#huabao

[acequinz]

Gays and the universal child distribution system works again.

Let's gooo to a happy life anew!!!

[feychild1225]

This episode was so much to unpack, like the best of gift boxes. I haven't even touched on how hard I was laughing when Huai En and Siming had to physically separate their boyfriends.

[a-random-fangirls-stuff]

“You cant marry a man! The Jin family needs heirs!!”

Huaibao trough the power of love and horny: bet

I have never wanted mpreg to be real for two people more than i want it for huaien and xiaobao just so they can prove the haters wrong

[lotus-piers]

MEET YOU AT THE BLOSSOM | I CAN TEACH YOU

+ bonus revelations!! feelings!! vulnerable!! huaien

[duhdumb89]

A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 48

The food spread over Shen huang gui fei's dining table was rank. There were plates of fatty, slimy meat, a bowl of strange fried noodles, greasy barbecue, and stinky mutton and camel dishes. The servants had to open every window and door so the sour smells didn't linger in her palace.

"Huabao," Shen huang gui fei said, cringing as her daughter slurped down a cup of sour yak milk, "Wouldn't you like something else to eat? His Majesty and I had lunch yesterday, and the food was so lovely. Should I send for some?"

Shaking her head, Huabao said, "Maybe later. This is all I've wanted since I returned! Ah! Thankfully, Royal Grandmother let me borrow her chef. A-niang, you don't want to try?"

Huabao placed a piece of slimy mystery meat on Shen huang gui fei's plate, a bright smile on her face.

Shen huang gui fei turned away from the sight with a strained laugh, "What about birds nest's soup? Jingse will make a fresh batch for you,"

Huabao wrinkled her nose before turning to the handmaid she'd dragged back to the palace, Tuya. Tuya was short, squat, and dark. In any other circumstance, Shen huang gui fei would have never let her set foot in Zhongcuigong.

"Are there any more of the sweet milk curds?"

"No, First Princess," replied Tuya.

"I'll just have Royal Grandmother's chef make more," said Huabao, returning to her meal.

Who was this girl sitting across from her? This wild thing? This stranger who nodded her head quietly as The Empress Dowager promised her a crop of maids to bring with her into her new household?

As the days passed, the distance between Shen huang gui fei and her child grew. Gone was the daughter who clutched her skirts and hung on her every word. Now, there was a woman who often stank of the stables and didn't care to even look at the portrait of her future husband. Huabao barely cared a lick about her marriage at all. Whenever Shen huang gui fei tried to guide Huabao about running her new household, the girl found an excuse to run away. Not to mention that her attitude during any of the pre-marriage ceremonies bordered on apathy. Huabao turned her nose up at the embroidery and calligraphy they had so much fun with, instead opting to run off, race horses, and shoot arrows with her brothers.

With each wall Huabao was determined to put up between them, Shen huang gui fei grew angrier. Her daughter would have never ended up like this if it wasn't for The Empress. Her daughter would still be her little girl and His Majesty's precious pearl if The Empress hadn't sunk her claws into her. Shen huang gui fei was sure that the bitch had something up her sleeve for Huabao's wedding. Why wouldn't she? Her maternal cousins were married to His Majesty's favored brother, she had two sons, and soon, she would have a direct connection to the Fuca clan.

If The Empress struck now, everything Shen huang gui fei had worked so hard for would go up in flames. Shen huang gui fei wasn't going to wait around and let that happen.

✺

Shen huang gui fei had never paid much attention to to Bai gonggong. He had been Fung gonggong's deputy eunuch for as long as she had been in the Forbidden City. Fung gonggong had always been the bigger fish, but he was, unfortunately, unswayable. As old as he was, he had no family to support or possibly hold hostage. He was an eunuch in all senses of the word, so a beautiful woman was as good as dirt to him, and he worshipped no one but the man under whom he rose to power: The Late Emperor. His Majesty was a close second, but the eunuch did everything in his old master's name. No concubine could push him to one side or the other, as he would defer to The Empress or The Empress Dowager as the rules permitted. Trying to bother with him was a waste of time and energy.

Bai gonggong, however, from what Jingse could gather, was nothing of the sort. He was easy to ignore and, for the right price, could get a servant where they needed to go. None of the concubines paid him notice, but he managed to collect a tidy sum from the other eunuchs and maids to switch departments or to keep secrets secret. It was rumored that the only reason he became Fung gonggong's deputy was because he was the cause of the front runner's violent end with a wild horse.

"Your Highness," he said, gesturing to the painted porcelain pots that his eunuchs held behind him, "I scoured the Storage House to find the finest gift for First Princess's wedding,"

The pots were fine. Certainly, nothing that Shen huang gui fei found to be up to her standards, but that wasn't the real reason she called him here anyway. If her intuition was correct then Bai gonggong wouldn't be opposed to helping Shen huang gui fei with her little problem.

"That one there," she said, pointing to a yellow and blue gourd-shaped pot, "Bring it closer,"

Before the eunuch holding her choice could even lift his head, Bai gonggong snatched it away and brought it to Shen huang gui fei.

Obedient. Good.

"Did you pick this one yourself, gonggong?" She asked, pretending to inspect the craftsmanship.

"Of course, Your Highness,"

A liar as well. Very good.

"You have a very good eye, gonggong,"

"This slave doesn't deserve your praise, Your Highness,"

"I'll take this one," Shen huang gui fei said, handing the pot to A'Fang, before nodding at Jingse, "Give Bai gonggong his reward,"

Bai gonggong's eyes glittered at the sight of the silver tael in Jingse's hand.

"Your Highness is too kind," he said, not hesitating to take the money. He bowed low, "We'll take our leave,"

"Stay a moment, gonggong. There's a task I'd like you to help me with," said Shen huang gui fei.

"I'm only a lowly deputy, Your Highness," Bai gonggong replied, "Perhaps Fung gonggong would be better suited to serve you?"

As deferential as the words were, there was no mistaking the way his grip tightened on the reward in his hands.

"No, you'll do just fine,"

Bai gonggong eagerly shooed the other eunuchs away.

"How may I serve you, Your Highness?"

✺

As the candles burned high and bright, a trickle of sweat slid down An pin's temple and nestled itself in the fabric of her collar. It was the height of summer now and she usually wouldn't subject herself to being steamed like a piece of fish, but she hunkered down in Dafuge for a reason. Cao taiyi had finally become worth An pin's while.

"Your Highness," Weiwei hissed as she hurried back from the courtyard facing windows, "Limei is here,"

Immediately, An pin began to poke at her thighs with a sharp pin to help the tears fall from her eyes. By the time Limei walked through the doors, An pin would have worked herself up into a respectable crying fit.

From what Weiwei could gather, Limei had been Guang pin's dowry maid and her closest confidant. Since Guang pin's death, the girl haunted the Forbidden City like a pale ghost, skulking from her new post at the Ice House to the Dafuge to pray for Guang pin's soul and back again.

The door creaked open.

"Meimei," An pin blubbered, "Meimei, I'm so sorry,"

"Your Highness?"

An pin pretended to be startled and whirled around.

"Your Highness An pin!" Limei said, dropping to her knees to bow.

An pin sniffled and rubbed the tears from her cheeks, "Rise,"

Limei glanced at Guang pin's memorial tablet, "Are you here to speak with my mistress?"

An pin nodded before gazing at the shrine, "Do you come here very often, Limei?"

