Chapter 6: 6. Chapter 6: A Grand Gift, Becoming the Empress Dowager's Daughter-in-law

Chapter 6: A Grand Gift, Becoming the Empress Dowager’s Daughter-in-Law

The Ji family knelt across the floor.

The eunuch who came to deliver the decree did not rush to announce it, but first helped the Old Madam to her feet.

"Greetings, Old Madam. The Empress Dowager has not reunited with her family for a long time and has been missing them dearly. She has specifically summoned the women of the household to the Cining Palace to dine with her this evening."

After speaking, the eunuch let his gaze wander among the kneeling women until he spotted Ji Qingwu, who was kneeling in the furthest corner.

He continued, "The Empress Dowager was delighted to hear that the Fifth Miss of the Ji manor has been found. Wishing to share in this joy, she has specifically requested that the Fifth Miss also accompany you."

Madam Qiao turned back and gave her daughter a look.

Ji Qingwu knelt and shuffled forward a few steps, then bowed low: "This subject's daughter thanks the Empress Dowager for her concern."

After the eunuch who delivered the decree left, Ji Qingyuan stood up. As she passed by, she saw Ji Qingwu’s brows tightly locked.

Ji Qingyuan’s lips curled upward, and she said meaningfully, "It seems Auntie thinks very highly of Fifth Sister. Since this is your first time entering the palace, you must perform well and not lose face for the Ji family."

However, Ji Qingwu was only frowning because her knees were aching from kneeling; the thought of having to kneel even more once inside the palace made her feel somewhat helpless.

She asked, "Fourth Sister, how many times do you have to kneel when you enter the palace?"

This question caused Ji Qingyuan’s expression to freeze instantly.

Even after that green-clad figure had walked away, she was still pondering what Ji Qingwu had meant.

Was she mocking her for only being able to pay respects to the Empress Dowager each time she entered the palace, without ever getting to see the Emperor?

Ji Qingyuan gripped the handkerchief in her hand tightly.

As the elder sister, she would have to present a "grand gift" to this younger sister.

————

Cining Palace.

Green tiles and red walls, topped with glazed roof tiles, shimmered under the sunlight.

Ji Qingwu walked slowly all the way in. Before her eyes lay a scene of elegance and splendor; every detail radiated imperial majesty and nobility.

Auntie Shixi, who served the Empress Dowager, led the Ji family into the main hall.

"Old Madam, Madam, and Misses, please rest here for a moment. The Empress Dowager is changing her attire and will be here shortly."

The Ji Old Madam nodded and thanked her: "Thank you for your trouble, Auntie Shixi."

Ji Qingyuan looked at the plate of pastries beside the tea table and praised, "Auntie Shixi, has the palace added new styles of snacks? They are truly creative; I have never seen such exquisite and elegant pastries."

Shixi smiled and nodded: "Fourth Miss, the Empress Dowager knew you loved these, so she specifically ordered the small kitchen to prepare them."

The Second Madam, surnamed Wu, immediately chimed in: "Her Majesty even knows exactly what Yuanyuan likes to eat; she is truly too doting on her."

Shixi smiled but said nothing.

The Ji Old Madam coughed a few times and glared at the Second Madam.

One must not discuss their superiors within the palace; they had no standing to comment on whom the Empress Dowager chose to dote upon.

Madam Wu realized her slip of the tongue and shut her mouth sheepishly.

Seeing the mother and daughter on the other side, a hint of surprise appeared in Shixi’s eyes.

The First Madam, Qiao, came from a prominent family; her etiquette and manners were always flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

It was just that Fifth Miss, who had only just been found...

After Ji Qingwu sat down, her back was straight, her head held slightly high, and her eyes were as calm as water. She did not glance around, nor did she pay any extra attention to the exquisite pastries beside her.

In the eyes of others, she appeared composed, neither humble nor arrogant, with an elegant and refined air.

Even though Shixi had seen many ladies in the palace, she couldn't help but admire the Fifth Miss’s graceful bearing in her heart. Although her appearance was not as striking as the Fourth Miss’s, her overall temperament far surpassed her, making the Fourth Miss seem a bit petty by comparison.

Ji Qingwu did not notice the thoughts of those around her.

It wasn't that she didn't want to move; she didn't dare to.

It was truly because Madam Qiao had added so many things to her head before they left.

