On this day, Cui Niang, who had returned home to retire, led Nianxue and Xicha to the palace to pay New Year's respects to Lanqin. Since Lanqin had told Cui Niang to return home to retire before her last trip to Huizhou, Lanqin had not seen Cui Niang. When Lanqin saw Cui Niang with Nianxue and Xicha, the maids who had accompanied her when she married into the Fourth Prince's mansion, Lanqin was very happy.
Time flies by, sometimes catching people off guard. The marks of time on their faces are testament to its passage. Now, Nianxue and Xicha are both mothers of several children, the older ones of whom are old enough to be married.
"How are you all doing these days?" Lanqin asked Nianxue and Xicha.
Upon hearing Lanqin's words, Nianxue and Xicha were filled with gratitude. They smiled and said, "Our lifelong wealth and peace are all thanks to Your Majesty's kindness."
"I am relieved that you live a peaceful and prosperous life." After all, they had served Lanqin for so many years and were loyal to her, so Lanqin treated them well. Seeing the genuine satisfaction on their faces, Lanqin felt very gratified.
Seeing that Nianxue and Xicha were a little restless, Lanqin knew that they were still not used to it, so she said with a smile, "Don't be so formal, have some tea and some pastries."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Looking at Nianxue and Xicha before her, Lanqin thought of the maid who had once served her. Although she had never lacked servants over the years, she had never forgotten the maid who had served her when she first arrived. "Sihua and Yuxiao should be doing well, right?"
Upon hearing Lanqin's words, Nianxue and Xicha nodded and quickly said, "They are all doing very well, especially Sihua. Her husband is now a prefect, and she is now the prefect's wife. Yuxiao married a guard, and that guard has also been promoted."
Nianxue and Xicha were even more grateful, saying, "This is all thanks to Your Majesty's kindness."
Sitting to the side, Cui Niang said, "It's a pity that Si Hua and Yu Xiao's husbands live far away, so it's inconvenient for them to come and wish Your Majesty a Happy New Year."
Upon hearing Cui Niang's words, Lan Qin shook her head and said, "It's alright." She knew that communication in the Qing Dynasty was not as convenient as in the 21st century, and now that Si Hua and Yu Xiao were married, it was even more difficult for them to travel far.
"I still remember Huanbi, the only maid who ever betrayed me."
Upon hearing Lanqin's words, a hint of disdain flashed in Cui Niang's eyes. Nianxue and Xicha, who were present, curled their lips. Cui Niang snorted and said with great dissatisfaction, "Your Majesty is so kind and benevolent. It is her own fault that she has brought this upon herself. Your Majesty does not need to remember such a person."
Lanqin sighed. Back then, Lanqin might have disliked Huanbi, but now Lanqin had come to terms with it. Everyone has their own destiny, and everyone has things they want to get, just like Huanbi. It's just that she chose a different path from Nianxue and Xicha.
"You may dine here in the palace today, and return later."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As Cui Niang, Nianxue, and Xicha were leaving the palace, Lanqin instructed the palace maids to bestow upon them gifts that had been prepared beforehand. At first, the women declined, as they owed their current lives to Lanqin. However, they couldn't resist her insistence and accepted the gifts before leaving Changchun Palace. They boarded the carriage that had been waiting outside the Forbidden City and departed.
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