An Ke was visibly taken aback when she heard that Burma had sent an envoy and a prince. After all, this was something that didn't happen at all in the drama. Could it be that her arrival here had created a butterfly effect? But why Burma of all places?
Anke couldn't understand it, and she didn't want to think about it too much. Life continued on in this uneventful way.
However, what's truly heartening is that the Fifth Prince is finally with Xinrong. Well, the only ones still single are Qing'er and Jichu.
So, there are now two couples in their group of six, but poor Qing'er has to endure their displays of affection every now and then. As for Ji Chu, he himself said that as long as he can see Qing'er, that's enough.
Moreover, since they met, Ji Chu's eyes have never left Qing'er. No matter how much they show off, Ji Chu only has eyes for Qing'er.
Ji Chu: As long as I don't look at you, you can forget about forcing dog food into my mouth.
The Emperor was overjoyed upon hearing the news and issued an imperial edict granting the marriage the following day. However, as the saying goes, "the longer you wait, the more things can go wrong," and the Fifth Prince was also taking precautions.
The Emperor happened to remember Anke's marriage, so he summoned Prince Rui to the palace, as well as Ertai, so that the two of them could have a good "exchange".
Your Majesty: That's right. I just sent people to summon them to the palace for a proper talk, not to watch the spectacle.
Anke: It would have been fine if you hadn't explained, but now that you've explained, it just makes it seem like you're trying to cover something up.
I heard that Ertai was chased all over the Imperial Garden by Prince Rui, and was eventually beaten up by Prince Rui. He also agreed to some of Prince Rui's requests before being released from the palace unharmed.
Of course, this was all hearsay from the palace maids; the actual situation is probably only known to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress Dowager herself.
However, this approach proved effective, and Prince Rui no longer objected. Although the Emperor hadn't gotten his wish to witness the spectacle, he was still happy to bestow a marriage upon his niece. The imperial edict also stipulated that Ertai was not permitted to obstruct Princess Yong'an's return to the palace or Prince Rui's residence.
And so, the marriages of the two couples were settled. Everyone in the palace was happy for them. In particular, Li Yu, the emperor's personal attendant, and Eunuch Xiao Luzi wept with joy.
The emperor even bestowed gifts upon everyone in the palace, just to create some joy for the princess's wedding.
However, the date hasn't been set yet; the engagement has already been arranged, which is considered official in front of these people. Everyone knows the truth, so when Yongqi comes to see Xinrong or Ertai comes to see Anke, no one will gossip.
A sunny and breezy day
Anke, Xinrong, and Qing'er rarely get together in the small garden of Cining Palace. The sisters share their innermost thoughts, while Qing'er embroiders some things for them.
"I never thought you'd be betrothed like this," Qing'er said jokingly while embroidering. "I also heard that Ertai went to great lengths to win An'an's hand in marriage."
“Isn’t that only natural? Who made An’an the most noble Princess Yong’an of the Qing Dynasty, and the only precious daughter of Prince Rui, whom he cherishes and pampers?” Xinrong chimed in. Ever since she and Yongqi got together, she has been all smiles, smiling at everyone she meets, just like a little sun.
"Yes, you two have both found happiness." Qing'er looked at Anke and Xinrong with a smile, happy for them.
That saying is indeed true: if you encounter happiness, those who care about you will shed tears before you do.
Qing'er is roughly that kind of person. Although she didn't shed a tear, every word she said was a sincere blessing.
"Then who's to blame? Sister Qing'er, you should also try your best to take down General Ji as soon as possible." Xinrong recalled the conversation between the three of them in Anke's bedchamber that day and blurted it out.
Qing'er was clearly taken aback. Although they had been in contact a lot these days, Qing'er still didn't know what to do.
It's still related to Qing'er's background. Unlike Xinrong, who grew up under the care of her father and mother, or An'an, who never lacked their love from a young age, Qing'er only had to rely on the Empress Dowager's side when she was young, and had to be extra careful in her behavior.
Qing'er's cautious nature made her reluctant to easily reveal her true feelings. Furthermore, no one told her what she should do, and deep down, she harbored a sense of inferiority.
The thought that the person who made Qing'er feel inferior was actually Fu Erkang made An Ke grit her teeth in hatred.
Ever since Fu Erkang said those words, Qing'er's self-esteem has been hurt, to the point that she no longer believes that Ji Chu likes her.
