It was a sunny day, and the breeze blew gently like soft fingers.
In the palace, there was a festive and peaceful scene to welcome the Queen Mother back.
The phoenix embroidered on Su Jingyao's phoenix robe was lifelike, as if it was about to spread its wings and fly away at any time.
Wearing a dazzling phoenix crown, every gem sparkles with dazzling light.
She was dressed carefully, and every move she made was dignified and graceful, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised, showing just the right smile.
Jun Zechen was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe with a golden dragon on it, baring its fangs and claws, looking extremely majestic.
The jade belt around his waist made him look as tall and straight as a pine tree. His brows revealed an innate majesty, and his eyes were bright as he looked straight ahead.
The two stood side by side, Jun Zechen's hand lightly resting on Su Jingyao's hand, quietly waiting for the Queen Mother's return.
The ministers, dressed in court robes, lined up neatly in the square in front of the palace. They all looked solemn and did not look away.
The concubines above the rank of mistress of the first palace were also dressed in their best attire.
Among the crowd was Princess Qingping.
She was wearing a light blue dress made of fine material, and the hem of the skirt swayed gently in the breeze.
Her makeup is delicate, her eyebrows are as dark as distant ink, and her eyes are moving, but there is a hint of complex emotions in her eyes that is difficult to detect.
Finally, the sound of gongs and drums came from afar, the sound came from far away and was deafening.
The Queen Mother's carriage slowly approached, and the guards around her were all in high spirits.
Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen stepped forward to meet them.
All the ministers and concubines knelt down and saluted in unison.
"Welcome the Queen Mother back to the palace. May the Queen Mother live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years!"
Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen personally helped the Queen Mother down from the imperial carriage. The Queen Mother was smiling and looked radiant.
There is gentleness and kindness in his eyes.
"Everyone, get up!"
Everyone thanked her and stood up. Su Jingyao smiled and said, "My Queen Mother's visit to the Huguo Temple to pray for blessings must have brought blessings to our dynasty."
Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her eyes were full of respect and concern.
The Queen Mother nodded, her eyes slowly sweeping over the crowd, filled with relief.
Jun Zechen also spoke up, "Today's ceremony is to welcome the Queen Mother. I wish her a long and healthy life."
"Emperor and Empress, you have worked hard."
The Queen Mother said with a smile, her eyes full of love.
"I heard that Wanyin has returned from Canglang and was even named a county lady by the emperor?"
The Queen Mother asked with a smile. After all, she was her brother's daughter and had lived in the palace for some time. She still missed her after not seeing her for so many years.
Qi Wanyin walked forward with just the right amount of respect and joy on her face.
She leaned forward slightly and saluted the Queen Mother.
"Your humble servant pays respects to the Queen Mother. May the Queen Mother be blessed with good health and happiness."
Qi Wanyin's voice was clear and melodious, and her gestures of saluting were standard and regular. She folded her hands in front of her and lowered her head slightly.
The Queen Mother reached out and pulled her in front of her, her eyes full of love and nostalgia as she looked her over carefully.
He murmured, "You and your father have such similar eyebrows and eyes."
Then the Queen Mother smiled and said, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. How about you stay with me in the palace for the next few days?"
"It is a blessing for me to be able to accompany the Queen Mother. I am naturally willing to do so."
Qi Wanyin said with a smile, a sincere smile on her face, and looked up slightly at the Queen Mother.
Afterwards, everyone surrounded the Queen Mother and walked into the palace.
Surrounded by the crowd, the Queen Mother walked steadily with a kind smile on her face.
In the hall, the Queen Mother, the Emperor, and the Queen sat at the top, and Jun Zechen sat in the middle, his expression solemn and majestic.
Several high-ranking concubines sat on both sides, looking at the emperor from time to time. It was extremely difficult for them to see His Majesty now.
The Empress Dowager had not seen Princess Qingping for many years, so she had a seat added next to her and called Princess Qingping over.
Princess Qingping walked to the side of the empress dowager, bowed slightly and sat down.
"Aunt, Wanyin has really missed you these past few years."
Qi Wanyin said this, her voice choked with sobs and her eyes slightly red.
She picked up the chopsticks and picked up a dish of soft-boiled mullet, which was the Empress Dowager's favorite.
The Queen Mother smiled with satisfaction, her eyes filled with relief. "It's amazing that you still remember my preferences after six or seven years."
The Queen Mother gently patted Qi Wanyin's hand.
"As long as Auntie likes it."
Qi Wanyin smiled, but there seemed to be a hint of bitterness in her smile.
"I heard that the Emperor had granted you and the Empress's brother, Minister Su, a marriage. Why don't you want to get married now?"
The Queen Mother frowned slightly, her tone showing the concern of an elder for a younger one.
Upon hearing this, Qi Wanyin raised her eyes to look at His Majesty, whose expression was calm. Her expression was brief and complicated, filled with helplessness and fear.
Then she calmly withdrew her gaze, as if the glance just now had never happened.
"Aunt, it's Wanyin who's not worthy of Minister Su. Wanyin just wants to stay by your side. I never want to get married in this lifetime."
Qi Wanyin forced a smile, which seemed extremely far-fetched, and there were even tears glimmering in the corners of her eyes.
She lowered her head and twisted the silk handkerchief in her hands unconsciously.
When the Queen Mother saw her like this, she felt something was wrong.
When the Queen Mother heard that she was going to marry into the Su family, she was very happy.
After all, the Su family is a scholarly family, the queen has good character, and Minister Su is probably not bad either. If Wanyin marries into the Su family, she will surely live a happy life.
But the Queen Mother couldn't understand why she wanted to cancel the marriage.
Before the Empress Dowager returned to the imperial city, she had already heard rumors about Princess Qingping all over the city.
She must have been under a lot of pressure and accusations during this period.
Although the Queen proposed that women have freedom of marriage, which stopped many people from talking about Princess Qingping, some deep-rooted customs and prejudices against women could not be eliminated in a short time.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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