Chapter 14: I promise you to be Prince Duan’s concubine
Tingsong gently placed the white plum blossom in front of Bai Ruowei and said respectfully, "This branch of white plum blossom was picked by my young master himself. He said that he had offended you by bringing you those vulgar things in the past, but this plum blossom has a clear and refreshing color, which is most suitable for your character."
The corners of Bai Ruowei's mouth twitched slightly, and she took the plum blossom with stiff fingertips - this was clearly an ordinary white plum blossom, right?
Is Ruan Yunbo crazy?
Why give her a broken plum blossom?
Bai Ruowei was so angry that her fingertips were shaking, but she forced a smile on her face, "I like it very much. Thank your master for me."
Tingsong smiled and agreed, "As long as the young lady likes it, I'll go back and report."
After Tingsong left, Bai Ruowei immediately threw the plum blossom in her hand to the ground and stomped on it hard!
"What kind of rubbish is this? You actually have the nerve to give it to me?"
Bai Ruowei gnashed her teeth in anger: "It must have been Ruan Yunsheng who instigated him to humiliate me like this!"
"Ruan Yunsheng, just wait for me!"
*
The imperial palace.
At this time, Ruan Yunsheng was in the Empress Dowager's Shoukang Palace.
In the warm room, the ground dragon was burning brightly, and ambergris mist was rising from the gilded crane-shaped incense burner.
The empress dowager was wearing a palace dress embroidered with red gold, and the oriental pearls on the golden hairpin swayed slightly with her movements.
She held Ruan Yunsheng's hand lovingly and said, "Shengsheng is indeed blessed by heaven. It is worth my prayers to the Buddha all these years, hoping for your safe return."
Ruan Yunsheng lowered her eyes and smiled softly, her voice sweet and sweet: "It is all thanks to the Queen Mother that I was able to save my life."
The Queen Mother looked at Ruan Yunsheng's bright and beautiful face and said with emotion: "Five years have passed, and Shengsheng still looks like a young girl. She hasn't changed at all."
Ruan Yunsheng explained, "Perhaps because I have been sleeping for the past five years, my appearance has not changed much."
The Queen Mother patted her hands and said, "No matter what, it's good that you're back."
Nanny Gui beside her smiled and sighed, "Although the princess's appearance has not changed, she has actually grown five years older. Logically speaking, the princess should have been married by now."
The Queen Mother nodded and sighed, "Madame Gui is right. Shengsheng's lifelong event has really been delayed..."
Ruan Yunsheng lowered her eyes slightly, "It is a blessing from heaven that I was able to save my life. As for other things, I will just let nature take its course."
The Queen Mother clearly disagreed. "You can't say that. Now that you've returned safely, you should get married sooner rather than later. That way, your parents in heaven can rest assured."
Ruan Yunsheng's eyes curved up, dimples forming. "My brothers haven't married yet, how can a younger sister like me get ahead of them? We have to wait until my eldest brother's marriage is settled, and then I can discuss marriage."
Mentioning Ruan Yunsheng's brother, the Empress Dowager's smile faded a bit. "Although your eldest brother made mistakes, fortunately, the Emperor, mindful of the Marquis's family's meritorious service, has only ordered him to go to the countryside for training. By experiencing the hardships of the people, he will be able to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the family and the country in the future."
Ruan Yunsheng bowed his head slightly, "Your Majesty's heart is as vast as the sea. The entire Marquisate is eternally grateful."
The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction, "I'm glad you understand."
She changed the subject, "Your eldest brother will probably have to go to Cangwu County for a few more years to gain experience, but the girl's marriage cannot be delayed."
"Five years ago, who wouldn't have said that you and Prince Duan were a perfect match? Now, due to some unforeseen circumstances, it's truly a pity."
Ruan Yunsheng's eyes moved slightly. It seemed that the Queen Mother still wanted to continue to match her with Prince Duan.
