Wife Doting Addiction：My Abducted Tsundere Husband - Chapter 112
Chapter 112: Entering the Palace for the Birthday Celebration
The Queen and Imperial Concubine Xian frowned in their seats.
Imperial Concubine Xian’s eyes turned as she smiled.
“Empress Dowager, this round, the ‘Zhuang Yuan’ and ‘Tan Hua’ of the imperial examinations are both young men.
His Majesty was very pleased! It just so happened that it clashes with your birthday, Empress Dowager.
His Majesty said that it must have been you who brought about such a fortune.
He told all this to me yesterday, in the middle of the night.
”
Her words made the Empress Dowager even happier, and it also flaunted the fact that she was favored by the Emperor.
When the other concubines heard this, they were either jealous, in admiration, or unbothered.
Their reactions varied.
Empress Dowager Xiao was naturally delighted when she heard it and asked, “I heard the ‘Zhuang Yuan’ is a young master from the Ji Family in Shengjing.
Is that true?”
Imperial Concubine Xian chuckled.
“Yes, he’s Yu Zhaoyi’s younger brother.
”
When she said that, everyone turned to look at Yu Zhaoyi.
Yu Zhaoyi stood up and bowed her head.
“Answering the Empress Dowager’s question, Ji Ze is this concubine’s younger brother.
Zhi’er has been studying hard from an early age, and wholeheartedly desired to attain merits in this examination and become a court official.
His wish has finally been fulfilled today!”
“Good, very good!” Empress Dowager praised in satisfaction.
“It is the nation’s fortune for our youths to have talent! Tomorrow, I want to take a look at this ‘Zhuang Yuan’ personally!”
Yu Zhaoyi immediately said, “Empress Dowager, you are overestimating him!”
“The men from the Ji Family have always been outstanding.
If I remember correctly, the Ji Family has another young master.
He is also extremely gifted! He and Lie’er are of similar ages.
I remember he was four or five years old when he first entered the palace, and I even saw him once.
He was a very handsome and intelligent child!” Empress Dowager said with a sense of nostalgia.
Yu Zhaoyi humbly replied, “Yes, he is the Eldest Young Master of the Ji Family.
To think that the Empress Dowager still remembers!”
“He should be the head of the Ji Family now.
I heard he even married a wife! I do feel like seeing him again!”
.
.
.
The Queen said, “It’s not easy for the Empress Dowager to meet a commoner.
It just so happens that the palace is holding a banquet tomorrow, so you may just summon him into the palace then!”
The Queen’s family name was Liu, and she was the former head advisor’s daughter.
She was a stubborn and conceited person who treated all the concubines in the palace with disdain.
This time, she spoke with condescension as she mentioned the Ji Family.
The Empress Dowager didn’t even turn to look at her.
Instead, she looked at Yu Zhaoyi.
“Tell the Emperor to summon the Eldest Young Master of the Ji Family into the palace tomorrow.
Oh right, invite his wife to my birthday banquet as well!”
Yu Zhaoyi bowed gratefully.
“I thank the Empress Dowager for her grace!”
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At this moment, a few palace servants came up and presented the outfit that the Empress Dowager was to wear for her birthday celebration.
They invited her to take a look.
Everyone shuffled forward to take a glance.
As the clothes were unfolded, one could see a scarlet robe made from Shu brocade.
The fabric was embroidered with a hundred birds and soaring phoenixes.
The cuffs and skirt were embellished with cloud patterns and bats that signified longevity, each individually stitched with golden thread.
The upper part of the dress was set with precious pearls and top-grade red coral beads, all exquisite and carefully polished.
The workmanship was skillful and the embroideries were beautiful.
Overall, the outfit was refined and elegant.
Everyone caressed the fabric with their hands as they praised it to no end.
The Empress Dowager took a liking to it and smiled.
“Which one of the palace’s embroiderers made this? She has done very well, and I want to reward her!”
One of the ladies who was serving at the side smiled in reply.
“Replying to the Empress Dowager, it wasn’t embroidered by someone from the palace.
The proprietress of the Robe Square, Lan Zhihui, personally embroidered everything herself without any assistance.
”
“Lan Zhihui?” Empress Dowager Xiao froze slightly.
She turned to Lady Ying and asked, “Is she the child of the late Lan Xiang?”
Lady Ying lowered her head.
“Indeed, she is!”
Empress Dowager Xiao sighed.
“Treacherous people schemed against Lan Xiang, and a loyal subject was wrongfully killed because our royal family didn’t investigate.
Zhihui occasionally followed her father into the palace, and I have seen her before.
She was a beautiful young lady, and I wonder what she looks like now.
It must have been difficult for her these past few years!”
Imperial Concubine Xian immediately understood her intentions and smiled.
“If the Empress Dowager wants to meet her, you can take this opportunity to invite her into the palace for the banquet!”
Empress Dowager Xiao nodded her head.
“Sounds good, send someone over then!”
“Yes!” Imperial Concubine Xian promptly said.
“This concubine will immediately send some people over to Miss Lan Hui.
When she hears that the Empress Dowager wants to meet her, that girl will be ecstatic.
