A palace maid informed, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has sent me to escort Miss Liu to Cining Palace. The Empress Dowager misses Miss Liu," and stepped back, gesturing for Liu Liu to enter the imperial sedan chair.
As Cui'er and Qiao'er, one on each side, lifted the curtains, Liu Liu's gaze swept over the many envious eyes watching her as she prepared to board.
A faint smile touched Liu Liu's lips. This must be her aunt, the Empress Dowager's, strategic move to protect her niece from potential mistreatment by clearly stating her stance.
"I trouble my two sisters," Liu Liu said softly as she entered the sedan chair. Her words, light and airy, pierced the thin air. The two young palace maids smiled and led the way, with her maids Cui'er and Qiao'er following closely behind.
The sedan chair wound its way through the imperial palace. Liu Liu lifted a corner of the curtain to observe her surroundings. The brilliant sunlight glinted off the glazed rooftops, casting a thousand rays. Palace walls enclosed the compound, with eaves gracefully curving upwards.
The imposing imperial palace felt like a vast cage, imprisoning countless souls, destined to remain confined within its walls for their entire lives.
With a soft sigh, she wondered if she would ever leave this place, or if she would be confined here forever.
Suddenly, the scenery brightened. The magnificent and opulent rear palace came into view, with lush greenery, vibrant trees, and red flowers. Pavilions stood every three steps, and bridges every five, with railings and soaring towers reaching for the sky.
A scene of burgeoning prosperity was everywhere. Eunuchs and palace maids alike wore cheerful expressions, their joy fueled by the auspicious day of the Emperor's selection of consorts.
The sedan chair turned, heading towards the third palace. Cining Palace was situated in the rear, beyond the twelve palaces of the East and West Wings. Currently, only Yunhua Palace was occupied by Zhang Xiuyi, the daughter of Zhang Zhisan, a second-rank official from the Ministry of Rites.
The sedan chair soon stopped before the gates of Cining Palace. A tall and magnificent jade plaque bore three strong, bold characters: "Ci Ning Gong." Numerous exotic flowers and trees were planted before the gates, forming a verdant barrier. Cui'er and Qiao'er had already arrived from the rear, respectfully stating, "Miss, please alight. We have reached Cining Palace."
With that, Qiao'er lifted the sedan chair curtain, and Cui'er extended her hand to help Liu Liu alight.
Liu Liu glanced around the surroundings before slowly looking towards Cining Palace. Two governesses, two palace maids, and two eunuchs stood waiting by the palace gates. As soon as they saw Liu Liu descend from the sedan chair, they stepped forward in unison to offer their respectful greetings.
"Your servant (your servant) greets Miss Liu," Liu Liu waved her hand, signaling everyone to rise.
The palace maids of Cining Palace respectfully invited Liu Liu into the palace. The grand lintel was inscribed with the three characters "Ci Ning Gong." Liu Liu gracefully lifted the hem of her skirt with one hand and ascended the jade steps. Cui'er and Qiao'er followed closely behind their mistress into Cining Palace.
Inside Cining Palace, it was resplendent with gold and jade, filled with the lingering scent of incense. The Empress Dowager sat regally on a phoenix couch made of brocade, clad in a majestic purple phoenix gown.
Though advanced in years, she retained her charm, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower. Gazing at Liu Liu, who curtsied before her, she spoke gently.
"Liu'er, rise. Come and keep me company for a while." Liu Liu rose slowly upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words and approached her. The Empress Dowager affectionately took Liu Liu's delicate hand and guided her to sit on the phoenix couch. A palace maid then served tea.
The Empress Dowager looked at Liu Liu, asking with tender concern, "Liu'er, are you still nervous? I am here for you."
Liu Liu looked at the Empress Dowager beside her, who was gazing at her with concern. She smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with a myriad of emotions, and spoke softly.
"Aunt, please rest assured. Liu'er is not nervous. Liu'er accepts whatever is meant to come and whatever is not. It is Liu'er's fault for causing you to worry."
