The Empress Dowager was clearly aware of her physical condition, so she was very open-minded at this time. Her greatest wish was to arrange her affairs before the end of her life.
Of course, what the Empress Dowager was thinking about after her death was to pave the way for Mongolia and Khorchin as much as possible, and to consider her future life.
Following the spoon handed to her by Xiuning, the Empress Dowager drank the bitter medicine, her thoughts drifting away.
Xiuning had been secretly observing the Empress Dowager, and seeing her like this, she felt a little admiration for her.
Wow, this herbal medicine is really bitter. Generally speaking, Xiu Ning can't stand being fed spoonful by spoonful. It looks good, but it's actually very painful.
But the Empress Dowager remained calm and composed; she was a ruthless person.
"Consort Jing, Ning Chuge should be eighteen by now."
Xiu Ning snapped out of her reverie and nodded with a soft "Mmm," adding, "This child just turned eighteen this year."
The Empress Dowager said calmly, "The marriage of Ning Chuge cannot be delayed any longer."
At Ning Chuge's age, the choice of a consort had already been decided long ago.
The Empress Dowager's words about not delaying meant that she wanted Ning Chuge to get married as soon as possible.
Upon hearing this, Xiu Ning thought to herself that the Empress Dowager knew she couldn't endure it and didn't want Ning Chuge to observe three years of mourning for her and marry as originally planned.
Before Xiu Ning could speak, the Empress Dowager continued, "I'm afraid my health won't last past this year. Ning Chuge's marriage was already scheduled for next September, so there's no need to keep me in the palace for another three years just for my sake."
The older a woman gets, the more disadvantages she suffers.
To put it bluntly, the Empress Dowager reached out and took the soup bowl from Xiuning's hand.
The medicine had been reduced by more than half, and the Empress Dowager only took two sips before emptying the medicine.
"Consort Jing, what do you think?"
Xiuning: ...
What does Xiuning think? The Empress Dowager has already said so much, so even if Xiuning is unhappy, she can't say it directly.
Moreover, Xiuning quite agreed with the Empress Dowager's opinion that the longer a woman's marriage is delayed, the more disadvantages it will do.
Although Emperor Kangxi, out of concern for his daughters' safety and health, would wait until they were eighteen or nineteen years old before marrying them off, and in some cases even until they were twenty, he could not delay their marriage any longer.
It can't be said that Kangxi's considerations were wrong, but from Xiuning's perspective, since they had already chosen to make their daughters sacrifice, what was the point of pretending to stay a few more years? It was only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. In the end, the princesses might be even less willing to marry, and the huge gap in their hearts would make it extremely difficult for them to live in Mongolia. It would be better to proceed according to the normal schedule and do what needs to be done at the right time.
"The Empress Dowager is absolutely right, and I have no objection."
Xiu Ning lowered her head slightly and, after answering the Empress Dowager's question, took the empty soup bowl from her hand.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager calmly observed Xiu Ning's actions and chuckled lightly, "I was overthinking it."
She thought Consort Jing was just brushing her off, but it turned out to be true.
Although Ning Chuge was destined to marry into Mongolia, some of the concubines in the harem, with their maternal instincts, would certainly want her to stay as long as possible. However, Consort Jing always preferred to do the opposite.
This must be the ability to become the number one concubine in the harem; she has a broad vision and a sharp mind.
If Mongolia or Khorchin had produced such a descendant back then, Fulin wouldn't have fallen out with her, and in the end, the throne would have gone to the young prince with Manchu blood.
Unconsciously narrowing her eyes, the Empress Dowager reached out and patted Xiu Ning's hand. "You know the rules. Don't worry, I will definitely not mistreat Ning Chuge."
How can you say you won't mistreat Ning Chuge?
Xiuning muttered to herself, but said nothing aloud, only nodding and smiling shyly.
She was, after all, a junior in front of the Empress Dowager, and there were some things she couldn't say too much about. Anyway, there were still a few months until the Empress Dowager passed away, so she could see what the Empress Dowager meant by "not mistreating" her.
The concubines were to serve the sick for two hours, but they did not need to stay in Cining Palace for the entire time. After all, when the Empress Dowager was sleeping and resting, the concubines would not only be of no use, but would also cause trouble.
After serving the Empress Dowager her medicine, Xiuning chatted with her for a while.
Most of the stories are about Ningchuge, which reflects their tacit understanding. Ningchuge's marriage to the Khorchin Mongols was beneficial to both the Qing Dynasty and Mongolia.
When the conversation ended, Xiu Ning noticed the Empress Dowager's tired expression and, understanding the situation, took her leave.
The Empress Dowager waved for Sumalagu to see her off, then closed her eyes and lay back down on the bed.
"This servant respectfully sees off Consort Jing."
"Aunt Su Ma, please come back quickly."
Xiuning smoothed her temples, turned around, and sat in the sedan chair waiting at the entrance of Cining Palace.
"My lord, shall we head straight back to the palace?"
Chunyu, holding onto the sedan chair to one side, asked softly.
"Go to the Princess's Residence"
Since the Empress Dowager said so, out of respect, she would definitely have to go to Ning Chuge's place first.
Chunyu nodded in agreement and told the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair to pay attention to the route.
The sedan chair was lifted up gently, and Xiuning leaned back slightly on the chair behind her, looking extremely relaxed.
Well, if every visit to Cining Palace is this easy, she can keep going.
With these miscellaneous thoughts in mind, Xiuning was carried to the princess's quarters by the eunuchs.
The timing of my arrival was quite opportune; Ning Chuge was resting at the time.
Upon hearing the palace maid announce that her mother had arrived, she nimbly ran out of the main hall.
Mother
Her beautiful, smiling face radiated youthful charm. Time has left its mark on everyone, and Ning Chuge has long since transformed from an arrogant person into a lively and cheerful princess.
Ning Chuge
Xiu Ning waved, and Ning Chuge quickly ran to Xiu Ning's side and hugged her arm.
"Mother, have you come to visit your daughter today?"
Ning Chuge spoke frankly, revealing that she was now the same height as Xiu Ning, and when they walked together, they looked more like sisters than mother and daughter.
"Your mother just came from Cining Palace. Aren't you curious?"
Xiu Ning raised an eyebrow and, as she walked, mentioned to Ning Chuge what the Empress Dowager had told her.
"Did our ancestors really say that?"
It's just getting married. Ning Chuge had already accepted the arranged marriage two years ago, and she doesn't see it as a problem now.
But this involves observing mourning, and after all, everyone values their reputation.
"You don't need to worry about your reputation. The Empress Dowager will definitely discuss with the Emperor and issue an imperial edict."
What your mother wants to tell you is to take this opportunity to pocket as much benefit as possible.
Xiu Ning touched Ning Chuge's forehead and spoke very frankly, "If you go to Mongolia, the conditions for returning to the Qing Dynasty will be limited."
Therefore, we should make the most of this opportunity. For the sake of Mongolia's future, the Empress Dowager will not refuse any requests that are not excessive.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
