My elder sister forced me to become a concubine; I was reborn and remarried into the emperor's

Wei Rongde didn't sleep well all night. Firstly, he was nervous about going to the palace to meet the emperor. As a mere merchant and a son of a concubine, how could he possibly have the chance to see the emperor? He was afraid he would embarrass himself in front of the emperor. Secondly, he was struggling with whether or not to see Wei Rongxuan and the others off.

He was very hesitant and worried. After all, his elder brothers and younger brothers had all served as high-ranking officials in the court but were exiled. He, who had been a merchant for half his life, had become an envoy.

He was afraid that if they found out, they would misunderstand and think he was showing off, which would damage their childhood friendship.

Wei Rongde originally intended not to go himself, but to have his servants deliver the gifts to his younger siblings so that they could take them with them.

But when the time to depart arrived, he couldn't sit still anymore.

He was going to Ningguta, and perhaps he would not see his brothers and nephews again for many years, but he still wanted to personally see them off.

When they arrived at Shili Pavilion outside the city gate, the leading official stood guard to the side, while Li and Wen, along with their daughters, had tears in their eyes.

The third and fourth sons of the Wei family were both officials working away from home, and they hadn't seen their wives and daughters for a long time. They never expected that their reunion would be a scene of parting.

Madam Wen pushed Wei Siyuan so that the father and daughter could talk a few more words. She was also the first to notice Wei Rongde, who was standing far away and dared not approach: "Father, it's Second Uncle. Second Uncle has been taking care of us recently. He found us a place to stay and brought us food every day."

"My second uncle also prepared all the winter clothes for us this time."

The three Wei brothers then noticed him. Wei Rongxuan looked very thin in his prison uniform, and for a moment, even Wei Rongde didn't recognize his brother.

Tears were already glistening in his eyes, and he could no longer hold back as he stepped forward.

His elder brother never treated him as an illegitimate son. From childhood to adulthood, he treated him as a real brother and would even teach a lesson to the servants who bullied him. He would also carefully put away the gifts his elder brother gave him.

He still remembers that on his wedding day, the house was very quiet, but his elder brother took care of the guests for him and told him that he was now an adult and should take good care of his wife.

In his heart, his elder brother was both a father and a brother, almost replacing the role of his father.

"Brother, it's my fault for being incompetent. I will definitely find a way to save you."

He now felt that the 500,000 taels that Old Madam Wei had mentioned was not such an unattainable number.

He would do everything in his power to redeem them, no matter how small the chance.

Wei Rongxuan returned home after his mother and wife finished dealing with the division of the family property; by then, his younger brother had already left.

This was the first time he had ever lost his temper with his wife so much. He wanted to go and find her, but the political situation was turbulent those days, and the entire capital was almost under martial law. He was busy dealing with his own affairs.

I want to wait until everything is settled before bringing my younger brother's family back.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince's rebellion occurred.

“You’ve been so foolish since you were little. Now everyone avoids us like the plague. What are you doing here? It’s my fault as the eldest brother that Mother and your sister-in-law have made things difficult for you. But it’s also a twist of fate that the division of the family has saved you from disaster. It’s already commendable that you came to deliver winter clothes and lend a helping hand to these women. Don’t do anything else. Just take good care of Heyu and Xun’er.”

Wei Rongde's eyes instantly reddened. His elder brother must have known that Wang Shi and Old Madam Wei had gone mad when he saw that his sister-in-law hadn't come.

After Wang ran away yesterday, I heard that she fell and broke her leg and several teeth, and is now lying in bed unable to move.

But the elder brother never suspected that he was deliberately retaliating, and even told him to ignore the Wei family.

How could he possibly feel at ease with such a brother?

“Brother, what I’ve done is far less than what you’ve done for me since I was a child. Taking care of my younger siblings and nieces is my duty. Don’t worry, as long as I have food to eat, I won’t let them go hungry.”

“Silly second brother, I wanted you to stay out of it and stop worrying about it, why can’t you understand?”

Wei Rongde shook his head firmly: "I owe my success today to my elder brother. No matter what others say, you will always be my elder brother."

He hesitated for a moment, but still told them about being appointed as an envoy.