”
“That might not be the case.
That matter I spoke of destroyed her entire family.
She might harbor hatred towards the royal family for being cold-blooded.
” Empress Dowager Xiao took a sip of her tea.
“The Empress Dowager is overthinking! That girl is reasonable and intelligent, she should understand how and why the matter unfolded the way it did that year.
How would she blame His Majesty? If she does, then it’s her fault for being ignorant!”
“Let’s summon her into the palace tomorrow first.
The Emperor has indeed been negligent all these years, so we should make it up to her!” Empress Dowager Xiao said, after being deep in thought.
“For the Empress Dowager to have her on her mind, it is the greatest gift that can be bestowed to her!” Imperial Concubine Xiao flattered her with a smile.
Empress Dowager Xiao chuckled.
“It might be because age is catching up with me, as I keep recalling the old times.
Of all those children, fortunately, both Lie’er and Jing’er are still by my side.
”
It was uncertain if it was because the Empress Dowager had forgotten or if it was just a slip of the tongue, as she had only mentioned the Second Prince and the Third Prince.
She had completely forgotten the Eldest Prince Xiao Rong.
The Queen gripped the silk handkerchief in her hand tightly, a hint of unhappiness flashing across her face.
“Empress Dowager, you will live a long life.
Even today, you are still youthful! How can you be considered old?” Imperial Concubine Xian peeled a tangerine, carefully checking that there weren’t any remnants of fiber left on it before she passed it to the Empress Dowager with a comforting smile.
The other concubines all voiced out in agreement.
“Indeed, the vitality of the Empress Dowager is even stronger than ours!”
“Empress Dowager, take a look in the mirror.
You still look like you’re in your twenties!”
…
As everyone praised her, the only person who did not say a word was the Queen, who sat at the side.
Empress Dowager Xiao was pleased after she heard these, but said, “That’s enough, you all can stop teasing me.
I need to go take my medication now, you may all take your leave!”
Once Empress Dowager Xiao said that, the Queen immediately stood up and brought the other concubines to leave.
Only Imperial Concubine Rong remained behind to accompany Empress Dowager Xiao to the bedchambers to take her medication.
Empress Dowager Xiao’s eyes swept past the Queen’s leaving silhouette.
The depths of her eyes were hidden.
Su Jiu returned to the manor in the evening.
As she entered the study room, Ji Yuxian was leaning lazily on the bench, reading.
Rays of light seeped into the room, reflecting his handsome face enchantingly.
Su Jiu went over and sat on the bench.
She leaned back and plonked her head on the man’s thigh, as she grabbed a few grapes from the table in the side and popped them into her mouth.
Ji Yuxian smiled faintly as he bent over to plant a kiss on her lips.
Their lips intertwined as they crushed the flesh of the fruit together.
After a moment, the man slowly got up and stroked her picturesque brows.
He whispered into her ear in a seductive voice, “I haven’t seen you the whole afternoon, where did you go?”
Ripples could be seen in Su Jiu’s clear eyes.
She puckered her pink lips.
“I stopped by the General’s Manor to listen for any news regarding Hu Dapao.
”
It was currently a sensitive time in the war, and it was impossible to send letters to You City.
As such, Su Jiu could only go to the General’s Manor to listen for news on Hu Dapao.
However, at this point, Hu Dapao was only a low-ranked soldier.
How could there be news on his well-being?
The General’s Manor didn’t even have recent updates on Nangong Shu’s situation.
Ji Yuxian saw her pouting and swallowed.
He lowered his head and held her lower lip in his mouth gently as he said in a low voice, “Don’t worry.
Hu Dapao is adept at martial arts, and he will be fine!”
Su Jiu blinked and nodded her head slightly.
“A decree arrived from the palace today.
Tomorrow is the welcome banquet for the newly appointed scholars.
We will enter the palace together with my second brother!” Ji Yuxian suddenly announced.
Su Jiu was stunned.
She widened her eyes and moved her head a little to evade the man’s kiss.
She asked in surprise, “Enter the palace?”
Ji Yuxian nodded his head and took the chance to peck her ear lobes.
He said in a low and husky voice, “Apart from the fact that there are more rules to follow in the palace, there isn’t much to be afraid of.
At that time, you will be brought over to wish the Empress Dowager ‘Happy Birthday.
’ You just need to greet her according to how the attendants instruct you to.
”
Su Jiu shivered as he kissed her ear lobes, her mind in a mess.
She only nodded her head in a daze and asked, “Will Master An be entering the palace as well tomorrow?”
“Mm!” Ji Yuxian replied and suddenly smiled, saying, “When you’re there, you’ll have to pretend not to know him.
You are entering the palace as the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor.
”
After all, the court was very strict when they looked into the backgrounds of their scholars.
If Qiao An’s history as a mountain bandit was exposed, it would be disadvantageous to him.
He was really worried that this girl of his would go straight to have a drink with Qiao An.
It would just take one mention of the word “Master” and “Chief” for a commotion to start.
Su Jiu flipped her body and lay down on the bench.
