Chapter 225 FCADW? IRTBTMOTMM
FlamingoBees
Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)
Favoring Concubines and Destroying Wives? I Refuse to be the Mistress of this Marquis' Mansion
Chapter 225:
Entering the Palace
"Lin Yunwan, I will first accompany you to see your Mother and Brother, and then I will take Qi Zaijun to enter the palace."
Qi Lingheng understood that Lin Yunwan was anxious to see her family.
During the journey from the ship to the capital, she was different from before, unable to sleep well or eat properly.
It must be because she missed her family so much.
Lin Yunwan shook her head. “We can't delay this. Let's go to the palace first!”
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As they returned to the capital, even before disembarking, many people were watching them at the dock.
Knowing her cautious nature, Qi Lingheng didn't push her.
Qi Zaijun felt seasick and vomited for several days, but he fell asleep as soon as they arrived at the palace.
The palace had already sent people to help tidy up the old Prince Residence and to deliver a message in advance.
After resting for a night, the next day, they took the yawning Qi Zaijun to the palace to meet Emperor Jingshun and Empress Zhao.
“Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty.”
Carrying the Imperial grandson Qi Zaijun, Qi Lingheng told him "Pay respects to the Emperor and Empress.”
The couple, dressed in their finest, entered the palace and bowed with Qi Zaijun.
There was a long silence from the Emperor and Empress on the throne.
Lin Yunwan faintly heard a suppressed sob, seemingly from the Empress.
But Emperor Jing Shun didn't speak, indicating his inner turmoil.
Emperor Jingshun murmured, "Please rise."
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He instructed the eunuchs, "Grant them seats."
Empress Zhao couldn't wait, and as soon as they stood up, she hurriedly said, "Quickly bring the Imperial grandson here for me to have a closer look!"
The chief eunuch bowed and approached Qi Zaijun with a smile, saying, "Little Master, come with me to meet your Empress grandmother."
Qi Zaijun looked curiously at the magnificent hall.
Then he glanced at the two elders seated high above, like two towering figures.
Curiously, he asked, "Mother, are they gods?"
Lin Yunwan lowered her head, glanced at him, and replied, "No, they are your Emperor grandfather and Empress grandmother."
But their status was too noble and imposing, like the gilded statues seen in temples.
Qi Lingheng patted his son's head, squinting as he said, "Your Empress grandmother wants to get close to you. Why don't you go over?"
Qi Zaijun hesitated. He was used to being bold at home, but in the imperial palace, where everything was unfamiliar, he felt a bit scared.
Empress Zhao restrained her excitement, holding her sleeves and smiling as she said, "Jun'er, come over to your Empress grandmother."
Emperor Jingshun's expression became more stern. "Qi Zaijun, did you hear your Empress grandmother calling you? How did you learn manners at home?"
Lin Yunwan lowered her head.
If the Imperial grandson didn't behave properly, it was the fault of the mother.
But Empress Zhao intervened for her, saying, "He's still so young, and he's been growing up facing hardships outside. Manners can be learned gradually."
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Emperor Jingshun gave a satisfied "hmm."
He waved his hand. "Qi Zaijun, come over here to me."
He was extremely pleased.
This boy was almost identical to how his own son looked when he was young, especially those eyes, black as night with a glimmer of stars.
Qi Zaijun ran over.
Remembering the manners taught by his mother, he didn't rush to sit on Emperor Jingshun's lap. Instead, he knelt down and performed a deep bow, saying, "Imperial grandson Qi Zaijun pays respects to Imperial grandfather and Imperial grandmother. May Imperial grandfather and grandmother be blessed with prosperity and longevity."
Emperor Jingshun chuckled. "You're quite articulate."
He personally bent down, lifted his grandson, and held him on his thigh.
Qi Zaijun felt like he had suddenly grown taller.
He was a bit afraid and hugged Emperor Jingshun's arm tightly.
Once settled, Qi Zaijun explained for his mother himself, "Imperial grandfather, mother taught me manners. It's just that I forgot earlier."
Emperor Jingshun teased him, "Now you remember?"
Qi Zaijun nodded. "Yes, I remember now." So no one can blame his mother for being inadequate.
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Empress Zhao looked at the child with envy and said, "Let me hold the child for a bit."
Emperor Jingshun was reluctant, but Empress Zhao had been longing for grandchildren for a long time, so he handed the child over to her.
Empress Zhao carefully examined her grandson and grew more fond of him by the moment, smiling brightly in the grand hall.
Qi Zaijun found it amusing and hugged her arm, asking with a smile, "Grandmother, why are you laughing?"
"I'm laughing at your mischief. You just returned to the capital, and you already have your grandmother missing you dearly!"
Qi Zaijun continued to laugh in Empress Zhao's embrace.
"Prepare a banquet at the Kunning Palace," ordered Emperor Jingshun.
Emperor Jingshun had been anticipating this day for a long time. He left Qi Lingheng and Lian Yunwan at the Kunning Palace for lunch.
As it was in the empress's palace, there wasn't as much formality. There were some elaborate dishes, but also many child-friendly options. While the adults might not mind, the children couldn't resist. Emperor Jingshun ordered the kitchen to prepare eighteen dishes suitable for children. The meal at the Kunning Palace was a harmonious and joyous occasion. After finishing their meal, they moved to Nuan Ge Pavilion to chat.