As Liu Liu finished speaking, a contented smile spread across the Empress Dowager's voluptuous face. Liu Liu had become more sensible than before. She hoped everything would go well for her in the palace.
"I am relieved that Liu'er can think this way," the Empress Dowager chuckled heartily, filling Cining Palace with a joyful atmosphere. Liu Liu picked up the teacup beside her and took a gentle sip. Indeed, this was the imperial palace.
Although not as precious as Da Hong Pao, it was a rare variety, with "cloud mountain mist tips," a commendable delicacy among teas.
"It's truly fragrant," Liu Liu sighed with satisfaction. Hearing Liu Liu's words, the Empress Dowager's interest was piqued. "Does Liu'er also understand tea?"
Liu Liu hadn't expected this. She enjoyed drinking tea and tasted every variety she could. Her residence in Yunxiao Pavilion was stocked with many fine teas. While she couldn't claim expertise, her frequent tasting had given her some insight.
"I wouldn't say I understand it, I simply enjoy drinking tea, so I naturally know a bit more," her voice was low and slow, like the deep resonance of flowing spring water, warming and melting into one's heart.
The Empress Dowager couldn't help but like Liu Liu more. Although Liu Liu's appearance was ordinary, she possessed inner substance.
With time, perhaps the Emperor would notice her merits. The Empress Dowager smiled happily, taking Liu Liu's hand, just as she was about to speak, when a young eunuch rushed in from outside the palace hall and knelt quickly.
"Your Majesty, Consort Xiu Yi has come to greet Your Majesty. She requests that Your Majesty accompany her to Xiuxiu Palace. His Majesty has gone through another route."
The Empress Dowager released Liu Liu's hand and turned to instruct the young eunuch, "Go and summon her in."
The young eunuch respectfully acknowledged, "Yes, Your Majesty," and withdrew slowly.
Liu Liu watched the woman who entered from the main hall. She was beautiful and graceful, with her hair piled high and her sleeves loosely worn. She exuded a refined elegance, like a chrysanthemum, radiating a natural and fresh glow.
Consort Xiu Yi, led by four palace maids, slowly entered Cining Palace. Her slender waist was captivating, and her every movement displayed an extraordinary bearing. She curtsied gracefully to the Empress Dowager, greeting her, "Your humble concubine greets Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand and said softly, "Rise, and take a seat to the side."
Consort Xiu Yi acknowledged and retreated slowly to the side, her gaze rising towards the high seat. She saw a veiled, pure woman seated beside the Empress Dowager, her bright eyes like water, her presence pure and ethereal.
The Empress Dowager's favor towards her was evident. This must be her niece, Liu Liu, the second daughter of Prime Minister Liu, and a major point of contention in this selection. The Emperor's arrangement for this second daughter Liu was the subject of much discussion.
Upon seeing her, Consort Xiu Yi felt that Miss Liu the Second was not as unappealing as the rumors suggested. Her clear, bright eyes conveyed intelligence, suggesting she was a woman of great talent.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Consort Xiu Yi, took Liu Liu's hand, and introduced them with a smile, "Liu'er, this is Consort Xiu Yi. Go and greet her quickly."
Liu Liu wanted to object. Why should she greet Consort Xiu Yi?
However, considering she was in the imperial palace, it was better to be cautious. As the saying goes, entering the palace gate is like entering a deep sea. She slowly rose to respond and walked down the steps, standing before Consort Xiu Yi, and spoke with unfamiliar politeness.
"This junior greets Consort Xiu Yi."
Before Liu Liu could even bow, Consort Xiu Yi quickly steadied her, saying, "Sister, please do not be so formal. It is I, your sister, who should be greeting you." As Consort Xiu Yi spoke, she bowed to Liu Liu. Liu Liu merely raised an eyebrow and said faintly.
"Consort Xiu Yi honors this junior too much. Please do not do this."