RPAGF Chapter 122 The Emperor's White Moonlight 4
Chapter 122 The Emperor's White Moonlight 4
Inside Zhengyang Palace, Empress Zhang sat high up in the throne, her demeanor dignified, while the other concubines sat respectfully on either side.
"Princess Changle will enter the palace soon. From now on, we are all sisters, so we must live in harmony and not harbor any grudges." Empress Zhang said to everyone with a kind face and gentle tone.
At this moment, Concubine Liu flicked her handkerchief and scoffed, her voice filled with disdain. "The Empress is truly good-tempered. Princess Changle hasn't even entered the palace yet, and already there's such a commotion outside. Those who know say His Majesty is focusing on this marriage to improve relations between the two countries, while those who don't think His Majesty is planning to appoint a new Empress. I'm afraid even when His Majesty and the Empress married, there wasn't such a commotion."
Empress Zhang narrowed her eyes slightly, suppressing her anger as she spoke calmly, "Concubine Liu is mistaken. Your Majesty's actions are for the sake of the nation and the people. How can you and I just speculate? Furthermore, as Empress, I must prioritize the greater good. How could I be so petty as you?"
Concubine Liu sneered, "The Empress is naturally magnanimous, but once Princess Changle enters the palace, it's hard to say how much favor His Majesty will bestow upon her."
Empress Zhang raised her lips slightly. "Sister Liu Fei, you should think more about how to keep His Majesty's heart. You should bear a prince for His Majesty as soon as possible."
Concubine Liu's expression changed slightly, a mixture of anger and resentment mingling within her. She stood up, suppressed her emotions, and said, "I'm feeling unwell. I'll take my leave now." Then, she turned and left angrily.
Empress Zhang watched Concubine Liu leave with mixed feelings. She said to the other concubines, "I am tired. You may also leave." The concubines quickly stood up and saluted, saying, "I will take my leave!"
After they left, Empress Zhang slowly turned and looked out the window. The scene of her wedding night flashed before her. After drinking, she felt a little sleepy. Later, Pei'er, her personal attendant, helped her to bed and she fell asleep. When she awoke the next day, His Majesty had already gone to court. She had ordered this incident to be kept secret, never to be known to anyone.
Meanwhile, Concubine Liu was furious in Yichun Palace. "Your Majesty has only been there on his wedding day, but this time he's taking advantage of me. I won't let her triumph for long. Your Majesty's first child can only be mine." Her eyes were filled with viciousness.
At this time, Concubine Liu's personal maid Cui'er said cautiously, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. It's not good for your health to get angry."
Concubine Liu glared at Cui'er fiercely. "What do you know? That Empress Zhang always suppresses me, and now Princess Changle has come along. How can I not be angry?"
Cui'er quickly said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. You are so beautiful, His Majesty has just been busy with state affairs recently. When His Majesty is free in the future, you will surely win His Majesty's favor and give birth to a prince. You will be honored as a mother because of your son."
After hearing Cui'er's words, Concubine Liu felt a little relieved. She pondered for a moment and said, "You are right. I must find a way to conceive a dragon heir and must not let Empress Zhang succeed."
Lingjiu and the delegation stayed at the palace, where Ji Heng had lived before ascending the throne. She would be married there tomorrow. While the emperor was not required to personally welcome the bride within the palace, he informed the Ministry of Rites that he would bring Lingjiu from the palace into the palace.
The Ministry of Rites received the order and immediately took action to decorate the palace with great care. Large red lanterns were placed everywhere, illuminating the entire palace, and flowers were also carefully arranged.
After sitting in the carriage for many days in a row, Lingjiu felt like she was about to be shaken apart. That night, she went into the space and took a comfortable bath. The nourishment of the spiritual spring dissipated the fatigue in her body, and she finally had a good rest.
On the day of her wedding, Lingjiu woke up early. She sat quietly at her dressing table, letting Shi Si meticulously apply her makeup. She carefully contoured her willow-shaped eyebrows, adding a touch of charm to her. Adding a touch of crimson lipstick, her delicate lips resembled ripe cherries, making one want to kiss them.
Shi Wu helped her to tie her hair and change her clothes. She was wearing a gorgeous wedding dress that Ji Heng personally supervised and the whole team worked day and night to make. From the design of the style to the matching of the colors, Ji Heng personally checked everything. Every detail embodied his deep regard for Ling Jiu.
After a long time, a noise was heard in the yard. Then, the door was slowly pushed open, and Lingjiu was sitting on the couch.
Shi Si and Shi Wu knelt down to pay their respects, and Ji Heng waved his hand to signal them to stand up. He walked closer and looked at the person sitting quietly on the couch, his heart beating faster and faster.
Ji Heng stretched out his hand, his fingers trembling slightly, and held Lingjiu's hand tightly, saying softly: "Jiuer, I'm here to pick you up."
Lingjiu nodded slightly and responded softly, "Okay." She gently shook their clasped hands.
Afterwards, Lingjiu gracefully stood up, lifting her skirt slightly and standing on tiptoe. Hand in hand, the two of them slowly walked towards the magnificent sedan chair. Ji Heng carefully helped Lingjiu into the car. He held Lingjiu's arm with one hand and placed his other hand over the sedan door frame, gently admonishing her, "Be careful, don't bump into anything." After Lingjiu was seated, he slowly boarded the sedan chair.
In the sedan chair, the two sat side by side. The sound of firecrackers and gongs and drums filled the air. People lined up on either side, curiously peeked into the sedan chair, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Princess Changle's stunning beauty.
Ji Heng was still a little nervous at the moment. He trembled slightly and slowly turned his head. His eyes were full of tenderness and expectation. He looked at Lingjiu and whispered softly: "Jiu'er, we are really going to get married. All this makes me feel like I am dreaming."
Lingjiu raised the corner of her mouth slightly, her eyes full of playfulness. She slowly raised her hand, touched his face, pinched his cheek, and said with a smile: "Now, do you still think this is a dream?"
Ji Heng was a little surprised by Lingjiu's sudden action. He widened his eyes slightly, his face filled with shock, and was stunned for a moment. After a moment, he slowly reached out and touched his face. His eyes were full of tenderness, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. He held Lingjiu's hand tightly and said, "Jiu'er, I will do my best to protect you."
A hint of teasing flashed in Lingjiu's eyes. She tilted her head slightly, raised her eyebrows, and said in a light tone: "Well, then just don't blame me for bullying your so-called concubines."
Ji Heng then quickly waved his hands, his expression tense, his brows slightly furrowed. He took a step forward, approaching Lingjiu, and said solemnly: "I have never had any favorite concubines. From the beginning to the end, there has only been you. Now it is you, and for the rest of my life, it will only be you."
His expression was focused and serious, his eyes full of affection as he continued, "Jiu'er, the wind keeps its promise, the flowers never fail, and we will never let each other down year after year. I will do the same, and I will never let you down."