Her hands were playing with the wraps of Ji Yuxian’s robes.
When she heard him, she glanced at him with exasperation.
“Am I that dumb?”
Ji Yuxian lowered his head and smiled at her dotingly with radiant eyes.
The next morning, Su Jiu got out of bed early.
After a bath, she entered the palace together with Ji Yuxian.
Because she was going to the palace to meet the Empress Dowager, the outfit that Nanny chose for Su Jiu was more austere.
She had selected a light green brocade palace dress embroidered with faint flowers and clouds.
It had wide sleeves that emphasized her waist, and on the whole, it looked proper with dull and simple colors.
It was also appropriate for the spring weather in the third month.
Her waist-long hair was gathered in a bun and fastened together with a set of emerald jade hairpieces embellished with flowers.
She also wore a similar pair of sapphire earrings.
It was a simple yet dignified outfit, framing Su Jiu’s exquisite and picturesque face.
It was absolutely gorgeous.
Even Ji Yuxian, who had seen the many sides of Su Jiu, couldn’t help but be stunned.
He locked her tightly by her waist and bent over to whisper, “I have such a beautiful wife, and I am tempted to lock her at home.
Nobody should be allowed to see her!”
Nanny placed a handkerchief over her mouth as she giggled, before lowering her head and taking her leave, closing the doors behind her.
Su Jiu raised her hands and held the man by his chin as she said dramatically, “Such a handsome husband, only I can look at him!”
Ji Yuxian grinned slightly as he lowered his head and planted a peck on her hands.
“Mm, I belong to you alone, and I’ll only show myself to you!”
As the man stared deeply at her, Su Jiu’s breathing became unsteady.
She raised her head and kissed him on his lips, and with a domineering voice, said, “And only I can kiss you!”
As she said that, Su Jiu’s heart thumped, and she looked out of the window hastily.
Ji Yuxian’s heart melted, and he bent over and pecked her earlobes.
As he smooched her affectionately, he said in a husky and seductive voice, “Naturally, I’m only for you to kiss!”
Su Jiu’s arms wrapped around his neck and bent her head back slightly as she passionately returned the man’s kiss.
Their mouths were entangled, the kiss going from gentle to passionate.
It continued until someone started knocking on the door.
Jin Feng’s slightly embarrassed voice could be heard from outside the door.
“Master, Young Mistress, it’s late.
The Second Master has already been waiting outside the door for a while!”
Their lips, which were intertwined, slowly separated.
Su Jiu thumped the man’s chest.
“We should go!”
Ripples could be seen in the girl’s shimmering eyes, like snow melting at the beginning of spring.
Ji Yuxian furrowed his brows, before placing a woven cloak over her body.
He flipped the hood of the cloak up to cover her eyebrows, before finally holding her hand and walking out slowly.
Two of the Ji Manor’s horse carriages were parked outside the gate.
The one in front was the one that Ji Yuxian usually used, while Ji Ze sat in the one behind.
Even though Ji Ze had ranked well in the imperial examinations, he had yet to be officially delegated a court position.
In the Ji Manor, he was still the Second Master and had to follow behind Ji Yuxian.
The Second Mistress was exchanging a few words with Ji Ze at the gate.
Although she was nagging him, her eyes could not hide her jubilation.
When he saw both Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu come out, Ji Ze hurriedly took a step forward and greeted respectfully, “Big Brother, Sister-in-law!”
Su Jiu had a good impression of this handsome young man.
She removed the hood she was wearing and praised sincerely, “Ji Ze, congratulations!”
“Thank you, Sister-in-law!” The young man smiled warmly.
The Second Mistress smiled as she said, “Ze’er, you may be the ‘Zhuang Yuan,’ but once you enter the palace, you must listen to your older brother.
No matter what, you need to listen to him first!”
“Yes, Ze’er will keep this in mind!”
“Alright, it’s not early anymore.
You all should board the carriages and enter the palace!” The Second Mistress looked on at the three of them gently.
Ji Yuxian nodded his head slightly.
He held Su Jiu’s hand and walked towards the first horse carriage.
Ji Ze boarded the carriage behind.
Surrounded by a cheering crowd, both carriages slowly headed towards the imperial palace.
Even as the carriage disappeared around the bend, the Second Mistress remained rooted outside the gate, her back straight as the smile on her face slowly faded.
Yuan’er, who stood behind her, whispered with a smirk, “The Second Young Master didn’t disappoint.
He managed to attain the coveted title of ‘Zhuang Yuan’ in the imperial examinations.
My lady’s desire is finally going to be fulfilled!”
The Second Mistress grinned meaningfully.
“It’s still early.
After all, Ji Yuxian is still the head of the Ji Manor.
On the day that Ze’er finally takes that position, only then will I be happy and free of worries!”
Yuan’er said thoughtfully, “Once the Second Young Master becomes an official, my lady’s status will be elevated.
That day is not far!”
“I can only hope so!” The Second Mistress sighed, as she turned around and walked back in through the gates.
Today, the scholars needed to enter the palace via the West Palace Gate.
The welcome banquet for the newly appointed scholars was to be held in Zhonghe Hall, while the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet was to be held at Yuming Hall.
