"Rest assured, I will arrange everything," Gu Sinian said. "You should spend more time with Aunt then."
Qi Zhenzhen nodded in agreement.
Soon, the day for the provincial visit arrived. Gu Sinian took his guards early in the morning to pick up Consort An. However, because Empress Lu was also returning home that day, and due to the difference in status, Consort An could only leave the palace after Empress Lu and the 'Emperor Chongwen's' entourage had departed.
Furthermore, all the other consorts had to see Empress Lu and Emperor Chongwen off.
The four consorts had already returned from their provincial visits. Looking at 'Emperor Chongwen' standing beside Empress Lu, and then at Consort An, who was performing the same courtesies as them, Consort Xian lowered her voice and said, "I thought His Majesty would accompany Sister back to the Duke's mansion. Now it seems Sister is ultimately outmatched by the Empress."
Consort An remained composed. "Being allowed to return home for a visit is already His Majesty's grace. Is Consort Xian not satisfied?"
Consort Xian had merely intended to stir up Consort An's resentment. Seeing that she showed no reaction, she naturally fell silent.
After Empress Lu and Emperor Chongwen's entourage departed, Consort An, supported by her maids, boarded the ornate carriage personally bestowed by Emperor Chongwen. Emperor Chongwen, mingling with the attendants, followed behind the carriage with a submissive demeanor.
Gu Sinian rode a tall horse, leading the way. The common people on the streets watched with excitement.
At the end of the street, Empress Lu and 'Emperor Chongwen's' entourage turned left, and Consort An's convoy then turned right.
"Your Majesty," Empress Lu said softly, "This concubine is very pleased."
'Emperor Chongwen' spoke calmly, his expression and tone indistinguishable from Emperor Chongwen's.
"Because I accompanied you home?" Emperor Chongwen asked.
Empress Lu nodded. "Yes. This is something this concubine never dared to hope for. Your Majesty has given me such a great surprise. From now on, this concubine will surely serve Your Majesty well."
Ji Xiang, walking beside the sedan chair, remained impassive, but his heart was greatly shocked. As the Emperor's personal attendant, if he hadn't known beforehand that this was a fake, he would have been unable to distinguish it. From the small gestures and tone of voice, even the look in his eyes, it was all remarkably lifelike. Even the feeling of being inwardly distracted while outwardly having to deal with the Empress was exactly the same.
If this person were to replace His Majesty, who else besides himself and Consort An could tell the difference?
Gu Changwei, along with all the members of his household, had been waiting at the main gate for a long time. Regardless of what he was thinking, the proper etiquette could not be neglected. The Noble Consort was visiting, and the entire family was there to welcome her.
Gu Sinian dismounted, and the ornate carriage halted. The accompanying eunuch immediately prepared a footstool, and the maids attending Consort An helped her alight from the carriage.
"This humble subject Gu Changwei, along with his family, respectfully welcomes Noble Consort. May Noble Consort be blessed with peace and prosperity." Gu Changwei was the first to kneel, and the people behind him from the Duke's mansion followed suit.
Consort An stepped forward with an excited expression. "Elder Brother, please rise quickly. We are family!"
"Your Ladyship, the rules of the imperial family cannot be disregarded," Gu Changwei said. After completing the proper courtesies, Gu Changwei rose, and as soon as he stood up, everyone else also quickly stood. "Your Ladyship's accommodation has been arranged."
Madam Qin stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Ladyship, please this way."
Consort An took Madam Qin's arm, showing great affection. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
Madam Qin smiled. "Your Ladyship must be tired from the carriage ride. Please settle in first and rest a while before making any further plans."
"I will go see Mother first," Consort An said.
"Your Ladyship, this is not in accordance with the rules," Madam Qin said, glancing at Gu Changwei, and advised.
"Sister-in-law, now that I am home, let's not speak of such rules. This is the Duke's mansion, not the Imperial Palace," Consort An said.