NFBE Chapter 114 The Empress Dowager's Gaze Was Kind
Chapter 114 The Empress Dowager's Gaze Was Kind
Qin Jiuwei has only attended two occasions in public: a poetry gathering and an autumn banquet.
Most of the attendees at the poetry gatherings at the Prince Qi's residence were scholars and students, while the autumn banquet was attended entirely by noble ladies and imperial concubines.
This was the first time she had appeared before all the ministers.
Qin Jiuwei was wearing a light red silk skirt embroidered with orchid patterns today.
With fair skin, red lips, bright eyes, and stunning beauty, she possessed a captivating charm.
Qin's father was also present today, and many ministers praised him in his ear.
"Lord Qin, your second daughter is so beautiful, how come she wasn't noticed in the capital before?"
"The Crown Prince's wife is not only beautiful, but her demeanor is also impeccable. Lord Qin, could you tell us how you raised such a wonderful daughter?"
Qin's father heard this, but felt as if a fishbone was stuck in his throat.
Compared to Qin Jiuwei, he would much rather have people praise Le An in his ear.
That was the daughter he was truly proud of.
As for Qin Jiuwei... she really doesn't deserve her.
Qin's father smiled at everyone but didn't say much.
Xie Jue sat behind Xie Yanli and Qin Jiuwei, blinking her big eyes and looking around curiously.
Hehe, is this what a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is like?
Wow, so many people!
Soon, Xie Jue's eyes precisely targeted Qin Le'an, his grape-like black eyes narrowing coldly.
Those pesky stink bugs!
Qin Jiuwei kept a close eye on the movements of the little man behind her, and at this moment she followed his gaze.
Qin Le'an was raising his chin slightly as he instructed the maid beside him to serve the dishes.
Although she tried her best to hide it and appear dignified and virtuous, a hint of smugness still lingered in her eyes.
She had already drunk half a bowl of the sweet soup beside her.
Upon seeing this, a cold smile flashed across Qin Jiuwei's eyes.
Gao Xian sat on the dragon throne, and Mo Qingkui sat to his lower left, the two of them close together.
The two sat on the high platform, very conspicuous. Qin Jiu glanced at them indifferently, then looked away.
It was the same in her previous life. Consort Chen was deeply favored by the Emperor, and she was always the one sitting next to Gao Xian at banquets of all sizes.
Mo Qingkui raised her wine glass and winked at Gao Xian.
Gao Xian chuckled softly, a slight smile curving his lips.
Only Qingkui dares to do this in public.
Gao Xian also raised his glass and gestured towards her.
But before the wine could even touch his lips, the eunuch's shrill voice rang out.
"The Queen Mother is here—"
"The Eldest Princess has arrived—"
Everyone's gaze turned towards the doorway.
The Empress Dowager wore a crimson brocade robe. Although the robe did not have much elaborate embroidery, it was woven with a delicate phoenix pattern in a dark design.
Bathed in candlelight, it appears and disappears, understated yet dignified.
A beautifully crafted phoenix hairpin is inserted diagonally into her hair bun, surrounded by several delicate jade hairpins that complement the hairpin.
Everyone in the Great Jin Dynasty knows that the Empress Dowager is a devout Buddhist. Although she is the Empress Dowager of the country, she rarely dresses in a luxurious or grand manner.
Beside the Empress Dowager was Gao Yunzhi, dressed in magnificent robes.
Gao Yunzhi helped the Empress Dowager slowly walk towards the high platform.
As he passed Qin Jiuwei, he gave her a gentle wink.
Qin Jiuwei couldn't help but smile slightly.
These past few days, Yunzhi has stayed in the mansion and hasn't come out to see anyone.
She would send ginseng soup and other tonics to the Princess's residence every time.
Seeing Yunzhi in such good condition, she was very happy.
Everyone bowed and saluted the Empress Dowager, saying, "Long live the Empress Dowager!"
The Empress Dowager looked kindly at him. "No need for formalities, rise."
