Harem Daily Life

After the Imperial Astronomical Observatory compared their birth dates, it was confirmed that He Xuan and Mo Xingzhou were a match made in heaven. Given this, no one would object.

The Changyong Earl's mansion quickly held its Nacai ceremony, leading a large procession carrying wild geese and other gifts to the Imperial Palace to propose marriage. In Changle Palace, He Xuan, surrounded by her sisters, appeared calm, but her heart was pounding like a deer. Seeing the boxes of betrothal gifts being carried into Changle Palace, everyone immediately realized that He Xuan had truly grown up and was about to get married.

When the betrothal gift was presented, gold, silver, jewelry, silks, and calligraphy and paintings filled the Changle Palace courtyard, demonstrating Mo Xingzhou's sincerity and desire to marry. He Xuan's dowry was also prepared, and a copy of the dowry list was copied in advance and sent to the Changyong Earl's Mansion.

The next step was to arrange the date. The Imperial Observatory selected the wedding date, and He Xuan's princess mansion was also ready. It was not far from the Chang Yong Earl's mansion, so it was convenient for the couple to live separately or in the Chang Yong Earl's mansion after marriage.

On the day of their wedding, He Xuan was woken up early. Tao Yanyan was so excited that he couldn't sleep. It was the first time he got up so early to help her get dressed. Looking at the young and bright girl before him, Tao Yanyan seemed to see the eighteen-year-old former imperial concubine Wen.

"Your Majesty, Madam Shiquan has arrived."

Following the announcement, the young palace maid was followed by a dignified woman who slowly walked in. This lady was none other than Lady Wang, the mother of Consort Xian.

At the time of wedding, Madam Shiquan is invited to dress up and send off the bride. The choice of this person is very particular. She must be an elder in the clan who is highly respected, has both sons and daughters, is in harmony with her husband and wife, and has healthy parents-in-law. This implies that the bride will also be able to live a happy life, have a happy family, and everything will go well in the future like Madam Shiquan.

Mrs. Wang smiled and walked forward to greet Queen Tao, saying softly, "I am honored to be dressing the eldest princess. She is as beautiful as a fairy today. She will surely live in harmony with her husband in the future." After that, she picked up the comb and gently combed He Xuan's hair.

As Mrs. Wang combed her hair, she recited auspicious words: "Comb once to the end, and the couple will be together forever; comb twice until the hair reaches the eyebrows, and children and grandchildren will gather; comb three times, and the descendants will prosper, and wealth and honor will last forever."

With every sentence, He Xuan's face turned redder. Tao Yanyan listened from the side, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Later, He Yue, He Min and He Yanran all came. He Yue held He Yunuo who was still asleep.

"You've come so early. Please put Yunuo on the couch first. Your sister is still dressing up."

Tao Yanyan took He Yunuo, gently placed her on the couch in the outer room, and covered her with a small quilt.

Several little girls gathered around He Xuan, looking at her dressed up, and seemed reluctant to leave.

"Royal sister, this is my wedding gift to you. I wish you and your brother-in-law a happy marriage." He Yue took out a pair of lily hairpins and handed them to He Xuan.

He Xuan's eyes were a little moist. This sister was the one who had spent the longest time with her. The two of them were raised under the name of Queen Tao and grew up together. They had a very close relationship.

She tried hard to hold back her tears and took the hairpin: "Thank you, Sister Yue."

Mrs. Wang smiled and looked at He Min. Ever since He Min was raised under the name of her daughter, Concubine Wang Xian, she had been closely connected with their Wang family. Their Wang family was the backer of Concubine Wang Xian, and naturally also the backer of He Min.

He Min stepped forward and took out two jade pendants engraved with the word "Fuzi" (meaning "blessing child"): "I am here to add to the Emperor's sister's makeup. I wish that the Emperor and her husband will be together forever and have a son soon."

Everyone laughed. He Xuan blushed as she took the jade pendant and shook He Min's hand: "Thank you, Sister Min'er."

