eurekapd Chapter 447 Greetings
Chapter 447 Greetings
Three days later.
In the early morning, the dawn was barely breaking, and the palace walls were serene and quiet. Shen Meizhuang rose early, washed, and saw An Lingrong still fast asleep in bed. With a soft sigh, she walked over and called softly, "Rong'er, it's time to get up. Today is the day when the new concubines meet the Imperial Noble Consort. You can't be late."
An Lingrong turned over and mumbled drowsily, "Sister, let me sleep a little longer..."
Shen Meizhuang had no choice but to reach out and pull her up from the bed. She turned to Juqing who was standing beside her and said, "Juqing, help her change her clothes quickly."
Ju Qing stepped forward and, together with Shen Meizhuang, helped An Lingrong with her makeup. An Lingrong sat lazily in front of the mirror, letting them do whatever they wanted.
When she saw the bright red dress on herself in the mirror, she frowned and said dissatisfiedly, "Sister, I feel like you are not as good to me as before!"
Shen Meizhuang was slightly startled when she heard this, then she smiled and said, "What are you talking about? How have I ever been mean to you?"
An Lingrong curled her lips and pointed at the clothes she was wearing. "The clothes you've prepared for me now are all bright red and purple, which are not my favorite colors. Take this one, for example. It's so bright red that it makes me dizzy."
As he spoke, he swayed and leaned on Shen Meizhuang, "Ah, I fainted."
Shen Meizhuang knew that she was just grouchy and annoyed by everything she saw, so she explained in a gentle voice, "Alright, today is the day for the whole palace to pay you an audience, so you should dress up a bit more formally to match your status. I've asked the needlework bureau to make a few light-colored clothes, which will be delivered in the next two days. You can just make do with them for today, okay?"
After hearing this, An Lingrong reluctantly nodded: "Okay."
The two changed their clothes, got on the sedan chair, and headed towards Yongshou Palace.
Inside Yongshou Palace, Zhen Huan sat in the main seat. She wore a phoenix robe embroidered with gold thread, a phoenix crown on her head, and a pair of oriental pearl earrings that set off her dignified and beautiful face, making her look even more graceful and elegant.
The concubines arrived one after another, paid their respects, and took their seats.
After a few words, Jin Xi walked into the palace and reported respectfully: "Your Majesty, the new ladies who have entered the palace are already waiting outside the palace."
Zhen Huan smiled slightly and raised her hand to signal, "Please invite them in."
Jin Xi withdrew and soon led several newly arrived concubines into the hall. They were all lithe, youthful and pretty, radiating a lively beauty. They slowly stepped forward, knelt respectfully, and said in unison, "Greetings to the Imperial Concubine."
After saying this, they began to perform the ceremony of three kneelings and three bows. Their movements were in perfect unison and appeared extremely solemn.
After the ceremony, Zhen Huan nodded and said softly, "Sisters, please get up quickly. No need to be so polite."
After they stood up, Jin Xi introduced them one by one and saluted them with the other concubines above the rank of concubine. After this round, the weak ones were already panting.
After the ceremony, Zhen Huan, as the highest-ranking person in the harem, began to teach them earnestly: "Regarding this matter, I will briefly explain a few words, as long as you understand. In short, this is the current situation, and everyone can see the details. Maybe you didn't quite understand, but that's the meaning. I just want to say that those who understand will understand, and I won't explain to those who don't. After all, it's enough for you to understand it yourself, so just savor it carefully."
The concubines bowed together: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your teachings."
After finishing a bunch of nonsense, Zhen Huan picked up the teacup and took a sip. Then she swept her eyes over everyone's faces and asked calmly, "Who is Sun Da Ying?"
She was also very interested in this person that Rong'er had taken special care of.
A woman stepped out of the procession and bowed gracefully: "I, your concubine, have promised Sun that I will pay my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort!"
Zhen Huan smiled softly, her tone gentle, "I caught a glimpse of you during the selection that day, and only today can I see your true beauty. You are truly stunningly beautiful." She turned to Liu Zhu beside her and said, "Liu Zhu, help Miss Sun up."
Before Liu Zhu could make a move, Sun Heyin lifted the hem of her skirt and stood up on her own. Her expression was calm and her tone was indifferent: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."
Her voice was neither humble nor arrogant, and the ending tone fell gently with a hint of coldness.
Zhen Huan was slightly startled when she heard this, a flicker of interest flashing through her mind. This Sun Heyin didn't play by the rules. She had expected Sun Heyin to be modest and offer a few compliments, but she hadn't expected her to be so nonchalant.
interesting!
Seeing the atmosphere was a little tense, Feng Ruozhao quickly smiled to smooth things over, saying cheerfully, "Ah, the sisters the emperor has chosen this time are all young and lively, and they are a joy to behold. Even someone as old as me finds them pleasing to the eye. The emperor's vision is truly unique. From now on, the palace will be bustling!"
As she spoke, she gently waved the silk handkerchief in her hand, and her eyes swept across everyone's faces one by one.
Concubine Zhen quickly joined in the conversation, a smile on her face: "Your Highness is dignified and steady, how can we young and ignorant people compare? I hope Your Highness will be generous with your guidance and advice in the future."
"You're too polite, sister. We are all sisters, we just look after each other."
Everyone chatted for a while before Zhen Huan slowly said, "Today is the first day for the new sisters to enter the palace. I hope you can get along well and share the emperor's worries together. The Imperial Household Department has already made green cards for the sisters. Tonight, you can prepare to serve him in bed."
Everyone responded in unison: "Thank you, Royal Noble Consort."
Zhen Huan nodded and continued, "Okay, I've prepared some gifts. Sisters, please go back and rest."
After paying their respects, the concubines dispersed.
An Lingrong thought for a moment, waved to Zhen Huan, and took Shen Meiyu out of Yongshou Palace.
When the other concubines saw them coming out, they consciously stepped aside and made way.
Arriving beside Sun Heyin, An Lingrong said with a smile, "Sister Sun, why don't we go together?"
Sun Heyin said calmly, "Doesn't the Queen live in Yonghe Palace?"
An Lingrong was stunned, obviously not expecting such a response. Before she could speak, Sun Heyin said lightly: "I'll take my leave." Before she finished speaking, she turned and left, her steps calmly, her back cold and aloof.
Watching Sun Heyin's receding figure, An Lingrong swallowed silently and muttered softly, "So arrogant!"
Shen Meizhuang, who was standing by, covered her mouth with her hands and chuckled softly, with a hint of teasing in her eyes, and said jokingly: "Rong'er, now I know why you like her. She is really different from others!"
An Lingrong spread her hands and sighed helplessly, "It's a pity that she used all her uniqueness on me. It makes me feel a little overwhelmed."
Shen Meizhuang smiled and said, "That's not entirely true. I think she's indifferent to Huan'er too. It's not directed at you."
"Oh, forget it, let's go!"