After the meal, the two washed up together. Jiang Meiyu was the first to speak, breaking the silence: "Your Majesty, will you stay in Yongning Palace tonight? Don't you want to go and see the newly selected concubines of the Empress Dowager? I heard that there is a Concubine Gu who is very beautiful and has been arranged by the Empress Dowager to live in Yongfu Palace."
After hearing this, the emperor raised the corners of his mouth slightly, looked at Jiang Meiyu with a smile, and asked softly: "Yu'er, do you want me to go?"
Jiang Meiyu's heart tightened, but she still pretended to be calm and replied: "Your Majesty, do you want to hear the truth?"
The emperor's expression didn't change much, he just said calmly: "Yu'er, go ahead."
Jiang Meiyu took a deep breath and mustered her courage to speak: "Your Majesty, I am your woman. It would be a lie to say that I hope you go. But this time, the Empress Dowager personally selected the concubines. If Your Majesty does not go, the Empress Dowager will think that I am ignorant of the overall situation and only want to favor her. Moreover, I do not want to affect Your Majesty's reputation. If you do not go, perhaps there will be a memorial in the court tomorrow to accuse Your Majesty of being unfilial..."
At the end of her speech, Jiang Meiyu's voice became softer and softer, and she lowered her head, as if she was afraid to look the emperor in the eye.
The emperor listened to Jiang Meiyu's words quietly. After a moment's silence, he slowly said, "Okay, Yu'er is right. I'll go now." After that, he turned around and strode out of the room.
Jiang Meiyu slowly raised her head, staring at the emperor's receding figure. An indescribable complex emotion welled up in her heart, like a sour tide surging endlessly...
"Wang Youquan, lead the way. I want to go to Yongfu Palace." The emperor's voice was low and firm, revealing an unquestionable majesty.
"I obey your order..." Wang Youquan responded respectfully. As he walked, he secretly winked at Qiuping, his eyes full of doubts and questions, as if he was trying to find out the reason behind the matter.
Qiu Ping was also bewildered. She hurriedly followed, wondering to herself, "What on earth is going on? Why did the emperor leave so suddenly..."
As soon as she entered Yongfu Palace, Qiuping couldn't wait to ask, "Your Majesty, what happened just now? Why did the emperor leave like this..." There was a hint of anxiety and worry in her tone.
Jiang Meiyu found a funny notebook to read, hoping to lighten her mood. She flipped to a page that read, "Gone, gone, nothing to be surprised about." She thought it was fitting and couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, Your Majesty! The Emperor stays in Yongning Palace every day, so why did he suddenly... could it be because of the new Concubine Gu? Humph, I've seen Concubine Gu before she got married, but how could she compare to Your Majesty's beauty and virtue? Your Majesty, if you don't keep the Emperor, what if he gets seduced by that Concubine... No, I have to have Qiu Ling take two maids to find out what's going on in Yongfu Palace."
Jiang Meiyu sat by the window, quietly flipping through a book. The moonlight gently shone on her, illuminating her beautiful and focused face. Qiuping, beside her, chattered non-stop, her tone filled with concern and worry.
Jiang Meiyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart, but she still raised her head and interrupted with a smile, "Okay, Qiuping, if you keep nagging, I won't be able to concentrate on my reading."
Qiu Ping showed a trace of worry on her face, and said softly, "But, Madam... I'm really worried about you..."
Jiang Meiyu sighed softly, put down the book in her hand, looked into Qiuping's eyes, and explained gently, "Qiuping, you have to understand that in this palace, I am just one of the emperor's many wives and concubines. He also has a wife and many other women. He doesn't belong to me alone. If I monopolize him, I'm afraid it will cause a lot of criticism. The ministers will then impeach me in court, putting my father in a difficult position."
Qiu Ping frowned, as if about to protest, but ultimately nodded in understanding. She said softly, "Well, since your Majesty has said so, I will say no more."
Jiang Meiyu smiled and patted Qiuping's hand, comforting her, "Don't worry, I know what to do. I know how to survive in this palace, and I will protect myself and my family."
Jiang Meiyu held Qiuping's hands tightly, her beautiful eyes filled with smiles and tenderness. "You've been busy talking about my affairs, but what about your own lifelong affairs? Qiuping, you've been by my side since you were little. Over the years, I've treated you like my own sister. If you have someone you love, remember to tell me! That way, I can ask the emperor to grant you a happy marriage!"
When Qiuping heard this, her face turned pale as paper in an instant. She said with trembling lips, "Miss, did I commit some mistake? Or maybe I didn't serve you well and annoyed you...so..." Tears welled up in her eyes and slid down her cheeks.
Seeing this, Jiang Meiyu quickly reached out her delicate hand to gently wipe away the tears from Qiuping's eyes, and softly comforted her, "What nonsense are you talking about! In my eyes, there is no one more considerate and outstanding than you..."
Qiuping burst into tears and choked up as she said, "I wish I would never marry anyone in this life. I only wish to stay by your side forever. I beg you not to drive me away..." The two sisters confided in each other, saying those intimate words that only they could understand. Their friendship was as deep as gold and stone.
As soon as the emperor stepped out of Yongning Palace, the news spread throughout the palace like a gust of wind. Everyone was curious about where the emperor would go next, and those who were well-informed quickly learned that the emperor was about to go to Yongfu Palace.
Eunuch Wang sprang into action. He knew the weight of his responsibility and needed to ensure everything was in perfect order. He immediately dispatched a trusted aide to Yongfu Palace with a crucial message: "Empress Shufei, please be sure to prepare for the arrival of the Emperor!" This news set the palace abuzz, each eager to make a good impression.
Upon hearing the news of the Emperor's arrival, Concubine Shu was overjoyed. She had long yearned for the Emperor's attention and favor, and now, at last, her chance had arrived. Filled with joy, she thought, the Emperor was finally coming to her palace. She eagerly began to dress meticulously, selecting the most beautiful clothes and jewelry, hoping to showcase her charm.
Meanwhile, Gu Xiangling had also heard the news from her maid. A surge of excitement surged within her, realizing this was a rare opportunity. She immediately rose and hurried to her bedroom, where she began carefully combing her hair and applying her makeup. She chose a gorgeous dress and accessorized it with dazzling jewelry, striving to appear her most alluring before the emperor.
The entire Yongfu Palace was filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. Everyone was busy...
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