0p0 Chapter 382 Marriage Grant
Chapter 382 Marriage Grant
A few days later, Yongzheng issued an edict granting the marriage of Shen Beile and Yurao, and prepared a dowry for Yurao with the ceremony of a Duoluo Gege. Huanbi changed her name to Zhen Yuyin and married into the Guojun Prince's mansion as the second daughter of the Zhen family and became his concubine.
A few days later, another decree was issued, and Meng Jingxian, the legitimate daughter of Duke Pei, was allowed to enter Prince Guo's mansion as a concubine.
The Zhen family, thanks to Yurao and Huanbi's marriage, now boasted two princely sons-in-law, a moment of glory and instant fame, instantly becoming the most sought-after family in the capital. High-ranking officials flocked to offer their congratulations, their door nearly breaking down. However, the only real flaw was Zhen Yuandao's years of declining health and illness. Despite his family's current glory, he could no longer serve the imperial court.
On the sixth day of the second month, Zhen Yuyin got married.
As the chill of winter fades and spring returns, the first rays of morning sunlight pour down unreservedly, coating everything in the world with a warm golden hue. The Forbidden City's walls, illuminated by the sunlight, glow even more dazzlingly in vermilion, while the glazed tiles gleam with a dazzling light.
A gentle breeze blew in, gently brushing my cheeks, no longer as biting and cold as it had been a few days ago. The wind carried the faint fragrance of earth, the breath of the earth's revival, which seeped into my heart and lungs.
The red team meanders and twists, carrying the former Huanbi, the current Zhen Yuyin, towards an unknown journey.
Outside the Shenwu Gate, Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong stood side by side, watching the wedding procession go further and further away.
An Lingrong said, "I hope this is the right choice."
Shen Meizhuang sighed softly and patted her shoulder to comfort her: "This is the path she chose herself. Whether it is bitter or sweet, only she can know after experiencing it herself. All we can do is wish her the best!"
After saying this, the two men's eyes quietly fell on Zhen Huan's profile.
I saw that Zhen Huan's eyes were covered with a thin layer of mist at some point, which sparkled with a tiny and faint light under the sunlight, just like petals covered with morning dew in spring, fragile and moving.
Looking at Zhen Huan like this, An Lingrong felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.
Alas, we are not destined to be together after all.
Zhen Huan stood under the palace wall, her eyes following the red silk and the sound of gongs and drums that were gradually moving away. Her heart seemed to be tightly grasped by something invisible, and her breathing became heavy.
After a long time, the wedding procession finally disappeared at the end of the distant palace road, leaving only an empty sky and earth.
She withdrew her gaze, lowered her head to look at her slightly trembling fingers, and murmured softly: "The world's mishaps never stop, they are all normal."
Her voice remained calm, yet it carried an indescribable weariness. Perhaps she had long understood that within this deep palace, one's own joys and sorrows were but a drop in the ocean, and the torrent of fate never stagnated for anyone's tears.
An Lingrong approached her inconspicuously, her gaze also directed towards the empty palace corridor, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. After a moment, she reached out and gently grasped Zhen Huan's trembling hand.
Shen Meizhuang, who was standing beside her, saw her action and also held Zhen Huan's other hand.
Zhen Huan's hands were cold, as if soaked by the chill of the deep palace. Their hands, however, were warm and soft, carrying a silent power. She said nothing, simply holding them quietly, as if to tell Zhen Huan: You are not alone.
Zhen Huan turned her head, glanced at An Lingrong, then at Shen Meiyu, and their eyes met in the air.
The wind gradually died down, and the dust on the palace path slowly settled. A few birdsongs could be heard in the distance, clear and distant, adding a touch of life to the silence of the deep palace.
Zhen Huan sighed softly and whispered, "Let's go, it's time to go back."
An Lingrong nodded, and the three of them walked side by side, heading deeper into the palace. Their silhouettes stretched out in the setting sun, as if blending into the palace walls, becoming an integral part of this painting of the deep palace.
