Chapter 77 Chapter 77 Entering the Palace, the Incident
On the day of the enthronement ceremony, Lan Nongnong was awakened at dawn. Qin Jingyao knew she would be exhausted today, so he hadn't bothered her the previous night. While her cold wasn't as severe as the first time, she was still prone to fatigue.
Seeing her eyes open but her brow furrowed with fatigue, he assumed she was anxious about the enthronement ceremony. He returned to the bedside, gently caressed her cheek, and said gently, "Don't worry. We'll enter the palace together today, and everything has been arranged. Once you're inside, follow the palace attendants to Ninghe Hall to rest and wait. I'll come find you immediately after court."
According to the rules, the conferment of a title on an official's wife was a special honor, and the ceremony should have been performed solely by the official. However, Qin Jingyao, as an important official, was also responsible for governing the country on behalf of the emperor, so he should have been overwhelmed.
However, there were exceptions. She rarely interacted with outsiders, and had never set foot in the palace. No maids in the palace were allowed to enter. How could such a delicate body of hers face the strict palace rules alone?
He was still worried about leaving her alone in someone else's care. Only with her watching over him could he feel at ease.
Lan Nongnong gently nuzzled his palm, nodded obediently, and used his strength to rise. In their two years of marriage, this was the first time they had risen together to change clothes. While he only needed to wear his official robes and hat, Lan Nongnong's attire today was much heavier and more complex, naturally taking longer.
Qin Jingyao had already reserved the time she needed, and he sat quietly by her side, watching her dress and put on her makeup. The heavy court robes and the weight of her hairpin suddenly slipped onto her. Although she had tried them on before, she still stumbled momentarily, her body tense, afraid that the hairpin would tilt.
Qin Jingyao frowned slightly when he saw this, but said nothing. He just put his arm around her stiff shoulders and walked out the door.
The carriage was already waiting outside the bedroom. He carried her onto it and carefully smoothed out the wrinkles on her clothes according to her wishes. Seeing that she still didn't dare to move, he felt amused, but also frowned, knowing that she would probably have to endure this hardship until the ceremony was completed.
But this is also the process she must go through.
He suppressed his distress and, on the pretext that the enthronement ceremony would take too long and she might not have time to eat, persuaded her to eat. He then personally fed her with the spoon, using gentle words and persuading her along the way until she finished most of the meal. By the time he had finished her unfinished soup and dishes, the carriage had just arrived at the palace gate.
At this moment, the court officials were verifying their identities and entering the palace one after another. They also knew that today was the day when the Shangshu Ling's wife would receive the imperial edict. Seeing the carriage of the mansion stop, they couldn't help but look sideways.
When the carriage door opened, the officials who happened to be there were cheered up, but unfortunately, only the Shangshu Ling got out of the carriage.
Everyone saw him get out of the car and walk back to the window, where he spoke softly to the people inside for a long time, his face full of tenderness, truly looking reluctant to leave. Finally, he shook his sleeves, calmed his expression, and walked out.
Lan Nongnong closed her eyes and rested in the carriage after he left. About half a minute later, she heard the hum of a bronze door closing. Soon after, the palace gate opened again, and the sound of footsteps approached from afar.
"I am a female historian from the Imperial Ceremony Bureau. Following the Empress's decree, I respectfully welcome Madam into the palace. Please follow me."
Lan Nongnong opened her eyes and was helped out of the carriage by Biyu and the other two, who straightened her hat and clothes. She thanked them for their help and then, guided by the female historian and having her identity verified by the imperial guards, she entered the palace alone.
He said that today was an auspicious day chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, and indeed there was no wind or snow.
Lan Nongnong, in accordance with protocol, hadn't looked up, but a quick glance as she entered the palace revealed its towering, seemingly endless sprawl. In the dim morning light, the palaces, with their golden tiles and red walls, appeared especially solemn and majestic.
