Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Concubine Goes to War

In the magnificent palace, Ayiduo was lazily sitting on a soft couch, playing with a crystal clear jade ornament in her hand. The warm touch made her love it. Suddenly, a loud shout came from outside the door: "The imperial edict has arrived!" This voice broke the tranquility in the palace, and Ayiduo couldn't help but feel a little confused and curious.

Then, Eunuch Chen strode in with the imperial edict in his hand. His face was filled with solemnity and respect.

By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: I have heard that the Turkic princess is extremely beautiful and has high moral character, so I hereby confer her the title of Consort Yihua on her as the imperial concubine of the Tang Dynasty to highlight her virtue. The princess's beauty lies not only in her good looks, but also in her intelligence and kindness. This canonization is a symbol of my friendship with the Turks and a testimony to the friendship between the two countries. I hope that the princess will do her best to assist me in governing the world and contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty after entering the palace from now on. I decree this!

After Eunuch Chen finished reading the imperial edict aloud, he walked closer to Ayiduo and said with a smile: "Princess Ayiduo, please accept the edict. From today on, you are the Concubine Yihua of the Tang Dynasty."

Aida looked at Eunuch Chen and did not take the imperial edict immediately. Instead, she frowned and said with some dissatisfaction: "Why didn't the emperor discuss it with this princess before conferring the title?" There was a hint of displeasure and confusion in her tone.

Eunuch Chen showed an awkward smile on his face and hurriedly explained: "This... this is the princess' blessing! You were named imperial concubine as soon as you entered the palace, and were also given a title. This is the emperor's special care for you." His words were full of flattery.

However, Ayiduo did not appreciate it. She glared at Eunuch Chen and said unhappily, "Do you want this blessing?" There was obvious displeasure in her voice.

Eunuch Chen quickly waved his hands and shook his head, saying in panic: "This can't be done... This can't be done. How can I, an old servant, have such a blessing!" His face was full of panic.

Ayiduo thought, since this is the emperor's order, it is an order that cannot be violated, even if she is unwilling in her heart, she cannot show it. She sighed helplessly, and finally stood up and respectfully accepted the imperial edict.

"In that case, then let me thank God for his grace." After saying that, she casually put the imperial edict aside.

When Eunuch Chen saw how Ayiduo treated the imperial edict, he showed a hint of surprise on his face, but soon regained his smile and said flatteringly: "Congratulations, Empress Yihua, you will surely enjoy endless wealth and glory in the future. I have something else to do, so I won't disturb you to rest, and I'll take my leave first."

After Eunuch Chen left, Ayiduo's Turkic maid, Alina, came forward and asked softly, "Princess, why do you look unhappy?"

Ayiduo frowned and said with a worried look: "I am not dissatisfied with this title, but I feel that the emperor made the decision so hastily, and it seems that he did not consider my feelings at all."

Alina patted Ayiduo's shoulder gently and comforted her: "Princess, don't think too much. Maybe the emperor has his own considerations. After all, you are now the Empress Hua. We should find a way to gain a foothold in the palace and win more favor and power."

Ayiduo nodded, a hint of determination flashed in her eyes, "Well, since this is my fate, I will accept it calmly. Alina, help me dress up, I want to go to see the Queen Mother."

Not long after, Ayiduo arrived at Yongshou Palace accompanied by Alina. After the eunuch at the door went in to report, the two walked into the Queen Mother's bedroom.

The Queen Mother sat back on the couch, maintaining her elegance and dignity as always.

"Greetings to the Queen Mother!" Aida and Alina bowed to the Queen Mother in the Turkic style together.

The Queen Mother noticed that they were wearing Turkic-style clothes and frowned slightly, but soon returned to her normal expression and smiled, saying, "Princess Ayiduo, there is no need to be polite. Please come and sit here so that I can take a good look at you."

Ayiduo obediently walked to the Queen Mother and sat down. The Queen Mother held her hand affectionately and looked at her carefully, exclaiming: "She is indeed a Turkic princess. She is so beautiful and charming."

Ayiduo smiled slightly, "Thank you for the compliment, Queen Mother."

The Queen Mother smiled and continued, "In the future, if you need anything in this palace, just tell me."

"Thank you, Queen Mother." Ayiduo nodded slightly and thanked respectfully. A trace of gratitude flashed in her bright eyes, but soon a trace of doubt emerged, and she asked softly: "However, there is one thing I don't understand, and I hope the Queen Mother can answer it."

"What's the matter? Just tell me." The Queen Mother smiled kindly and answered in a gentle tone.

Aida raised her head, looked at the empress dowager with a firm and sincere gaze, and said slowly: "I just learned that I was canonized as Concubine Yihua, and I can't help but feel a little surprised. But before this, the emperor had not discussed the title with me. I wonder why the emperor could canonize me as Concubine Yihua so hastily?" There was a hint of doubt in her eyes, and she seemed confused by this sudden canonization.

The Queen Mother smiled slightly, a mysterious expression on her face, and replied softly: "This is the Emperor's order, and there is a deeper meaning behind it. Princess Aido does not need to care too much about it, just do your best to do your part." Her voice carried a reassuring power, as if it could dispel all doubts.

Ayiduo nodded gently to show her understanding. She knew that in this magnificent palace, many things were not as simple as they seemed. As an outsider, she needed to be vigilant at all times and handle everything carefully. Only in this way could she survive in this complex environment and win the trust and respect of others.

"You have indeed gone through hardships to come here from the distant Turkic region. You may not be familiar with the rules and etiquette of the Tang Dynasty palace. But don't worry, I will send an experienced nanny who is proficient in court etiquette to teach you. She will explain to you in detail the various rules and etiquette of the palace to help you better adapt to this new environment. I hope you can learn with an open mind and integrate into the Tang Dynasty court life as soon as possible." The Queen Mother advised earnestly.

Ayiduo bowed again to express her gratitude for the Queen Mother's concern. She knew that this opportunity was hard-won and was determined to study hard and live up to the Queen Mother's expectations. In this strange country, she will try her best to adapt and show her best side.

After leaving the Queen Mother's bedroom, Ayiduo and Alina walked slowly along the palace wall back to their own palace. Ayiduo did not speak along the way, but just looked at everything around silently, as if thinking about something. Alina asked her what happened with some concern, and Ayiduo came back to her senses, smiled and replied that it was okay, and sighed: "It seems that we still have a lot to learn."

After hearing what Ayiduo said, Alina nodded and agreed. She said that although the rules and etiquette here are complicated, as long as you study hard, you will be able to master them. Ayiduo also agreed that she believed that as long as she worked hard, she would be able to adapt to this new environment. As they talked, they continued to move forward.

As they walked, they came to the Imperial Garden. It was spring, and the flowers in the garden were in full bloom. Ayiduo was attracted by the beautiful scenery and couldn't help reaching out to touch a blooming peony. Just as she was intoxicated by the fragrance of the flowers, a childish and crisp voice came: "How dare you pick flowers in the Imperial Garden at will!"

Ayiduo and Alina were startled and turned around to look...