The Empress Dowager's appearance was well-maintained; the years had only left faint lines at the corners of her eyes and on her forehead, but had not diminished her majesty and grace in the slightest.
When Qin Jiuwei saw her, her eyes widened in surprise, and many things from her past life instantly surfaced in her mind.
The Empress Dowager's favorite type of woman was dignified, virtuous, and talented.
This happens to be her forte: proper manners, eloquent speech, and the ability to write poetry and lyrics.
Therefore, she gained the favor of the Empress Dowager as soon as she entered the palace, and was often summoned to Shou'an Palace to talk and brew tea.
Consort Xian therefore dared not do anything to her anymore.
She survived in the palace largely because of the Empress Dowager.
Gao Xianren was filial and would come to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager every morning and evening, so the two often met.
Seeing how diligently she served the Empress Dowager, he developed a good impression of her.
Later, she was framed, and Gao Xian was willing to believe her because of this.
After the Empress Dowager took her seat, a eunuch immediately spoke up.
"The Governor of Zhejiang presented to the Empress Dowager a relic of Master Fahui after his passing, wishing her a long and blessed life."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's eyes flashed with delight.
"It's actually Master Fahui's relic? Quickly, bring it here so I can see it."
Wei, the old nanny beside the Empress Dowager, took the brocade box and handed it to the Empress Dowager.
As soon as the brocade box was opened, the Empress Dowager's eyebrows curved into a smile as she examined it carefully.
Master Fahui was a highly accomplished monk, whom she greatly admired.
It is truly an unexpected joy to receive the relics of Master Fahui after his passing.
It must be placed in the Buddhist shrine and properly enshrined.
Seeing that the Empress Dowager was pleased, Gao Xian praised her, saying, "Lord Jiang, you handled this matter well. Here is a reward of one hundred taels of gold."
Jiang Ling immediately stood up, bowed his head and thanked the emperor, "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
Gao Xian waved his hand, "Jiang Aiqing, there's no need for such formalities."
Seeing this, Qin Jiuwei breathed a sigh of relief.
My uncle's near-death experience is finally over.
This reward was prepared well in advance.
As soon as Gao Xian finished speaking, a servant carrying a wooden tray walked up to Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling looked at the gleaming gold and was filled with emotion.
The day before yesterday, Jiuwei told him that there might be thieves who wanted to steal the relics, but he didn't take it seriously at the time.
He then left Jiuwei and Prince Xie to set up the traps and arrange manpower.
But to my surprise, the thief actually came last night...
Even now, Jiangling's heart still clenches with fear when he thinks about this incident.
Fortunately, Jiuwei had the foresight; otherwise, it would have been questionable whether he could have saved his life.
After Jiang Ling bowed, he returned to his seat.
He turned to his attendants and instructed them to present the gold bestowed by the Emperor to the Crown Prince's wife after the banquet.
If it weren't for Jiuwei, he wouldn't even have been able to save his life, let alone receive the gold reward.
Therefore, this gold should also belong to Jiuwei.
Seeing that Jiangling had received a reward, Qin Le'an was even more eager to do so.
Before the banquet had completely quieted down, Qin Le'an stood up abruptly.
She moved gracefully to the center of the banquet and knelt down in a deep bow.
"Your Majesty, Consort Qin, also has a gift to present to the Empress Dowager, hoping to win her favor."
During this time, she stayed in her palace, carefully recalling the news about Qin Jiuwei that she had heard in her previous life.
Suddenly, she remembered that Lady Hou had once told her that Qin Jiuwei had received the Empress Dowager's protection as soon as she entered the palace and was very much loved by the Empress Dowager, who took her everywhere.
Therefore, she came up with a plan.
Ha, isn't it just about pleasing the Empress Dowager?
What Qin Jiuwei can do, she can do too!
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she looked Qin Le'an up and down, finding her to be quite unfamiliar.
However, this was still quite a filial gesture. The Empress Dowager smiled and said kindly, "What kind of gift is it? Let me see."
The palace maid behind Qin Le'an quickly presented a beautiful gift box.