Lan Nongnong listened intently as the female historian detailed the enthronement ceremony. Although he had previously warned her of the vastness of the palace and the length of the journey, the pain of actually embarking on this journey was not only the toil of the journey, but also the silent pressure of the nine-story palace, which weighed heavily on her heart.
She walked slowly, and the journey that should have taken her two-quarters of an hour took her nearly half an hour. Lan Nongnong gave the lady an apologetic smile, only to see her flatteredly bow deeply in return.
After entering the hall, he was invited to take a seat and served tea. About a quarter of an hour later, a palace maid came in to pay her respects and said that she needed to go to Yide Hall to wait for the Queen to summon her.
Lan Nongnong then stood up and followed him into the deep palace.
No one spoke during this journey, but she could sense that he was deliberately following her pace. She wondered if this was a common consideration among the palace people, or if it was a special arrangement on his part.
The deeper they went, the more frequent the patrols of the Imperial Guard became. Half an hour later, they stopped at the foot of a long staircase leading to a towering palace.
Immediately, a palace maid came forward to help her adjust her court attire and makeup. Someone slipped a cup of warm water into her hand. Because someone was blocking her view, and palace rules were strict, with guards keeping their eyes fixed and palace maids bowing their heads, no one noticed. Perhaps realizing she had no intention of drinking, the cup was quietly withdrawn.
After everything was tidied, several palace maids retreated silently.
Lan Nongnong, burdened by the heavy crown and robes and having traveled so long, was nearly exhausted. She took a deep breath to rouse herself, lowering her head slightly to focus on the red carpet beneath her feet. But soon, she felt dizzy and quickly closed her eyes, concentrating, recalling the upcoming ceremony.
I also compared this palace with the royal gardens I visited in the past. By relaxing my mind and clearing my eyes, the dizziness I felt was indeed slightly reduced.
After an unknown amount of time, footsteps suddenly approached. Lan Nongnong's neck had been stiff from the weight of her hair crown, and she was completely unable to move. It wasn't until someone gently pinched the back of her neck that a sudden surge of soreness and stiffness began to relax.
She bit her lip in frustration, saying nothing, and gave the visitor a grateful smile. However, she was unaware that she was exhausted, and when she slowly opened her eyelids, her face was pale, as if she were seriously ill.
This forced smile, in Qin Jingyao's eyes, was like a sharp knife piercing his heart, causing his breathing to stop for several breaths.
His eyes darkened, his hands firmly supported her waist, and he leaned over and whispered, "Relax, lean on me and rest. I'll take care of everything."
As soon as he finished speaking, the tense body of the person in his arms really relaxed, accompanied by a long sigh of exhaustion, which sounded like another knife in his ears.
She was usually very spoiled, but even now, even though she was so tired, she didn't even complain.
Whenever Qin Jingyao closed his eyes, the scene he had just witnessed flashed back to him. Amidst the vast expanse of heaven and earth, she stood alone at the foot of the long steps, her crimson court robes precariously swaying, as if under torture.
He knew that this was a ritual and the Queen did not mean to make things difficult for him, but he still couldn't help but feel annoyed at this moment.
The palace maids stood in a row on the towering steps, all of them taking in the scene below, and then reported it to the Queen.
At that time, the Queen was listening to the palace maids describe the woman's appearance and behavior. Upon hearing this, she chuckled and shook her head at the nanny beside her: "This really hurts my heart. I am afraid that as his aunt, I have wronged his beloved."
The maid only smiled and said nothing. Those who had been in the palace for many years were the most discerning and knew exactly who these words were addressed to.
As expected, the old Princess Chen, who had been invited to observe the ceremony, smiled softly and said, "Your Majesty, please allow me to speak. Perhaps it's because I'm old, but now I enjoy reading stories of talented men and beautiful women, and of loving couples. In my humble opinion, your Excellency's love and care for his first wife shows that he has been deeply influenced by Your Majesty and Your Majesty."
