frightfiction Chapter 1336 The Completely Buried Past
Chapter 1336 The Completely Buried Past
"The conferment ceremony is a grand palace ceremony, bearing on the imperial family's etiquette and the Empress's wishes. This is the standard for the Ministry of Rites' conduct, and we, the ministers, dare not neglect it."
Gu Jinxiao's words were official and rigid. There was nothing wrong with them, but there was not a trace of warmth in them either.
Shen Zhinian couldn't describe the feeling in his heart. He said no more and finally opened the memorial.
Gu Jinxiao began to report in a clear and organized manner.
From the selection of an auspicious day and the process of offering sacrifices to heaven, earth and ancestral temples; to the regulations for the imperial seal, the imperial ceremony, ceremonial guards and music on the day of receiving the imperial seal; to the order of the ladies of the palace in paying their respects and the arrangements for the banquet... every detail is left out.
His voice was steady, as if he was reading out a document that had nothing to do with him. He would only pause slightly when mentioning certain specific details, waiting for Shen Zhinian's signal.
Shen Zhinian listened carefully and occasionally asked a question or two, mostly about the purpose of certain links or past precedents.
Gu Jinxiao answered each question respectfully, citing scriptures and explaining them clearly.
The atmosphere in the hall was silent, with only his clear voice reporting and her occasional gentle inquiries.
Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting tiny, floating beams of light that elongated the figures of the two people, one sitting and the other standing. The boundary between them was clear, as if separated by an invisible chasm.
He perfectly played the role of the Minister of Rites who performed his duties conscientiously and reported respectfully.
She also calmly fulfilled the role of the imperial concubine who was powerful and gentle and listened attentively.
The howling wind in Mulan Paddock that night, the life-and-death struggle in the forest...all became a completely buried past.
At least, that's how it appears.
After Gu Jinxiao finished his report, he bowed and took his leave.
He turned and walked away, his steps steady and his back handsome, yet he exuded a sense of aloofness, burying the emotions deep in his heart, hidden from the world, completely, without so much as a glance back.
Shen Zhinian's gaze slowly withdrew from the palace door where Gu Jinxiao disappeared, and fell on the draft regulations on his knees. His fingers unconsciously traced the delicate lines on the cover.
The hall was extremely quiet for a moment.
Handan smiled and spoke, her voice filled with joyful anticipation: "Your Majesty, Minister Gu is so capable, the plan will surely be foolproof."
"Counting the days, in just over half a month, it will be Her Majesty's canonization ceremony. I wonder what a magnificent scene it will be then!"
Upon hearing this, Fuqiu also agreed with a smile, but her tone was more thoughtful: "Yes, your Majesty."
"This is the ceremony for the conferment of the Imperial Consort. The regulations are second only to those for the Empress. No carelessness is allowed."
"We in Yongshou Palace also need to prepare early."
"The Empress's court robes, jewelry, and furnishings, as well as the etiquette and rewards for the palace servants, all need to be carefully considered and properly arranged."
Shen Zhinian raised her eyes and looked at the two loyal female officials, whose faces were filled with smiles of genuine happiness for her.
The corners of her lips curled up slightly, forming a shallow arc. She gently closed the heavy memorial book and put it aside.
"Yes, it's time to get ready."
Shen Zhinian sighed: "Time flies by so fast."
At this time, the wet nurse came in holding the fourth prince.
The little guy just woke up, and his big black eyes were still a little confused.
As soon as he saw Shen Zhinian, he immediately grinned, stretched out his chubby arms and said, "Mother, hug... hug..."
"Ah Xu, come here."
The coldness on Shen Zhinian's face melted away instantly. She reached out and took the Fourth Prince into her arms, lowering her head to rub his soft, milky cheek.
This made the Fourth Prince chuckle.
While they were playing, Qiuyue came in quietly and reported: "Your Majesty, Princess Wenshu is outside the palace asking to see you."
Shen Zhinian paused slightly while holding the Fourth Prince, a hint of surprise flashing across his eyes.
Princess Wenshu?
The other party is quiet, even a little timid, and has never had a strong presence in the royal family. He has no close relationship with her. Why did he suddenly come to visit today?
But then, Shen Zhinian remembered the third place winner who always had a warm smile on his face, and he understood a little.
"Invite her in."
Shen Zhinian's tone returned to normal as he handed the Fourth Prince to the wet nurse and slightly straightened his slightly messy clothes.
"Yes."
Princess Wenshu walked in slowly.
She was wearing a lake blue palace dress today, looking a little more formal than usual, but there was still a lingering sense of restraint and uneasiness between her eyebrows.
Although both the Imperial Noble Consort and the Princess were of the First Rank, Princess Wenshu still bowed after entering the inner chamber and said softly, "Your Majesty the Imperial Noble Consort."
"The eldest princess."
Shen Zhinian nodded in return, his attitude gentle: "Qiuyue, please take a seat."
"Yes."
Princess Wenshu seemed a little embarrassed and sat halfway on the embroidered cushion that Qiuyue had brought in. Her eyes were quickly attracted by the Fourth Prince next to Shen Zhinian.
She tried hard to find a topic to talk about, praising him sincerely, "The Fourth Prince is truly adorable, and look at how clever he is."
Princess Wenshu seemed to have a natural liking for children, and her nervous expression relaxed a little.
Shen Zhinian smiled slightly and motioned the nurse to bring the Fourth Prince closer. "Little children are just beginning to make trouble. Princess, you are too kind."
Princess Wenshu looked at the Fourth Prince's eyes, which looked like black grapes, and could not help but gently touch his small fist: "Fourth Prince, I am your fifth aunt."
The Fourth Prince was not afraid of strangers either. Instead, he curiously grabbed one of her fingers and said, "Auntie...Auntie..."
This interaction seemed to give Princess Wenshu courage, and she began to speak more.
From praising the Fourth Prince, to talking about some recent happenings outside the palace, he carefully turned the topic to calligraphy, painting, chess and music.
She vaguely heard that the Imperial Noble Consort was quite accomplished in chess.
Shen Zhinian responded readily without asking any further questions. He just gave a few pointers at the right time, and the atmosphere seemed harmonious.
Princess Wenshu was obviously well prepared. Although she seemed a little awkward, her words were full of subtle intimacy and attempts to win over the other party.
After sitting for about an incense stick of time, and seeing that Shen Zhinian still had a faint smile on his face and showed no impatience, she stood up contentedly and left politely.
After Princess Wenshu left, Handan couldn't help muttering, "How bizarre!" as she cleared the teacups.
"Princess Wenshu is usually the quietest person. Why did she suddenly come to Yongshou Palace to talk today? And she talked for such a long time."
Shen Zhinian raised his eyelashes slightly when he heard that, with a faint smile on his lips as if he saw through everything.
She naturally understood why Princess Wenshu came.
For the handsome and gentle third place winner.
For a marriage that may seem slim, but I am willing to give it a try.
The fate of most women in the world depends on their fathers, brothers, or husbands. It is rare for them to fight for something for themselves.
Princess Wenshu mustered up the courage to take this step today, which was not a bad thing in Shen Zhinian's eyes. Instead, it made her feel a subtle admiration for this seemingly timid princess.
Shen Zhinian didn't point it out, but just said lightly: "Maybe he just has nothing to do and came here for a walk."