The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 1197 - 276: The Imperial Decree for Marriage

Su Chanjun noticed the gaze, turned her head, and saw Grandma Jiang talking to Pei Qin again. That gaze was indeed Pei Qin’s. She casually glanced at her, and the grand attire of a First-ranked Wife seemed like wearing dignity, nodded slightly.

The few people around her saw her action and also looked towards Pei Qin, their gazes distinctly different. Mo Heng left the clan, but Mo Dun was still his biological father, and Lady Su was also Pei Qin’s mother-in-law. She and Mo Heng held high power, but Mo Dun had successfully entered the cabinet too. Who knew if Mo Heng would return home!?

Pei Qin looked at Su Chanjun, her mouth curling up in mockery, then turned away.

Su Chanjun saw her mocking and scornful eyes, as if she had recognized her and knew the despicable things she had done—such disdain immediately filled her with inexplicable shame and anger. So, this was the woman of vulgar appearance and low cultivation, only having value in making money and munitions!

The atmosphere became somewhat strange, everyone tacitly began to talk about other matters.

Sister Gong came by to relay a message that the Empress was about to ascend the throne. The court congratulatory ceremony had begun.

Pei Qin and Madam An took their places, standing properly.

A little palace maid brought forward cushions and arranged them in front of everyone.

"Kneel!"

"Long live the Empress, long live, long long live the Empress!"

Pei Qin had just knelt down when a warm rush came, blinked her eyes, and suddenly felt that kneeling was not so hard to endure. If they gave her a quilt and some snacks, it would be perfect with a performance kicking off in front!

Daydreaming for a long time, the lengthy court ceremony eventually concluded.

A Sister Gong came to help Pei Qin up, "Madam Pei! The Grand Empress Dowager said, since you’re free these days, bring the two young ladies to the palace to play."

Pei Qin agreed, "When the Grand Empress Dowager is free, I will bring them into the palace to pay our respects to her."

"The Grand Empress Dowager is free every day. It’s all about when Madam Pei is available," Sister Gong said with a smile.

Pei Qin looked at her smiling, aged face and reluctantly agreed, "I’ll bring them tomorrow."

Sister Gong bowed and took her leave.

The palace maid waiting on the side conveyed the Empress’s words, "The Empress initially wanted to speak with you, but today being the first day of the new year, there are many matters. Knowing that you were coming to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, she didn’t want you to make another trip."

"Good!" These words allowed her to pay respects to the Empress again and offer another gift...

On the first day of the new year, she received special treatment, attracting many envious glances.

Yet, Pei Qin just wanted to go home and catch up on sleep. From darkness in the chilly wind till the sun rose high, yesterday’s snow had melted in the sunlight, puffing out cold air, making the cushion only warm the first half.

Grandma Jiang came over holding her arm, and as they walked shoulder to shoulder, she said, "Previously, I only heard from my mother-in-law that my husband’s position was too low, and I wasn’t qualified to enter the palace for the ceremony, but I didn’t realize it required kneeling for so long. Sister Qin, it seems like your first time too!"

As if they shared a secret because of the same event, the relationship between the two women grew much closer. Pei Qin, having been the older sister so long, finally got to play the younger sister role.

Madam Dou walked beside them, smiling, "Are you alright? You’ll have to prepare early next year!"

"My knees are a bit numb! But it’s okay!" It was much better than when Emperor Chu Wen died; although Pei Qin had to manage the palace guards, she also knelt firmly for three days straight, and although it was not for long each day, it was almost deadly. No wonder there were devices to make kneeling easier. She also had her knee guards, made by Pei Qian.

Madam Dou took the opportunity to invite her and Grandma Jiang to her house for the New Year’s drink, which they were holding on the fourth day.

Pei Qin thought for a moment that she had to enter the palace on the second day, the General An Liefeng’s family New Year’s drink was on the third day, and the fourth was still open, so she smiled and agreed, "Then we’ll host ours on the fifth!"

"We’ll definitely come over!" Grandma Jiang replied with a smile.

The group laughed and talked all the way to the palace gates. Grandma Jiang, seeing the person standing with Jiang Dahai by the gates, smiled and said, "Sister Qin! The Marquis really cares! He has been waiting and even brought a great cloak!"

Such a jest might have embarrassed someone else, but Pei Qin greeted them with a smile and hurried over, "It’s so cold..."

"You should have worn one more layer," Mo Heng said as he draped the great cloak over her, "Quick, get on."

Pei Qin turned her head to bid farewell to Madam Dou and Grandma Jiang, then boarded the carriage.

Mo Heng also stepped up to get on when suddenly he turned his head, his gaze sharp as a razor.

Su Chanjun was staring over in his direction, and when she saw him suddenly look over, her heart skipped a beat, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Mo Heng stepped up into the carriage, pulling down the curtain.

Feng Wei coldly swept his eyes over Su Chanjun and drove the carriage home. freёnovelkiss.com