"Although I am old, I have heard of the bright dome that your Excellency built specifically for your Madam. Your Excellency is understandably concerned about your Madam, as she is ill and making her first appearance. Don't worry, Your Majesty. If my son had even a fraction of your Excellency's thoughtfulness, they wouldn't be quarreling all the time."
Princess Chen's husband, Chen Tuo, was a founding hero who accompanied Emperor Wusheng on his conquest of the empire. Due to his outstanding achievements and unwavering loyalty, he was granted the title of King of a different surname. His wife, also known for her contributions to the family, was also granted the title of King of a different surname. She is now a rare lady of the highest rank in the capital, highly respected and virtuous.
However, a new emperor chooses his own ministers. The former emperor's old ministers enjoyed excessive glory, inevitably leading to suspicions of bullying their master. And what about the last remaining king of a different surname? To avoid giving others cause for criticism, upon the ascension of the emperor, King Chen will voluntarily retire on the grounds of old age, content to live a life of wealth and leisure.
Fortunately, both husband and wife possessed a clear mind, a clear mind, and a healthy constitution. Now, despite approaching their eighties, their minds remain as sharp as ever. Over the years, strict discipline has been maintained among the clan's young men. Even those who have entered officialdom have avoided positions of authority, often abandoning military service for a more civil service career. Those who remain martial artists have held only modest military posts. While the clan may not be as prosperous as it once was, it enjoys peace and security.
Haven't you heard that those foolish-minded people with insatiable desires all wanted to seek meritorious service from the emperor and move their family business to a higher level, but now most of them have turned into a handful of earth.
There are also those who can't stand the cold shoulder and are bent on career advancement, only to be met with suspicion and suppression. If they still cling to their past glory and persist in their wrongdoings, the lessons of the past may not be far away.
The Shangshu Ling held immense power, and he had come personally to request the appointment. He was not yet thirty, and the Crown Prince was still quite young. Given the Chen Palace's long-held doctrine of moderation, they were naturally happy to take advantage of this opportunity. Even if his wife's words were inappropriate, the old princess would shamelessly speak well of her today.
In recent years, Prince Chen and his wife have lived in seclusion, rarely appearing except at important festivals and banquets. Empress Guo is well aware of the underlying meaning and welcomes its success. It is understandable that she now offers such tactful words, unwilling to offend either side.
"Well, now that the time has come, let's summon everyone into the hall."
The high-pitched voice of the audience came clearly from the platform. Lan Nongnong took a deep breath, pushed him away, and stood up straight. She forced a smile at him, then lowered her head slightly, holding the hem of her skirt in her hand, and stepped up the stairs step by step.
No matter how powerful Qin Jingyao was, there was no way he could climb this staircase with her today. He put his hands behind his back, slowly tightened them, and followed her steps with his eyes.
The winter sun had risen, casting a thin golden light. The red of her crown and robes was gilded with a halo, blinding him. His eyes had been burned black by the light, but he refused to close them or look away. He forced down the regret that welled up in his heart. He had already decided that she should enter the palace and receive the title, that she should personally accept this honor and status. Now that he had come this far, there was no turning back.
On the long red carpet, the figure in red walked slower and slower, even seeming to be shaky.
The official boots were already raised, but just before stepping on them, they hovered for a long time and finally fell back to their original position.
This was the first time that she was right in front of him, but he couldn't go forward and could only watch her walk away.
Also, the only time.
Lan Nongnong had never imagined that these dozens of steps would make her feel despair. According to the rules, she couldn't look up, and could only keep her eyes lowered and stare at her feet.
The rapid depletion of her strength caused her limbs to tremble, her head to split, and her vision to blur. Suddenly, the red-carpeted staircase seemed to transform into a path of blood, spreading beneath her feet.
She tried her best to maintain her composure, slowing down each time she lifted her knees and took a step, fearing she would stumble. However, her body eventually began to sway uncontrollably, and fortunately, she caught her knees in time, preventing her from falling and tumbling in front of the solemn and dignified hall, in full view of everyone.