This cannot be changed overnight; it can only be achieved through Ji Chu's own efforts to change Qing'er's attitude towards him.
"Alright, Qing'er, what are you embroidering?" An Ke quickly gave Xin Rong a wink and then changed the subject.
Qing'er finally snapped out of her thoughts. "These are sachets I'm going to embroider for you. It's been a long time since I've done any embroidery, so this is a good opportunity to practice."
"Ah, no, you embroidered sachets for us just to practice?" Anke said, feigning surprise, her speech quickening considerably.
"It's been a long time since I've made one. The other day I saw the sachet you left with me, and it was a little unraveling, so I thought I'd make one for each of you." Qing'er answered as she embroidered, never stopping for a moment.
"I heard that Burma is going to send an envoy and a prince to our Great Qing?" Xinrong asked cautiously, taking a sip of her flower tea.
"That's right, they should arrive in the capital in less than three days." An Ke calmly sipped her flower tea. This was something no one could stop, after all, Burma had acted first and reported later; they had already set off before sending their report.
At this point, Qing'er became a little flustered, as she had pricked her hand with the needle. An Ke quickly told Qing'er to stick her hand out, then rinsed it with clean water and applied ointment.
"See? I told you not to be indecisive. What were you thinking about again?" An Ke asked Qing'er only after she had done all this.
"It's nothing, I was just a little distracted. What do you think those Burmese people are doing coming to our Great Qing? And they even brought their envoy and prince with them. Isn't that too unbelievable?" Qing'er said worriedly, feeling that the other party probably had ill intentions.
The border between China and Myanmar has been unstable for years, with frequent skirmishes, but they haven't gained any advantage. They've also never expressed any desire to visit China.
This situation is quite unexpected. It's really not right, after all, they haven't submitted to the Qing Dynasty, nor are they its vassals. This isn't the time to pay homage to the Qing Dynasty either. Their intentions are obvious.
Even knowing their wolfish ambitions, there was nothing that could be done to stop them, as one couldn't proactively provoke war. Military campaigns were inherently costly and exhausting, especially considering the Qing Dynasty had just recently experienced a war. Now was the time to appease and recuperate.
"Don't think too much about it. There's always a way out. We'll deal with it as it comes." An Ke comforted Qing'er and Xin Rong, but seeing their furrowed brows, An Ke couldn't help but feel worried as well.
It seems the Imperial Uncle is going to be busy again; the candles in the Hall of Mental Cultivation will be burning all night.
*
Shufangzhai
Because Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei had been behaving themselves in Shufangzhai and hadn't caused any trouble during this time, the news reached them quite late.
"Ah, is this true?" Mingyue exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
"It's true! It's spread throughout the palace, and the imperial edict has already been issued." Little Mosquito's voice was much louder, as if she was afraid they would doubt her.
"But we haven't heard anything about it. Fifth Prince is going to marry Princess Xinrong?" Caixia was also somewhat incredulous. After all, back then, everyone could see the affection Fifth Prince had for his former princess. How could he just replace her like that now?
“We don’t often leave the palace, so naturally the news won’t reach us. I’ll take you out for a walk, and you can ask around. Everyone in the palace knows about it,” Little Mosquito said, patting his chest.
Their chatter attracted Jin Suo, who quietly approached them from behind. "Why aren't you working? What are you all saying here?"
Mingyue Caixia was startled by Jin Suo's sudden voice, and Xiao Wenzi was also terrified.
"We were just discussing the Emperor's bestowal of a marriage." Mingyue swallowed nervously. Ever since Xiaoyanzi was replaced by Ziwei as the mistress of Shufangzhai, Jinsuo was no longer the same as before.
She was as strict as the head maid when they first entered the palace; this Shufangzhai was nothing like the Shufangzhai of the past.
The former Shufangzhai was practically their home, their paradise. Countless people in the palace envied them for serving Princess Huanzhu in Shufangzhai.
But now, Shufangzhai is a place no one wants to set foot in. It used to be bustling with people, but now it's deserted. Even the palace maids and eunuchs who serve in Shufangzhai are feeling quite tired.
Under Xiao Yanzi's guidance, they used to sometimes receive rewards, and even without rewards, life with Princess Huanzhu was easy. But now, it's neither rewarding nor easy, and they constantly face criticism from Jin Suo. After all, Jin Suo has been with Princess Ziwei since childhood, and she considers herself superior to them.