Limei's eyes opened wide, as if she couldn't believe that An pin knew her name at all before nodding her head, "Yes, Your Highness. We never went a day without seeing each other...before, so it's become a habit,"

An pin sighed, "I came here because my heart is heavy. I was hoping meimei could ease my sorrows,"

"I didn't know that you and Guang pin were close, Your Highness," replied Limei.

Shaking her head, An pin pressed a hand to her heart, "We weren't. But I wish I could back and change things,"

Her voice dropped to a low whisper, "Maybe then I could have protected her,"

Limei reared back as if she had been struck, her pale face somehow going even whiter.

"What?" She croaked out?

An pin shook her head and scrambled to her feet, making a point to stumble even as Weiwei buoyed her.

"Nothing," An pin whispered, "I won't keep you from your conversation,"

An pin began ambling to the door.

"Your Highness, wait!" Limei said, running in front of her, "What did you say just then? What did you mean?"

Limei clawed at An pin's sleeve desperately. An pin snatched her arm away.

Weiwei pushed Limei to the side, "How dare you put your hands on An pin?! Get out of the way!"

An pin squeezed out more tears and brought her handkerchief to her mouth to muffle her sobs. It was a good performance but unfortunately, Limei looked defeated. She stood there quietly, not bothering to come after An pin again. What a waste!

However, just as An pin thought the whole endeavor wasn't worth her while, Limei sprung back to life. She planted herself in front of the door and kneeled.

"Your Highness, I beg you! I beg you! Please tell me! Please tell me so I can honor my mistress!"

Each cry was punctuated with a dull 'clunk' as Limei bashed her head into the ground.

Ah! Finally!

"Weiwei, help her up," said An pin.

Weiwei did as she was told.

Limei lifted her head as a thin stream of blood dribbled down her face. An pin pressed her handkerchief to it.

"You shouldn't hurt yourself like this, Limei,"

Limei shook her head, "This body is nothing. I'm only here to honor Guang pin's name,"

An pin released a theatric sigh, "If I tell you what I meant, do you promise to act sensibly?"

The girl nodded frantically, obviously lying.

Putting on a nervous tick and fiddling with her nail guards, An pin began, "When Wang Rong was alive, she was my dearest friend after we entered the palace together. We grew close for a time, but as His Majesty acquired more and more women and her favor wasn't so everlasting, she grew bitter and angry. Especially at your mistress,"

An pin paused for dramatic effect.

"One night, I thought to drop in and have dinner with Wang Rong. I didn't bother to announce myself because it was so late. She was talking to her maids and I heard her say... I...I didn't do anything about it because I couldn't imagine she would do something so drastic. And I couldn't imagine that Shen huang gui fei would help her,"

Limei's lips wobbled but no sound emerged.

"I didn't think of it again. After meimei's death, so many things happened. But a few months ago, she came to me in a dream and begged me to find the truth. She wanted me to know that it wasn't just the childbed that...that the labor didn't take her,"

"I began asking around," An pin continued, "I even sent a physician around to ask Guang pin's servants about her food and drink,"

"That was you? You sent that doctor?" Limei said before biting her lip, "What...what did he find?"

An pin blinked away a new set of tears, "Do you remember when a gift from Wang Rong came for your mistress? Herbs to keep her beauty?"

Limei, thankfully, caught on quickly to what An pin was implying.

"But, we sent it to the Imperial Hospital," Limei said, her voice shaking, "They said it was safe,"

"Do you know if they tested the entire jar or just the top?" An pin said, pulling a lie out of thin air.

Limei shook her head and pursed her lips, "I-I don't know,"

"That night, Wang Rong told her maids that she knew you sent the medicine for inspection and was glad she listened to Shen huang gui fei about filling the top of herbs with something harmless,"

"It was poison? She poisoned Guang pin?" 

"In a way. Guang pin was taking bu gu zhi. If you and I were to take it, even for years at a time, it wouldn't harm us. But for a pregnant woman, it's fatal,"

Limei crumpled to the ground and stared at An pin, in a dazed silence.

For an uncomfortable stretch of time, the girl sat there, slumped at An pin's feet without a single blink. An pin fought the scowl that was desperate to be on her face. This wasn't the response she expected. She was hoping for righteous anger or woeful tears! Not this corpse.

Instead of slapping her, An pin said softly, "Limei? Are you alright?"

"Why,"

An pin paused.

"Why?"

Limei spoke again, "Why would Shen huang gui fei do this?"

An pin knelt on the ground before grabbing Limei's hand, "The back palace is a glittering slate of beauty that masks the evil of the mind. I thought we were close but after finding out the truth. I don't know what to think,"

"Do you think she did it so she could finally have a prince?" Weiwei asked, skillfully inserting herself into the conversation.

"I," An pin said, her lips quivering, "I can't believe that. Shen huang gui fei couldn't have know that meimei would even give birth to sons,"

"Your Highness, didn't you think it was strange that out of the blue, everyone was banned from visiting Guang pin, except for Shen huang gui fei? Could it be that she wanted Guang pin to think that no one but her cared for her?"

An pin shook her head, "I don't know what to think, Weiwei. I don't want to keep thinking of these things in such a holy place,"

She swayed to the side to make a point.

"Your Highness, you've gone pale. I'll take you back to Chuxiugong,"

An pin nodded, but before she let Weiwei lead her away, she kneeled to grab Limei's hands again.

"Don't lose your head over this Limei. Wang Rong and Shen huang gui fei may have wronged your mistress, but she was only the bottom rung in the ladder of this cruel place. If you truly want to honor Guang pin, you'll live a good, long life with her memory in your heart,"

Limei sagged to the ground as if her shoulders weighed a thousand pounds.

"I will, Your Highness. Thank you for your grace,"

"Your Highness," Weiwei said as they began their trek back to Chuxiugong, "Do you think she'll be able to do anything without your help? What if this was a waste?"

An pin shrugged, "I have faith in her. Though, if it amounts to nothing, I still have plenty of things in store for Shen huang gui fei,"

✺

Jiayi was broke. Absolutely emptied out. She would probably have to sell one of the gifts Xiang pin gave her to be able to send something back to Wei Jiayi's family. As perilous as the situation was, Jiayi didn't feel anything but the outrageous amount of butterflies in her stomach. Before Xiang pin had laid down for her afternoon nap, Jiayi asked permission to drop by the clothing house and pick up some fabric for a dress. It was only half a lie. She did pick out some fabric–a few bundles of rich black silk–but it wasn't for a dress.

It was for Prince Han's gift.

Jiayi had thought long and hard about what she could possibly give to someone like him and the idea finally came to her as she watched Xiang pin 'ooh' and 'ahh' over a brocade pajama set that The Emperor had sent her before declaring that she would sew a set for him as a gift in return. The thought nailed itself to the flesh of Jiayi's brain.

She and Prince Han were together. Those were the sort of gifts people gave to one another, right? Before she could lose her courage, Jiayi had spent the money and bought the fabric. The sight of it folded innocently in the basket on her arm made her heart race. She wouldn't just give Prince Han the pajamas, obviously. That would be too much! She would paint him something with her Hubi. Maybe when she asked Sang'er to give her Prince Han's measurements, she'd ask if Prince Han had any favorite poems or sutras so she could paint something to hang on his wall. Jiayi was so lost in her thoughts that she almost missed the sight of Shen huang gui fei's and First Princess's raised chairs. She moved herself to the side and kneeled as the entourage passed by.

Since First Princess's return, Shen huang gui fei's time revolved entirely around the wedding. While things had been quiet, they all knew better than to count Shen huang gui fei out. They were as vigilant as they could be. Jiayi rose to her feet as the servants passed her by. She paused as a familiar yet unfamiliar face brought up the rear of Shen huang gui fei's line of maids. She had seen the maid's face before, somewhere, but never as a servant of Zhongcuigong. Before she could bring a face to the name, a eunuch stopped in front of her.

