It's impossible to even think about it.
It took Wan Anran and Niohuru Xiunu a lot of effort to appease the Empress.
After Niohuru, the young lady, withdrew, Wan Anran smiled and looked at the Empress: "Has Your Majesty already decided on Niohuru's marriage?"
The Empress smiled and agreed.
Then she added with a touch of melancholy, "Only the Emperor and Consort Qi understand my feelings."
The Empress was referring, of course, to the rumors circulating in the inner palace.
First came Consort Tong and Noble Lady Tong, then Consort Ning and Consort Yi. In addition, the rumors that Niohuru wanted to send a princess into the palace never stopped. After the Niohuru candidate appeared, these rumors reached their peak in an instant.
The Empress's gaze fell upon the tea, and she sighed softly, "Not to mention that I'm pregnant now and don't need it at all, I never even considered bringing my sister into the palace before. This place... ah."
Using such a place to describe the Forbidden City...
The Empress subconsciously looked at Consort Qi, only to see Consort Qi nodding in agreement: "That's right, that's right, entering the palace is not a good choice."
Look at that little expression, it's like he's practically writing "regret" all over his face.
The Empress smiled and changed the subject, pulling Wan Anran aside to talk about the potential husband she had chosen for Niohuru's daughter.
"This is Heshelifabao's son. His father is the younger brother of Suo'etu. His family is the most prominent. However, I have heard that Fabao is introverted and I do not know anything about his son."
"This is Nalan Mingzhu's third son. Nalan Xingde is a great talent of our time, so his brother must be no less talented. Perhaps he and his sister can have something in common?"
"There is also the second son of the Prince of Aohan. Since he does not need to inherit the title, he can live in the capital. However, I am afraid that he is too rough and will not get along with my sister."
"In addition..."
Wan Anran: …………
Her eyes were vacant, and she hesitated to speak. Although the Empress had said so much to her and looked at her expectantly, hoping for an answer, but...
Wan Anran burst into tears.
She doesn't know any of them! QAQ
The problem is that the Queen is looking at him expectantly.
How could anyone resist those sparkling eyes? Wan Anran, who had been pierced by a thousand arrows, took a long time to muster her strength.
She pondered for a long time.
Under the Empress's expectant gaze, she nervously offered her idea: "I feel that it is difficult to discern a person's character and moral integrity from this information alone. Why don't we send someone to conduct an on-site investigation?"
The Empress pondered for a moment.
She was somewhat embarrassed: "My sister is only a candidate for the imperial concubines. If I were to do these things, it would be unfair."
Wan Anran shook her head repeatedly: "Your Majesty, do you still remember Ju Bai who serves by my side?"
"I remember you have already reported her name. She will be leaving the palace to go home in a couple of days," the Empress replied quickly without hesitation.
Wan Anran nodded emphatically: "Ju Bai will be getting married soon after leaving the palace. I even sent people to investigate her carefully, not to mention the other young ladies of the Niohuru clan. Isn't it only natural to want one's own family to find a good home?"
The Empress was slightly taken aback.
She quickly chuckled and said, "It was I who was confused. I'll send someone to ask."
The Empress paused, then shook her head: "...But let's forget about the Niohuru family."
The Empress pondered for a long time, but Wan Anran smiled and asked, "Why don't we ask His Majesty for help?"
The Emperor has been making fewer appearances lately.
The Empress smiled and nodded: "That's true. It would be better to inform the Emperor."
That evening, the Empress brought up the matter.
She was initially somewhat displeased, thinking that the Empress was really going to push the Niohuru concubine to her Emperor Kangxi as rumored, but now she was quite surprised.
The Empress was showing favoritism?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Emperor Kangxi stared at the Empress with great interest, and just as the Empress became increasingly guilty, he smiled and nodded, "I understand."
Is it really possible?
"It's just a small matter, why should I lie to the Empress?"
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."
