In the blink of an eye, it had been more than a month since she returned to Saint Capital. She was still a child after all. Yun Chu only made a fuss about returning to the desert in the first few days. Fortunately, Feng Ling was a clever girl who would coax Yun Chu and make her happy in various ways. Yun Chu stopped making a fuss and enjoyed her new life in General Manor in peace.
Besides, on the third day after Faraway Earth returned to the Holy Capital, Tian Ze had conferred Qianwan the title of First Rank Imperial Concubine. This was the highest reward the Heavenly Sun Dynasty gave to a courtier's wife. Qianwan claimed that she was ill and pushed back the ceremony. She only knelt down to receive the edict. In order to avoid arousing suspicion, she didn't write to Wen Miaoran and only locked herself up in the General's Estate, not interacting with other noble ladies. The invitations he received were all rejected on the grounds of illness.
In Qianwan's opinion, their return to the capital this time must have caused quite a stir in the imperial court. Due to the title of Faraway Earth, many people wanted to curry favor with them. However, as the wife of Faraway Earth, her every move would definitely cause many guesses from those with ulterior motives. Instead of guessing other people's thoughts, it was better to stay out of the world and ignore it. This way, it would not be wrong.
Li Yuanchen went to the palace every day to teach Tian Yao riding and shooting, and Tian Yao is very close and thick. Tianyao also respected his master very much. Because of his talent and intelligence, Tianyao's cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds in a few days. After that night, Tian Ze visited General Manor twice at night, drinking and chatting with Yuan Chen. How could one not be lonely in a high position? Fortunately, a confidant was lost and recovered. Tian Ze's original old injuries had also recovered.
Qianwan hired a master for Qingzhu and Zhisong to teach them how to read and write. She even specially hired a female master to teach Qing Zhu the etiquette of a noble woman. Qing Zhu also took off her short jacket and trousers and changed into a noble woman's dress. When she dressed up, she also had the bearing of a noble lady.
However, Yun Chu was the only one who suffered. Without Qing Zhu and Zhi Song's company, Yun Chu was a little lonely. Fortunately, Feng Ling was by her side, which also relieved her of a lot of boredom. Zhi Song would sometimes sneak out to play with Yun Chu. Qianwan always turned a blind eye and thought," After all, they were just a bunch of children.
It was evening, and Qianwan was playing the zither in the courtyard.
"Furen, a young lady came from the palace. She said that she is the Empress 'servant girl and came to deliver an invitation to Furen.”a little girl replied.
"Ask that girl to come over." Qian Wan stopped playing the piano.”
"This servant pays her respects to Furen." A woman in a palace dress bowed respectfully to Qianwan.
"Young Lady, please don't be so polite. Men, give Young Lady a seat and let her watch tea.”Qianwan said gently.
The woman bowed again." Madam, you've wronged me. I'll just stand there and answer." This servant, Rui 'er, is working beside the Empress. When the Empress heard that the Furen had been unwell since returning to the capital, she specially sent a servant to visit and send some tonics to show her concern. Moreover, on the ninth day of the next month, the Empress will hold a banquet to receive all the noble women. This is the tradition of this dynasty. The Empress hoped that Furen would not decline and could also come. This way, it would also be good for each Furen to introduce each other, so that each Furen would interact more and not be lonely. In addition, the Empress also specially instructed that Furen must bring your daughter here. She heard that Young Miss was intelligent and lovely, and the Empress loved children, so she also wanted to see Young Miss Chen.”
Qianwan thought for a moment and said,"I've troubled you to make a trip here. I'll follow your orders. I'll definitely go as scheduled."”
Rui 'er's face lit up. He had thought that the General's wife was an arrogant and rude middle-aged woman, but he did not expect her to be such a beautiful and gentle young woman. The task was completed so easily. He couldn't help but be secretly happy. He hurriedly bowed to Qianwan and said,"This servant will go back and report to the Empress. Furen take care, this servant will take her leave.”After saying that, he retreated respectfully.
"Miss, take care." Qianwan said gently.
After Rui 'er left, Qianwan picked up her zither without saying anything. This time, the zither music was not as melodious as before. Instead, it was a little restless. Qianwan thought to herself,'What should come will come.'
Hua Rong Hall.
"Yanmei, have you investigated everything?”Wen Miaoran fiddled with the flowers in the pot.