Upon hearing this, Wei Rongxuan smiled without hesitation. This was the first smile he had shown after being so negative for so long: "This is something you like, so do it well. If it weren't for your mother's intentional obstruction, you could have taken the imperial examination and entered officialdom. It was the Wei family that delayed you. Don't be influenced by us, just do what you like. I believe that with your abilities, you can definitely do a good job as an envoy."

Wei Rongde was originally very nervous and didn't sleep well for more than one night. He pulled the young Wei Heyu to his side as his advisor and spent half the night picking out clothes from the wardrobe full of clothes.

Hearing her brother's comforting words, her anxious heart suddenly calmed down.

The two brothers talked for a while longer. The officials next to them glanced at the time. If it weren't for the instructions from Prince Su, they would have kicked them out long ago.

But they can't linger any longer, or they'll be punished if they miss their departure time.

Just as they were about to part, Wei Rongxuan said softly, "I apologize to you on behalf of my mother and your sister-in-law."

As they spoke, they knelt down directly before him, and Wei Laosan and Wei Laosi also pulled their sons along, bowing to him in unison.

All the gratitude and remorse were contained in this apology and kowtow.

"Big brother!"

The officers led them away by chains, never looking back. They hoped that one day they would meet again.

As they walked out of sight, everyone knew that the past was the past and they should live their lives in the present.

Li and Wen, along with their daughter, were about to bid farewell to Wei Rongde.

The man who wanted to propose marriage last time came again yesterday, but this time he was kicked out by Li and the others.

They had already made plans. Those skilled in needlework would sell their needlework, and those who could write would write letters home for others. Household chores, cooking, and caring for their mother would be shared among the three families in rotation. They were confident they could survive.

After listening, Wei Rongde pondered for a while and said, "When the family was divided before, I was allocated a shop. Xun'er and I discussed that we planned to convert it into a shop that sells ready-made clothes and jewelry. If my younger brother and sister-in-law and nieces don't mind, they can come with Zhixia to help out at the shop."

Li was taken aback. Although they planned to sell things, wouldn't helping out in business mean showing their faces in public?

Having been a noblewoman since childhood, she was destined to marry into a high-class family, so she still had some hesitation.

The first to speak was Wei Siyuan: "Second Uncle, I want to go. I wanted to go when Eighth Brother mentioned it before."

Wen gently tugged at her sleeve: "A-Yuan, you are still a girl."

“What’s wrong with women? There are so many women on the street who run shops and are managers. My seventh sister also said that when she was away from home, she earned money by drawing flower patterns. I think it’s not shameful to earn a living by yourself.”

"The Great Yan Dynasty has never had any laws that say women cannot do business. If they can, why should there be a distinction between men and women?"

She was only ten years old, but her words were powerful and resounding, leaving everyone present in awe.

The first to react was Li's daughter. Her voice was timid and strained as she recalled the way that man had looked at her earlier.

As if she were selecting goods, she didn't want to be someone's concubine, much less live at the mercy of others.

“Mother, I also want to help out at the shop. We can’t do needlework for the rest of our lives. Yuan is right, it’s not shameful to earn your own money.”

Wen and Li exchanged glances, and Wen spoke up, "Second brother, could you take us to the shop to have a look?"

"Good, I'm happy to oblige since you're so determined."

From that day on, all the women in the Wei family followed Zhixia and went to the shop every day.

With hope and direction in life, everything seemed to change.

-

At first, Wei Nanxun did not understand what it meant to prepare properly for entering the palace, thinking it was just about making arrangements for Wei Rongde, who was entering the palace for the first time.

On the day before entering the palace, she carefully explained to her father the rules of the palace, as well as how to deal with different people.

But to her surprise, the eunuch who came to fetch her the next day asked her to come to the palace with him.

Wei Nanxun pointed to herself in surprise. Pei Ji hadn't asked the emperor to grant them a marriage, and only her father was supposed to meet the emperor to express his gratitude. Why was she involved?

"Madam Wei, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has been unwell lately. She took a great liking to you while you were attending to her at Cining Palace, and would like to invite you to the palace again."

Wei Nanxun seemed to realize something, and seeing her father's puzzled expression, the two of them got into the carriage together.

