mesbooks Chapter 279 Returning to the Palace
Chapter 279 Returning to the Palace
Chapter 279 Back to the Palace
The next day, as dawn broke and the sky began to lighten, Su Nuannuan got up early. At the same time, Canglan Jingcheng and Canglan Jingyao also got up at the same time.
After a quick breakfast, everyone boarded their carriages and sped off towards the capital.
Inside the carriage, Su Nuannuan leaned lazily against the soft cushions, covered with a thin blanket. She closed her eyes slightly and whispered to Jinse and Yaoqin beside her, "Jinse, Yaoqin, you should close your eyes and rest for a while too."
Jinse quickly replied, "Your Majesty, Yaoqin and I will take turns resting." As she spoke, she carefully adjusted the thin blanket covering Su Nuannuan.
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly and said, "Remember to rest." After saying that, she stopped talking and quietly leaned against the pillows, as if she had fallen asleep.
The carriage moved slowly along the official road, the creaking of the wheels and the clatter of the horses' hooves blending together to create a rhythmic cadence. In this gentle swaying, Su Nuannuan gradually drifted off to sleep, her breathing becoming steady and soft.
Yaoqin, meanwhile, sat quietly on the carpet in the carriage, hugging a soft pillow, leaning against the stool, her eyes closed, and began to take a nap.
In one of the two carriages behind, Canglan Jingcheng sat leisurely in the carriage, with Granny Jin and Tingxue sitting beside him, while Tingfeng sat steadily on the carriage shaft, holding the reins tightly and driving the carriage attentively.
In the other carriage, driven by Tingyu, sat Canglan Jingyao, Granny Ru, and Muge. Canglan Jingyao sat quietly in the carriage, with Granny Ru and Muge on either side of her; the carriage was utterly silent.
Further on, there were the wagons loaded with supplies, all of which were managed and escorted by Li Quan.
Because they got up so early, Canglan Jingcheng and Canglan Jingyao drifted off to sleep amidst the slight swaying of the carriage.
During their journey, Yaoqin woke up first. She gently nudged Jinse beside her, indicating that she could close her eyes and rest for a while. Jinse looked at Yaoqin gratefully, then slowly closed her eyes, relaxed her body, and rested for a bit.
The group hurried along, managing to get the convoy into the city just as the gates were about to close. Once inside, they drove without stopping towards the palace.
When the convoy arrived at the palace gate, they could see from afar the people that the Empress had arranged to wait there. As soon as this person saw Su Nuannuan's carriage slowly approaching, he hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "This servant greets Consort Zhuang."
Upon hearing the sound, Su Nuannuan slowly reached out and gently lifted the carriage curtain, her gaze immediately falling on the young palace maid standing beside the carriage. The maid, dressed in plain palace attire, had delicate features and was respectfully bowing to her.
"No need for formalities." Su Nuannuan smiled slightly and said softly, "Which palace are you from? What's your name?" Her voice was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.
"Replying to Consort Zhuang, this servant is a second-class palace maid in Anning Palace, named Shaoyao." Shaoyao lowered her head and answered cautiously, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.
"Oh, so it's Miss Peony." Su Nuannuan smiled slightly, seemingly having some recollection of the name. "Thank you for waiting for me here."
Seeing this, Jinse quickly got off the carriage first and said to Shaoyao with a smile, "Miss Shaoyao, you've worked hard."
Peony quickly waved her hand, saying in a flustered manner, "Sister Jinse, you flatter me. It is my duty and my honor to welcome the Imperial Concubine back to the palace." After saying that, she respectfully bowed to Su Nuannuan again.
Led by the peony, Su Nuannuan and her group quickly returned to Cuiwei Palace. As soon as they stepped into the palace gates, Su Nuannuan noticed that the palace seemed rather deserted, with not a single person in sight in the vast courtyard.
"Your Highness, the Empress has instructed the Imperial Household Department to send someone over tomorrow," Peony said hurriedly, looking at the empty Cuiwei Palace, seemingly afraid that Su Nuannuan would resent the Empress because of this.
"There's no need for such trouble. I'll only be staying in the palace for half a month at most this time, so I won't trouble Your Majesty to arrange anything." Su Nuannuan looked at the newly renovated Cuiwei Palace, nodded in satisfaction, and then said to Shaoyao beside her.
"Your Highness, since that's the case, this servant will go and report to Her Majesty the Empress immediately." Peony bowed respectfully, turned and quickly left.
While Su Nuannuan was busy, the concubines in the various palaces also learned that Consort Zhuang, who had been guarding the Empress Dowager's tomb, had returned to the palace, and various discussions arose immediately.
Consort Li was the first to visit Su Nuannuan. Dressed in a magnificent palace gown, she entered the room with light steps, like a fairy descending to earth. Upon seeing Consort Li, Su Nuannuan felt a surge of warmth and quickly rose to greet her.
Upon meeting, Su Nuannuan and Consort Li exchanged greetings and pleasantries. Consort Li's smile blossomed like spring flowers as she said warmly, "It's been a long time. Sister Zhuang, you are as charming as ever."
Su Nuannuan smiled and replied, "What are you saying, Sister Li? Sister Li is still in her prime, she hasn't changed at all." Her gaze fell on Consort Li, her eyes revealing her admiration.
After exchanging pleasantries, Consort Li, at Su Nuannuan's prompting, slowly took her seat. She elegantly picked up her teacup, took a sip, then set it down and asked with a smile, "Sister Zhuang, how long do you plan to stay this time?"
Su Nuannuan smiled slightly and replied, "I can stay for about half a month! After the Crown Prince's wedding, I will have to take the two children back to the Imperial Mausoleum."
After all, I was still one year short of the ten-year term for guarding the tomb. If the Emperor hadn't issued an edict ordering me to return for the ceremony, I wouldn't have come back.
"Speaking of which, the Second Prince and the Third Prince are of marriageable age. When will I be able to attend their wedding?" Her voice was gentle and kind, revealing her concern for the two princes.
Upon hearing this, Consort Li's smile widened even more. She said with a beaming smile, "The engagement is already arranged. We'll be getting married next June, and you'll definitely be part of the wedding feast." Her tone was full of joy, clearly indicating that she was very satisfied with the marriage.
"Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, I've reached the age to get married," Su Nuannuan said with a sigh.
"Sister Zhuang, when are the young prince and Princess Jianping planning to get married?" Consort Li asked in return.
"No rush. We can only make arrangements after a deadline. It's too early to make arrangements now."
"Sister Zhuang, it's time to think about it. The young prince and Princess Jianping are both fifteen years old, and Princess Jianping has already come of age."