He Yanran had lived in the palace for less than half a year, but her relationships with her sisters were getting better day by day. She took out a pair of bracelets from her sleeve pocket and handed them to He Xuan: "Eldest Imperial Sister treats me like a real sister. I wish you eternal happiness and a smile on your face."

He Xuan accepted her gift and said, "Sister Yanran, you are so thoughtful. Thank you so much."

After giving their gifts, the three little sisters went to play aside so as not to disturb their eldest sister who was dressing.

Tao Yanyan was overwhelmed with emotions, her eyes slightly reddened. In order to avoid being seen, she hurried over to He Yunuo and pretended to cover her with a blanket.

At this moment, Xianglan came in from outside, glanced at the eldest princess, walked over to Tao Yanyan and whispered, "Your Majesty, someone from the Wen family is here, saying they're here to add to the eldest princess's dowry and get her married."

Ever since the passing of the former Imperial Concubine Wen, He Xuan's relationship with the Wen family had been cold. The Wen family had never shown any concern for He Xuan over the years, not even sending anyone to visit during the holidays.

Tao Yanyan looked in the direction of He Xuan and took Xianglan out.

The people from the Wen family were He Xuan's aunt and uncle. Madam Wen had passed away several years earlier, and Tao Yanyan had even asked He Xuan to deliver the funeral gifts. Neither of the two wives' husbands' families were low-ranking, but in a city like the capital, where high-ranking officials abounded, their family backgrounds were somewhat underwhelming. The fact that they were able to enter the palace to escort the bride today was due to the Wen family's influence.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be blessed with good health." The two of them bowed to the empress. Tao Yanyan asked them to stand up and gave them a seat.

"Your Majesty, the eldest princess is getting married today. My father asked us to come to the palace to send her off. She lost her mother when she was young. Thanks to Your Majesty for raising her and organizing her wedding today. Everyone in the Wen family is grateful to Your Majesty." He Xuan's aunt, Madam Wen, was about to bow when she spoke, but was stopped by Tao Yanyan.

"As the queen, it is my duty to raise and care for the princess and the prince. Madam Wen, please stand up."

"Empress, we have brought gifts for the eldest princess. May we meet her?" asked He Xuan's aunt.

She was the younger sister of the late Concubine Wen. When Concubine Wen passed away, the Wen family intended to send her to the palace to continue serving as a concubine to He Linzhang. To achieve this goal, the Wen family secretly contacted the Shu family and Censor Zhang, accusing Tao Yanyan of seducing the emperor.

Tao Yanyan smiled and said, "Madam Shiquan is dressing the eldest princess. You should go in and see her. Today is a happy day. Say some auspicious words to prevent her from being sad and ruining her makeup."

It was inevitable that there would be some sadness when someone from his mother's family came, so Tao Yanyan set some rules for the two of them in advance.

The two of them nodded quickly and followed Tao Yanyan in respectfully.

At this time, He Xuan had just combed her hair and put on the phoenix crown. She had not yet put on her wedding dress, but she already looked extremely festive, noble and elegant.

After her aunt and uncle came in, Tao Yanyan took the princesses outside and let them have some private conversation.

"It would be great if my sister could see you get married today. Alas, my sister is unlucky after all." Aunt Wen's words instantly made the atmosphere cold.

Madam Wang coughed lightly and glared at Aunt Wen unhappily. Fortunately, He Xuan had been raised in love by Tao Yanyan over the years and had long since let go of the past. Aunt Wen's mention of it didn't upset her much.

Aunt Wen seemed not to sense that the atmosphere was wrong, and continued, "Princess, don't take it to heart. Your mother and I are sisters, so naturally I treat you as my own daughter. Alas, in this world, only family members will treat you sincerely." After she said that, she glanced at Madam Wen.

Madam Wen understood and continued, "That's right. Now that you're getting married, you won't have any relatives to look after you in the Changyong Marquis's mansion. We're really worried about you."