The emperor didn't have many children to begin with, and after the crown prince's incident, the entire Eastern Palace fell into a deathly silence.

Even the usually bustling Cining Palace felt unusually quiet and solemn as soon as Wei Nanxun stepped inside. The palace servants passing by all had their heads down and hurried along, and there wasn't even a sound of laughter.

This time, she hardly had to wait outside the palace. As soon as the maid who had announced her arrival went in, a matron came to lead her away.

Wei Nanxun was flattered to learn that the head nanny she would later become the most trusted and relied-upon nanny.

She gave a slight curtsy to the old woman, who looked equally surprised and quickly helped her up: "Madam Wei, you mustn't do that. You are a distinguished guest. I am but a servant who serves others."

Even a seventh-rank official is treated with utmost respect, let alone the Empress Dowager's most trusted nanny. Her words were far too modest. Wei Nanxun had seen this before; the head nanny had always been polite and distant towards the former Crown Princess, never displaying the same fear and trepidation she showed today.

She could roughly guess why: she was touched by his feelings, but also afraid that his behavior was too flamboyant and would have a negative impact on him.

Inside the warm pavilion, a heated wall provided warmth, and the Empress Dowager was seen reclining on a couch, wearing a headband and resting with her eyes closed.

Judging from her pale complexion, it seemed that her apparent discomfort was not the reason for summoning her to the palace, but rather a genuine health issue.

"This humble woman kowtows to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand blessings and good health."

Empress Dowager Jiang slowly opened her eyes, and after a moment of concentration, she could see her face clearly: "Good child, I'm sorry to trouble you again. Come here, come to my side."

Wei Nanxun hesitated for a moment, then slowly stepped forward. The Empress Dowager seemed eager to be close to her, reaching out to pull her to sit down beside her couch. Fortunately, she remained rational and knew that this was against etiquette. Seeing that she was about to be pulled to sit down, she stopped in time.

Empress Dowager Jiang didn't say much upon seeing this, only offering a seat. The head maid personally brought over a brocade stool and placed it in front of the Empress Dowager.

She thanked him before sitting down, appearing respectful and polite.

Empress Dowager Jiang kept this in mind and looked at her with a smile: "Thanks to your quick thinking, I would have been kept in the dark by that wicked child, and Shouzhuo would have been in danger."

"It is Your Majesty's wisdom that made you believe me and made a detailed plan. Otherwise, I alone would not have been able to leave the palace."

There are many intelligent people in this world, and even more who consider themselves intelligent. But a person who is intelligent, humble, and grateful is rare indeed.

Empress Dowager Jiang smiled meaningfully and said, "My niece probably still doesn't understand how she lost, but in my opinion, she didn't lose unjustly."

Wei Nanxun took a moment to process what was being said before realizing that they were talking about Jiang Qiongzhi, and then suddenly seemed to realize something.

She had previously assumed that Pei Ji's swift and decisive action in sending her to the countryside was his doing. Now, however, she realized it was more of a protection than a punishment; if it really were Pei Ji, Jiang Qiongzhi would have been dead long ago.

It was the Empress Dowager who saved her life.

"Would you blame me for handling her gently and sparing her life?"

Wei Nanxun hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: "She tried to harm me, but she failed. Although I hate her, I don't necessarily want her dead. Your desire to protect her is a matter of obligation as an elder, which is reasonable and not something I can object to."

"You are very smart yet know when to advance and retreat, you are not arrogant because of your favor, you have a resolute character and such a beautiful face. Even I like you. No wonder you are so fond of Shouzhuo."

She paused for a moment, then said, "Good child, you know Shouzhuo's thoughts, don't you?"

When Pei Ji was mentioned, her face flushed slightly. Although it was embarrassing to be pointed out by an elder, she still nodded emphatically.

Empress Dowager Jiang originally wanted to say something, but then she thought of how her son had never said a kind word to her all these years, yet he was willing to come to her door for her sake.

Then I felt that saying anything was superfluous.

In any case, although she is a mother, she doesn't have much say in this matter.

Rather than incurring Pei Ji's jealousy, it's better to do this favor.