"Wei guniang?"

Jiayi clutched her basket tightly. She had never seen this eunuch before, "Yes?"

"Fung gonggong has asked for you,"

Jiayi's throat dried up in an instant. She croaked out a laugh, "I'm sorry gonggong, but I have to return to my mistress–,"

"Her Highness Xiang pin has already been informed," he replied, "This way. Quickly," 

[moscowjobnet-blog]

молодые миллиардеры

Им нет и сорока, а их личные состояния уже исчисляются миллиардами долларов. Число самых богатых молодых женщин планеты за прошедший год утроилось, подсчитали эксперты журнала Forbes. Чаще всего юные дамы обязаны своим богатствам папам и мамам, но все они прилежно приумножают семейное состояние.

САМАЯ БОГАТАЯ Первое место в списке занимает 26-летняя китаянка Ян Хуэянь, признанная богатейшей женщиной Азии и располагающая состоянием в 16 млрд. долларов. Благодарить за столь безбедное существование Хуэянь должна своего отца: именно он в 2005 году подарил Ян контрольный пакет акций строительной фирмы Country Garden Holdings. Ян получила высшее образование в Пекинском университете, а затем отправилась изучать маркетинг в Америку, штат Огайо. Сейчас она успешно управляет компанией, а год назад вышла замуж. САМАЯ МОЛОДАЯ Холостякам советуем искать свою вторую половинку в Ливане: именно там живет самая молодая из богатых наследниц - 24-летняя Хинд Харири. Естественно, за свою жизнь она не успела бы самостоятельно заработать те 1,5 млрд. долларов, которые помогли ей попасть в топ-лист. Все состояние оставил дочке отец, бывший премьер Ливана и строительный магнат Рафик Харири, погибший в 2005 году в результате теракта. Миллиардерша окончила университет в Бейруте, занимается политикой и обожает моду. Правда, если верить слухам, девушка обручена и в скором времени состоится свадьба. САМЫЕ УМНЫЕ И "БЕДНЫЕ" Три богачки носят одну фамилию: 31-летняя Бегумхан Доган Фараляли, 36-летняя Ханзаде Доган Бойнер и 37-летняя Вуслат Доган. Все они дочери медиабарона турецкого происхождения Одина Догана. Самая молодая, Бегумхан, училась в Лондонской школе экономики, где получила степень бакалавра в области экономики и философии, затем в Стэнфордском университете, где была удостоена степени МВА. Свою карьеру она начинала со скромной должности консультанта в американской аудиторской компании Arthur Anderson в Нью-Йорке, сейчас занимает пост президента в семейном холдинге Dogan Holding. Ее капитал - 1 млрд. долларов. Ханзаде Бойнер, отучившись в университете, устроилась на работу в лондонскую компанию Goldman Sachs London в качестве финансового аналитика. Позднее, когда интернет-бум дошел до Турции, девушка не растерялась и организовала продвижение папиного медиахолдинга через Всемирную паутину, и спустя некоторое время компания Dogan Online стала крупнейшим турецким интернет-провайдером. Девушка по сей день возглавл��ет эту отрасль, совмещая ее с должностью заместителя гендиректора газеты Dogan Newspaper. Свои деньги миллиардерша тратит в том числе на благотворительность: Ханзаде основала компанию, которая занимается образованием турецких девочек, под названием "Папа, отправь меня в школу". На собранные средства они строят образовательные учреждения. Состояние Бойнер оценивается в тот же миллиард. Вуслат, как и ее сестры, получила два высших образования (плюс докторскую степень) и, конечно, неплохое место в папиной компании - должность руководителя газеты The Hurriyet. Все три сестры замужем. САМАЯ САМОСТОЯТЕЛЬНАЯ Пожалуй, эта женщина заслуживает особого внимания: она единственная, кто получил миллиардный счет в банке благодаря собственным усилиям, а не папе или маме. 38-летняя китаянка Чу Лам Ю десять лет назад основала бизнес по продаже парфюмерии и пищевых добавок. Она сумела не только приумножить капитал, но и вывести компанию Huabao International Holdings на мировой рынок. Холдинг занимается производством и продажей парфюмерных, табачных и пищевых ароматов и отдушек. Успешный бизнес принес Чу Лам Ю 1,3 млрд. долларов. МИЛ��ИАРДЕРШИ ЗА 40 Естественно, в списке богатейших женщин планеты не только 30-летние. Там присутствуют 40-летняя дочь президента Казахстана Динара Кулибаева (по данным Forbes, ее капитал - 2 млрд. долларов), 42-летняя американка Маргарет Магерко (тоже 2 млрд. долларов), автор "Гарри Поттера" Джоан Роулинг (единственная писательница в списке заработала миллиард) и даже россиянка - супруга Юрия Лужкова Елена Батурина (доход не указан).

[acequinz]

Kite is a positive symbol but when you think about it, it is mainly a symbol of happiness.

The show starts with Xiaobao happily running around in the courtyard with people fawning over him as he plays with a kite and then it cuts to Huaien trying to get a kite and being thrown over the cliff, this does make the cliff one of his biggest traumas that is recalled multiple times.

The evil fake dad doesn't just have a kite hobby, he has a hobby of decorating plain white kites in beautiful flowers but ultimately keeping them closer in a dark room.

Which could be connected to how delusional he was with his "love" for Huaien's mother, he decorated the kite as he wished, spreading the narrative to what he wanted and kept the kites from ever seeing the sky, it could symbolise how he literally molded Huaien into whatever he wanted and kept him trapped once again going against what he could have had originally.

In the end we once again have Xiaobao flying the kite in the courtyard but this time he has Huaien with him and he's flying his own kite not sharing a kite with Xiaobao, he has his own kite that he is flying in the sky.

He's finally free and in an environment where he can soar on his own terms but Xiaobao is right there with him, helping him when he needs it and ultimately they are happy together reaching for new heights in control of their life.

what do we think the significance of Zongzheng Yuzhan painting kites was?

since kites are overwhelmingly a positive symbol in MYATB... but the evil fake dad has a kite hobby?

I've been chewing on that one!

[gireportstory]

Global Stretch Film Making Machine Market Size,Growth Rate,Industry Opportunities 2024-2030

Global Info Research announces the release of the report “Global Stretch Film Making Machine Market 2024 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2030” . This report provides a detailed overview of the market scenario, including a thorough analysis of the market size, sales quantity, average price, revenue, gross margin and market share.The report provides an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, manufacturer’s profiles,regional and national market dynamics, and the opportunities and challenge that the market may be exposed to in the near future. Global Stretch Film Making Machine market research report is a comprehensive analysis of the current market trends, future prospects, and other pivotal factors that drive the market.

According to our (Global Info Research) latest study, the global Stretch Film Making Machine market size was valued at USD 901.4 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1275.2 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.1% during review period. Global key players of stretch film making machine include Brückner Maschinenbau, W&H, Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Gruppo Colines, JSW The Japan Steel Works, etc. The top four players hold a share over 50%.

China is the largest producer, has a share about 51%. In terms of product type, multilayer film manufacturing machine is the largest segment, occupied for a share of 78%, and in terms of application, food processing industry has a share about 32 percent.

