MTLNOVEL Chapter 57 - Changes
What’s different after becoming the Side Concubine?
The biggest change is that Qingxing and the others can now call her “Mistress,” and even Chief Eunuch Zheng and the others have started calling her “Consort Cheng.” All her clothes were taken to be remade into new ones, including many ceremonial robes and festive attire. This is because, during the New Year, she will accompany the Crown Prince into the palace to attend the family banquet and the national banquet. In the absence of a Crown Princess, she will also represent Yuqing Palace and network with the other royal concubines and noblewomen. This used to be the responsibility of Side Concubine Li.
It was said that the Crown Princess was in mourning at home, with her mourning period extended, and the Crown Prince’s wedding had been delayed to the 34th year of Kangxi’s reign.
Cheng Wanyun didn’t know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, but anyway, Tang Gege seemed relieved. When she came over to crack sunflower seeds with her, she raised her eyebrows and said, “Now that you’re officially the Side Concubine, Li Gege and Fan Gege will have to come to you every day to pay their respects!”
“They’re new, so you should take good care of them,” Cheng Wanyun said with a smile at Tang Gege. “Houskeeber Tang.”
Tang Gege smiled and scolded, “You’re always teasing me. I haven’t even come to pay my respects to you as the Side Concubine yet!”
“Please don’t!” Cheng Wanyun was startled, then exchanged a smile with Tang Gege.
After gaining the power of managing the household, Tang Gege walked with newfound confidence. She didn’t mind the arrival of the new geges since favoritism is just a matter of course. As for their rank, she didn’t dare to dream too much. What she had was already rare and hard to come by.
It’s important to know one’s own place and be content with what one has.
Cheng Wanyun also remained calm about the arrival of the two new geges. Many people had come and gone in Yuqing Palace already. Even the sharpest of horns must eventually be worn down, especially since she had never been one to make trouble. Anyway, this was also the usual way Kangxi expressed his affection — by giving his son concubines.
What made her feel uncomfortable, however, was that after Li Gege and Fan Gege arrived, they practically visited her every day. She was disturbed so much that she didn’t dare sleep in, and didn’t know what to say when they just stared at each other. Eventually, she had Li Gege paint storybooks, which helped keep her occupied. But Fan Gege, who didn’t seem to know how to read, didn’t know what to do. In the end, Fan Gege came over every day, and Cheng Wanyun had to fake being busy with her pregnancy and put up a “do not disturb” sign to avoid them.
Li Gege came from a good family. She was the daughter of Shuerdeku, a lieutenant of the Han Army’s Plain White Banner. Her family held a third-rank official position, and she was both delicate and refined in manner, making her one of the most outstanding of the new geges.
In Tang Gege’s words, her background would be suitable as a Side Concubine for any other prince.
Cheng Wanyun, however, noticed that Li Gege was from the same banner as the future Crown Princess, and that the position of her father, the lieutenant, was lower than the Crown Princess’s father. The two families must have some connection… It seemed that Kangxi had arranged this as a way to prepare the ground for the Crown Princess?
Fan Gege, on the other hand, came from a simple background. Like Tang Gege, she had been selected by the Imperial Household Department to enter the palace. She was quieter and more humble, but also the most persistent in paying her respects. Even when Cheng Wanyun made excuses to avoid meeting her and had Qingxing accompany her to sit in the side hall for tea, Fan Gege would sit there for two hours without leaving.
No matter what the weather was like, she would always be punctual. Cheng Wanyun was not used to being so courted. She had tried to subtly hint several times by picking up her tea cup, but Fan Gege pretended not to understand.
At this point, Cheng Wanyun felt that her pregnancy had truly arrived at the right time. After announcing that she would focus on nurturing the baby, Li Gege spent her time drawing, while Fan Gege, living nearby, continued to bother Tang Gege, leaving her with a belly full of complaints.
Yuqing Palace had become crowded again.
Li Gege was assigned to the west side of the main hall, which was said to be under some Feng Shui curse (as Tang Gege had said: “Amitabha! I hope Li Gege has a strong fate!”), while Fan Gege took the room that had previously belonged to Wang Gege.
The rear hall of Yuqing Palace was once again filled to capacity.
It seemed that Yinreng felt it was becoming too cramped. One day, after court, he came to Cheng Wanyun to discuss it: “I’ve been thinking, we should start using the side halls next to the main hall. It can’t be that, just because the Crown Princess hasn’t entered the palace yet, all the rooms should remain empty. Even in the main palace, the central hall is where the Emperor resides, but the side and rear halls often house other esteemed individuals or consorts. It’s not inappropriate.”
Cheng Wanyun was in the middle of changing E Linzhu’s clothes when the little girl, with her short, chubby limbs, kicked her foot and accidentally struck the Crown Prince’s stomach. The Crown Prince let out a sharp gasp, but he didn’t react otherwise. Instead, he picked up his daughter’s little chubby foot and gently rubbed it, praising her, “This child has strong legs.”
Cheng Wanyun, however, was still immersed in the Crown Prince’s earlier words. She found it quite novel—before, the Crown Prince never discussed such matters with her. Now, he naturally spoke to her about the various affairs of Yuqing Palace. He had suggested that Tang Gege take charge, but he hadn’t actually discussed it with her. Could it be that in his mind, Tang Gege was the “official executor,” while she was the “assistant manager” of Yuqing Palace?
Cheng Wanyun was quite flattered.
When had she ever shown that she had such talent in this area? She didn’t think she had!
