Chapter 261 Imperial Marriage
The festive atmosphere at Lihe Palace had not yet dissipated when Emperor Zhaoheng suspended court for his wedding and spent three consecutive days in Lihe Palace cuddling with Shui Xian.
Since that wedding night, when the man took the initiative to bend over, it was as if a new world had opened up for her; Narcissus had hardly left her bedroom during this time.
After a long wait for Emperor Zhaoheng to return to court, Shui Xian emerged from the inner chamber, rubbing her aching back.
Her small, palm-sized face was flushed, like a few clusters of peach blossoms sent from the Imperial Household Department outside the window at some unknown time, but the pale blue under her eyes revealed her current exhaustion.
After washing up and changing her clothes, Shui Xian, in her capacity as Empress, began her first formal actions after taking over the Phoenix Seal.
Inside the main hall of Lihe Palace, the atmosphere was warm and quiet, with the gentle fragrance of incense.
Shui Xian sat upright on the phoenix throne at the head of the table. Although she was not wearing the heavy crown and robes of the grand ceremony, but only a crimson purple casual dress, her overall demeanor and majesty were more calm and imposing than ever before.
"Pass on the silver bead."
Her voice was calm, yet it carried an inherent, authoritative strength.
The palace maid responded and left.
Soon, Yinzhu, dressed in a light blue palace maid's uniform and with a calm and serene expression, lowered her head and quickly entered the hall, kneeling in obeisance: "This servant, Yinzhu, greets Your Majesty the Empress. Long live Your Majesty."
"Rise."
Narcissus looked at her, her gaze softening considerably. "Come closer."
Yinzhu got up as instructed, walked down the jade steps, and still stood respectfully with her head bowed.
Narcissus gazed at her, and it was as if a snowy night from a past life flashed before his eyes.
The scene of Yinzhu, covered in blood, still shielding her with her slender body, taking the fatal blow for her...
That scene, like a brand, is deeply etched into her soul, unforgettable for two lifetimes.
She took a soft breath, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, and softened her voice.
"Yinzhu, you have been by my side for quite some time... Through thick and thin, through many ups and downs, you have never abandoned me. Your loyalty and your devotion to me... I will always remember them in my heart."
She paused, then spoke with even greater sincerity: "In my heart, I have long regarded you as a sister."
Although what she is saying now is almost the same as what Yi Guichun told her in his previous life, Shui Xian's words come entirely from the heart.
Upon hearing this, Yinzhu's body trembled almost imperceptibly, and she suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with disbelief and shock.
She never imagined that the Empress would say such a thing to her!
Sisters... what an honor and recognition this is!
Before she could respond, Shui Xian continued, her tone becoming solemn: "Today, in the name of the Empress, I hereby bestow marriage upon you and Zhou Yan."
She slightly raised her hand, and Tinglu, who was standing to the side, immediately presented the Empress's edict, which had been prepared in advance and tied with a bright yellow ribbon, with both hands.
Narcissus took it, unfolded it herself, and read it aloud:
"The palace maid Yinzhu is gentle and kind, skilled in domestic duties, diligent in her service, and commendable for her loyalty and courage. The commoner Zhou Yan is loyal, brave, and decisive, and has repeatedly rendered meritorious service at the free clinic. The two are of similar age and appearance, and are a perfect match. In appreciation of Yinzhu's loyalty, I hereby bestow this marriage upon the two of them, and an auspicious day shall be chosen for their wedding. So be it."
After the imperial edict was read, the hall fell silent.
Yinzhu knelt there blankly, as if she hadn't reacted.
Seeing her unusually stunned expression, Narcissus couldn't help but smile slightly and said softly, "Aren't you going to thank me?"
Yinzhu then seemed to wake up from her dream!
She had hoped for a future with Zhou Yan, but she never imagined that the Empress would personally bestow a marriage upon her with such a grand imperial decree!
This is not just fulfilling someone's wish, but an immense grace and a great honor!
She kowtowed deeply, her voice choked with emotion, filled with unprecedented excitement.
"This servant...this servant Yinzhu kowtows to thank Your Majesty the Empress for your divine grace! Long live Your Majesty!"
Even she, who was always calm and composed, couldn't help but shed tears at this moment.
