When Consort De led everyone to the entrance of Ning Shou Palace, they encountered Consort Yi, who was also at the entrance with her Fifth and Ninth Consorts and several secondary consorts.
"Sister is here too. Oh, where is the Fourteenth Princess Consort?" Consort Yi greeted her first. It turned out that Wanyan had not been able to conceive, which was a topic of conversation among the elders. She was also proud and aloof, so she gradually stopped attending these gatherings. Although the elders were dissatisfied with her, since she simply didn't come, Consort De couldn't be too harsh on her.
"The Fourteenth Princess Consort has caught a slight cold. I'm afraid she might pass on her illness to the Empress Dowager if she goes to Ning Shou Palace. She should rest at home." Consort De was displeased with Wanyan, but she could only keep it a secret for her.
"Oh. The Fourteenth Prince's wife is still the most filial. Look at the Fifth Prince's wife, even with a cough, she still wants to come and add some fun for the Empress Dowager," Consort Yi said sarcastically.
After the younger members of each family bowed to each other, they entered the Ning Shou Palace one after another. Seeing that Consort Yi was unwilling to yield, Consort De let them go in first. Lan Qin watched Consort Yi's figure and couldn't help but think to herself: "I once watched a TV series in the 21st century called 'The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan.' Consort Yi in that series was a gentle and intelligent woman. But this Consort Yi, relying on her family affairs and beauty, despite being younger than Consort De, repeatedly speaks rudely to her. Although both are Kangxi's concubines, there is a hierarchy. Consort Yi, despite being less senior than Consort De, is always so assertive, while Consort De is always tolerant. Her magnanimity is truly unmatched. No wonder Kangxi relies more on Consort De."
As the group entered the main hall of Ning Shou Palace, they saw potted chrysanthemums of all shapes and sizes displayed everywhere. Lanqin glanced at them sideways and thought to herself: The Empress Dowager really likes chrysanthemums!
Consort De and Consort Yi, along with their respective families, paid their respects to the Empress Dowager. As Lanqin was paying her respects, she noticed that the Eighth Prince's wife and Consort Hui were already seated to the left of the Empress Dowager, while Consort Rong, along with the Third Prince's wife and Consort Tian, were seated to the right.
The Empress Dowager sat on the main couch with a kind and benevolent expression, the bronze incense burner in front of her, adorned with four bats holding a pearl, still emitting wisps of smoke. Beside her, an elderly palace maid held a baby wrapped in a thin pink satin quilt.
"Look, everyone! This princess of the Eighth Prince is so beautiful. She looks exactly like him." The Empress Dowager gestured for the elderly palace maid to bring the child in her arms closer to her for a better look.
"Grand Ancestor, the Eighth Prince is also thanks to you. Yilan was just betrothed to Prince Luokeshan by the Empress Dowager, and now another younger sister has arrived, who is so favored by the Empress Dowager," Consort Hui said with a smile.
Lanqin thought to herself: Is this girl planning to be engaged so early? She didn't even ask her own mother!
"Sister, why haven't the Fourth Prince's wife and the Fourteenth Prince's wife come?" Consort Rong suddenly asked Consort De.
Her question naturally caught the attention of the Empress Dowager. Upon looking around, she saw that neither of her two sons' primary wives had come. She said with slight displeasure, "Consort De, are both of your daughters-in-law ill?"
Lanqin guessed from the tone of the question that the Empress Dowager was holding a grudge over the Second Princess's matter, and wondered if she was deliberately humiliating Consort De in public.
"Your Majesty, the Fourth Princess Consort has been ill, and the Fourth Prince has been keeping her on sick leave. As for the Fourteenth Princess Consort, she has indeed caught a cold and is afraid that she might pass on her illness to Your Majesty. Please forgive her!" Consort De stood up and bowed to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was actually aware of the discord between the Fourth Prince's wife and the Fourth Prince. She wouldn't have brought it up if it weren't for the Second Princess's situation that displeased her. It was their personal matter, and she, as their nominal grandmother, wouldn't really meddle so much. As for the Fourteenth Prince's family, it was all just a joke. Whether or not to have children was their own business; the elders were just making small talk.
The Empress Dowager then sent several concubines to look after the children. Those of Lanqin's status could only sit at a distance, offering smiles as a gesture; she had no say whatsoever. Lanqin glanced at the Ninth Princess Consort, who sat quietly beside Consort Yi. Her expression seemed detached, as if she were no longer present. Lanqin looked at her, and the Consort, sensing Lanqin's gaze, gave her a slight smile.
Lanqin smiled at her too, but both of them seemed distracted by the gathering.
"Could it be that she is also a time traveler?" Lanqin thought to herself, feeling that the expression on the Ninth Princess's face was somewhat familiar. Could it be that she was just like herself?
Once all the flattering words had been said and the Empress Dowager was feeling refreshed, it was time for the ladies-in-waiting and consorts to leave.
Chen Ruzhu was not qualified to enter the palace, but her daughter enjoyed a moment of glory in the Empress Dowager's palace.
The Second Princess was also summoned by the Empress Dowager for a brief conversation, but she spoke exactly as the Fourth Prince and Consort Lanqin had instructed, thus gracefully declining the Empress Dowager's request.
After Lanqin and the Second Princess returned to Yonghe Palace with Consort De, it was almost lunchtime.
"You may stay here for lunch before leaving the palace," Consort De said considerately.
"Yes, thank you, Mother!" Lanqin immediately replied. The Second Princess naturally had nothing to say.
Meanwhile, Consort De sent a maid to invite the Fourth Prince to dine. After they had settled their arrangements, a maid came in and whispered a few words in Consort De's ear.
Consort De's expression changed and she said, "How could you be so careless? Quickly take my edict to the Imperial Hospital and fetch a royal physician."
Lanqin asked in surprise, "Mother, is something wrong?"
Consort De looked embarrassed and waved her hand, saying, "It wasn't me. It was one of my nieces. She just accidentally fell and hurt herself."
Lanqin's mind raced, and she said, "That's really bad. We should send someone to check right away."
Consort De nodded. She was also worried that Wuya Wanru might have fallen and gotten hurt. She was concerned about this, so she said to Consort Cheng and Lanqin, "Please sit for a while. I will go and check on her and then come back."
After Consort De left with her maids, only Consort Cheng and her maids, Lanqin and the Second Princess remained in the main hall.
"Consort Cheng, I feel a little tired. Would you be willing to escort me back?" Consort Cheng asked Lanqin.
"Lanqin is more than happy to. Your Highness, let Lanqin help you herself." Lanqin had always remembered Consort Cheng's kindness in asking Xinyi to inform her of the situation. Seeing that the usually humble Consort Cheng suddenly wanted her to see her off, she agreed without hesitation. Consort Cheng lived in a side hall of Yonghe Palace, which was only a short walk away. There must be something she wanted Lanqin to say about it.
The Second Princess then saw Lanqin helping Consort Cheng out. Without the care of her elders, she relaxed.
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