Although a little frightened, they still had to go. The next day, the two rose early, tidied themselves up, and then took a carriage to the palace.
Emperor Chongwen had just finished his morning court. Upon hearing from those around him that Gu Sinian had brought his wife to the palace, he changed his original plan to go to the Imperial Study and headed directly to Huaqing Palace. As he approached the entrance, he heard his daughter's unrestrained laughter.
"Cousin-in-law, please continue. Did that Grey Wolf finally eat a sheep?" Jinrong tugged at Qi Zhenzhen's hand, her small face full of anticipation.
"What are you talking about? It sounds so lively, share it with me, so I can listen too." Emperor Chongwen dismissed the people following him and entered the main hall of Huaqing Palace alone.
Consort An, leaning on the arm of a senior palace maid, stood up and elegantly walked towards Emperor Chongwen, intending to curtsy.
Emperor Chongwen steadied her, "How many times have I told you, we are family, no need for such formalities."
Consort An did not need to curtsy, but Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen could not just stand there idly.
The two respectfully bowed to Emperor Chongwen. After receiving a nod, they stood up.
"Alright, no need to stand, everyone sit down." Emperor Chongwen gestured for them to be seated.
The atmosphere, compared to moments before, was noticeably more reserved. No matter how amiable Emperor Chongwen appeared, he was still the high and mighty Emperor, and his aura of long-held authority was not diminished by his kindness.
Jinrong, always doted upon by Emperor Chongwen, was a bit more unrestrained in his presence. "Father Emperor, you usually go to the Imperial Study to handle memorials after court. Why have you come to Mother Consort's place today? Did you know Cousin and Cousin-in-law were coming and couldn't wait to give them a wedding gift?"
Indeed, the young couple was newly married, and as an elder, he should give them something. But he had come directly to Huaqing Palace after court; where would he get a gift?
Consort An smiled radiantly, "Jinrong, I almost forgot. The Emperor instructed me yesterday to prepare something, and I have it ready. Madam Gu, go and fetch it, and also bring the wedding gifts I prepared for Ah Nian and Zhenzhen."
Emperor Chongwen's eyes twinkled with amusement as he held Consort An's hand, "Ah Le, you are always so understanding."
Perhaps sensing that his presence made them uncomfortable, Emperor Chongwen did not linger. "Ah Nian, come with me."
"Alright, don't be so formal, come and sit," Consort An beckoned to Qi Zhenzhen.
She genuinely liked her niece-in-law now. Although her appearance was not breathtakingly beautiful, her disposition was excellent, and she and Ah Nian were of one heart.
"Cousin-in-law, please continue," Jinrong pestered Qi Zhenzhen.
"Jinrong," Consort An chided her with a playful glare. "You've already been talking for quite a while. Zhenzhen, don't mind Jinrong, keep your aunt company."
"I'll write it down later and give it to you to read," Qi Zhenzhen smiled.
"Cousin-in-law, don't forget. If you try to trick me, I'll come to your residence and refuse to leave," Jinrong said with a playful grin.
"I see you've become even more incorrigible with your father Emperor and me spoiling you!" Consort An chided.
"Mother Consort, Cousin-in-law is not an outsider," Jinrong said indifferently. "I like Cousin-in-law, that's why I'm being mischievous around her. Don't you want me to be close to Cousin-in-law?"
"Look, you're even making fun of me." Consort An's tone was helpless, but her eyes were full of affection.
"I really like Sister Rong's personality. She's innocent and carefree," Qi Zhenzhen smiled. She wasn't flattering Consort An, but genuinely liked Jinrong's disposition. She didn't hide her happiness or unhappiness, and she was intelligent. Dealing with such a person was the most effortless.
"She's a bit silly. If I didn't have some standing in the Emperor's heart, with her personality, she wouldn't fare well in this man-eating palace," Consort An said without any reservation.
"So, Sister Rong is a fortunate one."
Consort An's lips curved into a smile, and her satisfaction with Qi Zhenzhen grew.