Sweat beads had already slid down to her chin, but she had no time to wipe them away. The air in her lungs seemed to be being drained again and again, and her heartbeat was heavy and rapid, each beat pounding against her chest. The tinnitus dragged her into a vacuum-like silence, where only her own broken breaths could be heard.
She knew she must be in a state of extreme embarrassment. She'd become a laughingstock before the ceremony even began. She couldn't help but wonder if this was his revenge. If not, why would he confer the title upon her when she was at her weakest? He knew perfectly well she couldn't handle such a scene—
When she finally stepped onto the last step, the palace maid who had been waiting for a long time hurried forward and supported her shaky body steadily.
The red gate of Yide Hall was already open, waiting for the protagonist to appear. But anyone could see that she had no strength left to take even a step.
Seeing her pale face, and remembering Lord Linggong's secret instructions, the maid dared not delay. She exchanged a glance with her companion across from her, then quickly stepped inside to report.
It is unheard of that a lady of noble rank fell ill before the ceremony even received the title.
Although he was surprised and secretly annoyed that the woman was so frail, today was a happy occasion of the imperial court's enthronement, not a time to deliberately establish authority. There was no reason to sacrifice her life for a ceremony.
If word got out, she, the empress, would undoubtedly be branded as someone who mistreats imperial consorts harshly. Furthermore, no matter how despicable this woman was, she was still Gu Yan's legitimate wife, and Guo Shunhua's legitimate nephew's wife. Even for Gu Yan's sake, she couldn't allow his wife to suffer any harm during the enthronement ceremony.
So what if there's no precedent? The rules are always written by those in power.
The frown on Empress Guo's face gradually relaxed, and her voice was calm and elegant: "Move the couch outside the palace, and wait until Madam Tan recovers before conferring the title."
The palace maid immediately brought out a couch and presented fragrant tea and a handkerchief.
The Queen turned her head and smiled at the old princess sitting at the bottom. "It seems that I will have to trouble you, old princess, to wait for a while."
Old Princess Chen naturally felt it was inappropriate to comment on such an exceptional matter. Empress Guo's handling of the matter was truly worthy of her reputation for virtue. Fortunately, the person being conferred today was a second-rank imperial edict. There was no other woman in the capital more distinguished than her. If there were many spectators, gossip would inevitably ensue.
"As the saying goes, good things never come too late. Naturally, we should wait until Madam Tan has recovered."
The old princess calmly continued, "It has been a long time since I last spoke with Your Majesty. I would like to thank Madam Tan for this opportunity."
Empress Guo smiled upon hearing this and ordered her personal maid to pour tea herself. In this hall that should have been solemn and dignified, she actually engaged in a casual conversation with the old princess.
Lan Nongnong lay on the couch for about half a minute, and drank five cups of hot tea before she seemed to come back to life.
With the help of the palace maids, she re-dressed her hair and makeup, and with the help of the maid, she managed to stand up. No matter how heavy and weak her body was, she had to put it aside at this moment. Even if she didn't understand the palace rules, she knew that she had received extraordinary consideration.
She concentrated her mind and breathed deeply as she stopped outside the palace door. When she heard the loud voice of "Visit" coming from inside, she took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold.
Then, like a puppet on a string, he followed the ceremonial officer's chanting, knelt down to pay homage to the Empress, thanked her from afar for her grace, and accepted the imperial edict. The entire ceremony, save for a slight delay in his movements, went remarkably smoothly.
Because the sky outside the hall was bright, she kept her head down and eyes closed, standing with her back to the light. When the ceremony was over, no one in the hall could see her face clearly.
Empress Guo had intended to order her to raise her head, but it was clear that while she knelt in the hall, she struggled to maintain her composure, unable to conceal her frail nature. Ultimately, she granted her an extra favor. After the ceremony concluded, she watched as she slowly rose and thanked the emperor according to the custom. Then, the imperial decree of a banquet at the Imperial Palace was granted, and the phoenix carriage took flight.