"Speaking of which, was this really your idea, Empress?" The Emperor still felt that this was somewhat different from the Empress's personality.
It all seems like... um...
Kangxi felt that an image was vaguely present in his mind, both near and far...
Empress: "It is Consort Qi."
Emperor Kangxi: "Ah, it's Consort Qi."
At this point, Kangxi suddenly realized...
Haven't you visited Consort Qi in a long time? Come to think of it, there are so many affairs in the court, and one thing after another in the harem. Thinking about it, it really has been a long time since I've visited the Chuxiu Palace.
Emperor Kangxi was a man who acted on his word.
Therefore, the next day he summoned Consort Qi to the Qianqing Palace, changed his clothes, and prepared to go out for a walk.
Although Wan Anran felt it was very abrupt, it was time to leave the palace! She happily changed her clothes, put on a bamboo hat and veil, and excitedly followed the emperor to the streets.
The streets of Beijing remain bustling with activity.
The carriage stopped at the alley entrance, and Kangxi led Wan Anran down from the carriage: "Didn't you want to take a walk on the street last time? Let's take a stroll this time."
This is a rare experience.
Wan Anran walked briskly down the street. Strange and unusual toys made her stop, the strange smell of soy milk made her hesitate, and the exaggerated and unique acrobatics amazed her.
Wan Anran took three steps and then stopped three times.
Seeing this one exclaim "Wow!" and then seeing that one, they couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!" again. Their childlike and innocent appearance not only made Emperor Kangxi both amused and exasperated, but also drew increasingly strange looks from the surrounding vendors and pedestrians.
In the end, even the emperor was finding it hard to keep up.
He took Qi Fei's hand and walked quickly into the shop in front.
Stepping into the quiet shop, Wan Anran instantly calmed down, mainly because the shop perfectly matched the atmosphere of the Forbidden City.
It means it looks expensive.
Wan Anran looked around and saw that the shop was exquisitely decorated. The floor was paved with lotus-patterned bluestone bricks, and all kinds of tables and desks were made of fine rosewood. Not to mention the well-arranged ornaments, calligraphy and paintings, and ancient books. The whole shop did not have an overly luxurious feel, but rather was quite ingenious and full of charm.
There were several other customers inside the shop.
They were all dressed in magnificent clothes and elegant attire, and were selecting various items in twos and threes.
The waiter approached with a fawning smile: "Sir, Madam, welcome! Our shop specializes in selling all kinds of rare and exotic treasures from all over the world. Whatever you're looking for, we can find it here."
Based on his experience.
Although these two people had accidentally wandered into the store, judging from their distinguished appearance and the fact that their clothes, though seemingly plain in style, were made of high-quality fabric, they must be from a prestigious family.
Most importantly, judging from their attire, they are a couple.
This deal is a sure thing! The waiter clenched his fist, determined to make a profit. He pointed to a pomegranate tree ornament placed at the entrance: "Madam, look, this ornament is carved from red coral, symbolizing many sons and grandsons, it is a masterpiece."
Wan Anran glanced at it.
The indifferent response startled Xiao Er slightly, and Wan Anran's reply shocked him even more.
Red coral ornament?
Wan Anran shook her head: "Isn't this size too small?"
Is this size too small?
A flicker of shock crossed the waiter's face, followed by a look of delight in his eyes.
Are there really so many red coral ornaments?
"Then let's try something else!" The waiter clenched his fist excitedly: "Madam, please take a look. What do you think of this pair of blue and white porcelain plum vases with auspicious fruit and branch designs?"
"Oh, I already have some." There are so many in the house.
"And this one? It's a newly delivered, the most fashionable painted enamel butterfly-shaped box!"
"The workmanship is excellent."
"...Huh!?" The waiter's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Then he gritted his teeth and said, "And this is a newly launched incense. It repels mosquitoes and reduces swelling. The fragrance is as sweet as jasmine."
"I can't even do it as well as I can."
"..." You made this yourself!?
