webnovelfull Chapter 307
Chapter 307
When the imperial edict reached the Sheng residence, the entire family was overwhelmed with joy. Everyone in the family was overjoyed and told each other about it. However, some people couldn't help but wonder: Why didn't the emperor just enthrone Molan as empress?
It turns out that the clever Molan had already anticipated this. She knew that ascending the throne of empress right from the start would likely spark jealousy and discontent among the numerous aristocratic families. So, she proactively proposed to the emperor that she enter the palace as Imperial Noble Consort first, then appoint her as empress after she became pregnant, gave birth to a prince, and became crown prince. This would both allow the other aristocratic families to see that the position of empress was still vacant, providing a glimmer of hope, and avoid unnecessary disputes caused by premature enthronement.
Zhao Zhen was moved and sympathetic to Molan's words. He felt that such a considerate woman had been wronged, so he issued an order without hesitation, demanding that all matters be handled according to the standards of an empress, and that Molan be given a grand and solemn wedding.
Meanwhile, the Sheng family was busily preparing Molan's dowry, but everyone was troubled by the matter. After all, while the Sheng family was a prestigious family, it still lagged behind the truly aristocratic families. If the dowry was too shabby, it would truly be a disgrace to Molan!
Just as everyone was in a state of panic, Molan secretly instructed her trusted maid, Mo Ran, to relay news to her father, Sheng Hong, and her biological mother, Lin Qinshuang, that the dowry had been properly arranged. Upon hearing this joyous news, Sheng Hong felt a heavy weight finally lifted from his heart, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He was also filled with joy. After all, his daughter was now an Imperial Noble Consort, holding the highest position in the palace. While it was a slight regret that she didn't ascend directly to the throne of Empress, to receive such an honor was a rare privilege.
The thought of the emperor, already in his forties, and his beloved daughter, still in her prime, filled Sheng Hong with worry and sorrow for Molan's future. Worse still, the emperor still had no heir to inherit the throne. If the emperor were to pass away someday, what would become of his beloved daughter, Molan? Every time he thought of this, Sheng Hong felt a pang of pain in his heart.
Not only Sheng Hong, but even the other women in the family couldn't help crying after hearing about this. They knew that the royal decree could not be disobeyed. Even though they were reluctant and worried, they could only silently accept this cruel reality and pray that Molan would have a safe and smooth life.
As time passed, Lin Qinshuang hugged Sheng Hong and cried the day Molan entered the palace! Molan comforted him, "Mother, mother, and father, grandma can come to the palace to see Moer whenever she misses him. You don't have to be sad. Maybe God will pity Moer and his life won't be so difficult!"
Sheng Hong's eyes were red with tears welling up in them, and he said with a slightly trembling voice: "Mo'er, the people in this palace are complicated and treacherous. You must never trust what others say or do! Remember to protect yourself at all times and make sure you live a safe and healthy life! As long as you are well, Daddy, Mommy, and all the relatives at home can rest assured! We will do our best to be your solid backing and support..."
Chang Feng, standing by, immediately responded, "Don't worry, little sister. My brother and I are already preparing to take the imperial examinations in the second half of this year. We will both give our all and strive to achieve excellent results. We will rise to prominence soon, so that we can better protect you and become someone you can truly rely on!"
Molan suppressed the tears that were about to fall from her eyes, gently raised her hand to wipe the corners of her eyes, nodded vigorously and responded: "Okay! I understand, brothers, you should also take care of yourselves..."
At this time, Minglan came forward, hugged Molan tightly, and said goodbye softly: "Fourth sister, the journey is difficult. After entering the palace, many matters will need to be handled by me alone. I hope I will take good care of myself..."
Then, Nanny Xi carefully supported Molan as she slowly stepped into the ornately decorated sedan chair. As the curtains fell, Molan set off for the palace. Along the way, gongs and drums blared, colorful flags fluttered, creating a lively atmosphere.
Upon arriving at the palace, Molan and Zhao Zhen first went to the ancestral temple, where they respectfully paid homage to their ancestors. Then, they hurried back to Fengyi Hall to complete a series of elaborate and solemn rituals. After a long day, Molan was exhausted, and even the heavy hair ornaments on her head had left deep and light red marks from the constant pressure.
By the time Zhao Zhen entered Fengyi Palace, Molan had already finished washing up. She had changed into a bright, flame-red nightgown and was reclining lazily on the couch, clutching a storybook in her hands, reading with intense concentration and relish.
Zhao Zhen gently walked to the couch and sat down. He gently stretched out his arm to hug Molan's slender waist and asked softly, "My beloved, what are you reading that makes you so fascinated?" Molan raised her head at the sound, a happy smile on her pretty face. She replied, "I am reading this interesting storybook! Is your Majesty finally done?" Zhao Zhen's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a doting smile. He reached out and gently pinched Molan's small and delicate nose, jokingly saying, "From now on, you are not allowed to call me Majesty anymore. Call me husband!"
Hearing these words, Molan's cheeks instantly flushed a vibrant red, like the setting sun. She shyly lowered her head slightly, snuggling closer into Zhao Zhen's warm, broad embrace. Her whisper, as soft as a mosquito's, "Yes, my husband..." Zhao Zhen couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight. He then carefully lifted the shy Molan and slowly walked towards the beautifully decorated wedding bed. As they lay together on the soft brocade quilt, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but lean over and passionately kiss Molan's cherry-like, tender lips.
At that moment, the candlelight flickered throughout Fengyi Hall, illuminating the figures entwined in an embrace on the bed. The sounds of soft, ambiguous humming rose and fell, continuing until the eastern sky gradually brightened, only to gradually subside.
The next morning, golden sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the room. Zhao Zhen slowly awoke. He tilted his head to gaze at Molan, still lost in a sweet dream beside him. Her beautiful face was like a blooming flower, exuding an enchanting fragrance. Zhao Zhen couldn't help but lean over and gently pecked Molan's rosy cheek. Then, gently, he rose from the bed.
After leaving the inner chamber, Zhao Zhen summoned his personal eunuch and instructed him to help him dress and carefully wash and dress. Once everything was ready, Zhao Zhen walked towards the imperial court with steady, powerful steps. Before leaving, he specifically instructed the palace maids guarding the inner chamber door not to disturb the Imperial Concubine's rest.