Chapter 134 Prelude to the Princess's Wedding
Chapter 134 Prelude to the Princess's Wedding
Chu Palace. Princess Qianying arrived at Concubine Zhang's palace early in the morning. She was wearing a pink palace dress with delicate cherry blossom patterns embroidered on the hem. As she walked, it seemed as if countless cherry blossoms were falling in the wind. She had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes revealed a hint of reluctance.
Entering the palace, Princess Qianying bowed to Concubine Zhang and said, "Your Highness, I will go to Shun Kingdom with my second brother tomorrow. I am deeply grateful for your care and guidance over the years. But after this farewell, I don't know if I will have the chance to see you again..." As she spoke, Princess Qianying's voice choked and tears welled up in her eyes.
Concubine Zhang quickly stood up, supported Princess Qianying and said, "Princess, please stand up quickly. This is against etiquette."
Princess Qianying shook her head, held Concubine Zhang's hand and said, "I will always remember your care for me over the years. You are worthy of this gift."
Concubine Zhang looked at Princess Qianying in front of her, her heart full of emotion. She remembered that when the Queen disappeared, Princess Qianying was just a little girl, and now, in the blink of an eye, she has reached the age to get married. She gently stroked Princess Qianying's hair and said softly: "Qianying, I know that you have always been a sensible and good child. Although the journey to Shun Country is long, it is also a new beginning. I hope you can support each other with Master Chenxuan and live happily."
Princess Qianying nodded, with a determined light in her eyes. She said, "Don't worry, Concubine, Qianying will take good care of herself and live up to your expectations."
There were three exquisite small boxes on the table next to Concubine Zhang. She gently stroked them and then gently opened the first box. When the lid was opened, the shining light was dazzling - it was filled with all kinds of precious jewelry, each of which was shining brightly.
Concubine Zhang smiled and said, "Qianying, this box of jewelry is something I carefully selected from the palace storehouse as the dowry that you, the eldest princess of the Great Chu, deserve. There are many rare gems and exquisite ornaments in it. I hope you can show your beauty and nobility in your new country." Then she opened the second box, which was also filled with a dazzling array of jewels.
"This box contains the Queen's belongings that Your Majesty asked me to take care of. They are all the dowry she left for you. These jewels carry her love and blessings for you. I hope you can cherish and pass on this emotion." Concubine Zhang's eyes flashed with emotion, as if she recalled every little bit of the past. Finally, she opened the third box, which was also full of jewels.
"This box is my gift to you, Qianying. Although we are not related by blood, in my heart, you have long been my biological daughter. I hope these jewels can accompany you through every important moment of your life and bring you happiness and joy." Concubine Zhang looked at Qianying affectionately, her eyes filled with the warmth of motherly love.
After that, Concubine Zhang pointed to a larger box on the ground and ordered the maid to open it. When the lid of the box was opened, a dazzling golden light came into view - it was full of heavy gold, piled up like a mountain. Concubine Zhang smiled and explained: "Qianying, I took into account that it might be difficult to cash the silver bills in a foreign country, so I specially ordered people to prepare this gold. In this way, no matter where you are, you can use this wealth conveniently. Although the world is far away, I can no longer give you more practical help in the future, but at least I can prepare enough things for you..."
Princess Qianying could no longer hold back her tears, which fell like beads from a broken string. She sobbed and called out in a trembling voice, "Mother!" Then, as if she had found someone to rely on, she threw herself into Concubine Zhang's arms and hugged her tightly.
After a long while, Princess Qianying slowly raised her head, but still said somewhat gloomily: "Mother, I really can't bear to leave you, father, and uncle..." Her eyes were full of attachment and reluctance, as if she would lose everything precious once she left here.
Concubine Zhang looked at Princess Qianying with pity, patted her back gently, and comforted her gently: "Silly child, you have grown up and will get married eventually. Young Master Chenxuan is elegant and has outstanding character. He is a rare son-in-law. Now you can get your wish and marry him. Isn't this a wonderful thing? Don't cry anymore. If you have the chance in the future, remember to come back and visit. Remember, the Chu Palace will always be your home. No matter when and where you are, there will be someone here waiting for your return." After that, she sighed softly again, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"I understand. Thank you, Imperial Concubine." Princess Qianying calmed down and spoke. The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of tenderness. They knew that after this separation, they might never see each other again, but they would bury their longing for each other deep in their hearts and look forward to the day of reunion.
At this moment, a loud shout came from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!" Upon hearing this, Concubine Zhang and Princess Qianying hurriedly tidied their clothes and appearance, stood up together, and prepared to welcome Emperor Chu.
The King of Chu waved his hand, signaling that the two did not need to be polite. When he saw the things placed in the room, his heart was moved, and he saw that the corners of the two people's eyes were slightly red, as if they understood something.
He nodded to the two of them, motioning them to sit down, and then slowly said, "Qianying, it looks like the imperial concubine has handed all the things over to you. The journey to Shun Country is long, and it may be difficult to see each other again in the future. So in addition to these personal belongings, you'd better bring a few more servants."
Princess Qianying was touched after hearing this, but she still insisted on her own idea. She bowed and said softly: "Thank you, father, but if they go to Shun Kingdom with me, they will never be reunited with their relatives in this life. I only need to bring Wenjing and Rulan. They have served me since they were young and have no worries at home... As for the others, there is no need." After saying this, Princess Qianying's eyes were firm and resolute.
The King of Chu frowned slightly. "You are the eldest princess of the royal family of Great Chu. You are of an extremely noble status. How can you despise yourself like this? How about this? I will assign you six more guards and four palace maids to go to Shun Kingdom with you. If you feel sorry for them, you can let them return to Great Chu after you get married."
Seeing the Emperor Chu's firm attitude, Princess Qianying knew she couldn't refuse, so she had to respond obediently: "Yes, Qianying thanks you, father."
"Tomorrow you will leave the Great Chu and set foot on the land of a foreign country. Before that, you should go meet your uncle. He has always treated you as his own child and loves you the most. He will definitely be reluctant to see you go." The King of Chu's eyes were gentle, and there was a hint of emotion in his voice.
Princess Qianying felt a pang in her heart, her eyes were red, and tears welled up in her eyes. She lowered her head and said softly, "I understand, I also can't bear to leave my father, uncle, and madam..."
Seeing Princess Qianying's lonely face, Emperor Chu couldn't help but be moved and distressed. He gently patted Princess Qianying's shoulder and comforted her: "Okay, getting married is a happy event, you should be happy. Don't be sad, if you have the chance in the future, you can come back to visit us."
Princess Qianying then burst into laughter. Although she knew that her hope of returning home was slim, she still felt a little comforted by saying this.
0p0