allonlinenovel Chapter 295 Concubine Xi Returns to the Palace
Chapter 295 Concubine Xi Returns to the Palace
March 12th. Chen hour.
Outside the Shenwu Gate, the gentle spring breeze gently brushed everyone's cheeks, seeming to carry a bit of tenderness and affection.
Yongzheng stood straight, with the dragon embroidered on his bright yellow court robe looking lifelike. There was an undisguised smile on his face, and his eyes were bright, full of anticipation and doting for the person who was about to return to the palace.
The Empress stood not far from Yongzheng, wearing a phoenix crown. The pearls and jade on it swayed gently with her slight movements, making a crisp sound. She wore a dignified smile on her face, but that smile did not reach her eyes. Deep in her slightly narrowed eyes, a subtle shadow was hidden.
The concubines were all dressed in gorgeous auspicious clothes, colorful and surrounded by pearls and jade. They stood behind the emperor and empress, either respectfully, expectantly, or with hidden thoughts.
An Lingrong had a graceful figure but looked a little tired. She tried hard to maintain a proper demeanor in this solemn occasion, but sleepiness came over her in waves like the tide, making her want to yawn uncontrollably.
There was no way. When she and Shen Meizhuang thought about Zhen Huan returning to the palace today, they were so excited that they couldn't sleep last night. They only fell asleep reluctantly at dawn.
She raised her eyes quietly and looked at Shen Meizhuang beside her.
Shen Meizhuang had a faint smile on her eyebrows and eyes, and she looked refreshed, not at all disturbed by sleepiness.
Noticing An Lingrong's gaze, Shen Meizhuang did not turn her head. She just moved her arm slightly and took her hand, then gently scratched her palm with her index finger.
This gentle touch caused An Lingrong to feel a tingling sensation spread from her palm, instantly dispelling much of her sleepiness. She gently squeezed Shen Meizhuang's hand back, and the two smiled at each other. Without words, their mutual joy was fully revealed in this subtle interaction.
After a while, a young eunuch hurried over, knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, Concubine Xi said she dared not use the Empress's guards to usurp the throne of the Empress. Chief Steward Su has sent a servant to ask for Your Majesty's order."
Yongzheng raised his eyes slightly, his tone revealing a certain unquestionable tone: "She went to Ganlu Temple to pray for the country and went through many hardships. Now she has returned to the palace in glory. She deserves even half of the empress's procession."
The Queen, with a seemingly gentle smile on her face, echoed, "Your Majesty is absolutely right!"
An Lingrong rolled her eyes silently. An old man in love is so scary. If Zhen Huan really used the queen's ceremonial guards, the concubines in the harem would probably be jealous to the point of flying!
And obviously Zhen Huan understood this.
However, even if one rode at full speed, it would take at least half an hour to get from the Forbidden City to Ganlu Temple. In that era, there were no telephones, and messages had to be passed on by eunuchs. After several rounds of debate, they might have to wait here for a whole day!
She gently tugged at Shen Meizhuang's sleeve and called out, "Sister!"
Shen Meizhuang understood, and stepped forward with light lotus steps, bowing slightly and saying, "Your Majesty, Concubine Xi has always strictly abided by the palace rules and is extremely respectful to the Empress. Such cautious and respectful heart is truly precious. I hope Your Majesty will fulfill her sincere heart and not put her in a difficult position."
Yongzheng pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "What Concubine Hui said makes sense. In that case, let Concubine Xi use the colored cane that is exclusively reserved for concubines. This will also fulfill her heart of adhering to her duty."
The young eunuch hurriedly received the imperial edict, kowtowed respectfully, then quickly stood up and trotted off to report the news.
Seeing this, the Queen still wore that gentle and proper smile on her face and gently advised, "Your Majesty, this round trip will probably take an hour. You are so busy and your health is precious. Why don't you return to the palace and rest first?"
Yongzheng just stared straight ahead with a determined look: "No need, I will wait here."
Since the emperor was waiting in person, the concubines naturally did not dare to leave and all stood at the city gate to bask in the sun.
An Lingrong sighed helplessly, quietly moving her body, slowly moving backwards bit by bit. As she moved, she carefully observed her surroundings. Seeing that everyone's attention was on the front and no one noticed her, she hurriedly leaned on Su Ye.
Meanwhile, Concubine Zhen and Concubine Kang were happily eating melons and didn't notice that there was another person around them.
"Your Majesty, I heard that this Concubine Xi is the former Concubine Wan Zhen, who offended the Emperor and was deposed and expelled from the palace. I don't know if this is true or not."
"It doesn't matter whether it's true or not. The Emperor said she is Concubine Xi, so she is Concubine Xi."
"From what I can see, the Emperor values her very much!"
"That's right, otherwise how could the Emperor and Empress wait here in person! Our palace will be bustling from now on!"
An Lingrong listened to their words and coughed softly.
Concubine Zhen and Concubine Kang were interrupted by the sudden noise. They were stunned at first, then they forced a smile and shut their mouths.
Seeing their appearance, An Lingrong slowly moved closer to them and lowered her voice with a hint of subtle mystery: "Sister Zhen, I have something to ask you."
Concubine Zhen looked at her curiously: "What is it? Sister Wen, please tell me?"
"How much do you get each month?"
Hearing this question, Concubine Zhen showed a puzzled look on her face, but she also replied: "Sister Wen, we are both concubines, so our monthly allowances are naturally the same!"
"Oh, how could I have forgotten about this! Our monthly allowance isn't that much, and Concubine Kang's is even less!"
Then An Lingrong stopped talking and continued to lean on Su Ye.
Concubine Zhen and Concubine Kang looked at each other, both with confusion in their eyes.
Fortunately, the weather was clear today, and the warm sunshine fell on them. The breeze, mixed with the fragrance of flowers from the imperial garden, wafted into everyone's noses, bringing a sense of comfort. The concubines had been standing for a long time, and apart from back pain and leg pain, they did not feel any other discomfort.
An hour later, a young eunuch quickly ran over, knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, Concubine Xi will be here soon."
The emperor smiled brightly, "Okay!"
An Lingrong quickly stood up, walked to Shen Meiyu's side, and stretched her neck to look forward.
Soon, the sound of horse hooves approached from afar. A group of imperial guards rode majestically on tall and sturdy horses. Behind them, a carriage with gold lacquer and carved patterns slowly followed, followed by a row of eunuchs and palace maids. When the carriage reached the gate of Shenwu Gate, the driver gently pulled the reins, and the horses obediently stopped, and the carriage also slowly came to a stop.
The surroundings seemed to have quieted down, and everyone's eyes were focused on the carriage, waiting for Concubine Xi to appear.
A young eunuch beside him sang loudly, "Empress Xi, return to the palace!"