The Global Info Research report includes an overview of the development of the Stretch Film Making Machine industry chain, the market status of Industrial (Single Film Manufacturing Machine, Multilayer Film Manufacturing Machine), Food Processing Industry (Single Film Manufacturing Machine, Multilayer Film Manufacturing Machine), and key enterprises in developed and developing market, and analysed the cutting-edge technology, patent, hot applications and market trends of Stretch Film Making Machine.

Regionally, the report analyzes the Stretch Film Making Machine markets in key regions. North America and Europe are experiencing steady growth, driven by government initiatives and increasing consumer awareness. Asia-Pacific, particularly China, leads the global Stretch Film Making Machine market, with robust domestic demand, supportive policies, and a strong manufacturing base.

Market Segmentation Stretch Film Making Machine market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2019-2029, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for consumption value by Type, and by Application in terms of volume and value.

Market segment by Type: Single Film Manufacturing Machine、Multilayer Film Manufacturing Machine

Market segment by Application:Industrial、Food Processing Industry、Agriculture、Others

Major players covered: Brückner Maschinenbau、W&H、Lindauer DORNIER GmbH、Gruppo Colines、JSW The Japan Steel Works、Huabao、SIMCHENG、Chyi Yang Industrial Company、Changlongxing、Macro Engineering & Technology、XHD、SML、Jinming Machinery、Dongsheng、Matila Industrial Co., Ltd.、Hengtuo

The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:

Chapter 1, to describe Stretch Film Making Machine product scope, market overview, market estimation caveats and base year.

Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Stretch Film Making Machine, with price, sales, revenue and global market

share of Stretch Film Making Machine from 2019 to 2024. Chapter 3, the Stretch Film Making Machine competitive situation, sales quantity, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.

Chapter 4, the Stretch Film Making Machine breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales quantity, consumption value and growth by regions, from 2019 to 2030.

Chapter 5 and 6, to segment the sales by Type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2019 to 2030.

Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales quantity, consumption value and market share for key countries in the world, from 2017 to 2023.and Stretch Film Making Machine market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2025 to 2030.

Chapter 12, market dynamics, drivers, restraints, trends and Porters Five Forces analysis.

Chapter 13, the key raw materials and key suppliers, and industry chain of Stretch Film Making Machine.

Chapter 14 and 15, to describe Stretch Film Making Machine sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion.

Our Market Research Advantages： Global Perspective: Our research team has a strong understanding of the  company in the global Stretch Film Making Machine market.Which offers pragmatic data to the company. Aim And Strategy: Accelerate your business integration, provide professional market strategic plans, and promote the rapid development of enterprises. Innovative Analytics: We have the most comprehensive database of resources , provide the largest market segments and business information.

About Us: Global Info Research is a company that digs deep into global industry information to support enterprises with market strategies and in-depth market development analysis reports. We provide market information consulting services in the global region to support enterprise strategic planning and official information reporting, and focuses on customized research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, database and top industry services. At the same time, Global Info Research is also a report publisher, a customer and an interest-based suppliers, and is trusted by more than 30,000 companies around the world. We will always carry out all aspects of our business with excellent expertise and experience.

[bostonmedias]

Air Conditioner AC Remote Control Silver - For BEIJINGJINGDIAN BIG-THUMB BOERKA

This easy to use air conditioning remote has Automatic Setup and Power database to cover 1000 codes for almost all brands. It includes timer and clock functions.

Please check at the bottom of this description for the list of all compatible brands.

Specifications

Suitable for almost all air conditioning models

Offers manually searching and automatic searching to set up to your air-conditioner

Timer on/off function

Clock function

Power supply: AAA X 2 (not included)

Here's a list of all compatible models:

ACSOM, ACTRON AIR, ADC, AIDELONG, AITE, AKIRA, ALPIN, AMCOR, AMICO, AOKE, AOLI, APTON, AUCMA, AUX, BAIXUE, BEIJINGJINGDIAN, BIG-THUMB, BOERKA, BORLER, BOSHI, BOSHIGAO, CAIXING, CHANGFENG, CHANGFU, CHANGHONG, CHANGLING, CHENGYUAN, CHIGO, CHUANGHUA, CHUANYAN, CHUNLAN, COLROLLA, CONROWA, CONSUL, CORONA, CROWN, DAEWOO, DAIKIN, DAJINXING, DAKE, DAOTIAN, DELONGHI, DONGXIA, DONGXINBAO, DUNAN, ELCO, ELECTER, ELECTROLUX, FEDDERS, FEIEDRICH, FEIGE, FEILU, FERROLI, FIRST, FRESTECH, FUJITSU, GALANZ, GARRIER, GEER, GLEE, GOLDSTAR, GREE, GUANGDA, GUQIAO, HAIER, HELTON, HEMILTON, HICON, HISENSE, HITACHI, HONGYI, HUABAO, HUAGAO, HUAKE, HUALING, HUAMEI, HUANGHE, HUAWEI, HUIFENG, HYUNDAI, INYCIN, JIALE, JIANGNAN, JINBEIJING, JINDA, JINSONG, JMSTAR, JOHNSO, KANGLI, KELONG, KLIMATAIR, KONKA, KRIS, KT02_D001, KT02_D002, KTY001, KTY002, KTY003, KTY004, KTY005, LG, LIANGYU, LIKEAIR, LITTLESWAN, LONGHE, LOREN-SEBO, MCQUAY, MEILING, MINGXING,BOYIN, MITSUBISHI, MITSUKA, NATIONAL/Panasonic, NIKKO, NISO, NORCA, OLYMPUS, OPAL, PANDA, PEREG, PILOT, PINSHANG,XINHUABAO, PUYI, QIXING, RAYBO, RHOSS, RICAI, RIJIANG, ROWA, SACON, SAMSUNG, SANYONEC, SANZUAN, SAPORO, SAST, SENSOR, SERENE, SHAMEI, SHANGLING, SHANXING, SHANYE, SHARP, SHENBAO, SHENGFENG, SHENGFENGFEILU, SHINCO, SHINING, SHUANGLU, SIGMA, SOGO, SONGLINXIA, SONGXING, SOVA, SOWA, SOYEA, SPEED, SRTC, STARIGHT-AIRCON, SUNBURG, TADIAIR, TADIRAN, TAIYA, TCL, TEAC, TECO, TIANJINKONGTIAO, TIANYUAN, TOBO, TONGLI, TOSHIBA, TOYO, TRANE, UNI-AIR, UTTLEDUCK, WANBAO, WANGZI, WEILI, WEITELI, WHIRLPOOL, WUFENG, XILENG, XINGHE, XINLE, XINLING, XIONGDI, YAIR, YAOMA, YIDONG, YORK, YUETU, YUTU, ZHONGYI, ZUODAN, DIY

Brand : Chunghop. Barcode : 9352827025850.

[occupyhades]

Hong Kong Billionaire Back At Work After Surveillance Lifted, Flagship’s Deputy CFO Arrested In Bribery Probe - Forbes.com

Huabao's Hong Kong business offices searched today...

[acequinz]

The little puppy has developed a full set of fangs. No more harming his wife.

And god I can just hear Huaein purring like the softest little kitty cat at being protected. Babygirl is no longer thinking about anything except maybe pinning down his husband and ravishing him.

Yeah me too babe. Me too.

[feychild1225]

From jealous meow meow to adoring cat looks. That is such a wonderful character growth.

[pearlsmith25]

Natural And Organic Flavors Market Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2030

Natural and organic flavors are food flavorings that are derived from natural sources such as plants, fruits, vegetables, and other natural substances. They are different from artificial flavors, which are typically synthesized in a laboratory using chemicals.

