The Enchanting Imperial Concubine

Chapter 37 - Dependence

On the ninth of September, the Double Ninth Festival was held as usual.

In the morning, officials entered the palace to accompany the Emperor in paying respects to their ancestors, while the noblewomen entered the palace to greet the Empress and the Empress Dowager.

Everyone first gathered in the Fengxi Palace.

Ye Yun's father and uncle were posthumously awarded the rank of First-Class General of the State. Her mother, Chu Shi, and her aunt, Yang Shi, were also awarded the First-Class title. Therefore, both were present.

The three of them couldn't speak much, only exchanging glances.

Entering the palace was essentially just for show, and only the families of the Xie, Chen, Yao, and Wu families, as well as a few other high-ranking officials, could converse with the Empress, totaling no more than ten people.

Chu Shi was greeted briefly, not entirely because of Ye Yun, but as a formality since Chu Shi was a meritorious widow, and the Empress had to show courtesy.

As for Ye Yun's aunt, she had less presence and was directly overlooked.

After spending half an hour with the Empress, everyone went to Cining Palace to greet the Empress Dowager.

Ye Yun still did not have the qualification to attend and could only watch as her family followed the Empress.

Back at Yuxiu Pavilion, she quickly had some pastries brought in.

Today, the noblewomen entered the palace earlier than usual for the greetings. She, accustomed to not rising early, hadn't had breakfast.

"Meiren, eat slowly. The lady will be arriving later, and I'll have someone prepare more if needed," Nan Zhi said anxiously, offering tea.

Starting from a sixth-rank position like Wan Rong, concubines could usually live in a small courtyard alone and independently receive visitors. On major festivals, they could also meet their family alone.

Ye Yun and Wu Shi were qualified for this, but unfortunately, Fang Cairen and Min Cairen missed the opportunity.

At Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager didn't stay long with everyone. She said her age made her feel unwell, and after the tea, everyone dispersed, leaving only the Chen family.

Afterward, those who had places to go visited their relatives, while those without either went to the Empress or took a stroll in the Imperial Garden, guided by servants.

At Yuxiu Pavilion, Ye Yun had instructed Hui Yue to wait outside Cining Palace early. When Chu Shi and Yang Shi emerged, she led them to her place.

"Meiren, Madam, and Second Madam have arrived!" Bai Shu lifted the curtain and reported.

Ye Yun quickly put down her tea cup and went out to greet them.

Although it had only been three months since their last meeting, the palace environment made the familial bond feel even stronger.

"Greetings to Ye Meiren!" Chu Shi and Yang Shi knelt as soon as they entered the courtyard.

Ye Yun hurried over to help Chu Shi up, and Hui Yue quickly supported Yang Shi.

"Mother and Aunt, there's no need for such formality. We are all family here. Don't stand on ceremony."

Chu Shi nodded with tears in her eyes, looking at her daughter, noting she had lost some weight since entering the palace, which pained her heart.

Yang Shi quickly advised, "It's hard to see each other, so don't cry, or you'll make Meiren sad too."

"Yes, yes, I was just too emotional," Chu Shi wiped her tears.