After the old princess respectfully saw the queen off, her eyes flashed across the figure who was trembling and standing up with the help of a palace maid. She gave up the idea of chatting with the figure and helped the palace maid to leave.
Lan Nongnong was practically carried by the arms into the chair, then slumped against the armrest, panting rapidly. Her body alternated between hot and cold, her ears tinnitus incessant, and the pearl crown on her head felt like the final straw, weighing her down, making it difficult for her to lift her head.
Thinking that the ceremony was not over yet and that I still had to endure in this magnificent palace, I felt like I was running wildly in an endless desert. I could clearly see the exit, but no matter how hard I struggled, I could never reach that oasis.
A sudden surge of heat welled up in her chest, and she took a deep breath, slowly suppressing the throbbing. Her body felt limp and weak from exhaustion, unable to even lift a fingertip. But as the saying goes, long-term illness makes a doctor, and Lan Nongnong knew that it would only take a few minutes for her strength to return.
She suddenly forced a self-deprecating smile, took the teacup offered by the palace maid and sipped it gently. When her breath calmed down a bit, she stood up with the help of the armrest.
The palace maid who had just tidied her appearance outside the hall came forward again, carefully smoothed out every wrinkle on her crown and robes, and then helped her to the door of the hall where the banquet was held, and then she lowered her head and retreated to the side of the corridor pillar.
"Announce—-, Second Rank Imperial Madam, Tan Lan, enter the palace!"
Lan Nongnong took a deep breath, gathered herself together, and lightly lifted her skirt as she stepped into the hall. She knelt and bowed according to etiquette: "Your servant, Tan Lan, pays homage to the Empress."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a palace maid behind her hurried to the Phoenix Throne and whispered. Then she heard the Queen chuckle and say, "Announce."
Within two breaths, a shadow suddenly loomed over her. Lan Nongnong remained bent over without receiving any orders. Although she couldn't see, the familiar cold fragrance revealed the identity of the visitor.
"Your servant, Qin Jingyao, pays homage to the Empress."
"Everyone, please stand up and take your seats."
"Thank you, Queen."
The ceremony was complete, and Qin Jingyao no longer had to worry. Before he could even stand up, he had already scooped her up into his arms, standing with her together. Then, half-carrying her, he positioned her in the second chair to the left. After making sure she was secure, he ordered the palace attendants to remove the obstructing coffee table in the middle, and then sat down beside her.
Empress Guo and the old princess were the only two people in the palace who could see directly. Now they finally witnessed with their own eyes what the rumor that "Lord Ling loves his wife as much as his life" really meant.
He is truly at your service, taking care of every detail, and this is not enough to describe his thoughtfulness.
Seeing him wiping his wife's sweat with a handkerchief as if no one was around, his whispers were full of concern. He looked so precious to her, as if he was holding her in his palm for fear of dropping her, and holding her in his mouth for fear of melting her, it was really touching to watch.
Although the enthronement ceremony has been completed, it is still in the palace.
It had never been the custom for a husband to accompany a conferment, let alone such an unabashed intimacy. Empress Guo, even if tolerant, still had to uphold protocol and etiquette. She pretended not to notice and said solemnly, "Since you have been conferred the title, you must uphold the virtues of a wife, support your husband and raise your children, and be a role model for the rest of the family."
According to the rules, Lan Nongnong should have thanked the emperor for his grace and praised his virtue first, but she had already lost the opportunity. She gently pushed Qin Jingyao away, stood up and bowed, "Your Highness, I will remember your instructions."
The two exchanged several polite exchanges. Empress Guo was somewhat relieved to see that, despite her frail frame, she was calm and composed, handling matters appropriately. After offering her a seat, Empress Guo seemed to have just noticed her unwell complexion and asked gently, "Madam Qin seems unwell. Is she feeling better now? Do you need to summon the imperial physician?"