Natural flavors are derived from natural sources and may include essential oils, extracts, distillates, or other substances obtained from natural sources. These flavors must be derived from a natural source, and they cannot be chemically synthesized or artificially created.

Organic flavors, on the other hand, are natural flavors that are sourced from organic ingredients. Organic flavors must meet strict standards for organic certification, which means that the ingredients used to create the flavor must be grown and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals.

Both natural and organic flavors are popular choices for food manufacturers who want to create products that are perceived as healthier and more natural. They are commonly used in a variety of food products, including snacks, beverages, and baked goods. However, it's important to note that just because a flavor is natural or organic doesn't necessarily mean that the product it's used in is healthy or nutritious. It's always important to read the ingredients list and nutritional information to make informed decisions about the foods you consume.

The market for natural flavors is expected to hold the largest share of the overall market, owing to their wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry. Natural flavors are used in a variety of products, including bakery and confectionery products, dairy products, beverages, and savory snacks.

Organic flavors are also expected to see significant growth, driven by increasing demand for organic products and rising consumer awareness about the benefits of organic food ingredients. The demand for organic flavors is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic products.

The food and beverage industry is the largest end-user of natural and organic flavors, accounting for the majority of the market share. However, the market is also seeing growth in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries, where natural and organic flavors are used in a variety of products, including cosmetics and dietary supplements.

Key players operating in global natural and organic flavors market are Givaudan S.A., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Firmenich SA, Symrise AG, Takasago International Corporation, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kerry Group Plc., Frutarom Industries Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Döhler GmbH, Huabao International Holdings Limited, T. Hasegawa Co., Ltd, Koninklijke DSM NV, Axxence Aromatic GmbH, GOLD COAST INGREDIENTS, INC., Zymus International Ltd, Treatt Plc, Blue Specific Flavors, Inc., and UNIQUE FLAVORS AND FRAGRANCES LTD.

The demand for natural and organic flavors is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where consumers are increasingly looking for clean label products made with natural and organic ingredients. The Asia-Pacific region is also expected to see significant growth in the natural and organic flavors market, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing health consciousness, and growing awareness about the benefits of natural and organic products.

In addition to the food and beverage industry, the natural and organic flavors market is also seeing growth in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Natural and organic flavors are used in a variety of products in these industries, including cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

The demand for natural and organic flavors has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and more natural food options. Consumers are becoming more aware of the potential health benefits associated with consuming natural and organic products and are increasingly seeking out these types of products when making purchasing decisions.

The demand for natural flavors is particularly strong in the food and beverage industry, where consumers are looking for products that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Natural flavors are used in a variety of food and beverage products, including snacks, baked goods, dairy products, and beverages.

Organic flavors are also seeing strong demand, driven by increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of organic products and a growing preference for clean label products. Organic flavors are used in a range of products, including organic snacks, organic beverages, and organic dairy products.

In addition to the food and beverage industry, the demand for natural and organic flavors is also growing in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Natural and organic flavors are used in a variety of products, including cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

The natural and organic flavors market has a wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry, as well as in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries.

In the food and beverage industry, natural and organic flavors are used in a variety of products, including:

Bakery and confectionery products Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese Beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and teas Snacks, including chips, crackers, and popcorn Sauces, dressings, and condiments Meat and poultry products

Natural and organic flavors are also used in the personal care industry, where they are used in products such as:

Cosmetics, including makeup, skin care products, and hair care products Fragrances and perfumes Toiletries, including soaps, shampoos, and body washes

In the pharmaceutical industry, natural and organic flavors are used in a variety of products, including:

Dietary supplements Medicines and drugs Herbal remedies

Overall, the applications for natural and organic flavors are diverse and wide-ranging, with many different industries making use of these ingredients in a variety of products. As consumers become increasingly focused on health and wellness, the demand for natural and organic flavors is expected to continue growing, driving innovation in the industry and opening up new opportunities for companies to create innovative, natural products.

The use of natural and organic flavors in food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products offers a number of benefits, including:

Healthier and safer products: Natural and organic flavors are made from natural ingredients and do not contain synthetic chemicals or artificial ingredients. This makes them a healthier and safer alternative to traditional flavors, which may contain potentially harmful chemicals.

Better taste and quality: Natural and organic flavors can enhance the taste and quality of products, providing a more authentic and satisfying flavor profile. Natural flavors can be used to add flavor and aroma to products without overpowering them, while organic flavors can provide a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Greater consumer appeal: Consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, and natural and organic products are seen as a healthier and more sustainable option. Products that are made with natural and organic flavors have greater consumer appeal and are more likely to be perceived as high-quality and premium products.

Clean label appeal: Natural and organic flavors are often associated with "clean label" products, which are products that are made with simple, natural ingredients and do not contain artificial ingredients or preservatives. Clean label products have become increasingly popular among consumers who are seeking healthier, more natural products.

Sustainability: Organic flavors are made from ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which makes them a more sustainable option. Additionally, many natural flavor ingredients are sourced from renewable resources, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of production.

Overall, the use of natural and organic flavors offers a range of benefits for both consumers and manufacturers, including improved taste and quality, greater consumer appeal, and a more sustainable and healthier product offering.

[marketing123456789]

Flavors and Fragrances Market Size, Share, Trend Research Profiling Players to Witness Massive Growth by 2033

The flavors and fragrances market is predicted to strengthen its space at an average CAGR of 4.67% between 2023 and 2033. The market is anticipated to cross a market share of US$ 45.68 billion by 2033, while it is likely to be valued at US$ 28.94 billion in 2023.

The demand is rising for perfect food flavors and cosmetic fragrances across the verticals that deal with taste and smell. This pushes market growth across all regions.

The trend of using natural and organic flavors is bringing a dynamic change in the flavors and fragrances market. Furthermore, there is a high demand for naturally/conventionally processed fragrances that contributes to market growth.

The proliferation in demand for convenient food and ready meals is also pushing the sales of added flavors that enrich the taste of these meals. The changing lifestyle and increased number of people working in corporates also have less time to cook.

A higher number of vehicle sales also garners one segment of the product. The sales of fragrances have increased with the increased requirements for vehicle perfume.

Apart from organic and natural flavors and fragrances, the demand for local tastes and smells has also gained traction. Local flavors are likely to have a major impact on the market prospects

Download In-depth Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-16731

Key Points

The North American market holds a significant space in the flavors and fragrances market. The market growth is attributed to the expanding packaged consumables and ready meals market. Furthermore, the expanding cosmetic and personal care market thrives the regional growth at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period.

The APAC flavors and fragrances market is the region in the market with a CAGR of 6.6% between 2023 and 2033. The regional growth is attributed to the higher working population coupled with the enhanced processing units.

Europe with higher penetration of local flavors and fragrances along with increased per capita income of people to consume luxury perfume and personal care products.

The fragrance segment is likely to thrive in the product type category as it thrives on a CAGR of 4.13% between 2023 and 2033. The growth is attributed to factors like higher consumption of perfumes and personal care products.

The synthetic segment tops the nature category with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is fueled by easy availability and cheaper manufacturing costs.

Preview Full Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/flavors-and-fragrances-market

Competitive Landscape

The key competitors focus on adding new local flavors while limiting the cost and enhancing the organic content in their products. Companies focus on producing clean-label products in the market. Key competitors also merge, acquire, and partner with other companies to increase their supply chain and distribution channel. The key players in the market are Robertet SA, S H Kelkar and Company Limited, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Symrise AG, International Flavors and Fragrances Inc, Firmenich SA, Frutarom Industries Ltd, Givaudan International SA, Huabao International Holdings Limited, and Kerry Group PLC.

