An Guifei signaled to the palace attendants beside her. The attendants understood and immediately slipped a sachet to Qiu Gu Gu, asking, "Does Gu Gu know why the Empress is seeing the Heir's wife?"
Qiu Gu Gu discreetly accepted the sachet, a perfectly measured smile on her lips. "Just talking," she replied. After a pause, she added in a low voice, "The Eldest Princess is paying her respects to the Empress in the Empress's palace."
"It just so happens I haven't paid my respects to the Empress today, so I'll go with you," An Guifei said.
Qiu Gu Gu did not obstruct her. Although the Empress was the central figure, An Guifei was far more favored. While they appeared cordial, they had been vying for years, and strictly speaking, An Guifei had the upper hand more often. For women in the inner palace, favor made a significant difference. Therefore, An Guifei's desire to go was not something a mere female official could prevent.
"Then I will also go to pay my respects to Mother Empress," Jin Rong said as well.
The group proceeded from Huaqing Palace to Yikun Palace. The distance was considerable, taking a full two hours.
From the outside, Yikun Palace and Huaqing Palace looked much the same, but the difference was striking once inside. Huaqing Palace was furnished with warmth, while Yikun Palace exuded strict etiquette and a cool detachment. The palace staff wore solemn expressions, creating an unspoken pressure.
An Guifei performed a deep bow, smiling as she said, "Sister, your complexion is excellent today. Did Jin Yue say something amusing?"
"This commoner pays her respects to the Empress," Qi Zhen Zhen said, performing the customary grand禮 upon meeting the Empress for the first time.
Three bows and nine kowtows.
"We are family, why the need for such a grand礼? Qiu Gu Gu, you should have stopped her," the Empress said with a smile, speaking slowly. *Could she be any more insincere? If kowtows weren't necessary, she would have said so earlier.*
"Your Ladyship is considerate, but etiquette must be observed," Qi Zhen Zhen replied.
"Qiu Gu Gu, hurry and help the Heir's wife up," the Empress chided.
"I dare not trouble Qiu Gu Gu," Qi Zhen Zhen said, rising nimbly and standing with her head slightly bowed, maintaining proper decorum.
"A Nian's wife, there's no need to be so reserved. A Nian is Noble Consort Sister's nephew, and His Majesty also values him greatly. I see him as my own nephew," the Empress continued. "You are naturally my niece-in-law, we are family."
"Zhen Zhen, since Her Ladyship has spoken, you need not be so restrained. Just be as you are in Gu Gu's palace," An Guifei said with a smile.
"Last time I saw the Heir's wife at Jin Rong's place, she didn't seem so reserved. Why are you so timid now?" Jin Yue asked with a delicate laugh.
"This commoner is meeting the Empress for the first time. Your Ladyship's majesty deeply impresses me, making me hesitant and cautious, which is normal," Qi Zhen Zhen replied in a calm, unhurried tone. "Now that the Empress has declared we are family, this commoner will naturally follow Your Ladyship's instructions."
The Empress now had a clear view of Qi Zhen Zhen. She was a beauty, but not an exceptionally rare one. Not to mention others, Jin Yue alone was more attractive than Qi Zhen Zhen in terms of looks. She had heard that due to certain reasons, she had lived in the countryside for several years. This was considered a blemish on her life. Furthermore, to have such a blemish and still marry into a prestigious family as the principal wife, her methods must be extraordinary. Jin Yue was devoted to Gu Si Nian, and with this woman around, her hopes might be slim.
"Come, come, everyone sit. Don't be so reserved," the Empress invited kindly. "It's rare for my place to be so lively. Seeing you young ladies makes me feel much younger."
"Mother Empress, you are always young!" Jin Yue laughed. "Ask Noble Consort if we don't look like sisters when we are together?"