Lan Nongnong had already taken her seat and had to look up when answering. Only then did everyone in the hall get a clear look at her face. Her features were naturally pretty, and though she was a bit pale due to her illness, her eyes were particularly clear and moving.
Her eyes were clear and frank as she spoke, without any flattery. Anyone who looked into her eyes could sense the uprightness and brightness in her character, which was definitely not that of a foxy person.
Contrary to everyone's expectations, it was difficult to feel any dislike towards him under these circumstances.
She may not be aware of it, but in the eyes of Queen Guo and Princess Chen, who have experienced the world and understand human nature, the desirelessness and forbearance in her eyes are clear and visible.
"...It's nothing serious. Thank you, Queen, for your concern."
Qin Jingyao also smiled and said, "If we can be nourished by the delicacies from my aunt's palace, my wife and I will be cured of all our illnesses."
Empress Guo shook her head and laughed, then turned to the old princess and said, "Look, she has come all the way to this palace to ask for food."
Princess Chen, hearing the music, understood the elegant meaning and responded with a smile, "It seems that today I, your humble servant, will also enjoy a feast."
The banquet menu had been set long ago, and the imperial kitchen had been bustling with activity since the early hours of the morning. As soon as the superior gave the order, the sounds of steaming, boiling, frying, and frying erupted, the entire palace kitchen humming like a precision machine, spatulas and furnaces clattering in unison.
With Qin Jingyao and the old princess calmly interacting at the banquet, Lan Nongnong didn't need to spend much time talking. He would sometimes pick up the Queen's witticisms, and sometimes reminisce about the old Beijing with the old princess. The atmosphere in the palace was always warm and harmonious.
After the delicacies were laid out and there were expressions of thanks and praise, everyone took their seats in order.
Banquets in the palace are all about honor and favor. Although there is no need to strictly adhere to the ancient rule of not talking while eating, it is difficult to really relax while eating.
Lan Nongnong was exhausted, yet, mindful of palace rules, she wanted to stop for a bit, but the people around her kept serving the dishes. Empress Guo at the top seemed oblivious, only occasionally chatting with the old Princess Chen. Even the drinks offered to her were passed down by those around her.
Suddenly, it seemed as if everyone tacitly sympathized with her illness and allowed her to have her meal in peace.
Shortly after the banquet ended, Princess Chen excused herself, citing her age and lack of energy. Lan Nongnong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she could finally leave, but then she heard warm yet unquestionable words from the Phoenix Throne.
"Now that you've married Gu Yan, the past is gone, so don't dwell on it. Husband and wife should be of one mind and one heart, sharing weal and woe. I've sent for Dr. Li, an expert in gynecology, to see you. He'll take your pulse and treat you shortly. Get well soon, so you can have children for Gu Yan."
As soon as he finished speaking, a palace maid stepped in and reported, "Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Li has arrived."
"Xuan."
"yes."
Immediately, an elderly man dressed in a blue satin imperial physician's robe entered and bowed respectfully. After hearing the Empress's instructions, the physician stepped before Lan Nongnong's seat, bowed, and said, "I, your humble servant, am here to take Madam's pulse by the Empress' order."
Ever since the Queen's instructions, Lan Nongnong has been in a trance, and everything in front of her eyes is as hazy as a revolving lantern. She subconsciously placed her wrist on the pulse pillow, but was suddenly blocked by a bony hand.
The imperial physician's fingertips landed on Qin Jingyao's wrist. However, after a split second of contact, he suddenly withdrew his hand as if he had received an electric shock, and his expression suddenly changed.
Then the Queen's voice suddenly turned harsh, as if she was questioning why those around her were stopping her and what they were hiding. She then turned to the Imperial Physician, asking why he had lost his composure.
The person beside him seemed to be about to say something, but the imperial physician seemed to have finally regained his voice and blurted out a shocking statement: "Lord Ling - infertile?!"
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