Recent Market Developments

Sensient Technologies Corporation has introduced its exotic new flavors. Furthermore, the brand has added services that help end users define their requirements. These services involve taste modulation, plant-based solutions, sensory enhancers, clean-label solutions, and vegan flavors.

Firmenich SA has appointed new leadership for the integrated perfumery and ingredients organization. The company has named its current perfumery head, llaria Resta as its president. The company has also been added to the list of World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Key Segments

By Types:

Flavors

Fragrances

By Nature:

Natural

Synthetic

By Application:

Food and Beverages

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Home Care

Fabric Care

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

The Middle East & Africa (MEA)

About FMI

Future Market Insights (ESOMAR certified market research organization and a member of Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) provides in-depth insights into governing factors elevating the demand in the market. It discloses opportunities that will favor the market growth in various segments on the basis of Source, Application, Sales Channel and End Use over the next 10 years.

[sanjay-chem]

Perfume Ingredient Chemicals Market Size, Share, Demand, Growth and Trends by 2027

As per Future Market Insights, global sales from the sales of perfume ingredient chemical substances turned into valued at US$ 6.7 Bn in 2022 and is projected to attain a market cost people US$ 8.9 Bn by way of 2027 cease, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% for the duration of the forecast period i. E. Between 2022 and 2027. In line with a brand new e-book via Future Market Insights titled “perfume ingredient chemical compounds market: worldwide enterprise analysis (2012 – 2021) and opportunity assessment (2022 – 2027),” most of the organizations manufacturing perfume ingredient chemical substances attention to the production of perfumes and substances with artificial chemical substances.

The professional analysts of destiny market insights have found that the non-public care and cosmetics industry will witness major opportunities for boom and is all set to assist market gamers increase their market percentage and commercial enterprise sales.

Request Sample Report @ http://bit.ly/3SK3Ddz

List of Key Players Covered in Perfume Ingredient Chemical Substances Market are:

Sensient     Technologies Corporation

BASF     SE

Eternis     Fine Chemicals

YingYang     (China) Aroma Chemical Group

KDAC     CHEM Pvt. Ltd.

Frutarom

Harmony     Organics Pvt. Ltd.

Atul     Ltd.

Godavari     Biorefineries Ltd.

Givuadan

Firmenich

International     Flavors and Fragrances Inc.

Symrise

Takasago     International Corporation

MANA     SE

Robertet     SA

Charkit     Chemical Company LLC

Henkel     AG & Co KGaA ADR

T.     Hasegawa USA

Huabao     International Holdings Limited

Charkit     Chemical Company LLC

Worldwide perfume ingredient chemical substances market: forecast by utility

On the idea of application, the worldwide perfume ingredient chemicals market is segmented into fine perfume, domestic care, laundry care, private care, cosmetics, and others. The excellent perfume section accounted for a full-size market value percentage of 22. 3% in 2022, accompanied through the private care segment. The personal care phase is predicted to remain dominant until 2027. This phase is likewise predicted to stay the maximum lucrative at some point of the forecast duration.

Worldwide perfume aspect chemicals market: forecast using product type

Product type segmentation incorporates synthetic aroma chemical compounds and critical oils. The artificial aroma chemical substances section is further segmented into alcohols, esters, ethers, ketone, and others. Important oils phase is sub-segmented into orange, citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, and others.

The synthetic aroma chemicals segment is anticipated to witness the highest fee CAGR of 5.7% inside the international perfume ingredient chemical substances market. The fee factor is predicted to transport market players to adopt synthetic products; in addition, a worldwide trend toward inexperienced products is expected to create moneymaking opportunities for manufacturers of critical oils due to a growing patron preference for natural products

Global perfume ingredient chemicals market: key players

sentient technology business enterprise, basf se, eternal exceptional chemicals, yingyang (china) aroma chemical organization, doc Chem Pvt. Ltd., frutarom harmony Organics Pvt. Ltd., atul ltd, Godavari biorefineries ltd, Givaudan Firmenich, international flavors, and perfumes inc., sunrise, takasago international organization, mana use, Robert a, t. Hasegawa u. S., huabao international holdings restrained, Zhejiang, Xinhua chemical co., ltd, Henkel ag & co kg ADR, and chart chemical organization LLC are a number of the leading companies running inside the global market which have been profiled in this report.

Perfume Ingredient Chemicals Market by Category

By Product Type:

 Alcohol

 Esters

 Ethers

 Ketone

 Others      (Thiols, Dienals, etc.)

 Orange

 Citronella

 Peppermint

 Eucalyptus

 Others      (Rose, Sandalwood,Orange etc.)

By Application:

Fine     Fragrance

Home     Care

Laundry     Care

Personal     Care

Cosmetics

Others

By Region:

North     America

Latin     America

Western     Europe

Eastern     Europe

Asia     Pacific excluding Japan

Japan

Middle     East & Africa

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/perfume-ingredient-chemicals-market

[duhdumb89]

A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 51

Even with all her teachings, Shen huang gui fei was still coming up short. The dates she chose for Huabao's wedding were horrific! The Empress Dowager couldn't believe that anyone in the ministry would dare choose these days. She would have to urge His Majesty to investigate the Astrology department if these were the sort of things they come up with.

The Empress Dowager tossed the list onto her side table with a huff.

"Your Highness," said Jerjer, "The other dowagers have arrived,"

Hopefully, the morning greetings would take her mind off of Shen huang gui fei's foolishness. Since it became apparent that the other dowagers were here to stay, The Empress Dowager decided to put them to use and do something she could never do during The Late Emperor's time: be the one who was greeted in the morning.

At her highest, The Empress Dowager had only been a paltry Consort when The Late Emperor died. She had always been the one bending and bowing to someone else. Now, she was The Empress Dowager. She had no master.

She took another look in the mirror, making sure the fresh flowers and pearls in her liangbatou were still in place. It was the start of the eighth month* now, and it was hot enough that the paint was nearly melting off the walls.

"Anything interesting?" The Empress Dowager asked as Jerjer led her out to the main hall.

"Doesn't look like it, Your Highness," Jerjer replied, "The other dowagers do nothing but follow after Dowager Noble Consort Ling,"

The Empress Dowager fought off a huff at the thought of the Han clanswoman. It was as if Dowager Noble Consort Ling was some sort of benevolent goddess. As old as the other dowagers were, how hadn't they realized that so much of their poor luck was because of that woman's scheming?

When she stepped into the hall, the quiet chatter came to a halt. The dowagers hefted themselves out of their seats and bowed to the best of their ability to pay their respects to her. The Empress Dowager would have preferred them all on their knees kowtowing properly, but even His Majesty would take the time to scold her if she went that far. Especially if she endangered his precious Dowager Noble Consort Ling.

"Wishing Her Highness The Empress Dowager peace," they chorused.

The Empress Dowager took her time getting situated in her seat. Making sure her skirts flared out just so and that her sleeves hadn't ridden up too far but were far up enough that no one could miss the Imperial green of her jade bracelets.

"Rise," she said when she took as much time as she could, "Take a seat, meimei,"

She knew it rankled most of the other dowagers when she called them family of any kind. The Empress Dowager didn't find it palatable herself, but the bitter taste wasn't so strong, knowing how much it pained the others.

