mesbooks Chapter 278 Recruiting Sister Cen Xiao!
Chapter 278 Recruiting Sister Cen Xiao!
"Oh? So how do you 'moisturize'?" the Queen Mother asked curiously. Cen Jiexiao then explained how to make homemade floral waters and blend balms, then how to choose different skincare methods for different skin types. She even mentioned modern concepts like "hyaluronic acid" and "collagen," leaving the Queen Mother bewildered but finding it quite novel and interesting.
"Then what is this 'sunscreen'?" asked the Queen Mother, pointing to the bright sunshine outside the window.
"Although the sun is warm, it can also cause damage to the skin. Over time, it will make the skin dull and aged," explained Cen Jiexiao.
"Therefore, we need 'sun protection', just like holding up a parasol for delicate flowers." She explained in detail the importance of sun protection and some simple sun protection methods. I nodded repeatedly after listening.
From cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection to diet and acupressure massage, Cen Jiexiao meticulously shared her beauty knowledge. She even demonstrated how to make a homemade facial mask, using natural ingredients like honey, milk, and pearl powder to create a fragrant mask that left the audience dazzled.
"Does this facial mask really have such magical effects?" the Queen Mother asked half-doubtfully.
"Your Majesty, you might as well give it a try." Cen Jiexiao smiled confidently.
The Queen Mother hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed.
She carefully applied the mask on her face, feeling the cool and comfortable touch, and couldn't help but exclaimed: "It's really amazing!" After applying the mask, the empress dowager's skin became more hydrated and smooth, as delicate as a peeled egg.
She nodded with satisfaction and became even more convinced of Cen Jiexiao's anti-aging technique.
"Miss Cen is truly knowledgeable and talented. I'm very interested in your techniques for maintaining your youthful appearance. I wonder when you'd be free to personally prepare some skincare products for me?"
Cen Jiexiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Empress Dowager Li had no intention of making things difficult for her today. She quickly replied, "I am deeply honored by your kindness. I will return to prepare and return to the palace to continue serving you in two days."
Coming out of Fengling Palace, Cen Jiexiao felt like she'd just been dreaming. She'd originally thought she'd be in for a bloody ordeal, but unexpectedly, she'd been favored by Empress Dowager Li. Could it be that this old witch really just wanted her to help her maintain her skin?
When they returned to their residence, Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi immediately surrounded them, asking about the situation. Cen Jie Xiao told them everything that had happened, and they were both amazed.
Yu Lan asked doubtfully, "What's the Queen Mother up to? Is she trying to use you against Concubine Shu?"
Xiaozhi speculated, "Could it be that the Queen Mother wants to win over the Dean to consolidate her power?"
Cen Jiexiao shook her head. "I don't know either, but I have a feeling it's not that simple. This Queen Mother Li is no pushover. She's suddenly being so polite to me, so she must have other motives."
Over the next two days, Cen Jiexiao prepared skincare products for Empress Dowager Li while secretly investigating her motives. A few days later, she sent someone to invite Cen Jiexiao into the palace to provide her with skincare.
A few days later, Cen Jiexiao once again entered Fengling Palace, clutching her carefully prepared skincare products. This time, it was to provide Empress Dowager Li with her first formal skincare treatment. The scent of agarwood rising from the gilded incense burner filled the entire palace, a soothing aroma permeating the air. Empress Dowager Li reclined on the couch, her eyes narrowed, seemingly savoring this moment of tranquility.
Cen Jiexiao tiptoed to the Queen Mother's side and began her skincare routine. She first gently wiped the Queen Mother's face with a warm towel, then evenly applied the prepared facial mask.
"I heard that you added pearl powder and ginseng essence to this facial mask?" Empress Dowager Li asked lazily with her eyes closed.
"Your Majesty, that's exactly right. This pearl powder can whiten the skin, and the ginseng essence can nourish the skin. The combination of the two will have a better effect." Cen Jiexiao answered respectfully.
"Hmm... I feel cool and comfortable on my face, it's truly wonderful." Empress Dowager Li let out a comfortable moan.
During the maintenance process, Empress Dowager Li mentioned the affairs of the court intentionally or unintentionally.
"The situation in the court is complicated now, and I feel powerless." She sighed, as if testing Cen Jiexiao's position.
Cen Jiexiao cleverly avoided sensitive topics, focusing only on beauty care, and praised Empress Dowager Li's beauty care results at the right time.
"The Queen Mother's skin is well maintained and looks much younger than her actual age. It's really enviable."
Empress Dowager Li was slightly pleased by these words, and her attitude towards Cen Jiexiao became more cordial.
Sister Cen Xiao smiled sweetly, "Your Majesty, your praise is too much. This is just a little trick of yours."
During the maintenance, Empress Dowager Li casually mentioned matters at court: "Miss Cen, I heard that your Zhaoyin Academy is thriving, with even the daughters of ministers vying to enroll. It seems Miss Cen has considerable influence among the people."
Cen Jiexiao said modestly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am only trying my best to do what I can for the people."
Empress Dowager Li changed the subject and said, "The court is currently in turmoil, and people's hearts are uneasy. I need some capable people to assist me. Miss Cen is so smart and capable. If you could be of use to me, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"
Cen Jiexiao's heart trembled, but she remained calm on the surface: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am just a woman and don't understand the affairs of state."
Empress Dowager Li extended an olive branch to Cen Jiexiao, saying that she could be her helper in the court.
Meanwhile, Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi were busy at Zhao Yin Academy, secretly investigating Empress Dowager Li's motives and discovering she had been meeting frequently with several ministers privately, seemingly plotting something. Reporting this to Sister Cen, Sister Cen realized her motives were more complex than simple, likely connected to a power struggle at court.
In order to find out the truth, Cen Jiexiao decided to retreat and pretend to obey the Queen Mother Li to gain her trust. She began to visit the palace regularly to take care of the Queen Mother Li, and took this opportunity to observe the situation in the palace and gather intelligence.
After several contacts, Empress Dowager Li became more and more trusting of Cen Jiexiao, and even began to reveal some secrets of the court to her, such as the recent appointments and dismissals of officials, as well as some important policy changes.
Cen Jiexiao learns that Empress Dowager Li is planning to suppress dissidents and eliminate some of the confidants promoted by Emperor Chai Zhen, taking the opportunity to strengthen her own power. Cen Jiexiao is attracted by her influence and reputation among the people, hoping to use her as a pawn in the court.
On the surface, Cen Jiexiao obeyed Empress Dowager Li's orders, but secretly passed this information to Chai Zhen, helping Chai Zhen to prepare for the response in advance and secretly undermining Empress Dowager Li's plan.