Narcissus rose, descended the jade steps, and personally helped her up. She took out her own silk handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears, scolding her, "Silly girl, this is a joyous occasion, why are you crying?"
The gestures and the tone of voice were so genuine, just like an older sister treating a younger sister.
Immediately, Narcissus instructed those outside the hall, "Bring it in."
Immediately, several eunuchs carried in heavy vermilion-lacquered and gold-decorated boxes one after another, and placed them neatly in the hall.
The lids of the boxes were opened one by one, and in an instant, the dazzling jewels were almost blinding!
Inside the box was a full box of pure gold ingots and snowflake silver, as well as various kinds of crystal-clear jade, agate, pearl, and gemstone jewelry.
There are dozens of precious fabrics used in the palace, such as Yun brocade, Shu brocade, and Liaoling, as well as several land deeds and house deeds that clearly state that the properties are located in fertile fields on the outskirts of Beijing and in prime shops in the city!
The dowry was so generous and of such high standard that even the daughters of ordinary officials might not have such a grand wedding, let alone palace maids!
Narcissus took Yinzhu's hand and pointed them out to her one by one, her tone gentle but leaving no room for refusal.
"These are all the dowry I have prepared for you. The gold, silver and land are to ensure you have a worry-free life in the future, and the jewelry and clothing are to ensure you have a splendid wedding and are no less than anyone else."
"These palace treasures are to let you know that no matter where you are, I will always be there to support you. Silver Pearl, you deserve the best."
In her previous life, Shui Xian was completely fooled by Yi Guichun's promises. No one knew better than her that true feelings were precious, and so were real money!
She gave silver beads; if she was going to give them, she would give them the best!
Looking at the dazzling array of goods in the hall and listening to the Empress's heartfelt words, Yinzhu felt a lump in her throat and couldn't utter a single word.
She could only bow deeply once more, all her gratitude and loyalty contained in that bow.
The deep bond between master and servant is enough to move anyone at this moment.
In the evening, Emperor Zhaoheng finished his official duties and came to Lihe Palace as usual.
Upon entering the hall, one could sense that the atmosphere was different from usual; Shui Xian wore a relaxed and cheerful smile.
"Xian'er seems to be in a particularly good mood today?"
Emperor Zhaoheng naturally put his arm around her and asked with a smile.
Narcissus nestled in his arms, looked up and smiled, "Your Majesty is wise. Today, I did something I've always wanted to do."
She then explained in detail to Emperor Zhaoheng the matter of bestowing marriage upon Yinzhu and Zhou Yan and preparing a generous dowry.
Emperor Zhaoheng was slightly surprised after hearing this: "I remember that girl Yinzhu is not very old. She has already been released from the palace?"
In his memory, Yinzhu was calm and capable, and he thought she would stay by Shuixian's side forever.
Shui Xian sighed softly, her tone tinged with reluctance: "Yin Zhu is already twenty-one this year. She and Zhou Yan are deeply in love, and she has also shown me great kindness in protecting her. How can I ruin her life for my own selfish reasons?"
A hint of reluctance flashed in Shui Xian's eyes. Naturally, she hoped that Yin Zhu would stay by her side forever. However, a woman's youth is like a flower in full bloom. For Yin Zhu's sake, she released her from the palace while Yin Zhu and Zhou Yan were still in a good relationship, so that they could enjoy some blissful newlywed days together.
"I only hope that after she gets married, she and Zhou Yan can live happily and peacefully."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaoheng immediately understood.
He knew that Narcissus was a woman of deep affection and would never be stingy with those who treated her sincerely.
Seeing that although she was smiling, there was a faint sense of melancholy in her eyes due to the impending separation, his heart softened.
He pondered for a moment, stroked Narcissus's hand, and said gently, "Since Xian'er is so reluctant to part with her, I will make an exception and grant her a favor."
Narcissus looked up at him, her eyes questioning.
Emperor Zhaoheng smiled slightly and said, "She is permitted to enter the palace at any time after the marriage to accompany and serve you."
"I will grant her the title of a palace lady-in-waiting, so that she can enter and leave the palace legitimately and will no longer be subject to the rules for ordinary palace maids. What do you think?"