The two halls were not far from each other and were separated by a flower garden.
When the carriages of the Ji Manor reached the West Palace Gate, it was almost noon.
Outside the palace gate, horse carriages from a few different manors were parked there.
The newly appointed scholars, as well as the ladies and mistresses who were there to celebrate Empress Dowager Xiao’s birthday, all entered the palace through the palace gates.
As the carriage came to a halt, the carriage from Robes Square just so happened to be directly next to them.
Lan Zhihui disembarked the carriage with Qin Xiang’s support.
She was stunned when she caught sight of Ji Yuxian’s carriage, and she watched the carriage door open as Ji Yuxian walked out together with Su Jiu.
The girl’s gorgeous face paled slightly and Qin Xiang’s eyes turned cold, but they quickly suppressed their emotions and lowered their heads.
Lan Zhihui took a step forward.
“Zhi Hui pays respect to the Eldest Young Master and the Young Mistress.
Are the master and his wife here to enter the palace today as well?”
That day, the girl was wearing a snow-white dress, made of satin and silk.
Her black hair was tied up in a bun, fastened on both sides with exquisite emerald jade hairpieces, each intricately carved with lotuses.
In the middle of the bun was a dangling ornament set with agate and gold.
On her forehead was a single clear droplet-shaped agate bead, as though a petal from a peach blossom had landed between her brows.
Her pupils were like gems and her beauty was like that of a goddess, attracting the attention of many scholars who were entering the palace.
Ji Yuxian smiled faintly.
“Zhi Hui, are you here to participate in the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration as well?”
“Yes!” Zhi Hui smiled sweetly, she looked at Su Jiu and said in a gentle voice, “Young Mistress, you should also be heading towards Yuming Hall.
Why don’t we head there together?”
Her eyes were kind and gentle, and carried a sense of dignity, as though nothing had ever happened.
Su Jiu had seen Xie Ying’s interactions with Ren Zhi’er, and could not help but hold a few degrees of respect for Lan Zhihui.
She laughed heartily and said, “Sure!”
They stepped through the palace gates together.
Several palace attendants came forward and led Su Jiu and Lan Zhihui to Yuming Hall.
Before they separated, Ji Yuxian stroked Su Jiu’s cheeks.
His almond-shaped eyes hid a bewitching smile as he said in a low voice, “Just sit there for a while.
If you feel bored, find an excuse to come out.
Get some palace attendants to find me at Zhonghe Hall and I’ll take you home!”
Su Jiu grinned.
“Don’t worry, I am quite familiar with the palace rules, so there won’t be an issue!”
Ji Yuxian nodded his head gently.
“Good.
If anything crops up, get someone to look for me!”
Su Jiu knew that he was worried about her and warmth filled her chest.
She raised her head and looked intensely at him.
When she saw that the trees and flowers had blocked them out from other people’s line of sight, she stood on tip-toe and gave him a peck on his red lips before removing herself from his embrace.
She turned around and walked ahead towards the palace attendants and Lan Zhihui, who were all waiting for her.
Ji Yuxian locked his eyes on the girl’s departing figure, the corner of lips unconsciously hooking into a smile, which was as dazzling as the spring sun and white snow.
Lan Zhihui kept her head forward, but the corner of her eyes accidentally caught sight of two people behaving intimately behind her.
A cryptic look flashed past her elegant eyes and quickly faded, as her posture remained upright and proper, with the pride of a noble lady.
At that moment, Su Jiu walked over, and Lan Zhihui lowered her head slightly and took a few steps back, following behind Su Jiu as they headed towards Yuming Hall.
Two banquets were being held in the palace that day.
The palace was decorated with colorful lanterns and the atmosphere was luxurious and festive.
There was no need to mention the grandeur of Yuming Hall, for seated inside the hall were numerous noble ladies.
At a glance, they were all dressed in resplendent palace robes, their golden accessories eye-catching.
The entire hall was filled with airs of nobility.
Empress Dowager Xiao had not yet arrived.
Everyone was frolicking around, chatting and laughing.
It was a lively scene.
The palace attendants brought Su Jiu and Lan Zhihui inside the hall.
Immediately, a few palace girls came forward to serve tea and pastries.
Many young girls were seated around them, each dressed affluently.
Su Jiu curiously looked around at her surroundings and realized that she wasn’t familiar with most of them.
They were noble ladies of wealthy families, most likely the family members of the princes and court officials.
Unlike Su Jiu, Lan Zhihui remained seated upright, her eyes not wandering as she took sips of tea.
Compared to the other ladies, she looked even more elegant and proper.
At this moment, a girl seated next to them walked over.
She had a round face and wore a green dress.
She smiled.
“These two ladies look rather familiar, it seems like I’ve met you both before.
Which noble family you come from, I wonder? My name is Guo Ai, and my father is an imperial historian.
”
Su Jiu replied nonchalantly, “My name is Su Jiu!”
That round-faced girl was stunned.
Su Jiu?
Why had she not heard of it before? And which family would name their daughter such a vulgar sounding name?