Prince Huan and Princess Huan could not stay in the Imperial Palace without reason, but Empress Zhao and Emperor Jingshun were both reluctant to part with their grandson. Even seeing that it was getting late, they couldn't bear to let them leave.
Seeing his son nodding off, Prince Qi Lingheng reminds Empress Zhao, "Mother, Jun'er is already sleepy. You should give him to his wet-nurse."
Empress Zhao was unwilling to let go and Emperor Jing Shun pretended not to hear his son.
Lin Yunwan had to say, "Father Emperor, Mother Empress, Jun'er wants to sleep. Do you have soft bedding here? Put a few layers for Jun'er to sleep for a while."
"Yes, there is. There are already prepared on the bed here."
Empress Zhao personally took little Jun'er to sleep on her bed.
Since they are sleeping in her bedroom, why not sleep here until tomorrow morning to avoid disturbing the child? This is what she thought and glanced at Emperor Jingshun. Emperor Jingshun also looked at his grandson affectionately, with a smile on his face.
Lin Yunwan quietly tugged at Qi Lingheng's sleeve to signal him that they should go home. She whispered, "Let's leave Jun'er's wet-nurse here too."
Qi Lingheng nodded and bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress.
But, Emperor Jingshun and Empress Zhao acted as if their son had left when they heard that their grandson would be staying here. Emperor Jingshun smiled, "It's getting late, and you've had a tiring journey. Go back and rest for a few days."
"Your son takes his leave."
"Your daughter-in-law takes her leave."
Lin Yunwan and Qi Lingheng left the palace together and took a carriage home.
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Qi Lingheng held her hand, fearing she might worry, and said, "The Emperor and Empress just adore Jun'er. They'll send him back in a few days."
Lin Yunwan wasn't worried at all. She smiled, "That little troublemaker, I'm glad he's giving someone else a hard time." Taking care of her son every day was also a headache.
Every day she woke up to "Mother this, and Mother that," and sometimes she felt like shutting Qi Zaijun's mouth. Now she could finally have a few peaceful days, which she welcomed.
Qi Lingheng chuckled softly, "The little troublemaker is not here..."
Between them, many things didn't need to be avoided.
The next day, Lin Yunwan and Qi Lingheng woke up late.
When Cuiqin came in to attend to Lian Yunwan's dressing, she said, "Someone from the palace has arrived."
"When did they come?"
"They've been here for an hour."
Lin Yunwan felt a bit nervous, "Why didn't you wake me?"
Cuiqin smiled, "His Highness said there was no need to disturb you and the master. It's just a gift from the Emperor, passing on a message."
They had just arrived in the capital, and already they were receiving gifts?
After Lin Yunwan changed into her clothes, she and Qi Lingheng went out to receive the imperial decree.
The chief eunuch smiled, "The little Shizi[1] is very much liked by the Empress. She wants to keep him for a few more days. She sent someone to inform you, so that the prince and princess need not worry."
Lin Yunwan wasn't worried.
She asked with some surprise, "The little Shizi?"
The title of shizi isn't automatically conferred at birth; it's granted through an official investiture ceremony.
The chief eunuch congratulated, "Congratulations to the princess, and to the prince. The Emperor intends to bestow the title of upon the young master, so he sent me in advance to deliver the news."
Lin Yunwan felt pleasantly surprised by the favor shown to her.
She politely bid farewell to the chief eunuch.
Seeing her lost in thought, Qi Lingheng sat down, sipped his tea, and asked with a gentle smile, "Not worried anymore?"
This was Lin Yunwan's first encounter with her "brother-in-law" and her first meeting with the highest authority in the realm. Naturally, she would be scrutinized at every turn.
Although the Empress hadn't said much yesterday, Lin Yunwan could sense that the Empress Dowager had already formed an opinion.
Judging by the Empress' current attitude, she seemed satisfied with Lin Yunwan.
Lin Yunwan smiled faintly, "Thanks to the prince's blessing."
Qi Lingheng said slowly, "Thanks to our son's blessing."
~
In the Kunning Palace, Empress Zhao and little Qi Zaijun were having a delightful time.
She couldn't be bothered to receive greetings from the palace concubines; she was content to spend every day doting on her grandson.
Qi Zaijun was also very cooperative, saying, "It's fun and delicious, Empress Grandmother, can I save some for Mother?"
"Of course you can," Empress Zhao replied with a smile.
After finishing his morning court session, Emperor Jingshun went straight to the Kunning Palace without visiting anywhere else. However, he arrived late, and Qi Zaijun was already asleep. Empress Zhao stood by the bed, admiring her grandson's adorable appearance. They left hand in hand, and Empress Zhao remarked, "Zaijun looks more like his mother."
"I think he looks more like Lingheng," Emperor Jingshun countered.
They even began to debate this issue. Finally, Emperor Jingshun suddenly said, "Why do I feel like Zaijun's mother... looks familiar?"
Empress Zhao agreed, saying, "Now that Your Majesty mentions it, I also find Zaijun's mother quite familiar."
She praised, "Wangfei Lin is dignified, and a dignified person carries a dignified appearance. Most daughters in the capital are like this, so it's not surprising."
Emperor Jingshun nodded in agreement.
© translations belonging to flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.
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