"Thank you, Your Highness,"

The dowagers moved their old bodies off the floor and into their chairs. The Empress Dowager laid a critical eye on their clothes and decoration. Now that they had returned to the Forbidden City, The Empress Dowager's personal budget hadn't been as robust as usual. It would obviously reflect poorly on His Majesty if the dowagers ran around looking shabby, but why was it her responsibility that they didn't? As much as she wanted to argue, The Emperor had already decided. The only thing she could do was "graciously" allow her dear sisters a small piece of her allowance so they could live out their days "comfortably."

"I could hear you chatting all the way in my bedroom," The Empress Dowager said, "Did something exciting happen? Another grandchild, perhaps?"

They glanced at each other before Dowager Noble Lady Yu spoke up, "It's about Xiang pin,"

The Empress Dowager very much wanted to roll her eyes—another living example of Shen huang gui fei's lack of gumption. Xiang pin, after all this time, was still under The Emperor and Empress's skirts like a bloodthirsty tic. The Empress Dowager was old and somewhat out of touch. Could anyone blame her that Xiang pin kept slipping out of her grasp? Shen huang gui fei was young and constantly in the know of the back palace–the fact that she couldn't do something as simple as get rid of Xiang pin was a sorry sight.

"Yes," Dowager Noble Lady Mei continued, "She's had it with one her maids,"

"Which one?" Asked The Empress Dowager.

"You haven't heard, jiejie?" Asked Dowager Noble Consort Ling, a smug smile on her wrinkled lips, "Are your people not keeping good enough watch?"

The Empress Dowager flashed Dowager Noble Consort Ling something close enough to a smile, "My people? My dear meimei, no one in my palace would go so low as to spy. In the back palace, if my royal daughter-in-law does not inform me, then I don't have to know. She knows how important my duties are,"

She enjoyed the frowns and poorly concealed eye rolls her little speech brought about. It was only the truth. Her duties were very important. She was The Empress Dowager, and they were simple peons living on the generosity of her blessed son. While they had time to peck at the world around them like the old hens they were, The Empress Dowager had more meaningful things to do.

"Her senior maid. The one she whipped," cut in Dowager Imperial Concubine Da, "Now, she's starving and beating the poor thing day after day. I was just telling Hua jiejie that Xiang pin won't even let the girl see a doctor,"

"And I was saying that it was strange. All I've heard about this Xiang pin is that she was such a kind mistress to her servants. Treating them like a little family and all," said Dowager Noble Lady Li.

"Hmph," said Dowager Consort Hua, "Didn't His Majesty bring her back to the Forbidden City a year ago by now? She probably just learned how these servants really are. You give an inch, and they take a mile,"

Dowager Noble Lady Mei nodded, "Its true! I heard that this maid actually tried to slip into His Majesty's bed,"

"Oh, well, that makes sense, then!" Said Dowager Consort Hua, "You can expect her to live with that sort of vermin,"

"Why waste the time doing all of that?" Asked Dowager Noble Lady Li, "Just send her to the hard labor camp and get on with it,"

Dowager Noble Consort Ling glanced at The Empress Dowager, "Some people just like a more hands-on touch. Right, jiejie?"

If she thought she could rile up The Empress Dowager by bringing up the maid of two she got rid of decades ago for doing the same thing, Dowager Noble Consort Ling would be sorely disappointed. The idea of Xiang pin being driven to madness by her servants tickled The Empress Dowager immensely.

"Some servants are hard headed and need to be made an example of," said The Empress Dowager, "It wasn't so long that Xiang pin was even lower than the lowest slave–it's no wonder they don't respect her,"

"Now," she continued, "In a few weeks, His Majesty will depart for the mid autumn hunt. We need to send word if there needs to be an extra yurt if any of you would like to go. I know that many of you were never granted the opportunity, so I'd be happy to give you this once in a lifetime experience,"

Dowager Noble Consort Ling laughed, "I think once in a lifetime is a bit of a strong description, jiejie. The Mongolian grasslands are beautiful, yes, but it is, in its essence, just a grassland,"

It was incredible. The Empress Dowager's little sister always had something to say. How had the late emperor every put up with her?

"You wouldn't know much about the riches of the grassland, would you meimei?" Replied The Empress Dowager, "But how can I blame you? You're a Han clanswoman. We don't share the same ancestors. You can truly never understand what those grasslands did to nurture the Great Qing. It's a shame you never learned this after being here for so many years,"

Dowager Noble Consort Ling's eyes narrowed, "Jiejie, are you saying that Empress Xiaodechengshun** was lax in educating me about the Great Qing and its accomplishments?"

The Empress Dowager froze at the mention of her late mistress.

"Jiejie, you couldn't possibly mean that about Empress Xiaodechengshun," said Dowager Consort Hua.

"I didn't mean anything because I didn't say anything about Empress Xiaodechengshun," said The Empress Dowager, "If Ling meimei wants to make up reasons to become outraged, it's hardly my job to stop her,"

Dowager Noble Lady Mei cleared her throat, "Your Highness, perhaps you shouldn't mention something like that again. We're sisters here. We know you wouldn't dare speak of Empress Xiaodechengshun's memory like that, but if someone looking to cause trouble heard that, it would be a different story,"

The Empress Dowager pursed her lips, fighting the urge to screech that she said nothing of the sort! She hadn't even mentioned that old bitch Xiaodechengshun and suddenly, with one tap of Dowager Noble Consort Ling's crippled feet, The Empress Dowager looked like some sort of unfilial villain!

Taking a deep breath, The Empress Dowager nodded, "True. I wouldn't want anyone to think I do anything but honor and worship Empress Xiaodechengshun's memory daily,"

"Really?" Dowager Noble Consort Ling said, "Would you like to join us in making prayer flags for Empress Xiaodechengshun, then? We're trying to make as many as possible before the anniversary of her passing. We could always use an extra pair of hands,"

The Empress Dowager would have liked nothing more than to step down from her chair, throw Dowager Noble Consort Ling to the ground, and wrap her hands around her sagging neck. That woman knew very well that The Empress Dowager would sooner spit on Empress Xiaodechengshun's tomb before making a prayer flag for her.

"What a lovely idea, meimei. I'll be sure to make as many as I can and send them to dafuge," she said instead.

"We actually make them together every day after a late lunch. Shall we save you a seat, jiejie?" said Dowager Noble Consort Ling.

"Very well," snapped The Empress Dowager, already fed up by the sight of Dowager Noble Consort Ling, "I'm off to see my royal daughter-in-law. You can all leave first,"

The dowagers rose to their feet and bid their farewell. When the hall was blessedly empty, the Empress Dowager huffed and stomped back to her bedroom. She didn't need to see The Empress today. It was an excuse to get those old bitches out of her palace. She kicked off her shoes and laid in her bed, stewing. What she wouldn't do to get rid of Dowager Noble Consort Ling again. Damn her foolish son for even granting that bitch the title of a dowager in the first place! For granting all those bitches the title of dowager!

"Please calm down, your Highness," said Jerjer, "Don't let Dowager Noble Consort Ling's small-mindedness frustrate you. It could make you ill,"

Jerjer gestured to a nearby maid who came to The Empress Dowager's bedside with a cup of tea. The Empress Dowager took the cup and flung it across the room.

"Get out! Everyone out!" She screeched.

As her useless servants shuffled out, The Empress Dowager fumed. One day, she'd be rid of Dowager Noble consort Ling and the rest of those bitches. She just had to wait for the right moment to strike.

✺

The purpose of a palace maid was to be invisible. Walk quietly, speak sparsely, and take your place in the shadows gratefully. So when all eyes began to swing to Jiayi anytime she left Chengqiangong's gates, it felt like a thousand tiny needles were repeatedly piercing her body. Jiayi couldn't blame them; if she were on the other end, she'd stare, too.