The corner of Lan Zhihui’s lips showed no signs of cracking, as she turned her head and spoke gently, “Greetings to Miss Guo, my family name is Lan.
”
The round-faced girl was stunned for a moment, before she replied gleefully, “You are Lan Zhihui, Miss Lan?”
Lan Zhihui’s family had been quite prominent in the past, and her father had been a high ranking official in court.
Although their family eventually declined, Lan Zhihui’s talent and beauty were well known in Shengjing City.
She was with the Ji Manor for 10 years and was the proprietress of Robes Square.
To the daughters of such distinguished families, she was mysterious and perked their curiosity.
As she said that, many young girls came over to converse with her.
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Naturally, those from prominent and distinguished families looked down on Lan Zhihui arrogantly.
Their eyes swept past her nonchalantly.
No matter what, Lan Zhihui was only an ordinary girl.
Su Jiu distanced herself from those noisy girls and helped herself to the pastries and fruits.
After a moment, the eunuch at the entrance of the hall shouted in a piercing voice, “The Empress Dowager has arrived!”
The hall fell into silence as everyone knelt to pay their respects.
Su Jiu also knelt down.
She secretly raised her head and watched as a group of elaborately dressed women surrounded a kind-looking lady as they walked in slowly.
“Paying respect to the Empress Dowager, wishing her good health and longevity!”
“Paying respect to the Queen, Imperial Concubine Xian, Imperial Concubine Rong, and the various princesses!”
Everyone greeted in unison.
Su Jiu looked up slightly and saw that the lady was being supported by two elegant and refined young girls.
The two young girls both wore beautiful palace robes and were probably princesses.
A woman wearing a crimson phoenix robe followed behind the lady.
Following behind her were probably the two Imperial Concubines.
At the very back were a few alluring ladies, who were all courtesans of the Emperor’s harem.
Empress Dowager Xiao sat down on the highest seat, and said gently with a smile, “It is rare that all of you have come over to celebrate my birthday.
There’s no need to be too formal, everybody please rise!”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager!”
Everybody got up and took their seats.
The sound of a bamboo flute resonated in the hall, as numerous palace girls entered, carrying in dishes and fine wine and placing them on the tables.
The birthday banquet officially began as everyone went forward to congratulate the Empress Dowager and toast her.
They offered the congratulatory gifts that they had prepared beforehand.
Among the gifts were jade figurines, a double dragon longevity porcelain vase, Saturn peaches, as well as lotus scriptures personally penned by the noble ladies… They were all valuable objects, and there was a set of almost anything you could imagine.
It was a dizzying sight.
When it was Lan Zhihui and Su Jiu’s turn to come forward and present their birthday greetings, Qin Xiang took out an embroidered item that was veiled under a cloth and passed it to Lan Zhihui.
Su Jiu suddenly remembered that Ji Yuxian had also helped her prepare a congratulatory gift and hurriedly took it out from her sleeves.
It was an exquisite lacquered mahogany box, as big as her palm.
Upon opening it, there was what seemed to be a jade seal inside.
Not paying much attention to it, Su Jiu took her congratulatory gift forward with Lan Zhihui.
“Commoner Su Jiu!”
“Commoner Lan Zhihui!”
“Wishing the Empress Dowager prosperity as vast as the eastern seas, and longevity as tall as the southern mountains!”
Empress Dowager Xiao was in the middle of chatting with Princess Han Yue, who was seated on her left.
When she heard the voice, she looked over.
Her eyes blinked when she caught sight of Lan Zhihui, and she said with a smile, “You are Zhi Hui?”
Lan Zhihui elegantly replied, “Yes, Lan Zhihui greets the Empress Dowager!”
“Come over, let me take a look!”
Lan Zhihui got up and took two steps forward.
She used two hands and offered the painting of longevity cranes she had personally embroidered.
“I spent two months to embroider this longevity painting.
I hope you will like it, Empress Dowager.
”
The palace attendants received it and unveiled the longevity painting.
The mountains in the background were domineering and magnificent, with clouds lingering in the air, and the golden rays of the rising sun piercing through the clouds like ten thousand blades.
A hundred-year-old pine tree stood tall and straight at the edge of the cliff.
A few white cranes soared beneath the clouds, and as one looked at the embroidery, it was almost as though they could hear the call of the cranes.
“Nice! Very nice!” Empress Dowager Xiao exclaimed in delight.
She extended her arms and held Lan Zhihui’s hands as her eyes assessed the girl’s figure.
“Girl, you are as intelligent and beautiful as your younger days.
All these years, it must have been difficult for you!”
Lan Zhihui’s eyes reddened.
She shook her head and said, “It wasn’t difficult at all.
With this one sentence from the Empress Dowager, any bitterness in me has completely dissipated!”
Empress Dowager Xiao stroked her hand endearingly.
“Whatever you want, I will make it up to you!”
Lan Zhihui knelt partially in front of Empress Dowager Xiao’s seat.
Her eyes curved into a faint smile as she raised her head to look at Empress Dowager Xiao.
“Empress Dowager, you do not need to make up for anything.
