PFC Chapter 92 Two Big Shots in the Battle
Chapter 92 Two Big Shots in the Battle
Su Wan'er was nestled in Murong Yi's arms, fast asleep, her face serene and peaceful. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, followed by a call: "Your Highness, today is the day you and your new concubine pay your respects to the Empress Dowager. Have you risen yet?"
Murong Yi frowned slightly, his head shaking unconsciously as he slowly awoke from his daze. When he saw the beautiful woman beside him, his heart instantly filled with sweetness. He leaned down and gently kissed her smooth forehead.
Su Wan'er frowned unhappily, pouted her lips, and slightly pursed her lips with dissatisfaction and disdain for being woken up.
Murong Yi, a hint of languor and impatience on his face, responded loudly, "Oh... I'm up, I'm up. Please wait a moment, Granny, while we tidy up." He then turned to Su Wan'er, his gaze softening instantly, and said gently, "Wan'er, it's time to pay your respects."
Su Wan'er was naturally unwilling and had a lot of complaints in her heart, but in front of Murong Yi, she still obediently got up, although her expression still revealed a hint of displeasure.
Granny Li stood quietly at the door. Upon hearing the response from inside, she smiled gently and said slowly, "Yes, Your Highness, this old servant will wait here."
Murong Yi was the first to get up, stretching and loosening his limbs before casually picking up his outer robe and draping it over himself. He turned to look at Su Wan'er, who was still sitting by the bed, a faint smile playing on his lips, and walked over to gently pull her up.
Su Wan'er, still half asleep, was reluctantly pulled to her feet. Murong Yi took the opportunity to gently pinch her waist, which made Su Wan'er glare at him coquettishly.
Su Wan'er moved to the dressing table, and Murong Yi followed, standing behind her and watching her in the mirror. Su Wan'er picked up a comb and absentmindedly combed her slightly messy hair, while Murong Yi picked up an exquisite hairpin from the side, playing with it in his hand and occasionally gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Su Wan'er opened her makeup box and began to apply powder to her face in front of the mirror. Murong Yi watched her focused expression, his eyes full of doting affection.
After her makeup was complete, Su Wan'er carefully selected a brightly colored and exquisitely embroidered brocade dress, and with Murong Yi's assistance, slowly put it on, adding suitable accessories. Murong Yi also tidied his court robes, smoothed out the creases, and put on his jade pendant and sachet, looking dashing and dignified.
In the magnificent and solemn hall, the Empress Dowager sat on her phoenix throne, her face gradually darkening. Her majestic face was now covered with frost, her eyes filled with disdain, and she muttered, "Hmph~ What a grand air! Today you came with the Prince to pay your respects to me, yet you are so slow. It's simply disrespectful to elders and has no manners whatsoever!"
She snorted coldly and said to the maid beside her, "Go and see what Su Wan'er is dawdling about? Is she taking advantage of the prince's favor to disregard me?" Her words were full of anger and dissatisfaction, and her sharp tone echoed in the empty hall, causing all the servants to lower their heads and hold their breath, not daring to speak.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's anger, Emperor Murong Xuan quickly said in a low voice, "Mother, please calm down. Perhaps they were delayed this morning. I hope you will put aside your anger and wait patiently." After speaking, he put on a calm smile and tried to calm the Empress Dowager with a peaceful tone and expression.
The Empress also gently advised from the side, "Yes, Your Majesty, Consort Su is young and must still be learning the etiquette of paying respects. She certainly did not mean to offend Your Majesty. Your Majesty has always been magnanimous, so please don't let such a small matter harm your health." Her words were sincere, and her eyes were full of concern and comfort.
Seeing this, Lin Qianqian's heart stirred slightly. She gracefully stood up, moved lightly to the Empress Dowager, and knelt down respectfully. She lowered her head slightly, her face filled with remorse, and said softly, "Mother, this matter is entirely due to my inconsiderateness. I should have informed the Prince and Consort Su of all the details regarding the greetings beforehand. It was my dereliction of duty that caused them to be delayed, thus displeasing you. Consort Su is new to the Prince's residence and is inevitably unfamiliar with palace etiquette; she certainly did not mean it. I beg your forgiveness, Mother."
Her words were earnest and sincere. She took the initiative to take responsibility while cleverly exonerating the Prince and Su Wan'er. Her words displayed magnanimity and gentleness, revealing her high emotional intelligence. As expected, upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened, and her appreciation and affection for her increased even more.
The Empress Dowager raised her eyes and looked at Lin Qianqian kneeling on the ground. The anger on her face softened a little, and she said gently, "You are such a kind-hearted child, always thinking of others. Although this matter has nothing to do with you, it is rare that you have this sense of responsibility and consideration. Get up, the ground is cold, don't kneel and hurt yourself."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian slowly stood up, pursed her lips, and smiled slightly.
At this moment, Murong Yi and Su Wan'er arrived late. Murong Yi had a doting smile on his lips, a smile that never faded from beginning to end. His deep eyes seemed to be drawn by a magnet, never leaving Su Wan'er for a moment.
Su Wan'er's cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with shyness and happiness. The two walked hand in hand into the main hall with light steps, as if they were the only two people in the world, and everything around them became a blurred background.
Seeing this intimate and ambiguous scene, Lin Qianqian felt a sudden, indescribable emotion welling up inside her, a feeling that was both bitter and wistful. However, she maintained her dignified demeanor, forcing a smile at the corners of her mouth. The smile seemed indifferent, but it couldn't hide the fleeting loneliness deep in her eyes. She tried her best to control herself, striving to appear calm and composed, as if the scene before her hadn't stirred any ripples in her heart.
Murong Yi stepped forward steadily, his posture upright and his demeanor elegant. He first gave the Empress Dowager a deep bow, his movements graceful and fluid, and said respectfully, "Your subject greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty good health and abundant blessings."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Then, Murong Yi bowed to the Emperor, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty." The Emperor smiled in response. Afterward, he turned to the Empress and curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty's sister-in-law."
Su Wan'er followed obediently behind Murong Yi. After Murong Yi finished his greetings, she gracefully stepped forward and bowed. She softly said to the Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty enjoy longevity and good fortune." She then bowed to the Emperor and Empress in turn, her voice gentle and soft, displaying humility.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged a smile, a smile that conveyed gentleness and magnanimity. The Emperor slightly raised his hand and said in a clear voice, "Consort Su, there's no need for such formalities. Rise." The Empress also nodded gently.
The Empress Dowager's face was tense, her brows and eyes filled with displeasure, her gaze like cold, sharp arrows piercing Su Wan'er. She suddenly raised her voice and snapped, "Guards, take this woman out and give her twenty strokes of the cane!"
This sudden imperial decree struck like a bolt from the blue. Su Wan'er's face paled instantly, her eyes filled with terror and confusion, and her body trembled slightly. For a moment, she was at a loss for what to do.
Murong Yi's expression changed drastically, and he instantly became agitated. He took a step forward, spreading his arms wide to protect Su Wan'er. He stared directly at the Empress Dowager, his eyes filled with incomprehension and resentment, and asked loudly, "Mother, what do you mean by this? What has Wan'er done wrong? Why are you treating her like this?"