At this time, Qin Yining had already washed up and changed into a half-new brocade collar. Her half-dried hair was draped over her shoulders and glowed under the orange light. Other than her slightly red and swollen eyes, there was no sign of the sadness from before.
But even so, those who had followed her all year round knew that she was sad.
Bing Tang and Ji Yun were very anxious: "We don't want to get married. Didn't we agree before that we will stay by your side in the future?"
"That's right, what's so good about getting married?"
"What nonsense are you saying?" Qin Yining held their hands, "Of course I welcome you to stay by my side. After you get married, you can still come into the palace to see me often. This won't delay our reunion. Don't tell me you want to be palace maids for the rest of your lives? "
"What's wrong with being palace maids?"
Qin Yining's white hand brushed Ji Yun's hair away from her temples, "Alright, don't be impulsive and don't speak nonsense. In this life, we have to move forward and look forward. Even if we can't bear to let go of a stage, the next stage will come. You are all good girls. Now that Wang Ye and I have the ability, we will give you a good home. In the future, you can live your lives peacefully and happily. Isn't that better than being palace maids by my side? "
"But … in the depths of the palace, how can there be a considerate person?" Bing Tang sniffled and wiped away her tears.
Qin Yining sighed helplessly, "You have to get used to it. After you get married, you will have to live the rest of your lives under the same roof. You have to make your own decisions about the matters in the fu. You have to learn how to get used to that kind of life. Fortunately, His Majesty and I are here. Huzi and Tang Xiu won't dare to bully you in secret. "
Ji Yun lowered her head and said: "We have Your Majesty's support, but what about you?"
Qin Yining smiled and used a handkerchief to wipe her tears, "Me? Of course I have His Majesty's support. I still have a long life ahead of me. The road is paved by people. How can there be any obstacles that can't be overcome? You guys, don't worry about me. Don't tell me you really want to stay by my side and become old ladies? What's more, His Majesty has already decreed for you to choose a date to get married. How can you defy an imperial edict? "
Bing Tang and Ji Yun also knew these principles, but their hearts were empty. They were about to enter a new life. They were confused and reluctant.
Qin Yining took their hands and shook them one on the left and the other on the right. "Well, don't worry. I've asked people to prepare a house and a generous dowry for you. I've also asked people to choose a servant girl for you. In the future, with me as your backing, the Imperial Palace will be your maiden home. You just have to be bold and rest assured as you move forward. The road ahead is still long, and your days will only get better. Don't be afraid, understand? "
Knowing that this was a fact that could not be changed, even if Ji Yun and Bing Tang were reluctant to part with Qin Yining, they could only thank him and leave while wiping away their tears.
As soon as the two left, they saw Pang Xiao standing in front of them. The palace servants beside him all stood with their hands by their sides and kept quiet out of fear. They did not know how long he had been waiting in front of the door.
The two hurriedly bowed to Pang Xiao: "Greetings to His Majesty."
Pang Xiao waved his hand. He first craned his neck to look inside the room, then asked the two in a low voice: "How is your master feeling right now?"
"Of course she's sad." Bing Tang said in a low voice, "It's just that the Empress is a strong-willed person. She can usually digest her sadness by herself."
Pang Xiao's heart clenched. He thought of what the two children had said just now. The Yao Clan was unscrupulous in front of the children. They were probably even worse in front of Qin Yining. He probably only knew a part of it. Qin Yining must have suffered a lot behind his back.
"You can leave."
Pang Xiao could not wait any longer. He quickly walked into the hall, waved away the palace servants who were about to come forward to serve him, and quickly walked into the bedroom.
Qin Yining heard the footsteps and came out to greet him. Seeing Pang Xiao's anxious face, he asked with a smile: "What's wrong?"
Her eyes were still swollen. When she smiled, it was even more obvious. Her smile was even more pitiful.
Pang Xiao pulled her hand and sat next to her on the heated kang bed by the window. He hugged her and asked in a low voice: "Are you feeling better?"
"Much better. I've already thought it through. " Qin Yining smiled. His cheek rubbed against Pang Xiao's chest like a lazy cat, "Father and Mother have their own ideas. It's not a bad thing that they want to go to Xi Yue. At most, I'll go visit them more in the future. Zhao Ge 'er, that child … "
Qin Yining's voice choked. He suppressed his sadness and said helplessly: "When the child grows up, he will leave me eventually. Right now, he just made a choice in advance. As parents, we don't want to imprison our children by our side. Instead, we want to find ways to let them live freely. There must be a reason why Zhao Ge 'er could make such a decision at such a young age. As long as he's not forced to do so, it's fine. "
"You've really thought it through." Pang Xiao sighed, "Don't worry. Zhao Ge 'er might grow up better with Father-in-law by his side. In the future, we'll find ways to reunite more often. It's not like we can't come out of Xi Yue forever. "
Although he said so, they were separated by thousands of mountains and rivers. It would not be easy to see each other in the future.
Qin Yining knew this in his heart, but he did not dwell on it. After nodding in agreement, he reported the list of dowries and properties he prepared for Bing Tang, Ji Yun, and Lian Xiaozhou to Pang Xiao.
Pang Xiao saw that he was in a good mood and increased it accordingly. He smiled and said: "As their master, you're so generous to them. I can't be too harsh. Later, I'll give more rewards to Tang Xiu, Huzi, and Fang Hailing so that they won't be outdone."
Both of them burst into laughter.
It was almost the new year. This was the first new year in Da Xin. The palace was decorated with lanterns and colored banners in preparation. It was the first year of the new Emperor's ascension. The new year was equally important. They could not be careless.
It was rare for Qin Yining to have some free time. He left everything to the Imperial Household Department to prepare. Other than greeting the Empress Dowager in the morning, he spent the rest of his time with the children accompanying Qin Huaiyuan. The time they spent together became less and less. After the new year, Bing Tang and Ji Yun would get married. Qin Huaiyuan was ready to set off. Qin Yining cherished the current days even more.
On New Year's Eve, there was no curfew in the capital.
Tens of thousands of lights were lit. The red lanterns hung high. The tall palace walls were illuminated by the colorful fireworks in the sky. Every household was staying up for the new year. The sound of firecrackers crackled non-stop. The air was filled with the smell of fireworks.
The adults were celebrating. The children were also jubilant.
Brother Zhao, Brother Han, and Brother Yan were clapping and jumping in the courtyard of Kunning Palace. Some young palace maids and eunuchs were also following their masters. They looked up at the bright flowers blooming in the sky.
Qin Yining withdrew his gaze from the window. When he turned around, he saw Qiu Feishan walking over with a smile.
"Empress." Qiu Feishan curtsied.
"Don't be like this." Qin Yining hurriedly reached out to support her. He smiled and said: "Today, we came to the palace to stay up for the new year. I don't know if you like it."
"Of course I like it." Qiu Feishan hesitated for a moment, but still said: "After Fang Hailing and Miss Lian get married, our family is also planning to leave. We want to go back to Tianji Valley together. "
At this time, Qin Yining was no longer so surprised when she heard about the separation.
After all, Mu Jinghu also had his own life. Pang Xiao was now successful. Mu Jinghu had no reason to stay by his side as a guard.
Qin Yining nodded.
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