The people who schemed against my father that year have already been punished.
This lowly girl is grateful to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, and does not feel wronged in the slightest!”
Empress Dowager Xiao was moved.
She supported her up to stand and nodded her head tenderly.
“Good child, you are a sensible and understanding girl!”
Imperial Concubine Xian plastered a poignant expression on her face as she said emotionally, “This girl is so sensible, it warms our hearts.
She has an exceptional appearance and is talented and skilled with her hands.
If the Empress Dowager really values her, then you should arrange a good marriage for her!”
Lan Zhihui’s expression froze as she kept her head bowed.
She remained silent.
The mistresses below all looked up.
Empress Dowager Xiao laughed kindly.
“That is a good idea.
But this was brought up quite suddenly, so I can’t think of a suitable candidate at this point.
”
Imperial Concubine glanced at Imperial Concubine Rong who was seated at the side and grinned, “This concubine has just thought of someone! Our Third Prince hasn’t even taken a concubine yet.
Why doesn’t the Empress Dowager play matchmaker and arrange for Miss Lan to be the Third Prince’s concubine!”
After all, Lan Zhihui was only a common girl, so it was already presumptuous for her to be Prince Rui’s concubine.
As she said this, the expressions of everyone’s faces changed slightly.
Lan Zhihui’s body was frozen in place as she stood rooted there.
Her heart was beating wildly, and she couldn’t tell if it was due to anxiety or anticipation.
Everyone else quieted down, as they waited to hear how Imperial Concubine Rong would respond.
Since the Crown Prince hadn’t been appointed, marriage appointments for the princes were considered a very important matter.
It was inextricably linked to the future of the throne.
Lan Zhihui didn’t have a good background, and she wouldn’t be advantageous to Prince Rui at all.
For Imperial Concubine Rong to have raised this suggestion, it was obvious that she had hidden intentions!
Imperial Concubine Rong laughed elegantly and gently said, “Regarding Lie’er’s marriage, even I as his mother remain undecided.
I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint the good intentions of younger sister Xian!”
Empress Dowager Xiao also nodded her head.
“That child Lie’er is too stubborn.
Otherwise, he would have already married a wife by now.
We should not subject Miss Lan to his temper.
I can’t bear to let Miss Lan face any more hardships!”
Imperial Concubine Xian smiled in embarrassment.
“Yes indeed, this concubine didn’t consider this thoroughly!”
A surge of disappointment welled up in Lan Zhihui’s chest, and her eyes darkened.
However, the depths of her heart also seemed to sigh in relief.
“All of you should also take this matter to heart.
If you think of a suitable candidate, let me know.
We need to arrange a good marriage for Miss Lan!” Empress Dowager Xiao said with a smile while holding Lan Zhihui’s hand.
“With the Empress Dowager playing matchmaker, as well as this girl’s beauty and talent, there will be plenty of suitors lining up for her!” Imperial Concubine Xian chimed in.
The atmosphere became more harmonious as everyone laughed along.
Only Su Jiu remained standing in the middle of the grand hall, seemingly forgotten.
As she saw them talking cheerfully at the side, she passed the box over to the palace attendants and turned around to leave.
The palace attendant opened the exquisite box and allowed the Empress Dowager to take a look as she said respectfully, “Empress Dowager, this is the congratulatory gift the Ji Manor’s Young Mistress has presented to you!”
As she said this, she closed the box, intending to pass it to a nearby palace girl to put away.
The smile on Empress Dowager’s face suddenly froze as she said hurriedly, “Bring that box over!”
The palace attendant didn’t dare to tarry and hastily brought over the box that Su Jiu had presented.
It was as big as a palm and could be held in one hand.
She passed it over to Empress Dowager Xiao.
Empress Dowager Xiao’s expression changed as she lifted the jade seal out of the box.
When she jerked her head up and saw that the girl was about to leave the hall, she raised her voice and shouted, “Stay put!”
Everyone’s heads turned in unison as they stared at Su Jiu.
Su Jiu had her back facing Empress Dowager Xiao.
When she heard the voice, she was stunned.
Was she calling for her?
She stopped in her steps and turned around.
Su Jiu lifted her head and looked up at Empress Dowager Xiao as she asked, “Is the Empress Dowager calling for this commoner?”
Empress Dowager Xiao nodded her head, her expression showing little emotion, but her eyes were gentle as she smiled.
“Come over!”
Su Jiu looked around and walked forward.
Empress Dowager Xiao looked straight at her and assessed her face.
She asked warmly, “Are you Jing Rou’s daughter?”
After she said that, she didn’t wait for Su Jiu’s reply, as she nodded her head and said, “Yes, she’s definitely her daughter.
They look so similar!”
Imperial Concubine Rong, who sat next to her, smiled and added, “Yes, the Ji Manor’s Young Mistress is the Eldest Miss of the Su Family from Fuyang.
She is indeed Jing Rou’s daughter!”
Empress Dowager’s eyes reddened.
“Girl, is your mother well?”
Doubt grew in Su Jiu’s heart.
Although Su Yuejiu’s mother’s maternal family resided in Shengjing, they were only an ordinary merchant family.