"Replying to Niangniang, I have investigated clearly. The Empress sent Rui 'er to the General's Estate to deliver an invitation, and the General's wife agreed immediately.”Yan Mei replied.
Wen Miaoran looked angry." I always thought that Pan Qianwan was a woman who didn't attach herself to powerful people. I thought that I could use her to take Chen Yuanchen in. When I learned that they were going back to the capital, I was happy for a while. I didn't expect that Chen Yuanchen and Shang Rui, that old fox, were on the same side. I really led a wolf into the house. Pan Qianwan, you don't care about our sisterhood and want to kill me? Who else can I trust in this world? Who else can I rely on?”As he spoke, he flipped the flower pot to the ground.
"Empress, please calm down. Empress, please calm down." Yan Mei persuaded.
"How do you want bengong to appease her anger? The reason why that old fox Shang Rui did not dare to harm BenGong was because of His Majesty's special favor towards BenGong. But look at the most favored person in the palace now, it's not BenGong, but Yu Juan 'er. For her, the Emperor did not hesitate to break the ancestral system to make her a concubine. Fortunately, the Empress is infertile. Otherwise, Yao 'er and I would have long become ghosts under the knife. I don't know what Shang Rui, that old fox, is planning. I can only take it one step at a time. For Yao 'er, I have to go on no matter how cruel I am. Pan Qianwan is my only hope now.”Wen Miaoran's face was filled with sorrow, and even her voice was trembling.
"The Empress still has Yanmei. Yan Mei will follow the Empress to the death. If not for the Empress 'protection in the military camp, Yan Mei and her sister would have long been reduced to military prostitutes. How could he follow the Empress into the palace and have his current life? The Empress was like Yan Mei's reborn parents, and Yan Mei would never forget this kindness of rebirth.”Yan Mei couldn't help but tear up.
Wen Miaoran saw Yan Mei like this and kept her anger. She looked at Yan Mei gently and patted her back." Yan Mei, why are you doing this? You and your sister risked your lives to serve me. I have long treated you as my own people." You are Bengong's most trusted person and Bengong knows that you treat me with sincerity.”
" I've lost my composure…" Yan Mei said as she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Alright, it's getting late. You can go and rest. BenGong will be alone for a while.”As he spoke, he waved his hand and gestured for Yan Mei to leave.
Yan Mei paused and said,"Your Highness, rest early. This servant will take her leave first."”He could only retreat. However, he could not help but feel worried.
The bright moon was high in the sky, and she looked haggard. The so-called love of an emperor was just a dream.
General Manor.
"Wan 'er, tomorrow you will enter the palace for a banquet. If you don't want to go, just say that you are not feeling well.”Yuanchen was helping Qianwan with her hair. Her black hair was slanted down and she looked indescribably beautiful.
"Yuanchen, the Empress personally invited me this time. If I don't go, it will definitely cause unnecessary guesses. We just want to live our lives quietly. Why do we have to go against the Empress and the Shang family? The two of us have already rejected too many banquets, but some things have to be faced sooner or later. We can't hide from them. Blindly avoiding it would only make a big fuss out of it by those with ulterior motives. It was better to face it openly and it was not a bad thing to express one's attitude.”Qianwan said.
"Then you still have to be careful. That girl Yunchu doesn't have any rules. You have to be more careful and don't make a fool of yourself.”Faraway Dust was slightly worried.
"Qingzhu has also taught Yunchu some basic kneeling etiquette these few days. Yunchu is a little shy with strangers and won't be too presumptuous. I'll take good care of her too. We will immediately return to the residence after the banquet ends tomorrow. You don't need to worry too much. You and Deputy General Shen still have to inspect the Imperial Guards tomorrow. We'll rest early and come back tomorrow night to make osmanthus syrup for you. That girl, Yunchu, is just like you. She likes to eat those sweet things.”Qianwan said with a smile.
" I can't win against you. Then, Madam, let's go to bed early..." As he spoke, he blew out the candle.
In Yunchu's bedroom.
"Young Lady, you should rest early. Tomorrow, you still have to accompany Furen to the palace for a banquet. Feng Ling will take his leave.”Feng Ling deliberately lowered his voice.
"Yes, Feng Ling, you can go back to sleep. I will sleep well.”Yun Chu lay on the bed, curled up under the blanket, and only her small head was exposed.
Feng Ling nodded in satisfaction and left the room.
