Chapter 149 Shen Ning Enters the Palace
The next morning, after breakfast, Shen Chengxi went to the Imperial College to study, while Shen Ning and Xie Yunqing went to the palace together.
The carriage stopped outside Chongguang Gate, and the mother and daughter got off and walked into the palace. Chen Ning took Qiyue with her, while Xie Yunqing took Qingcheng, who was more cautious in her work.
Just as the mother and daughter were walking along the palace road towards Feixia Palace, where Concubine Xie had just moved, several young men and women in luxurious clothes happened to look over from a high platform in the distance.
"That's Madam Shen, the younger sister of the newly promoted Concubine Xie?" Tenth Princess Xiao Bi asked, "Why didn't she bring Shen Nian with her when she entered the palace?"
Standing next to Xiao Bi was Xu Wanqing, who was good friends with Shen Nian. Seeing Shen Ning and Xie Yunqing, Xu Wanqing curled her lips and said, "Now that my biological daughter is back, the adopted one is worthless."
Xiao Bi raised an eyebrow: "Is the one next to her the eldest daughter of the Shen family who is living away from home? The country widow you mentioned?"
Xu Wanqing hummed: "That's her."
Xiao Bi tutted his words: "She doesn't want to be close to her daughter who she has raised for more than ten years and she insists on getting close to a country widow. Madam Shen is also confused. She has to promote someone who is not worthy of the stage."
Next to him, the Eighth Prince Xiao Nanying, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe with silver trim, smiled and said, "This Miss Shen is indeed as beautiful as a flower. I think she is even prettier than you, Tenth Sister."
After Chen Ning came to Beijing, Xie Yunqing personally bought her clothes, dresses, and jewelry. He picked out all the best ones, and with his good aesthetic sense, Chen Ning is now even more dazzling than when she was in Pingning.
Her delicate and beautiful facial features look relaxed, and she walks with grace and dignity, which is really eye-catching from a distance.
Xiao Bi was immediately furious: "Who told you to compare that country woman with me?"
Xiao Nanying curled her lips: "Is it impossible to tell the truth?"
He was unwilling to accept this, and as if he was afraid that the world would not be in chaos, he turned around and asked the Fifth Prince Xiao Nanze beside him: "Fifth brother, do you think that Miss Shen is much prettier than Tenth Sister?"
Xiao Nan Ze was born to Concubine Ye and had a different status. Xiao Nanying knew that Xiao Bi didn't dare to confront Lao Wu, so she deliberately pulled Lao Wu aside to talk.
Xiao Nanze knew his brother's behavior well, so he didn't bother to get involved. "You're so bored, why don't you go to the Prince's Zoo? They say a new bear has been sent here, so you can just wander around."
After saying that, Xiao Nanze walked away. Xiao Nanying smiled and said, "Fifth brother, I don't have the heart to offend you, but Tenth sister, I am speaking the truth. Your clothes today are indeed a bit gaudy, and your jewelry is too complicated..."
Xiao Bi couldn't stand it any longer: "I want you to take care of it!"
Xiao Nanying curled her lips and turned away: "You can't stand the truth."
Xiao Bi stamped his feet in anger: "Second brother, look at the eight bird."
On her other side, the handsome second prince Xiao Nanyong, wearing a moon-colored brocade robe, shook his head helplessly and gestured to her: Don't be angry, he is teasing you on purpose.
The second prince Xiao Nanyong and the tenth princess Xiao Bi are siblings from the same mother, both born to Concubine Xu. When he was young, he fell seriously ill and almost lost his life. After he recovered, he could not speak. Fortunately, his hearing was still good, but he could not make any sound.
Not expecting his good-tempered second brother to stand up for him, Xiao Bi gritted his teeth, kicked Xiao Nanying in the back, and left angrily with Xu Wanqing.
On the other side, Xie Yunqing and Chen Ning followed the palace maids who came to greet them into Feixia Palace. As soon as they entered the inner hall, Xie Yunqing heard his sister, Concubine Xie, scolding her son: "You have made great progress in your studies these past few days. Find an opportunity to show your face in front of your father."
She didn't expect her son to achieve great things, but at least he shouldn't be looked down upon by his father.
The Sixth Prince, Xiao Nanjin, was always timid and fearful. Upon hearing this, he quickly shook his head, his handsome face filled with fear. "Your son dare not."
Xie Yunyan was furious: "I'm not asking you to do anything bad. Just go and bring a cup of soup to your father and say a few words, right?"
At least let His Majesty know that Lao Liu is not a fool.
Xiao Nanjin hesitated: "Your Highness... Your Highness dares not."
Xie Yunyan patted her chest and sighed: "You want to piss your mother off to death, don't you?"
Xiao Nanjin was shocked: "I dare not!"
Xie Yunyan was completely numb and raised her hand: "Get out."
