin'an, then pulled out a purse from her bosom and presented it to her with both hands, saying, "Your servant greets the princess. This is a purse specially made for you by your noble lady."
Princess Jin'an tilted her head slightly and glanced at Madam Zhao, who immediately understood and hurried forward to take the purse. The purse exuded a faint medicinal scent, tinged with a unique fragrance. The purse looked bulging, yet felt incredibly light in her hand. Madam Zhao took the purse and handed it to Princess Jin'an.
Princess Jin'an took it and gently squeezed the purse. The herbs inside felt completely different from the one she had seen yesterday. She slowly opened the purse and poured out the herbs. Two objects shaped like open hands tumbled out. Princess Jin'an picked it up and turned it carefully, but she didn't recognize what it was. However, the fragrance it exuded was quite strong. She turned her head to look at the licorice and asked, "Is this also a herb?"
Licorice replied respectfully, "Princess, yes. This thing is called 'Buddha's Hand'."
"Buddha's hand?" Princess Jin'an repeated softly, instantly understanding Concubine Chun's meaning. She smiled with satisfaction and praised, "She's truly a wonderful person." Then she asked, "Does your Concubine have any message for me?"
"Princess, the noble lady said that this purse is a token of her love. If you like it, please accept it." Licorice answered respectfully.
"Okay! I accept this purse. However, I have an unwelcome request that you take to my lady. I have been suffering from liver fire recently, and the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician is too bitter, and I really don't want to drink it. The tea I drank at your lady's place yesterday was quite good. Could you please help me prepare some medicinal tea that can reduce liver fire?" Princess Jin'an said slowly.
"I will definitely convey your message." Gancao replied respectfully.
Princess Jin'an nodded and said, "Okay, get up." Then she gave Madam Zhao a look. Madam Zhao understood what she meant, stepped forward and gave Gancao a small purse as a reward, and then sent her out.
After sending the licorice out of Feiyu Palace, Nanny Zhao came back. As soon as she entered the room, she saw Princess Jin'an playing with the "Buddha's Hand" in her hand with a faint smile on her face.
She took small steps forward and stood beside Princess Jin'an, asking in confusion, "Princess, what does it mean that Concubine Chun sent someone to deliver this? Does she agree?"
Princess Jin'an looked up at Aunt Zhao and asked, "Did you hear Gancao say what this was called just now?"
Nanny Zhao thought for a moment and nodded, still looking at Princess Jin'an with some doubt.
Princess Jin'an then asked, "Buddha's hands! Two!" Then she looked at Zhao Ma quietly.
Zhao Ma Ma pondered this over and over in her mind for a few times, and then it seemed as if she suddenly understood. Princess Jin An saw Zhao Ma Ma's expression and smiled. Then she put the two Buddha's hands back into her purse and handed it to Zhao Ma Ma, saying, "Put it away."
Nanny Zhao took the purse, turned around and opened the cupboard beside her, took out a box, put the purse in it, and then put the box back into the cupboard and closed it.
When Nanny Zhao returned to Princess Jin'an again, Jin'an instructed her again, "Nanny, ask Ziyun to take out the white jade tea set from our storehouse and prepare it. In a few days, I want to invite Concubine Chun to come and taste tea." Nanny Zhao agreed and turned around to make arrangements.
Princess Jinan looked out the window, her heart full of anticipation for Concubine Chun's performance. However, she did not wait for Concubine Chun's performance first, but waited for the eldest princess.