This is an incredible blessing!
According to the rules of this dynasty, once a palace maid is released for marriage, she becomes a lady of the court and is not allowed to enter the palace at will unless there is a special reason or she is summoned.
Emperor Zhaoheng's move was tantamount to opening a convenient door for Shuixian, allowing her most trusted confidant to stay by her side even after marriage!
Shui Xian was both surprised and delighted. Her eyes lit up instantly. She grabbed Emperor Zhaoheng's arm, her voice filled with undisguised joy.
"Your Majesty! Is this true? Your Majesty, I... Your Majesty, on behalf of Yinzhu, thank you for your great kindness!"
She leaned forward and gently kissed Emperor Zhaoheng's cheek, like a butterfly skimming the water, yet it made Emperor Zhaoheng's heart flutter with joy.
Emperor Zhaoheng enjoyed her initiative, holding her even tighter, and chuckled softly, "For a mere favor, I have gained such a fairy; I think it is all worthwhile."
He took Narcissus's soft hand, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her lips fiercely, stealing her breath.
The following morning, at the main hall of the Lihe Palace.
This was the first time that Shui Xian, as Empress, formally received the morning greetings from the concubines of the six palaces.
The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn. The concubines sat upright according to their rank, and no matter what they were thinking, their faces showed respect.
Narcissus sat regally on a phoenix throne, dressed in a bright yellow phoenix and peony robe, with a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin symbolizing her status. She was radiant and naturally majestic.
She was in a good mood and, after handling a few routine palace affairs, was about to end the morning meeting.
At this moment, Consort Wan suddenly spoke up. She smiled, but her voice was filled with jealousy and sarcasm.
"I heard that yesterday Her Majesty the Empress issued an imperial decree... bestowing a marriage upon Yinzhu, a palace maid who has served Her Majesty for many years? Moreover, His Majesty is benevolent and has granted special favor, allowing Yinzhu to continue serving in the palace as a female official after marriage?"
Before Shui Xian could answer, Consort Wan stood up and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty the Empress is considerate of her servants and is kind and benevolent. We are deeply grateful to you."
She first praised and then criticized, then changed the subject, her voice still gentle but with a barely perceptible sharpness: "However... I have some foolish opinions, I don't know if I should say them."
Narcissus raised her eyebrows slightly, her smile remaining unchanged.
She smiled, wondering what Consort Wan wanted to say. "Consort Wan, please speak freely."
Consort Wan raised her head and looked at Narcissus with seemingly sincere eyes: "Your Majesty has just ascended to the position of Empress, and you are the mother of the nation, attracting the attention of the entire palace."
"This first imperial decree is to secure such a generous reward and honor for Your Majesty's personal maid... Your Majesty's gratitude and remembrance are indeed virtuous. However, I worry that this action, if seen by those with ulterior motives, may lead to criticism of Your Majesty... It may be seen as using the Empress's position for personal gain. I fear it may damage Your Majesty's reputation."
Consort Wan paused here, observing Shui Xian's expression. Seeing that Shui Xian's expression was calm, she continued, "Moreover, if this precedent is set, and in the future all the high-ranking officials in the six palaces follow Your Highness's example, arbitrarily seeking favors for their trusted maids, or even granting them, like Miss Yinzhu, the special privilege of frequently entering and leaving the palace as female officials..."
She sighed softly and looked at the other concubines. “If this continues, where will the strict palace rules be? How will the boundaries between the inside and outside be clearly defined? I’m afraid it will attract criticism from the six palaces, who will think that Your Majesty is abusing your power for personal gain and has broken the rules set by our ancestors.”
Her words, seemingly considering the Empress's interests and upholding palace rules, actually cleverly distorted Shui Xian's genuine gratitude for past favors into a negative act of abusing her power for personal gain, and even potentially leading the way in breaking palace rules!
The hall fell silent instantly.
Consort De lowered her eyes and remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Some other concubines, especially those who had been on good terms with Consort Wan in the past or who were resentful of Shui Xian's rapid ascension to the position of Empress, couldn't help but show thoughtful or subtly agreeable expressions on their faces.
The atmosphere at the morning meeting instantly became subtle and tense due to Consort Wan's frank remonstrance...
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