Chapter 56: Respectful Etiquette Towards the Future Empress...
The tray was slowly lowered, and the imperial edict, wrapped with a golden ribbon, shimmered dazzlingly in the light.
When the founding duke Jia Lihe presented his memorial, he saw that the woman's face was ashen, and his eyes betrayed his surprise.
After a long while, she finally bowed deeply, her slender waist pressing against the hem of her skirt, her head touching the soft silk, her voice trembling, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty. This humble woman kowtows in gratitude."
"I dare not." Jia Li slowly stepped back, raised his sleeves, bowed, and knelt in respect. Zhong Changjun, the emperor's eunuch beside him, also lifted his robe and bowed.
The two ministers closest to the pinnacle of imperial power bowed most respectfully to Yuan Chaolu in this unassuming tent.
This was something she could never have imagined before.
Yuan Chaolu clutched the imperial edict, at a loss, when suddenly she recalled the words the emperor had said to her before he left that day: "Just wait."
She thought the emperor wanted to suppress all the rumors and let everything proceed as usual, at most to prevent outsiders from bothering her. As for the future, perhaps he would allow her to stay by his side as usual.
Yuan Chaolu once said that Pei Xi had promised her the position of principal wife, and asked His Majesty how far he could go for her.
But the man she was facing was no ordinary man.
Behind him stretched a vast land of mountains and rivers, countless people bowing in submission, and an awe-inspiring majesty that commanded respect from all corners of the world. His overwhelming power was like a towering mountain cliff, inspiring despair and capable of crushing her waist with ease.
And all of this was created by that man. He always held the reins of the empire with the composure of a chess player.
She didn't think that such a man would have much sincerity towards her, nor did she reciprocate with genuine feelings. In Luoyang, she proceeded cautiously, her only thought being to survive and avenge herself and her sister.
But he actually gave her the position of Empress, promising her the title of Mother of the Nation.
The imperial edict was in her palm, and Yuan Chaolu could barely breathe.
The two men were still kneeling before the meeting and had not yet risen. Yuan Chaolu put down the imperial edict and went to help them up, saying, "Duke, please rise. Zhonggong, please rise."
Zhong Changjun said, "You flatter me. How could I dare to be addressed like that by Miss? His Majesty always calls me by my humble name. Miss, please call me that from now on as well."
Yuan Chaolu said, "We can discuss the matter of addressing each other later. I have received much help from Zhong Gong in the past, and I will always remember this kindness."
Her answer was impeccable, which warmed Zhong Changjun's heart. He pretended to be bewildered but then smiled with satisfaction.
Zhong Changjun never expected that she would have such good fortune.
This afternoon, under a clear sky and amidst lush green bamboo, Zhong Changjun entered the palace with a teacup to serve the emperor, only to find the emperor bent over his bedside, handling official business.
He wrote with ease, his expression as calm as if he were reviewing official documents.
Only after putting down his pen and gesturing for Zhong Changjun to come forward did Zhong Changjun finally see what had been written. Sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the green bamboo outside the window, illuminating the elegant and ornate ink characters with a clear, gleaming light that sent shivers down one's spine.
On such an ordinary afternoon, the emperor personally wrote the edict appointing the future empress as the mother of the nation.
This earth-shattering event was not without warning.
The emperor was aloof, cold, and ascetic, almost to the point of being a lonely man. He was also extremely fastidious about cleanliness. Over the years, no woman around him had ever caught his eye. But once she did, even if she only occupied a small place in his heart, she would be destined to enjoy endless wealth and honor.
When Yuan Chaolu escorted Zhong Changjun to the tent entrance, she turned back and said, "I thought Your Majesty was really going to sever all ties with the mortal world. Who would have thought that I would meet the Second Miss? The Second Miss is a person of great fortune. If there is any need during this period, please feel free to send me around."
Seeing that Yuan Chaolu seemed lost in thought, Zhong Changjun asked, "Second Miss?"
Yuan Chao smiled and said, "I'm still in shock. It feels like I'm dreaming. Zhong Gong, let me see you out."
Zhong Changjun hurriedly said no need, and left the tent. Before leaving, he left a note: The Imperial Observatory selected several auspicious days, but His Majesty finally chose November as the wedding date, so that the wedding could take place when the weather is clear.
Although there are still more than two months to go, there are various procedures and etiquette to follow, so it is not slow at all. Yuan Chaolu needs to be prepared.
"After the hunting ceremony, the edict to establish an empress will be issued to all parties."
Yuan Chaolu stood in front of the tent, her stray hairs blowing in the wind, her clothes fluttering in the breeze. She felt as if she were adrift, unsure how to calm herself down, her thoughts wandering and unsettled.
Zhong Changjun's voice was slow and gentle, as if it came from the heavens.
“Miss Yuan is of impeccable character and gentle demeanor; she is truly the only suitable candidate for the position of Empress.”
"Within the six directions, all land belongs to the king."
"Soon all the people of the world and the vassal states that submit will know that you will be the mother of the Great Qi."
