Jianzhang Palace.
The Empress’s attire today is exceptionally intricate.
Not to mention beautiful or not, at first glance, it seems exhausting; it takes half a day to arrange, and half a day to dismantle.
"Lady looks truly beautiful today. I dare not look too long; if I do, my eyes will be dazzled."
"With nothing to do, one can indulge in grooming oneself."
The Empress replied indifferently.
The Longevity Festival was handled by Lady, Concubine Wei, and Concubine Feng together, but Wei and Feng were merely Lady’s lackeys. They usually dared to gossip but would follow Lady’s lead on major matters, not daring to utter a word before her. She, the dignified Empress, even had the Longevity Festival usurped from her; likely, she would not get to organize the New Year either. What was the point of being the Empress, just a mere ornament!
Having dressed up, she went with the Emperor to Changle Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, signifying harmony within the royal family and fulfilling filial duties.
This was the dignity the Emperor left her.
The Empress felt bittersweet.
...
At the same time, the red coral necklace was finally hung around Yun Jiao’s neck.
Xue Ya was determined to dress her as the shining pearl of the Imperial Palace tonight, with every detail of makeup and attire carefully considered.
The white fur-trimmed garment cut across her cheeks; it was said pregnant women would often look sallow, yet she was blessed with fair, delicate skin like an unmarried maiden. The fur edging accentuated her refined features. She did not yet show signs of pregnancy; the mutton-fat jade belt buckle outlined her waist—beauty born of prosperity.
Once satisfied with her grooming, Yun Jiao looked in the bronze mirror and laughed: "I look so good!"
"It’s getting late; Lady must make her move."
Gong Mei entered the room to remind.
Yun Jiao went to the main hall to meet with Concubine Li.
The main hall and side room were subjects of gossip.
Someone, whose face she didn’t recall, gossiped about Concubine Xi, saying, even though favored, she settled for a lesser place and that moving Concubine Li would be simple.
Yun Jiao thought differently; she didn’t mind her living arrangements. As long as the place felt comfortable, there was no need to move. When the instigator saw she could not stir trouble, they sneered behind her back, calling Concubine Xi foolish, claiming they’d seize it if they could... Yet such favor wasn’t theirs, and any attempt to sow discord was futile.
The two sat on the sedan chair, traveling along the way, where pavilions and corridors were adorned with colorful lanterns and silk ribbons, transforming the snowy world into a kaleidoscope of colors, with smiles on the faces of palace attendants. The national treasury was abundant, and the royal family spent generously, always providing extra wages and better food for festivals—everyone alive looked forward to such perks!
The lower-ranking concubines arrived earlier to pay their respects.
Xue Ya, Gong Mei, and Nanny Ye nervously accompanied her, mentioning that on this festive day with a gossiping crowd, they feared harm might come to the emperor’s child. Yun Jiao had made preparations and was at ease, enjoying the atmosphere of the festival and banquet.
The ministers and concubines were seated far apart, with absolutely no chance for public conversation.
But from a distance, one could still catch a glimpse.
"Where is my father?"
Yun Jiao looked around.
Finally, at the most prominent table, she spotted her father among the crowd.
Long time no see, he hadn’t grown taller.
Yun Jiao first wanted to laugh, then felt teary-eyed—across two lifetimes, she met more good people than bad, with pediatric nurses and doctors showing kindness when she was alone in the hospital for surgery, secretly giving her small toys and cakes during festivals. The Yun Family treated her as their favorite, beloved kin. No matter how prosperous a life she led in the palace, she still longed for her parents.
Others didn’t know the truth; they just heard "Concubine Xi has arrived," and curiously looked over, catching sight of Concubine Xi’s face.
The candlelight illuminated her face, casting a delicate sheen upon her fair and luminous visage; she possessed a serene beauty, not in a hurry to flaunt it. The inherent grace was inescapable.
The critical aspect was her eyes, under lashes as dark as crow feathers, lay Autumn-glazed eyes with a tint of hidden red, appearing exceptionally lovely.
Words alone can’t express it; when Yun Jiao remained silent and unexpressive, she indeed possessed the grandeur to outshine the harem.
Currently, her longing for her father turned mournful, fearing to shed small tears under prying eyes. She steeled her face, avoiding any glance around—lest the moment she shifted her gaze, the tears would begin to fall. Thus, her beauty grew solemn, captivating enough to make the imperial family and ministers comprehensively understand why Concubine Xi was so favored.
If such a fairy were in one’s own backyard, he too would cherish her!
Some who had seen Concubine Xi previously noticed she had become even more enchanting upon their next sighting.