After the matter of the Eighth Prince subsided, the harem seemed to quiet down a lot. Lanqin began to prepare for Hongli's wedding. Before, it was about marrying off her daughter, but this time it was about welcoming her daughter-in-law. Lanqin, who was a mother-in-law for the first time, was a little lost.
Lanqin, without paying attention, sent someone to summon Wu Shi, Geng Shi, and the others to Changchun Palace. Lanqin explained the gist of the matter and let them express their opinions.
Empress Wu, always outspoken, joked, "Hongli is truly blessed to have a mother like Your Majesty to arrange things for him, and now he's the only candidate for Crown Prince. It's a double blessing..."
A hint of displeasure flashed across Lanqin's face, and only then did Madam Wu realize she had misspoke, awkwardly covering up her mistake by saying, "Your Majesty, I was too talkative..."
Seeing Wu's pleading look, Geng changed the subject with a smile, "Your Highness, after a prince's betrothal, the Imperial Household Department usually decides the auspicious date. On the chosen day, the prince, dressed in colorful robes, visits his wife's parents. Hongli marrying two wives on the same day is just one more formality. The wedding banquet is also submitted by the Imperial Household Department to the Ministry of Rites. Your Highness only needs to see what else you can provide for Hongli?"
Lanqin felt saddened when she thought about how Hongli had left the palace and started his own household. Children Hongli's age in modern times are still studying and growing up under their parents' wings, but Hongli, at such a young age, has to shoulder the heavy responsibility of a family all by himself. Lanqin felt heartache and self-blame every time she thought about it.
"His Majesty values Hongli the most, how could he treat him poorly on his wedding day?" Madam Song said with a smile.
Wu Shi calculated the time in her mind and suddenly said with displeasure, "Your Highness Consort Xi, the day of the Emperor's selection of consorts is approaching. What are your plans?" Upon hearing this, Lan Qin knew that Wu Shi was jealous, so she smiled tactfully and said, "The selection of consorts will be presided over by Her Majesty the Empress. I am only assisting. Everything is still up to Her Majesty the Empress!"
Having had a child, Lady Geng had long since become indifferent to these matters. Besides, she didn't expect the Fourth Prince to rule from behind the curtain. She simply smiled faintly and said, "The Noble Consort Xi is the Emperor's most precious treasure. Even if more new concubines come, I believe that Her Highness's position will remain secure and unshakeable..."
Lanqin felt ashamed; it seemed she had made a huge mistake in asking them to discuss Hongli's marriage. Wu and Song echoed her sentiments, and Lanqin could only smile shyly and say nothing more.
After chatting for a while without getting anywhere, Lanqin made up an excuse to send them all home. Baoqin, while cleaning up the leftovers, pouted and complained, "Your Highness is just too good-natured. Those ladies are too presumptuous..." Lanqin felt a headache coming on, and thinking about all the work that still had to be done, she said wearily, "Life in the harem is long. Living under the Emperor's roof, it's inevitable they'll get bored. It's just talk, it's nothing serious..."
Baoqin slowed her movements and asked curiously, "This servant has always been curious, does Your Highness really not care about the Emperor's selection of concubines?"
Lanqin looked up and asked, "Can my concern change the facts?" Baoqin shook her head, and Lanqin smiled, "Then why should I make myself unhappy? I'd rather think more about how to prepare for Hongshi's wedding..."
Lanqin stretched and closed her eyes to rest. Baoqin watched Lanqin with immense admiration, carefully draping a light blanket over her, and sighed, "Your Majesty thinks things through so clearly, that's why you don't have so many worries..."
In the depths of her heart, Lanqin felt a bitter taste, but when she thought of Fourth Master, it was as if a piece of candy had suppressed all the bitterness, leaving only a faint sweetness. This must be what they call the bitterness that eventually gives way to sweetness!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
