dognovel Chapter 52 Greetings
Chapter 52 Greetings
The next morning, the newlyweds were still fast asleep when they were startled by a series of urgent knocks and calls: "Your Highness, Your Highness, are you awake? This servant has come to remind you that you must go and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager!" The voice was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the tranquility of the room.
Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian (Lin Xiaoqian) awoke with a start, as if by unspoken agreement. Murong Yi sat up in bed, her sleepy eyes still unable to conceal her innate air of nobility; Lin Xiaoqian rose from the floor, her hair slightly disheveled, yet possessing a unique and delicate charm. Their eyes met, and both saw a hint of panic in each other's eyes, causing them to frown.
Murong Yi was shocked and hurriedly whispered, "Oh no, come up quickly!"
Lin Xiaoqian understood immediately and hurriedly gathered the bedding on the floor. She hurriedly picked up the bedding, and because she was too nervous, her movements were a little clumsy. She finally managed to throw the bedding onto the bed.
After calming down a bit, the two tried to regulate their breathing and put on a calm demeanor, attempting to pretend they had just woken up.
Murong Yi took a deep breath and shouted loudly towards the door, "She's awake! She's awake!"
Lin Xiaoqian glanced at him, then moved gracefully to the door and gently opened it. There stood Li, the old nanny who served the Empress Dowager. She gave a slight curtsy, a perfectly respectful smile on her face: "Greetings to Your Highness and Your Highness. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has been waiting in the palace for some time and has specially ordered this old servant to come and urge you."
Murong Yi nodded slightly, his expression returning to its usual composure: "Thank you for your trouble, Granny Li. My wife and I will wash up and change now, and we will arrive shortly."
Granny Li responded, but remained standing still, her gaze seemingly sweeping across the room. Lin Xiaoqian's heart tightened, but she maintained her smile and asked softly, "Granny Li, is there anything else?"
Granny Li smiled and said, "This old servant noticed that the Prince and Princess seem a bit tired today. Could it be that they didn't rest well last night?"
Murong Yi felt a chill run down her spine, but her face remained calm: "Last night was just some traditional wedding rites, a little too complicated."
Upon hearing this, Granny Li's smile deepened: "The Prince and Princess have a harmonious relationship, which is exactly what the Empress Dowager wants to see." After saying this, she slowly withdrew.
After Granny Li left, Lin Xiaoqian gently closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a long sigh. Murong Yi looked at her and shook his head helplessly: "It seems we'll have to be extra careful in this Prince's mansion from now on." Lin Xiaoqian nodded in agreement, and the two quickly walked towards the inner room to wash up and change before paying their respects to the Empress Dowager.
After getting ready, the two walked slowly together toward the Empress Dowager's palace. Along the way, Lin Xiaoqian was filled with trepidation, occasionally stealing glances at Murong Yi, who had a cold expression beside her. Murong Yi, on the other hand, kept his eyes fixed ahead, his steps steady, but the slight furrow in his brows revealed a hint of unease in his heart.
Upon entering the Empress Dowager's palace, the greetings were completed. The Empress Dowager sat on her dignified throne, a kind smile on her face, her gaze shifting back and forth between Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian, making the two appear somewhat uneasy.
The Emperor joked from the side, "Judging from this couple, last night must have been a very short and sweet night."
The Empress chimed in, "Indeed, now that they're married, they should start having children as soon as possible so that the royal lineage can flourish." These words made Murong Yi and Lin Xiaoqian blush with embarrassment.
Murong Yi looked helpless, but due to the etiquette between ruler and subject, he could only lower his head silently, a hint of shyness flashing across his cold face.
Lin Xiaoqian smiled awkwardly, her eyes occasionally glancing furtively at Murong Yi, as if seeking comfort.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager gently raised her hand, and a palace maid stepped forward with an exquisite brocade box. The Empress Dowager took out a jade-green, warm and translucent bracelet, took Lin Xiaoqian's hand, and gently slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, saying softly, "This bracelet was a gift from the Empress Dowager to me years ago, and now I give it to you. I wish you and Yi'er a harmonious and long-lasting marriage, and I also hope that you will continue the royal lineage and carry on the bloodline. This bracelet has witnessed the favor and blessings of our dynasty for generations; I hope it will also protect you both and ensure your safety and well-being."
Lin Xiaoqian quickly curtsied and said softly, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."
Murong Yi also knelt on one knee, "Your subject and the Princess Consort will certainly obey the Empress Dowager's decree."
After exchanging greetings, the two sat down to the side. Lin Xiaoqian bowed slightly, gracefully picked up the teapot, first poured a cup of fragrant tea for the Empress Dowager, and then added tea for the Emperor and Empress one by one. Her movements were light and smooth, like flowing clouds and water.
The Empress Dowager sipped her fragrant tea, her smile deepening. She chatted casually with the Emperor and Empress, occasionally mentioning amusing anecdotes from the past, which brought laughter to everyone.
Murong Yi stood tall and sat upright. Although her face remained stern, she would occasionally be infected by the cheerful conversation of the crowd, and the corners of her mouth would turn up slightly. Lin Xiaoqian listened quietly to the side, interjecting with a few appropriate replies when appropriate, and her intelligence and gentleness gradually became apparent.
The Empress smiled and said to Lin Xiaoqian, "I've heard that the Princess Consort is exceptionally talented. Why don't you recite a poem for us today to add some elegance to this joyous gathering?"
Lin Xiaoqian was slightly taken aback, then humbly replied, "Your Majesty, I have made a fool of myself." After a moment's thought, she gently parted her lips and recited: "Spring arrives in the palace gardens, a hundred flowers bloom in beauty, auspicious colors and light reflect in the blue sky. The holy ruler and wise king gather together, their favor and glory will last forever, and their charm will never fade."
After the poem was finished, the Emperor was the first to applaud: "What a fine poem! The Princess Consort is indeed exceptionally talented." Everyone else also praised it, and for a moment, the hall was filled with joy and harmony, like a peaceful palace painting.
The matter of paying respects has now come to an end, but how will the Ninth Prince and Ninth Princess get along from now on? When will this contractual marriage end?
To be continued!