To grant his wish, and to allow her to see her youngest son Yuanman before she closes her eyes, was the only thing she, as his mother, did for him.

Empress Dowager Jiang clenched her fist, pressed it to her lips, and coughed violently.

Wei Nanxun disregarded her shyness and instinctively stepped forward to help her, gently stroking her back with his hands.

The Empress Dowager was very thin. Although she was the most honored woman in the Great Yan, she was actually an elderly woman over fifty years old. She had just experienced her grandson's rebellion and patricide. During that time, she was trapped in the Cining Palace, and her days must not have been easy.

It's not just physical pain, but also mental anguish.

Even the strongest person would be overwhelmed by something like this.

"Your Majesty, the medicine is ready. The imperial physician said it must be taken three times a day. You must drink it, otherwise this cough will not get better."

But Empress Dowager Jiang didn't even lift her eyelids, and waved her hand: "This medicine is really bitter, and after drinking it for so many days, it has no effect at all. I've been drinking medicine or porridge, and my mouth is either bitter or bland. I really can't take it anymore. I want to drink sweet soup and don't want to see this."

“How can this be? You always cough at night and can’t get a full night’s sleep. If you don’t get enough rest, your headaches will flare up again.”

Listening to the conversation between the master and servant, it became clear that Empress Dowager Jiang, who seemed high and mighty, was actually just an ordinary person who could hate taking medicine, feel pain, and experience discomfort.

Wei Nanxun listened quietly, then said softly, "Your Majesty, this time I spent some time with the doctor in the Prince's camp and learned a few prescriptions, including a small pear soup that can nourish and stop coughing. If you take the medicine, I will go and brew it for you. I guarantee it will taste good and stop your cough."

"Is there really such a wonderful thing?"

"This humble woman dares not deceive Your Majesty. This humble woman has also learned some massage techniques. Since you have recurring headaches, I will give you a massage in a moment."

"You can't fool me like that."

Wei Nanxun naturally took the soup bowl and fed Empress Dowager Jiang the medicinal soup spoonful by spoonful.

Then he stood by her bedside and gently massaged her head.

This was a technique she learned in her previous life when she wanted to serve Pei Yuyan, but she died before it could be used. She never expected to use it today.

At first, Empress Dowager Jiang was a little uneasy, thinking that the young girl was just bragging. But when she pressed her hand, the pressure was just right and very comfortable, and it actually relieved her headache.

Just a moment ago I was talking to her, but before I knew it, my eyelids were getting heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

Hearing the sound of calm, long breathing, Wei Nanxun and the head nanny exchanged a glance and tiptoed out of the main hall.

"Thanks to Lady Wei, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager hasn't had a proper rest for quite some time since that incident. She rarely sleeps during the day, so it's rare for her to sleep so soundly. You must be tired too, let me take you to rest."

"Thank you, Granny. I don't know where the small kitchen is. Since I said I would make pear soup for Her Highness, how could I lie? Please lead the way, Granny."

The head nanny looked at her with even greater surprise. This girl was not only not arrogant because of her favor, but also so well-behaved and filial. It was truly rare.

He said nothing more, led her the way, and instructed the palace servants in the small kitchen to follow his instructions before returning to serve the Empress Dowager.

Wei Nanxun didn't think that making pear soup was a servant's job; on the contrary, she quite enjoyed the process.

She was a little inexperienced and accidentally splashed soup on herself, so she had to ask the maid next to her to watch the heat for her. She went to the room that the Empress Dowager had prepared for her to change her clothes.

After all, once the Empress Dowager wakes up, she will still need to serve in front of the Emperor, and stains on her clothes would be a great disrespect.

A palace maid found her a well-fitting skirt and blouse. She had someone wait outside while she went behind the screen, loosened her belt, took off her thick outer garment, and casually placed it on the screen.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

She thought it was the palace maid who had just left, so she didn't think much of it and hurriedly put on her clothes while raising her voice.

He said, "Come in."

She had just changed into a dress, and her clothes weren't even buttoned up properly, when she sensed that the footsteps behind her were not quite right. There was no sound of palace maids speaking, so she turned around in surprise.

Then I ran into those dark eyes.