The south gate of the palace is far away. Only ladies from official families can go through the north gate. Women or ladies from private households are summoned to go through the south gate. Princes and officials have to go through the west gate. Only the emperor and his concubines can go through the east gate. The carriage drove for a cup of tea before arriving at the palace gate. The young eunuch who had previously conveyed Concubine Yun's instructions was already waiting there, welcoming the fourth lady and Shui Lianyue out of the carriage. The carriage was waiting at the south gate.
Entering the south gate is not considered entering the palace. You need to walk through a long stone road and pass through each gate and hall before entering the palace.
Walking on the long cobblestone road, Shui Lianyue looked around calmly. The layout here is very similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing, with tall and thick palace walls, red background and yellow tiles, and many palace gates. The palace gates all lead to different places. Just look at this long stone road, and patrolling guards come and go, wave after wave. If you enter the palace, wouldn't there be more guards?
After passing the Chengkun Gate, they came to the Qianlin Hall. They simply made an enthronement ceremony and continued to follow the little eunuch into the palace. It was exactly what Shui Lianyue thought. There were more guards than on the long stone road. Occasionally, they passed by. Several palace maids and eunuchs saw that they were walking in a well-behaved manner and did not dare to look up at all.
Shui Lianyue couldn't help but admire that the palace was a palace after all. Even the slaves had such rules and didn't dare to break them. Looking at the servants and maids of the Shui family, none of them were as arrogant and domineering as their masters. Well, it seems, The sooner you leave here, the better.[
All the way to Yunzhao Hall, the young eunuch bowed to them and said, "Please let me know."
The fourth lady nodded slightly. She had been in the palace and naturally knew the rules in the palace. She didn't say much. After a while, the little eunuch came out, followed by a beautiful palace maid.
"Madam, Miss, Concubine Yun has summoned me, please come with me." The palace maid bowed and made a Wanfu gesture. She was very polite and her voice was as sweet as an oriole.
Because Hongying was also a maidservant and could not enter the Yunzhao Palace, she had to wait outside. Shui Lianyue helped the fourth lady and followed the palace maid inside.
After all, she is the concubine of the late emperor. This Concubine Yun has been in the palace for eighteen years, but her appearance and skin are extremely well maintained. Her skin is like cream, her cheeks are like peach blossoms, her eyes are like stars, her lips are rosy, and she is wrapped in a luxurious dress. Her body is charming, yet dignified and magnificent. If she hadn't known her age, she would probably be no different from a woman in her eighteen or twenty years.
This was Shui Lianyue's first impression after seeing Concubine Yun.
After the ceremony, Concubine Yun sent the maid away, took the hand of the fourth lady, and gave her a seat. The two of them chatted like sisters they had not seen for many years, because her mother had already given Shui Lianyue instructions in the carriage, so , now she must half-bow her head and stand quietly in place.
After a long time, Concubine Yun seemed to notice Shui Lianyue's existence. She kindly pulled Shui Lianyue down in front of her and said with a slight smile: "This is Yue'er, raise your head and let me have a look."
There was an amiability in her voice, which was as comfortable as a spring breeze. Shui Lianyue slowly raised her head, and her eyes met. Concubine Yun was slightly startled, and then she couldn't help but exclaimed: "The daughter-in-law I have chosen will definitely not look at it. That's right, Yingrong, you haven't let me down either, you are a perfect match for Yu'er."
Shui Lianyue was also shocked. After looking into those bright eyes, based on her professional sensitivity, she realized that there must be too many secrets hidden in them, and Concubine Yun was definitely not as simple as it seemed. While looking Shui Lianyue up and down, she could see a trace of disdain that flashed across her eyes.
Shui Lianyue immediately understood that Concubine Yun was pretending.
It’s just that she doesn’t understand that no matter what, she is just a concubine with no money and no status. Besides, Concubine Yun doesn’t like her, so why should she betrothed to her son? In addition, there are rumors circulating in the capital these days,
She has already been scolded so badly by the world, why didn't Concubine Yun even ask or mention it?
There must be something interesting in this, but she didn't show it. In Concubine Yun's opinion, she was just a little shy.
Later, Shui Lianyue was also given a seat by Concubine Yun, and ordered the palace maids to bring snacks and tea. Watching the palace ladies put down the plates and then exit, Shui Lianyue was even more disgusted with Concubine Yun in front of her. Who wouldn't
Do you know the principle of serving tea when guests arrive? My mother has been in the palace, so she should know this better. Concubine Yun made it clear that she did not take them seriously, but she still pretended to be happy for their arrival, which made her more...
It's disgusting and I just want to get out of here.