Not to mention that Prince Duan is already married, there is no way she would be someone's concubine. Even if Prince Duan is not married, she would not look down on him given his current status.
Ruan Yunsheng lowered her eyes and said seriously, "I heard that His Royal Highness Prince Duan and his wife are deeply in love. It is indeed a beautiful story. I, your servant, also hope to find a husband of my dreams. I only wish to 'win the heart of one person and stay together till we grow old'."
She was telling the Queen Mother that she was unwilling to share a husband with another woman.
The Queen Mother's smile faded, and she sighed, "I'll tell you the truth. Prince Duan came to Shoukang Palace yesterday, and his words still expressed his deep affection for you."
"Shengsheng, you're not young anymore. You must stop letting your temper get the better of you. If you wait another two years, you'll really be an old maid by then."
"I love you so much that I naturally hope you can find a husband of your dreams. But in Shengjing, who in terms of status and nobility can surpass Prince Duan?"
After a pause, the Queen Mother's voice became even more kind: "As long as you nod, I will personally make you the Prince of Duan's concubine. From now on, you and the Princess of Duan will address each other as sisters, regardless of age. This will also complete your fate with the Prince of Duan."
Ruan Yunsheng's lips curved in an unwavering manner, but her attitude remained firm. "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your kindness. However, your relationship with Prince Duan has come to an end, and I cannot force it."
The Queen Mother frowned and let go of Ruan Yunsheng's hand.
She naturally understood that being a concubine was just a nicer name, but in reality she was still a concubine.
It's just that she loves Prince Duan, the emperor's grandson, so she naturally has to consider Prince Duan in everything.
But Ruan Yunsheng's attitude was so firm that even though she was the queen mother, she could not force the princess to become a concubine.
A hint of darkness flashed across the Queen Mother's eyes.
However... whether Ruan Yunsheng is willing or not, this matter is not up to her!
The Queen Mother gave Madam Gui a look, and Madam Gui quietly left the warm room.
After Nanny Gui left, the Queen Mother took Ruan Yunsheng aside and chatted for a few more words about family matters before saying, "I'm a little tired. You should go back first."
Ruan Yunsheng stood up and bowed, "I will take my leave. I will return to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager another day."
Zhishu had been waiting outside the warm room. When he saw Ruan Yunsheng come out, he hurriedly followed him.
Unexpectedly, not long after they walked out of Shoukang Palace, the eunuch beside Concubine Hui brought people over.
The eunuch said respectfully, "Princess, the Imperial Concubine has been thinking of you very much these years. Upon learning that you were coming to the palace today, she specially asked me to invite you over for a chat."
Ruan Yunsheng frowned imperceptibly.
Concubine Hui is the biological mother of Prince Duan, so it is easy to imagine why she wants to see me.
Although she had been engaged to Prince Duan, they did not have a very deep relationship with each other. Moreover, Prince Duan was already married. She did not think that Prince Duan really loved her deeply.
He took so much pains, but it was just because he had something on him that he was concerned about.
The imperial concubine invited Ruan Yunsheng, who could not refuse and could only follow the eunuch to Ningcui Palace.
Unexpectedly, after walking for a while, Ruan Yunsheng soon discovered that the eunuch was not heading towards Ningcui Palace where Concubine Hui lived.
Ruan Yunsheng said calmly, "Eunuch, this doesn't seem to be the direction to Ningcui Palace."
The eunuch smiled and said, "The Imperial Concubine is currently at the Liuxia Waterside Pavilion in the Imperial Garden, so I can only trouble the Princess to go to the pavilion."
Upon hearing that the imperial concubine was at the "Liuxia Waterside Pavilion", Zhishu immediately looked at Ruan Yunsheng worriedly.
Liuxia Waterside Pavilion is located in the Imperial Garden, built by the lake. To reach the pavilion, one must cross a white jade bridge.
Why did Concubine Hui summon the princess to the waterside pavilion when she knew that the princess had an accident on the White Jade Bridge on the icy lake in the palace?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
