The Rebel

Imperial mother-in-law [3]

Once they arrived at Ren Gong, Xi Yinghua cannot help but sigh upon seeing the huge yet elegant palace. So similar like the ones in the Chinese dramas. She immediately let go of Jing Ruyi's hand as she walks towards the area where arranged pots of peonies can be seen.

"Meimei... Look at these peonies. They are so pretty!"

Jing Ruyi smiles as she looks at her, "Wangfei, they are indeed pleasing to the eyes."

Xi Yinghua nods her head and smiles widely and that smile seems to be contagious as Third Prince Li Henxin too smile. Xi Yinghua went to his side and whispers something to him and he nods his head in response.

This smile of his somewhat shocks Eunuch Li but seeing that the harmonious trio makes him happy because he knew that the Third Prince is someone with serious nature. Her Majesty always worries about his wellbeings whenever he is out for any war mission. Seems that Her Majesty will no longer have to worry about the Third Prince with the princess consort by his side.

"Your Royal Highnesses... Jing'shi... This way please."

Eunuch Li continues to guide them and before they arrive at the doorstep of Ren Gong, another eunuch who is standing guard at the door immediately announce their arrival.

"His Highness, the Third Prince and Her Highness, Princess Consort Xi together with Consort Jing have arrived!!!"

Eunuch Li stops at the front door to let Third Prince Li Henxin enter first. Both Xi Yinghua and Jing Ruyi enter together soon after. Once all the three of them are inside Lengjing¹ Hall, Eunuch Li walks calmly towards Empress Dowager Long² Shanding³ who is sitting on a phoenix-carved bench made from fragrant rosewood with a black-coloured silk cushion on it which is embroidered with golden-coloured thread.

Xi Yinghua smile and calmly stand next to Third Prince Li Henxin. Jing Ruyi stands a few steps behind her.

Third Prince Li Henxin respectfully bows and says, "Third son greets imperial mother."

Xi Yinghua curtsy and says, "Yinghua greets imperial mother-in-law."

Jing Ruyi curtsy and says, "This humble one greets Her Majesty."

Empress Dowager Long smiles and response, "Rise... Little third, you're bringing your concubine along with you. Didn't I've just invited you and your wangfei?"

Before the Third Prince can answer, Xi Yinghua kneels before her, "Imperial mother-in-law, please do not blame wangye on this. Yinghua never enters the imperial palace before and feels a bit scared so I insisted for meimei to come along."

Empress Dowager Long stares at her new daughter-in-law and wonders if she is plain naive or deviously cunning. It is impossible for a female to not be jealous because of another female. But, she is backing her husband's concubine... How odd.

"Is that so? Henin, assist your wife... A newlywed shouldn't be kneeling on the cold marble floor. Yinghua, I am happy for you for being such a magnanimous wife. Jing'shi, as Henxin's concubine, know your place."

Jing Ruyi kneels on the floor while giving a respectful bow before Empress Dowager Long, "This concubine will abide by the rules and will assist wangfei with her whole heart."

Empress Dowager Long looks at Third Prince Li and sees that he is a bit dissatisfied with how Consort Jing has been treated. When she turns her attention towards her son's newly married wife, she surprisingly went to Consort Jing's side and curtsy.

"Imperial mother-in-law, Yinghua is lucky to have meimei by her side. Our wangfu⁴ needs her as Yinghua is still a bit clueless..."

Empress Dowager Long smiles and says, "Rise... Henxin, I am happy that both of your wife and concubine are able to live harmoniously which is a rare occurrence..."