The next day, feeling dizzy, the wet nurse gently placed a warm handkerchief on Jingrou's face, followed by several soft voices calling her to get up.
But her eyelids were too heavy. After letting out a soft groan, she turned over, covered her face with her chubby little hands, and drifted off to sleep again.
"Zhuzhu, it's time to get up. We're going to the palace today." It was her aunt's voice... Dizzy, Jingrou thought to herself, and then she heard her maternal grandmother's voice.
"Get Zhuzhu ready, carry her straight to the palace, and wake her up in the carriage... Prepare some refreshments..."
Jingrou smacked her lips, as if she could already taste the sweet flavor of the pastry.
When Jingrou woke up comfortably, she was already sitting in a swaying carriage.
Celebrating the Emperor's birthday is a very important event.
On the day of the Emperor's birthday celebration, the palace would receive several groups of people. Court ladies like Empress Hesheli were among the first to enter.
As members of Prince An's household, they were influential figures in the royal family and were among the first to be received by Empress Niohuru.
Of course, it wasn't just the Empress; the first person they paid their respects to upon entering the palace this time was the Grand Empress Dowager.
However, after all this trouble, not only are the people going to the palace exhausted, but the Empress will also be extremely tired and will definitely have to get there as soon as possible.
"Now that Zhuzhu is awake, have some snacks. Don't go hungry." Hesheli and Jingrou were in one carriage, while Jingrou's other aunts were in another carriage.
The carriage swayed and wobbled as it approached the Forbidden City.
Even from a short distance, Jingrou could already see the majestic and solemn Forbidden City.
This was Jingrou's first impression after entering the palace. The palace maids came and went in an orderly manner, with hurried yet neat steps, each busy with their own duties.
With its vermilion walls and brown gates, carved beams and painted rafters, even though the Prince An's Mansion was incredibly wealthy, it still couldn't compare to the Forbidden City. This wasn't just because of the extravagance of its decorations, but more so because of the profound heritage it had accumulated over more than a dozen emperors.
I've seen the Forbidden City before. Since meeting Xiao Xianyu, my memories of modern times have been gradually returning.
However, the bustling crowds of tourists have changed the Forbidden City, which now boasts modern facilities. It no longer looks the same as it does now. The Forbidden City, having witnessed many vicissitudes and changes, now appears somewhat aged. The Forbidden City that Jingrou sees now has a unique charm, a true feeling and confidence belonging to the prosperous Qing Dynasty.
In comparison, in Jingrou's eyes, it's like comparing the Forbidden City in its prime to the Forbidden City in its old age.
Jingrou had just opened her eyes, her sleepy eyes peeking through the curtain as she stared intently at the scene before her, her small mouth slightly open, which made Hesheli chuckle.
"Could it be that you're stunned? Blinded by the splendor of the Forbidden City?"
“Grandmother…” Jingrou rushed into Hesheli’s arms. Hesheli immediately embraced her with eyes full of tenderness.
Jingrou discovered the advantage of being young very early on: no one would pry into her life or treat her childish words and actions as something strange.
Even if she does things that are inappropriate for a child her age, people will only praise her for being smart!
Moreover, children are sometimes hard to understand, so some of her actions don't seem out of place.
After they entered, the guards carefully examined their name tags and then let them through.
Because of her seniority and age, and being a first-rank imperial consort, Hesheli was granted special permission to enter the palace in a sedan chair as a sign of consideration for her. Others were not so fortunate.
It should be noted that the management of the Forbidden City was very strict. Even the Empress's mother, who is also the current Emperor's mother-in-law, might not be able to receive such a favor.
This is enough to show Hesheli's status in the royal family.
Jingrou hitched a ride in her maternal grandmother's sedan chair and arrived at Cining Palace in comfort.
The first stop upon entering the palace was, of course, to visit Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.
"Be a good girl, Zhuzhu. If you want some snacks, just tell your grandmother. And if you go out for a stroll, don't wander off..." Madam Hesheli repeatedly told Jingrou these words. Although Jingrou had heard them over and over again, she still nodded obediently.
The palace is not as free as the outside world, so you definitely have to be more careful.
My purpose in coming to the palace this time is just to make sure the dog is safe and sound for two hours, and that it won't run around!
Empress Hesheli affectionately rubbed her cheek with her hand and led her into the Cining Palace.
The Cining Palace was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood. Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang sat upright in the center, with the Empress Dowager serving her on one side and several noble ladies sitting on the other.
"We've been waiting for you! This must be Jingrou, right? I've heard about her for a long time, but I've never met her before..." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said with a smile.
Jingrou was led forward by her wet nurse to pay her respects, and then she was helped up by the nanny who was by Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's side.
Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang held Jingrou's little hand and looked at her with interest.
The kind-looking woman sitting on the other side was the Empress Dowager. She didn't talk much, but she always smiled when she looked at people.
Empress Hesheri and the Empress Dowager were old acquaintances, and the two exchanged pleasantries warmly for a while. When Empress Hesheri was still a young lady in her boudoir, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was still the Empress Dowager, and Empress Hesheri's husband, Amasoni, was an important minister in the court, holding a pivotal position.
Even though several decades have passed, Hesheli's brother, Songgotu, was a regent of the Shunzhi Emperor, and the two had a long history of entanglement.
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