"Your Majesty, it's time to rise. We are here to assist you with your morning preparations."
As the sky was just beginning to lighten, Huiyue and Nanzhi quietly stepped into the inner chamber. For the enthronement ceremony, the auspicious attire to be worn consisted of twelve layers. From hair accessories to clothing, shoes, socks, and makeup, everything had to be meticulously arranged according to ancestral rules. Therefore, an early start was necessary for detailed grooming.
They thought Ye Yun was still asleep, but when they entered, they found her already sitting up.
"It's quite rare for Your Majesty to wake up without us calling you. It must be true that happy events lift the spirit," Nanzhi said with a smile.
Huiyue teased, "I think it's because Your Majesty was too excited to sleep!"
The two maids were filled with joy, causing Ye Yun's ears to flush slightly.
She gave them a playful glance. "I remember two teary-eyed girls during their weddings. Next month, I'll send you both off, so you can have children and then return to serve."
Nanzhi and Huiyue blushed and quickly changed the subject, attending to Ye Yun's washing and dressing.
In truth, both maids were half right. Ye Yun was naturally happy about the wedding, but the anticipation and nerves had kept her on edge, waking her early.
After an hour and a half of meticulous grooming, her complex attire for the day was finally complete.
Kong Qing entered at the right moment, bowing.
"Your Majesty, it's time. The concubines are waiting outside the palace gate, ready to escort you to the phoenix carriage."
"I understand. I'll be right there." Ye Yun said calmly.
With the assistance of Huiyue and Nanzhi, she stood up, adjusted her skirt, and walked step by step towards the palace entrance.
Stepping out of the gates of Guanju Palace, all the concubines of the rear palace knelt respectfully to await her arrival.
Upon seeing her, they all bowed deeply.
"Your servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy longevity, peace, and a virtuous reign that blesses the world for all eternity!"
With this bow, she would no longer belong to the same social class as them.
The concubines felt a mixture of emotions in their hearts.
"Rise. From now on, I will manage the six palaces, and I hope you will all assist me and work in harmony," Ye Yun said with a gentle smile and a wave of her hand.
"We will do our utmost to serve Your Majesty, without hesitation!" the others responded in unison.
Then, Ye Yun was helped by her attendants to board the Phoenix carriage.
The concubines lined up according to their ranks on both sides, following behind the ceremonial procession, escorting her to the Jinluan Palace.
In front of the Jinluan Palace, civil and military officials dressed in formal robes knelt to welcome the procession.
The phoenix carriage stopped on the red carpet, where the highest-ranking ladies of the royal family, Princess Consort Ping and Princess Consort Kang, assisted Ye Yun down from the carriage.
They smoothed out the wrinkles on her gown and presented her with a jade ruyi (a scepter symbolizing authority).
Finally, they stepped aside.
YOU ARE READING
The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)
Historical FictionNote: This is a translated novel by me (Xiao Bai) Title: 贵妃她千娇百媚 Ye Yun was supposed to be the prince's concubine, but due to the sudden death of the late emperor, her entry into the palace was delayed for over a year. She entered the palace with th...