When they first arrived at Shufangzhai, they said everyone was equal, but now they're dividing people into different classes? Princess Ziwei isn't as easy to talk to as Princess Huanzhu. Mingyue and Caixia are a little better, but the Four Great Talents are constantly being ordered around. It's no wonder they're so unhappy.
"The Emperor has bestowed a marriage upon you? To whom?" Jin Suo's eyes suddenly sharpened, and she immediately grasped the key point of their conversation.
Jin Suo's sharp eyes swept between the bright moon and the colorful clouds, then between the stammering little mosquito. "Why don't you two say something?"
Finally, it was Little Mosquito who stepped forward and repeated what she had just said. Upon hearing this, Jin Suo hurriedly ran to Princess Ziwei's room.
At that moment, Ziwei was teaching Xiaoyanzi to write. When she saw Jinsuo rushing in in such a panic, Ziwei did not scold her.
After catching her breath, Jin Suo finally told Ziwei the shocking news the little mosquito had given her. Ziwei was even more excited, and her hand slipped from her pen.
The pen landed directly on the calligraphy she had just finished writing. Her eyes slowly shifted to Jin Suo, and she said in a low, hoarse voice, "Father Emperor bestowed marriages upon them, but didn't he think of me?"
Ziwei thought the chasm between her and Erkang lay in her lack of princess status. But now that she has regained her status, can she still not be with Erkang? Is it true that lovers cannot be together?
Ziwei, trembling and with tears in her eyes, almost fell onto the chair. Fortunately, Xiaoyanzi was watching over Ziwei and quickly stepped forward to help her up.
"Ziwei, don't be discouraged. Maybe the Emperor is too busy and just forgot. If the Emperor knew about your earth-shattering love with Erkang, he would surely grant you a marriage." Now it was Xiaoyanzi who was comforting her. Xiaoyanzi held Ziwei's hands tightly, as if Ziwei was about to break.
However, Xiao Yanzi also felt a little uncomfortable, as if she had lost something important. She felt a pang of sadness and even a bit of a lump in her throat. But Xiao Yanzi wasn't in the mood to think about those things right now.
She just felt that Yongqi was utterly heartless. Since she had already been betrothed by the Emperor, why didn't he mention Ziwei and Erkang to him back then? Hadn't he witnessed the hardships Ziwei and Erkang had endured along the way? Why was he so cruel?
Yongqi: I was just sitting at home when trouble came knocking on my door.
What business is it of his whether or not the marriage is granted? Besides, he's not even Ziwei's biological brother, so why would he risk angering his father by asking for an imperial decree to grant them a marriage? Wouldn't that be foolish?
"Yes, Princess, Little Swallow is right. Perhaps... perhaps the Emperor hasn't remembered. Isn't the Emperor supposed to be busy with state affairs lately?" Jin Suo looked at Ziwei's heartbroken appearance and regretted speaking so quickly.
"I understand. You all go out first, let me calm down." Ziwei waved her hand, letting Xiaoyanzi and Jinsuo go out first, she needed to calm down in the room by herself.
Jin Suo looked at Ziwei, who seemed dazed, and was a little worried. She wanted to say something, but Ziwei simply saw them to the door.
After Xiao Yanzi left, her expression seemed a little off. However, Jin Suo didn't want to ask Xiao Yanzi about her feelings at this crucial moment.
Xiao Yanzi rushed out of Shufangzhai and headed straight for Yonghe Palace. She wanted to find Yongqi and ask him why he, Erkang, and Ertai were not friends. Why was it that only his and Ertai's marriage had been arranged, and why didn't he mention Ziwei and Erkang's marriage to the Emperor?
Xiao Yanzi felt a raging fire burning in her heart, and in her anger, she shot straight towards Yonghe Palace like a cannonball.
She was stopped as soon as she arrived at Yonghe Palace. Only then did Xiao Yanzi come to her senses. She was no longer Princess Huanzhu, so she naturally had no special privileges in the palace.
Previously, it was only because the Fifth Prince and Princess Huanzhu were close friends, and Princess Huanzhu was the Emperor's daughter, that they allowed Xiao Yanzi to enter the palace. But now that Xiao Yanzi is just Xiao Yanzi, they no longer need to let her in.
Moreover, Consort Yu didn't like Xiao Yanzi at all. After all, they were guards of Yonghe Palace, and offending their mistress would not end well.
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