How could she be linked to Empress Dowager Xiao?”
Empress Dowager Xiao was still awaiting her reply.
Su Jiu nodded her head slightly, “She’s okay!”
“Come over!” Empress Dowager beckoned Su Jiu over with her hands.
Su Jiu slowly walked forward.
Imperial Concubine Xian and Lan Zhihui who stood by Empress Dowager Xiao got up and made way for her.
Empress Dowager Xiao held Su Jiu’s hand and looked at her deeply.
As she looked at her face, it felt as though she was looking at someone else.
It was only after a moment that she sighed and said, “You probably don’t know, but your mother once served by my side for five years.
Not only was she skilled at playing the zither, but she could also play chess, paint, and do calligraphy.
Because she knew that I liked seals, she especially learned how to carve.
Her carvings were even better than all the carvers in the palace.
I have treasured every single jade seal that she carved for me.
”
Su Jiu widened her eyes in understanding.
At this point, she knew that it was best to remain silent!
Imperial Concubine Rong also recalled sentimentally, “Ever since Jing Rou got married and left the palace for Fuyang, it must have been twenty-odd years since I have seen her!”
“When you got married, did your mother come to Shengjing City?” Empress Dowager Xia asked, her eyes affectionate and full of sincerity.
Su Jiu nodded her head.
“Yes, she came!”
As she said this, a tinge of disappointment appeared on Empress Dowager Xiao’s face.
“She must have forgotten me.
She didn’t come to visit even when she was in Shengjing City!”
Imperial Concubine Rong immediately comforted her.
“Jing Rou is only an ordinary lady.
Even if she wanted to meet the Empress Dowager, she wouldn’t have been able to enter the palace.
Empress Dowager, you should not be hurt by this!”
Empress Dowager Xiao sighed and said, “I miss her!”
“Look, this girl looks so similar to Jing Rou.
Since you’ve seen her, just take it as though you have seen Jing Rou!” Imperial Concubine Rong consoled her.
Empress Dowager Xiao nodded her head and held Su Jiu’s hand.
“Come, child, sit next to me.
Tell me about your mother!”
The palace attendants quickly brought over a square stool carved with flowers and placed it next to Empress Dowager Xiao.
Su Jiu sat down and silently gritted her teeth.
What Bai Jingrou? She didn’t even know her, and she could not be seen through today!
The people below hadn’t imagined that such a turn of events would take place.
A common girl had gained the favor of the Empress Dowager.
However, a few of the daughters from court officials knew a bit about Bai Jingrou’s matters.
That year, Bai Jingrou had entered the palace as a concubine candidate.
She was from the same batch of candidates as Imperial Concubine Rong.
At that time, all the candidates who entered the palace were living in Chuxiu Palace, as they waited for their turn to meet the Emperor.
During this period, someone schemed to harm Imperial Concubine Rong and pushed her into the lake.
It was Bai Jingrou who had jumped in to save Imperial Concubine Rong.
She had choked on water and caught a cold.
Since she remained unwell in bed for many days, she was unable to participate in the selection.
In the end, Imperial Concubine Rong was selected while Bai Jingrou was not.
As Bai Jingrou was about to leave the palace and return home, the Empress Dowager heard of this matter.
She took a liking to Bai Jingrou’s kind and courageous personality and specially appointed her as her personal attendant.
She remained for a total of five years.
The two of them shared a close relationship, and the Empress Dowager treated Bai Jingrou like her daughter.
She didn’t want her to grow old in the palace, and she let Bai Jingrou leave the palace when she was twenty.
When Bai Jingrou left the palace, her family had arranged for her to be married into the Su Family.
Unexpectedly, not long after she married into the family, the Su Family ran into problems and had to move back to Fuyang.
Bai Jingrou had also followed them to Fuyang, and from then on, there was no more news on her.
Empress Dowager Xiao grabbed Su Jiu’s hand and asked her questions about her mother in succession.
Su Jiu told her whatever she knew, and if she didn’t know something, she either avoided the question or made up a few sentences.
Her expression was calm, and her eyes were crystal clear.
Even as she faced Daliang Country’s most respected person, not a trace of cowardice or timidity was seen on her face.
This made Empress Dowager Xiao rejoice wholeheartedly.
“Good, good… You are definitely Jing Rou’s daughter, even your personalities are so similar!”
Empress Dowager Xiao was surrounded by people in the palace who schemed against each other.
When other people met her, they were either frightened, fearful, or humble and full of flattery.
It was rare for her to be able to chat with someone so openly and without restraint.
The more she looked at Su Jiu, the more she liked her.
When everyone saw that Su Jiu was being favored, Imperial Concubine Xian and a few other people in the palace brought over pastries and tea and tried various ways to get close to her.
Lan Zhihui was left forgotten at the side.
Her face was a little pale, and her hands were clenched tightly into fists as she hid them under her broad sleeves.
Her fingernails dug into her palm.
Imperial Concubine Xian took that jade seal and placed it on her palm.
She smiled.
“I heard that Bai Jingrou’s skills at carving jade seals are incomparable.