The words came from the mouth of the attendant who represented the emperor's words and actions, and from that point on, the decision was final and could not be changed.
**
The overwhelming wealth came on strong and suffocating, like a flood that engulfed people.
But the road ahead may not be bright; what awaits her may be a perilous situation, like being boiled in oil on a raging fire.
Yuan Chaolu tossed and turned all night, and the next day he left his tent and went up the mountain to Xile Palace to see the emperor.
Yuan Chaolu stopped outside the palace gate and asked a palace servant to convey his message. He then heard the voices of the officials discussing matters inside the palace.
Shortly afterward, the palace doors opened, and Zhong Changjun walked out.
"His Majesty is truly too busy to meet with Miss Yuan Er. He has been preoccupied with state affairs at Hualin Garden these past few days, and several other officials will be coming to see him later."
Yuan Chaolu asked softly, "Are you free this afternoon?"
Zhong Changjun smiled and shook her head. She pressed for details about the evening, tomorrow, and the day after, but received the same answer each time. Yuan Chaolu's eyes flickered slightly as she gradually understood the deeper meaning.
Zhong Changjun then said slowly, "The wedding date is approaching, so Miss, you may rest assured and wait for your marriage. This marriage is His Majesty's answer to all your questions."
The sounds of insects and birds in the forest were sometimes short and sometimes long. Yuan Chaolu stood in the sunlight, his body burning hot from the heat.
The emperor told her not to ask or think about it anymore, but she desperately wanted a definite answer to know what his feelings for her were.
He insisted on meeting her on their wedding day, making her wait a full two months.
"She's a master at keeping people on their toes and manipulating their minds," Yuan Chaolu thought, biting her lip.
Before entering Luoyang, she had already set the criteria for her future husband: he must be of high rank and power, able to protect her from the Helan family, and also have his own opinions and be able to accomplish things...
She searched around Luoyang, passing through the eyes of the Prince of Yan and Pei Xi, two figures considered outstanding by outsiders, but she never expected that the final choice would be the Emperor.
The young monarch was shrewd and ruthless. The palace behind him, where undercurrents surged, and every move he made stirred up countless waves.
Can she handle this man?
Zhong Changjun simply smiled at her, showing no intention of backing down.
Yuan Chaolu said, "I understand."
She asked Zhong Changjun for pen and ink. Zhong Changjun was puzzled. Yuan Chaolu said that there were some things that he had to report to the emperor.
Not long after, Yuan Chao sat down at the stone table, picked up his brush, and began writing.
Firstly, before her marriage, she was waiting outside the palace and did not want to return to the Yuan family mansion to see the other two branches of the Yuan family. Therefore, she needed to be accommodated in another mansion in Luoyang.
Secondly, regarding the Prince of Yan and Minister Pei, has the Emperor summoned them to explain the situation?
Thirdly...
Fifthly, she has a deep-seated conflict with Miss Helan. Upon hearing that General Helan Yi of the Western Garrison is about to enter Luoyang, she is filled with anxiety and unease. Could the wedding date be moved up by one or two days to put her mind at ease, or could the General Helan Yi of the Western Garrison be asked to postpone his entry into the capital?
Having lived in the Northwest for many years, she knew that as autumn approached, the pastures gradually withered, livestock growth slowed, and enemy forces often raided the border regions at this time, plundering the people on the frontier.
Although the war has ended, it is hard to guarantee that the foreign races will not harbor ulterior motives.
General Helan has been stationed on the frontier for many years. If he were to go to the capital to receive a reward, he could not leave the army behind, which would make the morale of the troops uneasy. It would be better to wait until autumn and let him go to the capital later.
Sixthly... Yuan Chao wrote so much, but it was all for the sake of Helan Yi. The wedding was still two months away. If Helan Yi entered Luoyang, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't stir up trouble and cause unforeseen events. It was better to keep Helan Yi at the border for as long as possible.
Yuan Chaolu wrote with utmost care, drawing upon all her past learning to produce elegant and beautiful characters. After finishing, she gently blew on the paper and presented it with both hands.
Zhong Changjun accepted it, bowed deeply, and only straightened up after Yuan Chaolu gave him a signal.
After Yuan Chaolu went down the mountain, Zhong Changjun lowered his head and looked at the thin piece of paper in his hand. When he saw the contents, his brow twitched.
His Majesty once said that the Second Miss Yuan was spoiled and willful, but in the edict establishing her as Empress, he praised her as "having the bearing of a jade tablet and the manners of gentleness and respect."
Now, she has begun to make demands of the emperor.
**
When Yuan Chaolu reached the halfway point of the mountain, she saw the gates of the Empress Dowager's palace wide open, and she could faintly hear the voice of a young woman inside. She paused for a moment, and sure enough, she saw a graceful figure emerge.
Lu Runlan wore an elegant long dress, her temperament as proud as a plum blossom braving the snow, naturally pure and otherworldly.
