Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 217 Welcoming Ceremony

As night fell, Mingyue, carrying a glass palace lantern, led the way slowly, followed by Donggua carrying a quilt, and Mengzhu and Ruizhu, each carrying a pile of things, in silence.

Hua Yan was sitting on the veranda lost in thought when she saw them enter the courtyard, and she quickly got up.

Mingyue spoke first with a smile: "Her Majesty just instructed that Donggua stay in the side hall tonight so that he can keep you company. After the Empress's investiture ceremony tomorrow, when there is some free time, we can choose one from Chun'er, Xia'er, or the new palace maids to serve you temporarily."

The Palace Attendant had already arranged for four palace maids to serve at Huining Palace, and they are currently being supervised by Aunt Mei. Hua Yan and Consort Chun were busy in the palace today, and they were not seen in the latter half of the day.

Ruizhu's tone was slightly sad, "I'm really not used to it now. Fortunately, we're all in the Empress's palace. It's just that when I'm doing the Empress's makeup, I still need Huayan to give me some pointers."

Mengzhu coughed lightly behind her, reminding Ruizhu never to call Huayan by her given name again.

Mengzhu became increasingly composed, and Huayan sighed inwardly. She was about to welcome them into the flower hall when Donggua chuckled and said, "Let's put our luggage down in the side room first, and then we can talk."

After everything was tidied up, Hua Yan called Rui Zhu over and gave her some instructions.

"Tomorrow, Your Majesty will attend the coronation ceremony at Fengtian Hall. Your Majesty can wear your usual attire, but not entirely plain. I remember when you were still in the Prince's residence, after your first night with the Emperor, he bestowed upon you a warm jade hairpin adorned with hibiscus blossoms, paired with a gold hairpin with cloud and phoenix patterns, a gift from the Empress Dowager. The phoenix pendant is unnecessary; replace it with a jade cicada..."

Ruizhu noted everything down. It was important that Consort Chun should not be separated from someone for long. Mengzhu said a few words and then left with Ruizhu and Mingyue.

Only Hua Yan and Dong Gua remained in the flower hall. After washing up, Dong Gua said, "Just now, Xiao Nianzi reported that the Emperor went to the Empress's residence to rest today. I noticed that our Empress's complexion did not change much."

"Tomorrow is the Empress's coronation ceremony, and the Emperor will naturally stay in the Empress's palace. The Second Miss doesn't show it on her face, but her emotions are in turmoil. She probably won't be able to sleep well these days. When I returned to the manor this time, I specially asked the Sixth Miss and Xiangru for some herbal recipes. Tomorrow, I will make some sachets that are suitable for helping people sleep."

Having not done embroidery for a long time, she was probably rusty, so Hua Yan patted the winter melon and said, "I'll give you one after I finish it."

Donggua, unsuspecting, happily hugged Huayan's arm, revealing a hint of coquettishness: "I knew you would treat me the best. Once I've mastered the preparation of the spicy eggplant, I'll definitely serve it to you first."

Hua Yan: "...It's getting late, let's rest first."

The next day, at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM).

Donggua went to the kitchen early. When Huayan woke up, Chun'er and Xia'er were already waiting outside the flower hall.

Hearing the noise from inside, the two carried a basin and towels into the flower hall.

"This servant greets Consort Meng. Her Majesty has instructed two of us to assist you with your hair and makeup."

When Hua Yan put on her palace dress for the first time, she sat in front of the mirror and, without Xia'er's help, casually tied her hair up and pinned it up behind her head.

She was about to take a hairpin to secure it when she was suddenly stunned by the dazzling array of hairpins and jewelry inside the makeup box. Could it be that Aunt Mei had emptied the Second Miss's storeroom or Yongbaolou?

After a moment of confusion, she remembered that Madam Yun had said she had also prepared a dowry for her, and it seemed that the jewelry in this makeup box was part of it.

Hua Yan picked and chose a white jade hairpin to secure her hair. She didn't apply any makeup, and Xia'er simply drew her eyebrows.

"I heard that Granny Yu, who used to work in the main kitchen, did not accompany you to the palace?"

Hua Yan casually put on her earrings while exchanging pleasantries with Chun'er beside her.

Chun'er respectfully replied, "Before we entered the palace, the steward kept Granny Yu and the others behind and sent them back to the Duke's mansion."

"Oh? It is indeed a wonderful story to be able to return to the side of one's former master."

