OBS Chapter 225: Refusing Nala's Important Report
Chapter 225: Refusing Nala's Important Report
"Chang Nala greets Her Majesty Empress Xian, may Your Majesty be blessed." Nala Chang bowed respectfully.
Shi Nanxi sat sideways on the bench with a faint smile on her face.
"Nara, get up quickly and sit down."
Nara often stood up and sat on the bench on the other side. After she sat down, the first thing she did was to apologize.
"I was just admiring the flowers not far away and felt a little tired. I wanted to find a pavilion to rest. I didn't expect Your Majesty to be here. Am I disturbing Your Majesty?"
"How could I disturb you? The pavilion is for people to rest. You are too polite, Nara Changzai. I am also tired and came here to rest."
Shi Nanxi's words were full of gentleness, but her tone was distant.
Nara Chang tightened her hand around the handkerchief, but her expression remained unchanged. Instead, she said in a grateful and friendly manner:
"Your Majesty is so kind and tolerant, and I cannot help but be grateful."
Then he looked at Xixi who was lying on the chair.
With a look of admiration:
"This must be Xixi, the Persian cat that the emperor sent to accompany you. This is the first time I've seen her up close. Look at her shiny, snow-white fur. You must have taken good care of her."
Then he paused, as if considering his words, and spoke after a while:
"Why do you look a little listless? Are you not used to the change of seasons from summer to autumn?"
As if afraid of misunderstanding, he immediately explained:
"Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty. I have no other intentions. It's because my sister-in-law loves cats very much. She once said that cats are very fragile, especially when the seasons change, and you need to pay more attention to observe them to prevent them from getting sick. When I saw Xixi seemed to be listless, I couldn't help but speak up. Please don't blame me, Your Majesty."
Hearing someone mention herself, Xixi meowed listlessly. Shi Nanxi lowered her head and patted Xixi's head soothingly.
"Nala Chang was kind enough to remind me, so there is no reason to blame me. Xixi has been a little listless recently, so I brought him out today to help him relax."
Nara Changzai was delighted to see Concubine Xian talking to her. Her sister-in-law really loved cats and had told her many things to pay attention to when raising cats. Thinking of the possible reasons why cats were not in good spirits during this season, she immediately said:
"Your Majesty is indeed kind and tolerant, and is really good to Xixi. However, I heard from my sister-in-law that cats are listless in early autumn, and it is very likely that they are mating... ahem... mating season."
After all, Nara Changzai was a noble lady, and she stuttered when she spoke the word "mating season", and her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.
Hearing this, Shi Nanxi's hand that was touching the cat paused slightly. Xixi was listless because of the aftereffects of catnip, and it was not yet her estrus period. However, since Nara Chang had misunderstood her, she did not explain.
Just said:
"What Nala said is correct. The veterinarian also said the same thing after seeing Xixi. The veterinarian told me to spend more time with Xixi during this period and calm her down. It will be fine after the mating season is over."
Nara often got excited when she heard compliments, and immediately started talking about this topic, racking her brain to tell everyone she knew about cat-raising techniques.
Shi Nanxi had done business with Nara Changzai before and had some understanding of her character. She knew that she would not get close to her for no reason and must have a purpose, so she spoke to her calmly.
"I didn't expect that although Nala Changzai doesn't have a cat, she knows so many cat-raising techniques. I've only had a cat for a short time, and I really benefited a lot from listening to you today."
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. I only know a little bit. My sister-in-law knows more."
Nara was always talking, and tried to ask:
"If your majesty needs it, I can write to my sister-in-law and ask her to write down the taboos and tips of raising cats and send them to the palace. I will then send them to Danning Residence, so that I can go and see Xixi. I really like Xixi, but it's a pity that there are no Persian cats in the palace for the time being, otherwise I would definitely raise one so that Xixi from your majesty's house can play with her."
After going around in circles, Shi Nanxi understood this person's purpose. She was using the cat as a metaphor for people. She didn't really want to raise a Persian cat to accompany Xixi, but she herself wanted one to accompany her.
In response, she only had two words: Haha!
What do you mean by accompanying her? He just wants to use her to get in touch with Kangxi!
We are all concubines. If you want to compete for favor, she has no right to say anything. It all depends on your ability. But don't think of using her as a stepping stone.
All the complaints in his mind only lasted for a moment, and Shi Nanxi still had a faint smile on his face.
"Thank you for your kindness, Nara Changzai. However, the emperor also knows Xixi's situation and has told me to ask the steward of the Imperial Cat Room to compile a list of various cat-raising taboos and techniques and send it to Dan Ning Residence. I will not trouble you."
Nara Chang felt a sinking feeling in her heart, and a little empty, knowing that Concubine Xian was rejecting her politely. Although she was prepared, she was still a little disappointed.
Trying hard not to show any abnormality, she pretended to be surprised and said:
"I see. Since the Imperial Cat Room's steward is here, I and my natal sister-in-law will not embarrass myself."
The pavilion suddenly became quiet.
At this moment, a small meow came from the bushes under the pavilion, and an orange cat cautiously poked its head out from the woods.
Xixi, who had been lying motionless on the chair, finally perked up a little, looked over, and meowed at the orange cat.
Shi Nanxi saw this scene, touched Xixi's head, and said softly:
"Xixi, do you want to go play with that orange cat?"
Xixi was a little conflicted, wanting to go but not wanting to move.
Seeing this, Shi Nanxi picked it up and said:
"Go if you want. I'll hold you in my arms."
After saying that, she looked at Nara Changzai.
Nara was always feeling disappointed and immediately left tactfully.
"I have something else to do in the palace, so I won't bother you any more. I'll take my leave now."
After saying that, he retreated with Qi'er.
After the others left, Shi Nanxi carried Xixi down the pavilion. The orange cat was a wild cat and was very perceptive. Seeing Shi Nanxi and the others coming, it immediately looked over vigilantly, keeping its body tense as if it could escape at any time.
"Empress, be careful, this is a wild cat. Don't get too close to it, or it might hurt you." Xiao Ruzi immediately stood in front of the Empress. Nanny Yang and Hongying also stood beside the Empress, protecting her.
Shi Nanxi was a person who listened to advice and knew the danger of wild cats, so she immediately stopped and bent down to touch Xixi's head.
"Xixi, I can't get too close. I'll put you down here. You can go by yourself."
Xixi glanced at her master, then looked at the orange cat below, blinked her eyes, and meowed softly.
Shi Nanxi curled the corners of her mouth, put Xixi down, and watched it slowly approach the orange cat, while Xiao Ruzi automatically followed behind Xixi, but did not get too close.
Watching the two cats testing each other in the beginning, then slowly getting to know each other, and finally playing happily together, Xixi finally cheered up.
Shi Nanxi, who was watching from a distance, smiled. At this time, Hongying asked softly:
"My lady, did Nara Changzai want to join you just now?"
Shi Nanxi hummed softly.
After receiving the Queen's affirmation, Hongying was unhappy and puzzled:
"But didn't she surrender to Concubine Guo? Why would she want to surrender to you? Isn't this a betrayal? Does she think you will accept a two-faced person like her?"
Shi Nanxi looked indifferent:
"It's just that I am more favored and powerful than the sisters of Concubine Guo, and I can get more benefits. Don't pay attention to it."
Hongying nodded heavily.
While the master and servant were talking, the two cats ran out of the bush under the pavilion. However, Shi Nanxi was not worried because Xiao Ruzi followed them. After a while, Xiao Ruzi came back hurriedly carrying Xixi.
"My lady, I have something important to report."