She was a dead man walking.

To covet your mistress's husband was one of the greatest sins a maid could commit, and the entirety of the Forbidden City now knew what Jiayi had tried to do so many months ago. Now, when they heard about Xiang pin beating and starving her, her mistress came out the victor. They'd do the same to Jiayi if they were in Xiang pin's place. From the whispers Jiayi heard, there was a countdown to when Jiayi met her untimely end or simply disappeared. Not 'if', but 'when'. As lowly as palace maids were, they were still from banner families. The average concubine wouldn't be able to get away with putting one in the grave, but everyone was sure that with His Majesty's favor, even if Xiang pin were given a demotion, it would be reversed in as little as a year. Maybe even 6 months.

Jiayi kept her nose pointed to the ground and her arms strong as she ferried a batch of candied nuts back to Xiang pin. Her nose tickled, but she couldn't risk rubbing it against her shoulder. It would smudge the makeup. The second act of her performance was a group effort. Molan had nearly wept when she found out that Xiang pin wasn't really out to get Jiayi, and Bolin had heaved a heavy-bellied sigh of relief. There had been real fear at the thought that Xiang pin had transformed into the archetype of the cruel concubine overnight.

The tales of Xiang pin beating Jiayi? The work of Bolin, who fearfully recounted his mistress' tantrums to anyone nearby. The starvation? Ping'er and Molan let the seams out of her clothes and helped her smudge bruises under her eyes.The choice to publicize her "failure" of becoming The Emperor's woman had been Jiayi. They needed to create a reason that she hadn't been able to get Xiang pin to use the poisoned rouge. They needed the illusion to draw Bai gonggong back to Jiayi.

Jiayi had been sure that as soon as it became apparent that Xiang pin wasn't using the rouge, Bai gonggong would corner her again. But it didn't happen. She had been sure, again, that after the rumors of Xiang pin's cruelty became well-known, he'd finally resurface—still nothing. Jiayi wasn't foolish enough to think that Bai gonggong would forget about her or let her go. He had chosen her as his sword to cut down both Xiang pin and The Empress, but he knew that the blade could turn on him at any time. If he changed his mind, he could not leave Jiayi alive. After so much waiting, Jiayi decided to find him first.

She crept through the Department of Internal Affairs' courtyard and asked the first eunuch she came across if Bai gonggong was inside.

"Come back later," he said, "He's having lunch with Fung gonggong soon,"

"I'll be quick," Jiayi begged.

The eunuch huffed before shrugging, "Fine. Piss him off if you like,"

Jiayi followed him, clutching the tray of snacks tightly. The eunuch stopped before a door and said, "He's in there,"

He didn't bother to stick around to see what Jiayi did and walked off.

Jiayi pushed the doors open and peered around the empty room. She followed the muffled sounds of shuffling and clanging dishes to the back of the hall and found Bai gonggong fussing with a table set with food.

"Bai gonggong!" She cried, dropping the candied nuts on a nearby table before running to him.

"Gonggong, you have to help me," she pleaded.

Bai gonggong tsked and said, "Why should I? I gave you one task, and you couldn't even do that. I've seen Xiang pin–she looks no different,"

"I tried my best, gonggong," Jiayi said, her voice miserable and whiney, "She used it for one day before I made her angry, and she tossed it against the wall. Gonggong, can't you give me something else?"

"Do you think that sort of thing grows on trees?" He snapped.

Bai gonggong let out a breath and shook his head, "Perhaps we should just part ways here. No harm done. We'll pretend this never happened,"

Of course. Bai gonggong would pretend so well it would send Jiayi to an early grave.

"Gonggong, please," she said, reaching up to grab his arm, "You must have heard. Xiang pin has gone crazy! She's whipped me and starved me, and look at my face! I can't spend another day with her. Please gonggong, please help me,"

Bai gonggong sighed and shook her off to sit down at the table.

"What did you bring?"

The sudden question brought Jiayi to a halt, "I don't..."

"You had a tray when you came in, didn't you?" He said, moving the plates and cutlery on the table bit by bit, "Bring it here,"

Jiayi crawled up off the floor and brought the candies to him. Her stomach roiled with nervousness as his spindly fingers slowly picked through the pile of honeyed treats.

He chewed loudly and leisurely, pausing to gulp down a cup of tea.

"Why should I bother with you again? Xiang pin doesn't trust you anymore–she doesn't even care for the sight of you. She'll see right through you in a second. You're wasting my time,"

"I'm not gonggong, I promise. She still lets me bring her food! Couldn't we just poison her that way?"

Bai gonggong sighed again, "You really are stupid!" He said, slamming his hand on the table, "Wouldn't she figure that out immediately since you're the only one who could have tampered with her food? Are there even brains in your head?"

He wagged his finger in her face. Jiayi had the urge to bite down until she tasted bone.

"Sorry," she said instead.

"Well, there's nothing you can do about your nature. We can only hope your future husband is endeared by it,"

"Does that mean you'll still help me?" Jiayi asked, pouring as much glee into her voice as she could.

Bai gonggong smiled widely, "I'll have to think of something, but yes, I will help you. From one servant to another, if anyone deserves to escape from these palace walls, it's you,"

"Thank you! Thank you!" She said, bowing low, "What should we do now?"

Whatever Bai gonggong meant to say was interrupted by Fung gonggong opening and slamming the door shut behind him. Jiayi had only glanced at him from the corner of her eye, and before she knew it, she was flat against the ground, her left temple throbbing.

Bai gonggong had struck her.

"Ah, master, you're here!"

Fung gonggong grunted and walked around Jiayi's sprawled body to take a seat at the table.

"I'm here at the same time everyday, A'wen," he said. He looked around at the food around the table before freezing at the sight of the candied walnuts. He snatched up a silk napkin and pressed it to his face.

"What is that?" He hissed.

"Forgive me, master," said Bai gonggong, "This foolish girl brought them in. I only just caught her!"

Fung gonggong glared down at her.

Did he recognize her? Bai gonggong said something about Fung gonggong thinking she wouldn't last but Bai gonggong was a liar. What if he did recognize her? Would–

"Get out!" Fung gonggong said, shooing her away, "And get that away from here. Now!"

Not wanting to take any chances, Jiayi scooped up the tray of walnuts and sped out of the room. The doors shut softly behind her, muffling Fung gonggong and Bai gonggong's voices, but only slightly.

"You didn't let her come close to the tea, did you?" Asked Fung gonggong.

"Absolutely not, master. I would never let anyone else prepare your tea, you know that," replied Bai gonggong.

"I know that? You let enough walnuts in this room to kill me 10 times over," Fung gonggong said with a huff, "Aiming for my job again, I see,"

"Master, I would never..."

Bai gonggong's voice faded away as Jiayi trudged out of the courtyard. Her skull was still buzzing from the knock to her head, but it wasn't the only thing that was making her head spin.

Fung gonggong was allergic to walnuts.

Badly allergic, judging by the way he acted. And from what it sounded like, Bai gonggong was one of the last people to put their hands on his lunchtime meals. If something were to go wrong, only Bai gonggong could take the blame.

Jiayi decided to be that something.

––––––––

*Between August 23 – September 23

**The filial, moral, capable, and prosperous Empress This is a temple name. Which are posthumous titles given to members of the monarchy to aid in ancestor worship. I made it up and it's most likely incoherent because I'm not Chinese and the logistics of temple names are so intricate and even if I researched this for 10 years, I'd still wouldn't know much so nobody's allowed to be mad at me!