When Shen Ning and Xie Yunqing walked in, they met Xiao Nanjin. Xiao Nanjin was embarrassed and said, "Aunt, can you persuade my mother to stop forcing me... This is Sister Ning, she's already this big."
All that was on Shen Ning's mind was "I dare not." Meeting the Sixth Prince's extremely gentle gaze, she smiled and said, "Meet the Sixth Prince, I am Shen Ning."
Xiao Nanjin hurriedly said, "Sister Ning, just call me cousin. There's no need for us to be so formal with each other. Please follow your aunt inside."
The Sixth Prince looked as if he was about to flee: "Aunt, Nan Jin will take his leave first."
After saying this, he left in a hurry, as if he was afraid of being caught by someone.
At this time, Xie Yunyan had already heard the sound and came out. She first called out "sister", and then her eyes fell on Shen Ning, and her eyes suddenly turned red.
Holding Shen Ning's hand, Xie Yunyan's voice was a little choked: "Ning Ning, this is Ning Ning, she has grown so big..."
Xie Yunyan and Xie Yunqing look three points similar, with more heroic spirit than Xie Yunqing, but the way they hold Shen Ning's hand and cry is seven points similar.
It took a long time before Xie Yunyan managed to calm down. She took Shen Ning's hand and chatted with Xie Yunqing.
Speaking of her sudden promotion to the position of concubine, Xie Yunyan looked at Shen Ning, hesitated for a moment, and then said to Shen Ning: "I met His Royal Highness Prince Ding two days ago."
Shen Ning was stunned for a moment, and then she heard Xie Yunyan say, "At that time, His Royal Highness Prince Ding told me that if he gained power in the future, he would not forget to look after you. I was a little confused at the time... and then a day later, he suddenly made her a concubine."
Xie Yunyan said, "I think it must be the work of His Royal Highness Prince Ding. Ningning, what is your relationship with His Royal Highness Prince Ding?"
There were only three of them present. Xie Yunyan had sent all the palace maids away. The reason she didn't let Shen Nian come was to find out more about Shen Ning's involvement.
Xie Yunyan carefully considered her words, "His Royal Highness Prince Ding is the Empress' biological son, born of the same mother as the Crown Prince, and deeply beloved by His Majesty, not to mention his immense achievements... If it were ordinary, it would be fine. However, Auntie is worried that if you have any other relationship with him, it might bring disaster upon you."
Shen Ning understood Xie Yunyan's concerns, and her relationship with Xiao Nanchen was no secret, so she did not hide it.
She told everything that it was her late husband who saved Xiao Nanchen's life, and with her subsequent care and protection, she and Xiao Nanchen were almost family members, so Xiao Nanchen would protect her in every way.
Xie Yunqing explained with a smile, "I haven't had time to tell you the reason yet, but Prince Ding is indeed loyal and righteous, and he respects and protects Ningning. When Xinzhou was in turmoil before, it was Prince Ding who saved Ningning in public..."
Xie Yunyan immediately breathed a sigh of relief: "I see."
She felt relieved, after all, His Royal Highness Prince Ding took such good care of Ningning because he regarded her as the widow of his benefactor. But at the same time, she felt a little sad, because it was a pity that Ningning had to be a widow at such a young age.
Fortunately, Prince Ding was indeed a man of loyalty. In order to protect Ningning, he spent so much effort to directly promote her position.
Xie Yunyan took Shen Ning's hand and spoke word by word: "Ning Ning, Auntie knows that my position as a concubine is earned by your contribution. Auntie feels guilty... But don't worry, you are no different from my own daughter in my heart. From now on, no matter when, Auntie will love and take care of you and will not let you suffer any grievances."
Xie Yunqing wiped the corners of his eyes and deliberately joked, "If I didn't have this concubine position, would you not take care of me, Ningning?"
The two sisters grew up together and never felt estranged. Xie Yunyan poked her sister's forehead with a smile and said, "You're the only one who talks too much. Even if I didn't have the title of concubine, I would still treat Ningning as my own daughter. But now that I have the title of concubine, I can naturally protect Ningning better..."
Xie Yunqing smiled and said, "And Nian Nian, you are also her aunt. No matter what, I have raised Nian Nian by my side for more than ten years, and I treat her as my own daughter. Don't be so cold to her all the time. The child is a little afraid of you."
Xie Yunyan curled her lips: "I have no fate with your daughter."
At this moment, the palace maid's anxious voice came from outside: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, something happened."
Xie Yunyan frowned: "What's the matter? Come in and tell me."
The personal maid hurried in, bowed to Xie Yunqing, and then quickly said to Xie Yunyan, "Madam Ma is having a difficult birth, I'm afraid she won't make it... She said she wants to see you."
Xie Yunyan stood up suddenly, her expression suddenly changing...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
