An emperor's word is law.
In just a few words, the husbands of the two maids who accompanied the Imperial Concubine, Lingyan and Lingrou, as well as their wedding dates, were decided by Emperor Kangxi's golden words.
After seeing Emperor Kangxi off, Xu Lejin laughed until her stomach hurt.
After laughing, Xu Lejin lowered her voice and murmured, "The Emperor's dislike for the Imperial Concubine has reached such an extent."
"The Emperor ostensibly showed favor by choosing suitable husbands for the two maids who accompanied the Imperial Concubine, but in reality..."
"There are so many imperial guards in the palace, yet the emperor chose to select them as guards in the cold palace. Even the wedding date was chosen on a whim."
With a sigh, Xu Lejin frowned and fell into deep thought.
Qin Huai frowned and pondered for a moment.
"Your Majesty, both thunder and rain are imperial graces. It is an immense honor and favor that Consort Lingyan and Consort Lingrou in Your Majesty's palace are granted marriage by the Emperor and allowed to leave the palace."
"Even though Lingyan and Lingrou's husbands were not particularly talented, they married in a grand and glorious manner and became legitimate wives, which was the dream of countless palace maids."
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin looked up at Qin Huai.
A glint of light flashed in Xu Lejin's eyes, and she suddenly realized what was going on. She said softly, "You're quite insightful."
"Many women in the palace dream of serving the emperor and becoming his concubines, but what you desire is to leave the palace and marry him as his principal wife."
"I'd rather marry a rough, uncouth man and live a haphazard life than step into the palace or a royal residence."
Xu Lejin spoke softly, and only Qin Huai and Ru Hua, who were serving her, could hear her words.
The next day
Consort Duan brought the fourteenth princess to Yikun Palace.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty issued an edict yesterday, informing the six palaces of the marriage between Lingyan and Lingrou from the Noble Consort's palace. I am sorry to bother Your Majesty today, but there is something I do not understand. I hope Your Majesty can enlighten me."
Consort Duan lowered her voice and carefully considered her words.
Xu Lejin nodded slightly and said, "Please speak freely."
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has decreed that Lingyan and Lingrou will be married off from the palace on the third day of the third month. What will be the wedding ceremony for Lingyan and Lingrou?"
"Although Lingyan and Lingrou used to serve the Imperial Concubine, their husbands are merely guards in the Cold Palace, and..."
"Moreover, the third day of the third lunar month is still during the Imperial Concubine's mourning period. For a palace maid of the Imperial Concubine to get married during this time is already extremely inappropriate. If it is to be celebrated in a grand manner..."
"I am worried that if things are not handled well, I may offend His Majesty."
After speaking, Consort Duan lowered her head and nervously stared at her toes.
Xu Lejin nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said softly, "You have thought things through. Lingyan and Lingrou's wedding should not be too grand, but it also cannot be too shabby, lest it lose face for the palace."
"After much deliberation, I have decided to hold the wedding in the same manner as that of an ordinary palace maid. On the day of the wedding, I will have two more generous gifts prepared to congratulate Lingyan and Lingrou on their marriage."
Consort Duan respectfully agreed.
Time always flies by, and the third day of the third lunar month arrives as promised.
The rear hall of Xianfu Palace was decorated with red silk, creating a festive atmosphere. Lingyan and Lingrou, dressed in bright red wedding gowns, sat upright, while Consort Duan had also changed into a more vibrant palace dress.
Green Lotus, who was by Consort Duan's side, hurriedly entered the back hall of Xianfu Palace and whispered a few words in Consort Duan's ear. Consort Duan nodded.
A moment later,
"This servant, Zhulan, greets Consort Duan. May Consort Duan be blessed."
Zhu Lan, accompanied by two young palace maids, carried two brocade boxes into the rear hall of Xianfu Palace and respectfully bowed to Consort Duan.
Consort Duan nodded.
"Get up quickly. Does Consort Yu have any instructions for you to come at this time?"
Zhu Lan glanced at Ling Yan and Ling Rou, who were sitting upright in red wedding attire, out of the corner of her eye, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, this servant is here on your orders to deliver dowry gifts to Sister Ling Yan and Sister Ling Rou."
Consort Duan nodded slightly.
Zhu Lan looked at Ling Yan and Ling Rou and said with a smile, "Sister Ling Yan and Sister Ling Rou, my lady has prepared a hundred taels of silver and a set of jewelry for each of you to congratulate you on your marriage. I hope that you two will have a harmonious marriage and many children and grandchildren after your marriage."
Lingyan and Lingrou exchanged a glance.
They knelt down with extremely unnatural expressions and said in unison, "Thank you, Consort Yu."
Night falls
Outside Xianfu Palace, joyous music filled the air. With the help of palace maids, Lingyan and Lingrou reluctantly boarded the bridal sedan chair, embarking on their journey into life.
Hearing the joyous music coming from Xianfu Palace, Xu Lejin said in a deep voice, "Lingyan and Lingrou are getting married in style today, and the matter of the Imperial Concubine's death can be considered completely settled."
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I have heard that His Majesty has issued a special decree that Lingyan and Lingrou need not return to the palace to express their gratitude three days after their marriage."
Qin Huai lowered his head and said softly.
"Um."
Xu Lejin gave a faint reply and said slowly, "His Majesty dislikes the Consort and naturally doesn't want to see her maids again. In any case, they are getting married today, so they can be considered to have a peaceful end."
"Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."
Qin Huai lowered his voice and hesitated.
Xu Lejin looked at Qin Huai, her red lips parted slightly, and said, "Speak freely."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Qin Huai quickly organized her thoughts and spoke respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have heard that His Majesty initially promised Lingyan and Lingrou a life of wealth and honor."
"The Imperial Concubine's sudden illness and her weakening body day by day are inextricably linked to Lingyan and Lingrou."
Xu Lejin looked surprised upon hearing this.
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