Lian Manman called over the two stewardesses of the inner court and kitchen, and together with Lady Zhang, they organized the affairs of the inner residence. After that, Lady Zhang, Lian Manman, and Lian Zhizhi, the mother and daughters, got on a carriage and went out. In the Prefecture City, there are temples with flourishing incense, nunneries, scenic spots bustling with tourists, the most prosperous shops in Liaodong Prefecture, and countless delicacies. The three of them had nothing else to do but enter every temple they saw to burn incense and give alms, and then they would go sightseeing, shop in stores, and taste the food.
Liaodong Prefecture is different from the Central Plains; it’s a multi-ethnic area, influenced by the northern tribes’ customs, which are quite bold and unpretentious. Therefore, won on the streets are not uncommon and don’t need to veil or wear hats, as it’s a common sight that surprises no one.
Lian Shouxin mostly stayed with them, while Xiao Qi, due to his studies, had the least ti to play. However, whenever soone found sothing delicious or fun, they would naturally bring back a portion for the little fellow. Master Chu, knowing the Lian family’s situation and that besides picking up Wu Lang, they were also here to accompany their daughter through the Prefecture City before her marriage, tried his best to give Xiao Qi more free ti to accompany his sister, allowing the family to gather together.
Thus, after staying in the Prefecture City for a few days, news ca from Steward Zhong. Shen Liu’s returning convoy had already entered Liaodong Prefecture and was expected to reach the Prefecture City at the end of the day after next.
"No need to et outside the city, as it will be chaotic by then. Lian, the master will surely go with Sixth Master back to the Shen residence first before coming ho."
Steward Zhong inford Lian Shouxin that many people would be going outside the city to the Shili Pavilion to welco Shen Liu, and with all the vehicles and horses, it would be inconvenient for the Lian Manman family to et and talk with people. Besides, Wu Lang was returning with Shen Liu and had been assigned a task by him. Upon reaching the Prefecture City, he wouldn’t be able to co ho imdiately; he had to first go to the Shen family, and only after Shen Liu released him could Wu Lang leave.
Steward Zhong advised the Lian Shouxin family to simply wait at ho, as it’s the cold winter season, and apart from Lian Shouxin, the rest are won and children. Going out of the city to et and possibly getting frozen would not be good.
Despite Steward Zhong’s good intentions, the family insisted on going outside the city to et him.
"Just seeing him a mont earlier is enough. We absolutely won’t cause any trouble," said Lady Zhang.
Seeing the family’s determination, Steward Zhong naturally did not stop them and arranged for a carriage from Lian Manman’s family to follow within the convoy from the Shen family, accompanied by designated guards to prevent any mishaps.
On the day, after having lunch, the family set off in the carriage. News had already returned from the Capital City that Shen Liu, during this trip to the Capital, received multiple praises. Shen Jin entered the palace and received favor; the next day, she was conferred the title of consort. Because of the birthday gift offered to the Emperor at his birthday, which was well-received by him, she was imdiately promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.
This position is second only to the Empress, making it the most prestigious rank in the Imperial Harem. And since there is currently no Empress in the palace, it can be said that Shen Jin beca the head of the Imperial Harem shortly after her entrance.
Although this was long anticipated, the actuality still brought great joy. Not only the Shen family but as well as the officials and even the common people of Liaodong Prefecture were elated by this news.
Liaodong Prefecture shares a long border with the northern tribes, historically plagued with frequent wars. Although the northern tribes are currently stable, they remain fierce, skilled in archery and equestrian skills, and always pose a potential threat to the Great Ming Dynasty.
Caring for the Shen family and marrying a Shen daughter into the palace as an Empress is a very wise and effective choice for the Emperor of the Great Ming. Through this kind of marital alliance with the Shen family, he built a solid barrier for himself and his dynasty.
The carriage exited the city gates and quickly stopped at the Shili Pavilion. Shen Liu’s convoy had not yet arrived. However, scouts kept coming back reporting how far the convoy was and how long it would take to arrive. People had already prepared furnaces and refreshnts in the Shili Pavilion, and so people got out of their carriages to wait inside the pavilion.
Lian Manman and her family did not get off the carriage, waiting inside it. Steward Zhong arranged a good spot for their carriage, right on a low slope beside the road. There was also a charcoal stove inside the carriage, and Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi all squeezed together in one carriage, each wearing a large wool garnt and holding a hand warr. Although it was cold outside, it was warm inside the carriage.
The feeling of anticipation made them barely notice the cold.
Lian Shouxin, also in a large wool garnt, had gotten off the carriage earlier and gone ahead with Steward Zhong and the others.
After sitting in the carriage for a while, the sound of carriages grew louder as Shen Liu’s convoy arrived. Lady Zhang, Lian Zhizhi, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi hurriedly got off the carriage. In a brief mont, the convoy reached the front, and people from the Shili Pavilion sward out to welco the person alighting from a luxurious carriage—it was indeed Shen Liu.
When departing, he was in warm clothes amidst the fallen leaves. Now returning to the sa place with the sa people, the fallen leaves had changed to ice and snow, and Shen Liu had changed into mink fur, with a sable hat adorned with a gem the size of a dove’s egg, sparkling brightly in the sunlight.
But the brilliance of the gem paled in comparison to those ink-black, deep, piercing eyes.
Shen Liu got off the carriage and, surrounded by the crowd, walked into the Shili Pavilion. As he passed below the low slope, he seed to instinctively look up, his gaze so sharp, as if seeing directly into Lian Manman’s eyes.
Lian Manman’s heart skipped a beat.
Offering three shifts, hoping for pink support. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for recomndations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian). Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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