Back at Yongshou Palace, the atmosphere was warm and peaceful. Sixth Prince and Longyue were gathered around the cradle, gazing at the swaddled twins with great interest. Longyue extended her little finger and gently tapped one of the babies' tender cheeks. Then, revealing a triumphant smile, she turned to the Sixth Prince and said, "Sixth brother, your little brother's face is so soft!"
The Sixth Prince stood aside, looking serious, and admonished like a little adult: "Sister, you have to be careful. Your brothers and sisters are still young, so don't hurt them."
Longyue blinked her eyes and nodded obediently: "I can!" Her voice was clear and pleasant, with the innocence and liveliness unique to children.
The two's conversation and laughter were as clear as silver bells, echoing through the palace door to the outside. As soon as Zhen Huan, An Lingrong, and Jin Xi walked outside the palace, they heard the innocent laughter and smiled with relief.
When they entered the hall, the Sixth Prince and Longyue saw them come in and immediately stopped playing and bowed politely to greet them.
Shen Anlingrong walked forward with a smile, gently touched their heads, and said softly, "Get up, what were you doing just now?"
Longyue raised her head, her eyes sparkling, and said excitedly, "Mother, we are looking at our younger brother and sister! Their faces are so soft, just like mine!"
The Sixth Prince also nodded and added seriously, "Godmother, my sister and I were very careful not to disturb my younger siblings."
Shen Meizhuang looked at the two children's innocent appearance, her heart filled with relief. She squatted down, gently embraced the Sixth Prince and Longyue, and said softly: "You are the older brother and sister, you must protect your younger brothers and sisters in the future!"
The Sixth Prince and Longyue nodded heavily.
The three of them talked with the children for a while, and then asked the wet nurse to take them downstairs to play.
An Lingrong saw that Zhen Huan was still not in high spirits. After a moment's thought, she turned to Shen Meizhuang and said with a smile, "Sister, you promised me that you would drink with me after you gave birth to the child. You can't go back on your word!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang immediately understood An Lingrong's intention and continued with a smile, "Of course I remember. I just wonder if there's enough wine in Huan'er's palace for us to drink?"
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Zhen Huan with a hint of ridicule in his eyes.
Zhen Huan's originally depressed mood was interrupted by the conversation between the two. She couldn't help but look up, revealing a faint smile and whispering, "Are you planning to have a banquet here? Of course there is wine, but Rong'er, please don't get drunk. I still remember when Sister Mei was pregnant, you got drunk and kept her awake in the middle of the night!"
An Lingrong felt relieved when she saw Zhen Huan finally smile. She pretended to be playful and said, "Don't worry, Sister Zhen, you've both given birth now. Even if I keep making trouble until midnight, it's fine. You don't have to pay your respects anyway. At worst, I can sleep until noon tomorrow."
Shen Meizhuang also smiled and agreed, "Yes, Huan'er, there is Yu Yin's happy event today, so it doesn't matter if you get drunk."
Zhen Huan felt a surge of warmth as she looked at the two men's concerned eyes. She nodded and said softly, "Okay, since you're saying so, I'll have a few drinks with you. Jinxi, have the kitchen set up dinner, and then open the storeroom and get all the wine out."
Jin Xi agreed with a smile and turned around to make arrangements.
After a while, the palace maids brought some exquisite side dishes and a pot of warm wine.
The three of them sat around the table. An Lingrong took the initiative to fill the glasses of Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang. She raised her glass and said with a smile, "Come, let's drink to our sisterly friendship!"
Shen Meizhuang also raised her glass and said softly, "May we sisters always be like this, supporting each other and never leaving each other."
Zhen Huan looked at the clear wine in the cup, feeling a surge of emotion. She gently clinked their glasses together and whispered, "May we all be able to stay true to ourselves and live freely in this deep palace."
The three of them smiled at each other and drank the wine in their glasses.