Pinned into her high-coiled bun was a hibiscus warm-jade hair ornament, along with a purple-gold peony hairpin, and silver-painted ribbons on both sides.

She felt as if she had been immobilized; she dared not shake her head or move her neck.

Ji Qingwu still admired Ji Qingyuan in her heart; with that head full of gold and silver jewelry weighing more than five pounds, she could still move with such ease.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Following the eunuch’s loud cry, Ji Qingwu followed beside Madam Qiao to perform the rites.

When the Empress Dowager passed in front of her, her steps seemed to pause for a moment before she walked to the throne and sat down gracefully, with Aunties Shixi and Fanghua attending at her side.

Her voice was gentle: "Rise, we are all family here."

After the Empress Dowager exchanged a few pleasantries with the Ji Old Madam, her gaze fell directly on the woman sitting at the very end.

"So this is Qingwu."

Named, Ji Qingwu had no choice but to stand up and kneel once more.

This grand kowtow was performed with such elegance that not only could no fault be found, but it was also pleasing to the eye.

This was what Madam Qiao had specifically taught her before they left. After finishing the grand rite, Ji Qingwu felt sweat beginning to break out on her back.

"Qingwu, come forward and let me take a good look at you."

Ji Qingwu lowered her head and obeyed, coming to a stop at the golden steps, her nose filled with the scent of sandalwood.

In truth, the Empress Dowager had been observing her vaguely ever since she entered the room; this was merely an excuse to have her stand closer so she could examine her appearance properly.

"Raise your head and come a little closer to your aunt."

The Empress Dowager’s gaze was profound, as if it had stirred up some memory.

"When Qingwu was little, I held her often; she was a very obedient child." The Empress Dowager smiled: "That was back at the Yong'an Marquis Mansion. I remember the day after I held Qingwu, I was diagnosed with a pregnancy."

The Empress Dowager remembered such a lovable child clearly.

The Ji Old Madam nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Your Majesty remembers correctly. At that time, you were pregnant with Princess Qingyun."

Princess Qingyun was the apple of the Empress Dowager’s eye and the Emperor’s half-sister.

Ji Qingwu raised her head and met the Empress Dowager’s gaze.

After the Empress Dowager looked at her with a smile for a long time, she turned to the palace attendants standing to the side and ordered: "Shixi, go personally and fetch the welcome gift I specifically prepared for Qingwu this morning."

She emphasized the words "this morning."

Shixi was stunned for a moment, then acknowledged the order and left.

The welcome gift was a jade bracelet, warm and translucent in quality—not an ordinary item.

The Empress Dowager said: "There was originally a pair, but the other one was accidentally broken. I have kept this one well and never wore it again. But at my age, this vibrant green jade no longer suits me. Qingwu is in the prime of her youth; it will suit her perfectly."

Ji Qingwu did not miss the look of astonishment in Auntie Shixi’s eyes.

It seemed that the welcome gift the Empress Dowager had originally prepared for her was not this bracelet, but something else entirely.

Her heart stirred, realizing that the origin of this jade bracelet must be extraordinary, and perhaps there was some other significance behind it.

Only after observing her for so long and appearing satisfied did the Empress Dowager bestow this upon her.

At the same time, Ji Qingyuan’s face turned extremely ugly.

She stared at the brocade box in Ji Qingwu’s hands, her eyes filled with jealousy and envy.

She said sourly: "For Auntie to bestow this item upon Fifth Sister, it is truly a great grace."

This jade bracelet was the *hejin* (nuptial cup) gift given by the Marquis on their wedding night when the Empress Dowager first married into the Yong'an Marquis Mansion as his second wife.

Ji Qingyuan had begged for it several times but never received it.

Yet, the Empress Dowager had only met the Fifth Sister once and had already bestowed this bracelet upon her!

A *hejin* gift.

It was a gift for newlyweds to express their affection, but if given to a younger generation, it was generally passed down to a daughter-in-law, symbolizing a loving marriage.

Becoming the Empress Dowager’s daughter-in-law...

Empress Dowager’s scheme: I have scouted a new candidate, the Emperor will be satisfied.

Emperor Wusu’s evasion: State affairs are busy.

Ji Qingwu’s joy: Understood, received, goodbye to both leaders, this subject's daughter will head home now.

Emperor Wusu’s raised brow: One must occasionally balance work and rest.