Yuan Chaolu descended the steps and softly called out, "Miss Lu."
Lu Runlan turned around upon hearing the voice, and upon seeing it was her, her gaze sharpened slightly before she bowed in greeting.
Although the manners were impeccable and the body was bent low, there was a hint of unease in the expression: "Second Miss Yuan."
In a short period of time, the roles of superior and inferior have reversed. This eldest daughter of the Lu family, who frequented the palace year-round, rarely had to bow or scrape before anyone except the Emperor and Empress Dowager. Even princes treated her with deference. Now, however, she had to show utmost respect to the Yuan Dynasty.
Therefore, it is normal to find it difficult to adapt at first.
Yuan Chaolu smiled and said, "If Miss Lu also wishes to go down the mountain, why don't we go together?"
Lu Runlan's expression stiffened. She glanced at the grand procession behind her, her lips parted slightly as if she were about to politely decline, but after a long while she finally nodded in agreement.
Previously, Lu Runlan was surrounded by many women, but now she has to lag behind Yuan Chaolu by a step.
Yuan Chaolu said, "I've heard about Miss Lu and Helan Zhen's affair from other people, and it's truly a pity. That day, I only saw Helan Zhen being bitten on the wrist by a wild bear, but who would have thought that she would lose her entire arm..."
Lu Runlan raised her eyes.
Yuan Chaolu turned around, her hair ornaments gleaming. "The Helan family says it was all Miss Lu's fault, but Miss Lu is a skilled doctor. She once served as a military doctor under His Majesty. Saving lives is a matter of life and death. It was Helan Zhen who was too arrogant and rude, and she was used to acting recklessly because of her brother."
Lu Runlan said, "She has just woken up and is unable to accept it for a while, which is why she spoke without thinking. I won't hold it against her."
Yuan Chaolu pulled Lu Runlan's hand and said, "I haven't congratulated Miss Lu yet. I heard that Miss Lu is also going to marry a young man from the Helan family. They are truly a perfect match."
Upon hearing this, Lu Runlan's expression finally softened, and she lowered her brows and said, "I dare not ask the Second Miss to offer her congratulations."
Yuan Chaolu nodded and pulled her downstairs, saying, "I just don't know when the General of the Western Garrison will enter Luoyang."
"General Zhenxi?" Lu Runlan paused slightly.
“Yes,” Yuan Chaolu recounted the Emperor’s intention to summon Helan Yi to Luoyang to bestow honors upon her. “I have heard that the General of the Western Garrison is particularly protective of his own and dotes on Helan Zhen. Judging from her personality, she has been spoiled.”
Yuan Chaolu paused for a moment, then asked, "By the way, has the auspicious date for the Second Miss's wedding been set?"
Lu Runlan was lost in thought. When Yuan Chaolu asked again, she replied, "Not yet. The Imperial Observatory is still choosing a date, so it will naturally be scheduled after His Majesty's."
Yuan Chaolu said, "His Majesty said that he will bestow great rewards upon the General of the Western Garrison. In addition, his sister has suffered such a misfortune in the capital, so he must be well comforted. It would be best to set Miss Lu's wedding date as soon as possible to avoid any unexpected complications."
Lu Runlan was stunned for a moment, and when she saw that they had reached the foot of the mountain, Yuan Chaolu smiled and said goodbye to her.
The summer breeze lifted the hair ribbon at Yuan Chaolu's temples, lingering around her cheeks, making her usually charming smile appear gentler and kinder.
Lu Runlan finally said, "The edict establishing an empress is of great importance, and it will surely be sent to the whole country by express courier soon. Runlan would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Her Majesty the Empress."
Yuan Chaolu withdrew her hand, looking somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Alright, I won't talk to Miss Lu anymore."
Lu Runlan bowed to her retreating figure, her gaze gradually drifting into a daze.
Yuan Chaolu moved away from Lu Runlan before pulling out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe her palms, gently cleaning the skin that had just been touched. The smile on her face gradually faded.
She had no foothold in the court, and it was too weak for her to keep Helan Yi on the border by herself.
She needed to find other help, and at that moment, she thought of Lu Runlan.
If there's anyone currently overwhelmed by the Helan family's entanglements and who doesn't want Helan Yi to come to the capital, it would undoubtedly be Lu Runlan.
The rest depends on Lu Runlan's attitude towards this marriage.
Lu Runlan was surrounded by Empress Dowager Lu, Prime Minister Lu, Lu Changli, and countless disciples of the Lu family in the imperial court, forming an impenetrable net to protect her.
But he had nothing.
Yet he had to step into the entire palace alone.
When the second young lady of the Yuan family appeared on the grassy slope, everyone who passed by stopped to bow and greet her, "Second young lady of the Yuan family."
Many eager eyes fell upon her, weaving an invisible robe of splendor for her.
This is out of reverence for the future Empress.
At this moment, Yuan Chaolu suddenly realized that power could also give people an indestructible armor.
-----------------------
Author's Note: The Empress arc is about to begin!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