"Granny Yu is overjoyed. The Duke's mansion has been completely renovated, and she estimates that the Duke, his wife, and young lady will return in the next few days..."

Chun'er, being simple-minded, continued the conversation excitedly until she received a look from Xia'er, at which point she abruptly stopped.

Hua Yan stood up, smiled and patted Chun'er's sleeve, "There's no need to envy Granny Yu. Perhaps one day, Her Majesty will be merciful and allow you two to return to your former masters."

Xia'er gasped for breath and pulled Chun'er to kneel on the ground.

"We dare not. Now that we are serving Consort Chun, only Consort Chun is our master."

“Only by keeping one’s former master in mind can one show true loyalty. Why is Xia’er so fearful?”

Hua Yan reached out to help Chun'er up and led the way out of the flower hall.

Huining Hall, inside the sleeping hall.

Consort Chun was sitting in front of the dressing table, letting Ruizhu do her makeup. After Huayan bowed, she saw Ruizhu wink at her and praised, "Ruizhu's hands are becoming more and more skillful. Your Majesty's makeup today is very appropriate."

Consort Chun's face was slightly pale, but her eyes lit up when she saw Hua Yan's makeup. She raised her hand and gestured for Hua Yan to come forward. She said reproachfully, "It's only because you are naturally beautiful that you look so plain."

Then he inquired in detail whether the person had rested well the previous night, showing his genuine concern.

Hua Yan answered each question in turn, and Consort Chun then pointed to Chun'er and Xia'er, who were standing outside the bedchamber, and said, "I will temporarily assign the two of them to serve you, and we will make replacements later if there are suitable ones."

"Your Majesty, how about you betroth Dong'er to me? As for the other candidates, Xia'er was very clever in doing my hair and makeup just now..."

Consort Chun helped Hua Yan to her feet. "Then Xia'er will go. As for Dong'er, she's too clumsy and might not be up to the task."

Dong'er has some issues, and Hua Yan naturally wouldn't let her stay by Consort Chun's side, so she slightly clenched her fist to remind Consort Chun. Consort Chun immediately changed the subject: "When you were by my side, you always managed the servants with Aunt Mei. It would be good to transfer Dong'er over there for you to help her get some treatment."

......

Before dawn, Consort Chun, along with Consort Guo and other concubines, arrived at Renming Hall to await the Emperor and Empress.

Hua Yan, as a selected concubine, followed behind Qu Cai Ren side by side with Wu Yunu. Outside Renming Hall, the eunuch Jing Ming was instructing the palace servants to place four kinds of gifts on the south side of the decorated carriage.

The empress's entourage, carriages, and other necessities have all been arranged.

Solemn music played, and the emperor, wearing a bright yellow crown and empress, dressed in a matching yellow robe and a phoenix crown, ascended the decorated palanquin hand in hand with female officials and palace attendants, accompanied by Consort Min and others, heading to Fengtian Gate. Consort Chun led the other concubines in the procession.

As Min Shangyi had previously pointed out, the grand ceremony was divided into three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. A few days prior, officials from the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs and the Court of State Ceremonial Affairs had, under the supervision of Prince Rui, respectfully informed Heaven and Earth and the ancestral temples. This was the period for the auspicious proclamation and announcement of the auspicious omen. Afterwards, the investiture ceremony would be held, followed by the nuptial cup ceremony, and finally, the congratulations of all civil and military officials.

Upon arriving at the Fengtian Hall, officials from the Court of State Ceremonial had already set up desks, ceremonial desks, registers, and treasure desks in front of the throne. Chen Yan from the Ministry of Rites presented gifts to His Majesty.

The chief and deputy envoys, holding ceremonial staffs and carrying imperial edicts, performed a welcoming ceremony.

The Empress stood solemnly before the incense table, performed four bows, and the official in charge of proclaiming the edict took the edict and proclaimed it.

After a series of tedious procedures, the Empress, who was more than three months pregnant, turned almost deathly pale before the investiture ceremony concluded. The Emperor sat facing east, and the Empress sat facing west, and they performed the nuptial cup ceremony.

Hua Yan looked at Consort Chun through Consort Song and the others. Consort Chun seemed to sense this and turned slightly to the side. Their eyes met, and after a moment they both looked at the Empress on the steps.

......

[Note] Lubu: The ceremonial procession of the empress when she travels, including vehicles, flags, musical instruments, etc.; Danbi: The high platform in front of the palace, also known as "Danchi" or "Dandi".