Yellow leaves float in the quiet pond, and you can taste lake crabs by the river.
The last day of August was the Empress Dowager's birthday. This year was her sixtieth birthday, so it was particularly lively. Emperor Youning ordered three months of preparation from May to August. In order to make the Empress Dowager happy, he invited a troupe of opera performers from the public.
From princes and nobles to ordinary people, this day was like a festival, and it happened to be a harvest day, so a jubilant atmosphere enveloped the entire dynasty.
Shen Xihe had a simple breakfast and then went into the palace. The birthday banquet started at noon and lasted until the end of the evening at 5 p.m. The palace banquet was held in Furong Garden.
She and Shen Yun'an first went to the palace to pay respects to the Queen Mother, and Shen Yun'an went to pay respects to His Majesty and accompanied His Majesty. Shen Xihe stayed in Yong'an Palace to accompany the Queen Mother and rushed to Furong Garden with her.
All officials congratulated, ladies of honor kowtowed, and common people shouted, it was a huge scene, demonstrating the prosperity of the era.
There are sounds of stringed instruments, orchestral music, singing and dancing; the sound of bells and drums, and wine flowing from cups.
It was not the first time that the palace held a banquet, but this time it was particularly special. There was only joy in celebration and everyone had smiles on their cheeks.
Shen Xihe was enjoying the singing and dancing and the delicious food, feeling very comfortable.
"Sister Zhaoning." Shen Xihe was sitting next to Princess Pingling, who leaned over and called her softly.
Shen Xihe did not hear the loud sounds of music and dancing, but she saw what Princess Pingling was doing, so she moved closer and cast a questioning look at her.
"Sister Zhaoning, Fourth Sister asked me to ask, is the Crown Prince married?" Princess Pingling asked in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Shen Xihe turned to look at the Fourth Princess before Princess Pingling. The Fourth Princess wore a peony crown on her head, a lilac dress with a peony embroidered on the chest, and a wide-sleeved, floor-length snow-blue robe. She looked luxurious and beautiful.
The fourth princess was given the title Princess Changling. Emperor Youning had only four princesses alive, and gave the princesses the title of Wuling. But the title of Changling was particularly special, because the princes avoided the title of Crown Prince and changed it to "Chang", so Changling was on par with the princes.
This title fell on the Fourth Princess. She was a princess who lost her mother at a young age, but she was the most beloved by His Majesty. Her favor was equal to that of the princes, just as her name indicated. Even the Sixth Princess Pingling, who had two older brothers who were princes and a biological mother who was a concubine acting as the deputy in the six palaces, had to give way to her.
When the fourth princess met Shen Xihe's gaze, she raised her head slightly and nodded and smiled at her.
Shen Xihe retracted his gaze and said to Pingling, "Why not let the Fourth Princess ask His Majesty about this?"
Shen Xihe went to Beijing to marry into the royal family. This was an agreement reached between Shen Yueshan and Emperor Youning, which included the condition that he would no longer interfere in Shen Yun'an's marriage.
Even in this dynasty, marriages are not restricted by trivial matters. For example, marrying one's uncle or even father-in-law after the husband's death is not considered unusual, and it is not uncommon for a woman to have a concubine's child. It is also common for brothers and sisters to marry into the same family, and for sisters and brothers to marry into the same family. As long as it does not involve blood ethics, it is extremely tolerant.
Shen Xihe could marry into the royal family, and a royal princess could also marry Shen Xihe's brother, but Emperor Youning would not make the decision unless Shen Yun'an personally asked for permission.
I wonder if this Princess Changling, who seems unattainable, really has a crush on her brother, or if there is someone behind the scenes instructing her.
Isn't it good to live in a prosperous capital? Why do you have to go to the northwest to be exposed to the wind and sun
Pingling shook his hand almost imperceptibly at Changling. Changling's expression changed slightly and he pursed his lips, not knowing what he was thinking.