Was this made by her? Did you specially pick this out for her?”
Her words sounded as though Su Jiu had intentionally used one of her mother’s items to gain the favor of Empress Dowager Xiao.
Su Jiu remained composed as her eyes turned.
Unbothered, she smiled and said, “My mother hadn’t mentioned to me that she once served the Empress Dowager.
This jade seal was given to me by my mother as part of my dowry.
Since I was entering the palace to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s birthday today, I saw that this jade seal was exquisite.
On its surface, a landscape of mountains, rivers, and lands was carved.
It just so happened to match the idea of ‘prosperity as vast as the eastern seas.
’ As such, I thought it was appropriate to present to the Empress Dowager as a congratulatory gift!”
She had conveyed the information precisely and in a clear voice.
She had relayed every word in a charismatic manner, causing the people in the hall to look over in praise and admiration.
The two princesses who were seated next to her looked curiously at Su Jiu.
Empress Dowager Xiao became more emotional as she held her hand.
“I believe that this isn’t a coincidence.
It was because Jing Rou thought of me and decided to leave this with you as a gift to me!”
As she said this, Empress Dowager Xiao’s eyes reddened, almost to the point of tears.
Imperial Concubine Rong immediately stood up and gently massaged her back.
She consoled gently, “Empress Dowager, you should not be sad.
Jing Rou has always kept you in her heart.
You should be happy!”
“Yes!” Empress Dowager Xiao smiled lightly.
“When one gets old, they become emotional more easily.
What a joke!”
Everyone hurriedly reassured her.
At this point, a few members of the royal family came into the hall to greet Empress Dowager Xiao.
Su Jiu was seated next to the Empress Dowager and was within everyone’s line of sight.
She was also being served by the palace attendants and was finding it rather hard to bear the restrictions.
She made up an excuse, saying that she needed to use the toilet, and left the hall.
As she stepped out of the hall, she walked along the winding corridors and made her way out.
She crossed a bridge made from white jade which led to a flower garden.
It was the third month, and the weather was cool.
The flowers bloomed and prospered, and the green willows provided shade to the rockery and the pavilions.
It was especially pleasing to the eyes.
Su Jiu took a deep breath and exhaled all the thick made-up powder she had breathed in.
As she did so, she became more refreshed and relaxed.
Behind the rockery was a pavilion.
Su Jiu entered the pavilion and leaned on the bench.
She helped herself to a snow pear which was placed on the jade table and took a big bite out of it.
She planned to sit for a while before going to find Ji Yuxian and heading back.
There were so many people inside the hall, and the Empress Dowager probably wouldn’t notice that she had left.
The matter that happened today had caught her by surprise.
It turned out that Su Yuejiu’s mother had lived in the palace before, and was quite close to the Empress Dowager.
When that lady was young, she must have had a very placid temperament.
Her only regret was that during her marriage to the Ji Manor, she hadn’t seen this lady.
Of course, she couldn’t meet her!
If she did, she would be exposed.
But, was it true that she looked very similar to Su Yuejiu’s mother?
The Second Mistress of the Ji Manor had mentioned this once.
She had assumed that she was only being polite, but just now, even the Empress Dowager had said the same thing!
Su Jiu was puzzled and furrowed her brows as she raised her hand and felt her face.
Just as she was letting her imagination run wild, she suddenly heard someone exclaim in surprise with a low voice, “Su Jiu?”
Su Jiu subconsciously turned her head and instantly blurted out happily, “Xiao Rui!”
Xiao Lie was wearing a deep blue brocade robe embroidered with faint cloud patterns that emphasized his height and made him seem a little more distinguished and aloof.
He had originally been heading to Yuming Hall with Second Prince Zhao to greet Empress Dowager Xiao.
As he was walking along the path through the flower garden, he saw a similar silhouette in the distance and asked Prince Zhao to wait for a while.
He came over alone, and unexpectedly, it was Su Jiu.
When he saw Su Jiu dressed in palace robes, Xiao Lie’s sharp brows furrowed slightly.
“Why are you here?”
Su Jiu was forthright.
“I’m here to wish the Empress Dowager.
Aren’t you here for the same reason?”
Today, apart from the newly appointed scholars, everyone who entered the palace was here to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s birthday.
Recently, Xiao Lie was busy helping the Emperor with matters relating to the imperial examination and had not seen Su Jiu for a few days.
As he looked at her, his eyes unconsciously became gentler.
He grinned.
“Did you come with Qiao An? The Emperor is very content with his essay.
He will be a valued member in court!”
Su Jiu said cheerfully, “Really?”
Xiao Lie’s eyes were tender.
“Why would I lie to you? But I didn’t expect Qiao An to rank so well.
Your Dragon Conqueror Gang is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!”
Su Jiu laughed heartily, her clear eyes filled with pride.
“Of course, the members of our Dragon Conqueror Gang are all extraordinarily talented!”
Xiao Lie laughed lightly at the look of satisfaction plastered on her face.
He pulled her hand and got her to sit as he said faintly, “I haven’t seen you these past few days.
Sit with me for a while!”