The weather is getting colder and colder. The temperature in Beijing has suddenly dropped, and the city is covered in a blanket of snow, creating a beautiful, silvery landscape.

On the day of Lidong (the beginning of winter), Xijing has the custom of eating soup noodles and holding a small sacrificial ceremony. Ministers must enter the palace to pay homage, and noblewomen and ladies of high rank must also enter the palace to pay homage to the Empress. Then, a banquet is held in Taiji Hall.

Emperor Jingcheng went to the front court early to meet with the officials. He specially asked Qinghe not to wake the sleeping Azi. He kissed his precious baby and went to check on his son before leaving the main hall.

Zheng San and his entourage received the noblewomen and ladies of high rank in the main hall of the Qianzheng Hall. Palace servants guided everyone to their seats in an orderly fashion, awaiting the arrival of the Empress. Looking at the magnificent Qianzheng Hall, which was far more splendid than other palaces, and whose decorations were all worth a fortune, they were simply dazzled.

The front hall was bustling with activity, while in the sleeping quarters, Azi was still sleeping soundly. Perhaps it was because of the cold weather, but the blankets were exceptionally warm. Chu'er had not yet woken up either, and the mother and son were sleeping very comfortably.

Qinghe wasn't in a hurry, so she waited patiently outside. Nothing was more important than the Empress and the Crown Prince.

Two rounds of tea and refreshments had already been served, and the ladies of the court had finished their lively gossip and chatter, wondering why the Empress had not yet appeared.

Zheng San smiled slightly: "Ladies and misses, Her Majesty the Empress will be arriving shortly, please be patient."

“Father-in-law is right.”

Madam Li and Madam Li entered the palace together. Today's banquet was important, and Concubine Liu's status was not qualified to participate. The two women remained quite calm and rarely participated in other people's gossip.

The two women glanced at the growing impatience of the crowd, exchanged a smile, and smiled slightly. Madam Li waved to her personal maid behind her: "Help me to change."

Zheng San immediately arranged for palace servants to lead people to change their clothes. Madam Li, supported by her maid, followed behind a palace maid and watched as rows of palace maids carried fine wine and delicacies into the front hall.

She gently patted the maid's hand, smiled slightly, and said to the palace maid in front of her, "Auntie, I just had my period, but I forgot my menstrual belt when I entered the palace. I wonder if you could find it for me?"

The palace maid stopped, turned around, and gave a slight curtsy: "Madam Li, please wait for me here and do not leave. I will be right back."

Watching the palace maids leave, the two dared not move. Just then, another group of palace maids arrived carrying trays. Lady Li stopped in front of the maid whose tray had a nameplate reading "Zhang." This was a member of the family of Zhang Yao, the Vice Minister of Works. (In the palace, dishes all had their own nameplates.)

The palace maid, whose path was blocked, gave a slight curtsy and tried to take a detour. Madam Li, regaining her senses, nodded slightly and stepped back.

Lady Li watched the departing palace maid, exchanged a glance with her own maid, and the maid quietly left. The palace servant who had brought Lady Li her menstrual blood dressing returned in about fifteen minutes, and Lady Li and her maid were standing there waiting for her.

"Madam, I've kept you waiting. I've been looking for you for quite a while." The palace maid handed a small bundle to Madam Li's maid.

Madam Li shook her head understandingly: "It's nothing, thank you for your trouble, Aunt."

"Madam, you're too kind. Please come with me to change your clothes."

...

Emperor Jingcheng had finished receiving his ministers at the outer court and had drunk some wine. Li Yannian, in high spirits, also drank some. After the banquet, Li Yannian followed Emperor Jingcheng to the inner palace. He could go see Emperor Jinghan and talk to him, which was permitted by the Emperor.

Di Jingcheng sensed that the people behind him were incredibly excited, and they became even more thrilled after drinking some alcohol.

"Li Yannian, before the marriage, you must abide by the rules and not hurt Jinghan," Di Jingcheng couldn't help but scold.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not act recklessly. I will leave the palace after seeing Jinghan."

Emperor Jingcheng nodded: "I will leave first. Do not wander around the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off." Li Yannian saw Di Jingcheng off and walked to the other side. Thinking that he would soon see his beloved and tell her about his sweetness and longing, he felt a little dizzy. In addition, he had drunk some wine, so his handsome face was flushed and his steps were a little unsteady.

Inside the main hall, Azi slowly got up and was changing her clothes when Di Jingcheng entered.

"Did you sleep well, baby?" Di Jingcheng took over the work from Qinghe and helped her wash up.

Azi opened her small mouth and let out a delicate yawn, leaning against him: "I still want to sleep, it's all your fault!"

Di Jingcheng chuckled: "Alright, alright, it's all my fault. Shall we go have breakfast?"

"The people ahead of us must have been waiting for a long time, right?"

Di Jingcheng dismissed it: "It's alright, let them wait a little longer."

"This isn't a good idea, I'd better go eat up front." Azi washed her face and felt much more awake.

"As you wish, I'll go with you." Di Jingcheng put his arm around her and walked out, with Qinghe following behind carrying Azi's favorite breakfast.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived!" Zheng He's voice rang out in the front hall, instantly energizing the somewhat weary crowd, who rose and respectfully kowtowed.

"Welcome, Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress!"

Di Jingcheng embraced Azi and sat down at the head of the table. Qinghe placed breakfast on the table. The man wanted to feed her, but she stopped him with a gesture of her hand. There were so many people here; it felt too awkward.

"Everyone, get up! Today is a wonderful day. After eating soup noodles, you'll stay warm and cozy all winter!" Azi smiled and told everyone to get up. Immediately, palace servants brought out soup noodles.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Madam Li watched with satisfaction as the daughter of Vice Minister Zhang happily ate the bowl of hot soup noodles. Azi glanced at Madam Li and sensed something amiss in their gazes.

Following their gaze, they saw a beautiful young woman, delicately eating her soup noodles. She quietly touched Di Jingcheng's hand: "Acheng, who is that young lady?"

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