Chapter 7, Entering the Palace

Ziqing secretly smiled at Ziyu, great, passed the test

The grand princess, preparing to board the sedan chair, saw Zhiqing pulling Zhiyu over, her expression darkening. Both Zhiqing and Zhiyu's expressions stiffened simultaneously, and they came to a halt.

He received a title, and his mother... will also have her own title, right

Is the term "Old Ancestor" referring to Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang?

The Grand Princess sat solemnly in the high-backed chair, her expression grave. It is truly hard to imagine that a woman could wear such an expression even in her own home, in her own room. Her seriousness only heightened Ziqing's fear.

Ziyu stared at her in a daze

It is no wonder that the Grand Princess's heart is not indifferent after living in such an environment for many years

"Put on your best clothes and come with me to the palace," Ziqing said firmly as she looked at him.

Ziyu's small courtyard is located in a remote corner of the Wangfu, and although there are few servants, it is very tidy. The young servant who was sweeping the yard was astonished and speechless upon seeing Ziqing, and he dropped the broom and ran into the house like the wind to report.

The remaining time left her no opportunity for deep contemplation, as it was all consumed by studying the etiquette for audience with the Emperor. The more she studied, the more anxious she became; meeting the Emperor and the Empress Dowager was indeed no easy task

Seeing Ziqing hesitate and not daring to enter, Ziyu gently pushed her and whispered, "I am not afraid of being scolded, why are you afraid to see Mother!"

The courtyard of the grand princess is so magnificent that it borders on extravagance, evoking a strong sense of alienation. It resembles a stunning piece of architectural art rather than a residence meant for living.

Ziyu's expression darkened further, and the hope that had quietly risen in his heart was once again suppressed. He knew that things would not be so easy.

You go! She cast a glance at the old maid who had just helped Ziqing, "You must properly reprimand Wei Ma! The princess is ill and cannot remember many things, including the rules! Then teach her again! What has become of this? In such a fluster, there is not a trace of royal dignity!"

Ziqing was practically pushed into the room by Ziyu

"What are you doing here?" Ziyu also walked out with a puzzled expression, as this was her first time coming to his room.

You must study diligently and learn quickly! Tomorrow at the Chen hour, our ancestor will summon us to inquire about your condition. Hurry back and practice well, do not embarrass yourself in front of everyone!

Let go! What does it look like to pull and tug like this! The Grand Princess cast a glance at Ziqing, who was holding Ziyu's hand.

Ziqing secretly made a decision; although she did not know if she could help him, at the very least, she should contribute in some way

He rudely pushed aside and said, "Since you are already fine, there is no need for me to keep coming and going. I am leaving." After saying this, he stood up and walked away

It is not that there are few people; in fact, there are many. Rows of maids stand with their heads bowed and hands hanging at their sides between the intricately carved beams and painted rafters, yet no one speaks, and no one moves. Upon seeing her and Ziyu enter, not a single person even glanced their way; instead, they bent their waists even lower.

Especially from her perspective, several hundred years later, she clearly understands what remarkable figures Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and Emperor Kangxi were

Hearing that the Grand Duke wanted to see her, Ziqing felt somewhat timid. She did not know why, but she was very afraid of him. Perhaps it was due to witnessing his incomprehensible madness, fearing that his wrath might suddenly come crashing down upon her at any moment

Although Ziyu did not smile, his heart was stirred. She said he was her younger brother? They are a family?

Ziqing was hurt by the attitude of the Grand Princess; if she feels this way, then Ziyu must be even more hurt

"Do not go!" Ziyu wanted to shake off her hand, "Are you trying to give your mother another chance to insult me?"

The Grand Princess shot a fierce glare at Ziqing before finally turning around to board the carriage

He is also a member of our family, he is my younger brother, and he is your son as well! In any case, I will go with him, and if he doesn't go, then I won't go either

"The Grand Princess... she won't scold me harshly, will she?" Ziqing finally couldn't help but ask

She has already started to smile, holding his hand, pulling him forward, "Let's go, let's go."

How strange..." Ziqing murmured, he always inexplicably became unhappy.

She understood the subtleties in his words, which was already considered "relatively good" for her, as she was much worse with others

Ziqing got up early, and indeed, today Ziyu did not come to her room to report as usual. After getting dressed, she asked Qingqing to lead the way to find him. Although the clever Qingqing had a look of surprise and suspicion, she did not ask anything and silently led her to a small courtyard

The maids also became busy, discussing what kind of clothes to wear and what kind of jewelry to adorn themselves with, creating a chaotic scene. Since Ziqing truly could not walk gracefully in the qipao shoes, they had to shorten her brocade jacket to prevent her from tripping over it.

Madam Wei finally nodded, "The princess does not favor Young Master Yu. Although she has fought for his title, she has never brought him into the palace. This is very detrimental to the aristocrats' recognition of Young Master Yu. Not only is Young Master Yu's position awkward in our household, but it is also the same within the royal family"

Zi Yu looked at them with cold eyes as they were in a flurry. He had maintained a stern face and said not a word the entire day

She walked behind Ziyu with her lips pursed, and his expression of endurance surpassed what was expected for his age. Every time he went to see the Grand Princess, it was equivalent to giving her an opportunity to humiliate him.

Nonsense, am I not still here! What is he going to do about it?

You! The Grand Princess is preparing to walk towards her, and it seems likely that she might slap her. At this moment, Lady Wei stepped forward and bowed to the Grand Princess, blocking her path. "Your Highness, this is not the time to argue about this. If we do not set off soon, it will be too late. The young lady is ill; you should let her be."

What is wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" She walked over and patted his shoulder

Despite her busy schedule, Ziqing still noticed his low spirits

In simple terms, it means there is no popularity

No wonder

The Grand Princess's frozen face suddenly filled with anger, causing Ziqing to nearly cry out of fear; this woman changes too rapidly, without any transition.

She turned her gaze back, looking sharply at Ziqing, who felt herself starting to tremble.

"Lady Wei, please just tell me." Ziqing looked at her earnestly.

The two maids standing at the door diligently raised the embroidered curtain without glancing aside, and in the dim hall, someone respectfully announced, "The young lady and Master Yu have arrived—" Ziqing even heard the echo.

No, she only scolds me. She is relatively good to you...

Hmm? The Grand Princess indeed glared, about to erupt. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

Ah... my head! Ziqing held onto the tall headdress on her head, which was adorned with heavy beads and ornaments that she was not accustomed to wearing, always feeling as if it might fall off. "Could you please not push me?" She glared at Ziyu, "Anyway, you have to take the first step! Even if you are just accompanying me, I am scared too.

I want Ziyu to go with me, I am afraid, I want him to accompany me

Ziqing walked over and, without giving him a chance to evade, grabbed his hand, "This outfit is quite good, very handsome. Come with me."

I ... ... I want Ziyu to go with me!'' Ziqing mustered her courage; it was truly difficult to speak words that went against the wishes of the Grand Princess, but she finally said it.

Endure, as long as he receives a title and is recognized by the royalty and nobility, he can leave this terrifying place far behind

Zi Yu knelt down to pay her respects, but both the one giving and receiving the greeting wore expressions of indifference. Zi Qing also attempted to kneel like Zi Yu, but was lifted up by the old matron standing nearby as if she were a little chick.

"It is not surprising." Granny Wei walked over, having witnessed the earlier scene. "Young Master Yu..." She hesitated for a moment

Ziqing shuddered in fear and instinctively let go of her hand

"Get in the carriage! What are you bringing him here for!" The Grand Princess reprimanded coldly

Zi Yu was clearly taken aback, but soon calmed down. "I will not go."