After a while, Yun Chu was about to fall asleep when she heard a few crisp sounds outside the window." Yun Chu, are you there? I'm Zhisong. Open the window for me.”
Yun Chu ran to the window without even putting on her shoes.
Yun Chu desperately stood on her tiptoes and stretched out her arms." Brother Zhisong, I can't reach the window. It's too high."”As he spoke, he pulled his arm with great effort. Actually, it was not surprising. Yun Chu was just a child who had just turned six years old.
Hearing this, Zhi Song hurriedly said,"Yunchu, don't open the window. You might hurt yourself." I just came to see you. Master has been watching you closely these days, so I didn't have the chance to sneak out to play with you. I heard that you're going to accompany Madam into the palace tomorrow, so I came to see you. Listen carefully.”As she spoke, a crisp sound came from outside the window. "Hehe, this is a bell. It was given to Master by a friend of his in the Western Regions. He gave this bell to me today. When I saw this bell, I thought of you. Yunchu."
Yun Chu was all smiles when she heard that." Brother Zhisong treats Yun Chu so well. What kind of bell is this? I really want to see it."”Yun Chu looked impatient.
"This…hehe, I'll give it to you tomorrow after you return to the residence. "Go to bed and sleep quickly. Be good, or else…" Zhi Song deliberately dragged out his voice.
Although she couldn't see anything through the wall, Yun Chu nodded seriously." I'll go to bed now. Brother Zhisong, you said you'd send me off. You can't go back on your word."”After saying that, she jumped back to the bed.
Outside the window, Zhi Song was holding a bell with a smile on his face. Under the moonlight, his face looked young and tender. He thought to himself that Yunchu was indeed the cutest sister.
Luan Feng Palace.
In order to welcome the various madams, the Luan Feng Palace had already been decorated. Eunuchs and palace maids went in and out, very busy. The madams came over and chatted with each other, making it very lively.
Qianwan held Yun Chu's hand and got off the sedan. Yun Chu's eyes widened. The Imperial Palace was so big that it was scary. It was much bigger than the General's Mansion. He thought to himself, It's a pity that Sister Qingzhu and the others didn't come. I must show off to Zhi Song and the others when I return to the residence. Yun Chu thought proudly.
"Yunchu, do you still remember what Mother told you?”Qianwan bent down and touched Yun Chu's pink face.
"Mother told Yunchu not to speak nonsense. If the Empress asks questions, Yunchu should answer if he knows. If he doesn't know, he can't answer randomly.”Yun Chu said seriously.
"Good Yunchu." Qianwan said gently.
"This servant, Rui 'er, pays respects to Furen. The Empress invites Furen and Young Lady to head to the Luan Feng Hall for a chat.”Rui 'er had been waiting for Qianwan for a long time.
"Thank you, Miss Rui 'er." Qianwan said gently.
Qianwan held Yun Chu's hand and followed Rui 'er. She was not in the mood to appreciate the beautiful scenery in the palace. There must be a reason why the Empress summoned her alone. A trace of uneasiness flashed through her heart.
Rui 'er led Qianwan and her daughter around the crowded front hall and arrived at the side hall.
As soon as she entered the side hall, she saw a woman dressed in a dark red phoenix robe sitting in a dignified position. Qianwan immediately bowed and said," My wife, Pan Qianwan, and my daughter, Chen Yunchu, pay their respects to the Empress.”Seeing this, Yun Chu imitated her mother and bowed to the woman in red.
Shang Zhirong smiled." Mrs. Chen, please get up. There's no need to be so polite. Just treat it as a gathering of sisters to chat."”As he spoke, he turned to Rui 'er and instructed,""Hurry up and show Mrs. Chen the tea."
"Mrs. Chen, please sit."
"This official's wife respectfully obeys." After saying that, he held Yun Chu's hand and sat down respectfully.
"This must be General Chen's daughter, Yun Chu. This is the first time I've seen such a beautiful girl.”the Empress said kindly.
"She's just the little daughter of a marketplace family.”Qianwan said modestly.
"Empress is too kind." Yun Chu mimicked Qianwan's tone and repeated.
The Empress was amused and could not help but laugh out loud. The atmosphere instantly turned for the better.
"What a clever child. Speaking of which, this prince has a close relationship with the Pan family. When this prince was still the same age as Yunchu, your father taught me how to play the zither. Unfortunately, not long after Madam Chen followed General Chen to the desert, Old Mister Pan moved to Ji Bei with his wife.”After saying that, she sighed softly.