The waiter's face turned dark.
He forced himself to continue: "And this..."
Kangxi: ...
Led by another waiter, he sat down to the side, holding his teacup and watching Qi Fei and the waiter's 'banter'. He felt that their competition was like a battlefield, making it difficult for him to get involved.
The waiter was panting heavily.
To his utter surprise, he had lost everything! The worst part was that he could tell that the lady wasn't lying; she actually owned everything he had offered, and even had better products than what was in the store!
Damn it, if this continues...
How could they maintain the reputation of their treasure vault? Seeing that the surrounding customers had stopped what they were doing and were looking at him with a hint of curiosity, the waiter wiped the sweat from his forehead and became even more nervous.
Are we going to admit defeat now?
Of course not! After careful consideration, the waiter decided to change his target and try something rare and unusual. He pulled out a long basket: "Madam, I guarantee you will like this small one."
Wan Anran looked in the direction the waiter was pointing and saw a basket of gemstone glasses of various colors.
These glasses, inlaid with luxurious gemstones, are surprisingly heavy. They contain rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and even diamonds, reflecting a dazzling light in the sunlight, making them the epitome of luxury.
Customers around also came forward.
Their eyes widened in shock, and gasps of amazement filled the air.
The waiter looked smug.
He looked at Wan Anran with a smug expression, feeling that victory was in his grasp, but to his surprise, Wan Anran still showed little interest.
This is also very common.
Gemstone glasses can be ground to a certain curvature, but unfortunately, their main function is still as an ornament, and the kind that looks particularly ridiculous. Although quite a few nobles do wear them, Wan Anran burst into laughter at the sight of one.
Therefore, she still has little interest.
The more she acted this way, the more excited the waiter became. He gritted his teeth, pulled out a hidden box from below, took out a gem-encrusted enamel box, and gently opened it with a click: "This is what I wanted to show you, Madam."
Wan Anran: ...?
Then, with a strange expression, she reached out and picked up the glasses to examine them closely. They were very light, and everything she saw was extremely clear; this was clearly…
Waiter: "That's right, they're glass glasses!"
He excitedly displayed the glass glasses: "Feel its weight, as light as a feather! See how pure and transparent it is, reflecting all the perfect light! This unparalleled technology and breathtaking beauty make it a one-of-a-kind treasure even on European merchant ships."
The surrounding customers gasped in surprise.
Wan Anran stared blankly at the glass glasses, but in the waiter's eyes, it seemed that the lady was completely captivated by them. He pressed on, "Once you have these glass glasses, you will surely become the center of attention!"
Wan Anran: ...
Emperor Kangxi approached with great interest and casually asked, "How much?"
The waiter was secretly delighted.
He coughed and said, "These glasses cost ten thousand taels!"
Wan Anran: …………?
She pressed her temples, stopping the emperor from speaking: "Wait, how much do you think this costs? Ten thousand taels? Sapphire glasses are only three hundred taels, and ruby glasses are a bit more expensive, but still only five hundred taels. How can mere glass glasses cost ten thousand taels?"
The waiter shook his head: "Madam, you don't understand."
He explained in a deep voice, "Look at its clear appearance. What other gemstone in the world can be so beautiful? Once you wear it, you will definitely be the most dazzling presence in the entire room!"
Wan Anran: …………
It's quite dazzling, it's just a matter of having the words "sucker" etched on its forehead.
The customers were buzzing with discussion.
The exorbitant price deterred some onlookers, but the salesman's boasting was incredibly enticing. Just as everyone was hesitating, Kangxi waved his hand and said, "Buy it."
"Sir, you have excellent taste!"
"..." Wan Anran clutched her chest, staring incredulously at the gullible Emperor Kangxi.
Emperor Kangxi said tenderly, "I think you are a perfect match for me."
What a load of rubbish! Wan Anran wasn't moved in the slightest; she just wanted to beat the sucker to death with a stick: "..."
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