"Niangniang praises me too much. My father is already old and is still a child, so I thought he would bring my mother back to his hometown and live a comfortable life in the countryside. The two elders are also enjoying themselves. ChenFu here on behalf of my father thanks niangniang miss.”As he spoke, he bowed to the Empress.
Zhi Rong and Qianwan were chatting happily. They were just chatting about their daily life and did not involve the affairs of the imperial court. Qianwan's worried heart was immediately relieved.
Yun Chu obediently listened to their conversation.
"Reporting to the Empress, Chen Furen, all the Furen have arrived. Please move to the main hall.”Rui 'er entered the room to pass on the message.
The Empress smiled." Look at my memory. I forgot about the important matters while chatting. I really hit it off with Madam Chen." She turned to Qianwan and said,""Mrs. Chen, come with me to the main hall for the banquet. I can also introduce you to the sisters. If you don't worry, I'll let Rui 'er bring Yunchu around the palace. After the banquet is over, I'll send you and your daughter back to the residence.”
Qianwan bowed to the Empress." I'll listen to Your Majesty's arrangements."”Then, she turned to Yun Chu." Yun Chu, listen to Sister Rui. Mother will come back to pick you up later."”As she spoke, she gently patted Yun Chu's head.
"Yunchu knows." Yun Chu smiled.
Rui 'er bowed to Qianwan." Don't worry, Madam. I will take good care of you."”
Qianwan nodded. He followed the Empress out of the Luan Feng Palace.
In the imperial garden.
"Miss Chen, this servant has prepared some snacks for you in the pavilion on the west side. Young miss is also tired, can a maid bring young miss there?”Rui 'er held Yun Chu's hand and asked.
"Yunchu will listen to Sister Rui." Yun Chu looked up and said happily. This was the most beautiful place Yun Chu had ever seen in her life. If she told Feng Ling, she would never say that Yun Chu was ignorant again. Thinking of this, Yun Chu smiled even more happily.
When they arrived outside the pavilion, there seemed to be someone already inside.
A woman in a palace dress walked out of the pavilion and asked,"Who are you? Imperial Noble Consort Wenhua was drinking tea here, and no one was allowed to disturb her.”He was talking about Wen Miaoran's personal maid, Yan Mei.
"This servant brought General Chen's daughter, Chen Yunchu, to visit the garden and unintentionally disturbed Imperial Noble Consort.”Rui 'er said respectfully.
"Oh? It's General Chen's daughter. Bring her in for BenGong to take a look.”Wen Miaoran said.
" But…" Rui 'er looked troubled.
"But what? When you go back, just tell your master that you have already sent the young miss to the sedan chair. There is no need to say anything else. Go back quickly." Wen Miaoran said in an irrefutable tone.
"This servant will obey." Rui 'er bowed and retreated.
"Your name is Yunchu, right?" Wen Miaoran waved her hand and gestured for Yun Chu to go over.
Yun Chu obediently came to Wen Miaoran's side and raised her small face.""Reporting to the Empress, this subject's daughter is called Yun Chu.”Yun Chu looked at Wen Miaoran, who was dressed in luxurious clothes. This was the most beautiful woman Yun Chu had ever seen other than her mother. She was just like the fairy described in the books. Yun Chu thought.
"You're such an obedient child. I have a sister who's two years older than you. Why don't I bring you to play with her?”Wen Miaoran said gently.
"Yunchu will listen to the Empress's orders." Yun Chu said obediently.
The Empress 'banquet ended in the evening. Because only the Third Rank and above imperial madams attended, the atmosphere was harmonious. After the banquet ended, Rui 'er was afraid that the Empress would blame her and could only reply according to what Imperial Noble Consort Wenhua said. Qianwan said goodbye to the Empress and rushed to the sedan chair to pick up Yunchu.
When she arrived at the sedan, Qianwan did not see Yun Chu. He was extremely anxious.
At this moment, a woman dressed in a light purple palace dress walked forward and bowed." This servant, Yanmei, is working in Hua Rong Palace Hall. Miss Chen is currently waiting for Madam in Hua Rong Palace Hall. My master would like to invite Madam to the palace for a chat.”
"May I ask who your master is?”
"My master is Imperial Noble Consort Wenhua.”
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