But since the Crown Prince asked, she naturally had to think carefully before answering: “Your Highness, you have good intentions, but this might not be appropriate. If the Crown Princess enters the palace and, with her kind and generous heart, wishes to give us a few larger rooms or even wants us to move into the main hall to be closer, there’s no problem. That would be the Crown Princess’s choice. But if we take the rooms for ourselves without permission, even if it’s in accordance with your wishes, how comfortable will the Crown Princess feel when she arrives? We are only squeezed for a couple of years, and the rooms can still fit. Why cause trouble for something so small?”
What Cheng Wanyun didn’t say out loud was that if, right after being granted the title of Side Concubine, she began occupying the main hall, others wouldn’t think she was being kind by securing better accommodations for the other geges. They’d think she was getting too carried away, that she’d been granted the title and forgotten her place, even daring to pressurize the future Crown Princess!
If that kind of reputation spread, how could she avoid being scolded by Kangxi?
Yinreng listened and slowly smiled, then suddenly raised his hand to rub Cheng Wanyun’s head and said gently, “My Wanyun has grown up—thoughtful and principled. Now I can rest assured.”
Cheng Wanyun then realized that this was a “test” from the Crown Prince. She couldn’t help but cross her arms and snort, “What do you think of me? I don’t have anything else, just these four words: ‘conscience clear.'”
“Don’t be angry,” Yinreng quickly put down his daughter’s foot and came over to soothe her. “It’s my fault.”
“I’m not angry. Don’t put labels on me. I can’t bear that.” Cheng Wanyun turned away and began to focus on the embroidery frame on the table, deliberately ignoring the Crown Prince.
Yinreng froze for a moment. Had Wanyun really gotten upset?
It was like a kitten extending its tiny paw—Yinreng was scratched, but it felt like a gentle tug at his heartstrings. He leaned in closer, lowering his posture, and rubbed against her. As soon as he did, Cheng Wanyun moved away. Yinreng followed, and she moved again. After several rounds, Cheng Wanyun found herself backed up against the wall, unable to retreat any further, and Yinreng caught her hand with his fingers.
She didn’t want to turn around and look. She silently lowered her head, separating the thread in her hand, but she could feel the warm breath on the back of her neck. Yinreng had embraced her from behind and whispered, “It’s my oversight. I only brought this up to prepare for the future. In a few days, I have to go to Rehe for a while. Your body isn’t stable yet, not even three months along. I can’t take you with me. While I’m away, I fear that some bold person might bully you or that malicious servants might stir up trouble. Since my Wanyun is smart and steady, I feel at ease.”
After hearing this, Cheng Wanyun finally turned her head to look at him. She was no longer angry, but she couldn’t help but retort, “You could’ve just said it plainly. Why do you have to beat around the bush? I thought you were dissatisfied with me. Now that there’s someone new, you’re just making excuses to push me aside!”
It was really strange. In the past, she never dared to argue with the Crown Prince. She’d only mumble complaints in her heart. But now, being pregnant with this child had not only improved her appetite but also made her bolder.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Yinreng turned her shoulder, and the two of them gazed at each other. His tone seemed to be joking, but his eyes were serious. “I will never leave you.”
“Alright, alright…” Cheng Wanyun buried her face into the Crown Prince’s shoulder, not daring to listen any longer.
A few days later, the Crown Prince announced that he would be leaving for Rehe on business for two months. He only took He Baozhong and his old yellow dog with him, ignoring the eager gazes of the two new Geges, and went with Kangxi to the Mulan hunting grounds. Yuqing Palace was left with just the four women.
Although they had enough people to play cards together, Cheng Wanyun ignored the eager looks of the new Geges as well, choosing to continue staying inside and rest. With the Crown Prince gone, she withdrew into her shell. Side Concubine Liu, who had been promoted with her, was also pregnant and staying home. Fifth Master had taken another Gege with him. Song Gege had given birth to a little girl, but the child passed away before even finishing the month. Now, Song Gege was bedridden and unable to leave.
This time, the ones who went to Mulan with the emperor were Concubine De and a newly titled gege, who was said to be highly favored. Her green head plaque could be turned over dozens of times in a month. If it weren’t for Imperial Concubine Niu Hulu’s protection, she probably would have been torn apart by others in the palace.
As for the princes, all of them, from the first to the tenth, went along, and this time, everything was very orderly.
Kangxi placed exceptional importance on this year’s Mulan Autumn hunt because of the emissary from Zunghara’s Tsewang Alabtang, who had come to pay tribute. Kangxi planned to host a grand banquet in Rehe to entertain these Mongol envoys.
Last year, Tsewang Alabtang had been at war with Galdan and had won! Taking advantage of Galdan’s invasion elsewhere, he attacked the Khovd region, which was under Galdan’s control, and also cut off Galdan’s retreat.
As a result, Tsewang Alabtang had become sworn enemies with Galdan. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Kangxi understood this principle well, and he was keen to support Tsewang Alabtang. He had already arranged for the Board of Rites to establish contact with him and had sent officials to Tsewang Alabtang’s sheep-raising region, delivering brocades and other imperial gifts.
This year, Tsewang Alabtang had decided to formally submit to the Qing, and he was expected to bring the latest news about Galdan’s movements to Kangxi.
According to Tang Gege, the Crown Prince received high praise from Kangxi for this matter because he had proposed a suggestion—to establish mutual trade with Tsewang Alabtang and provide appropriate support for the trade, such as exempting tariffs, offering grain and camel subsidies, and other policies. He also requested that Kangxi promise that after defeating Galdan, he would not send troops to wipe out the remaining tribes of Galdan, so that Tsewang Alabtang would remain loyal to the Qing and safeguard the northern border for them.
This policy indeed moved Tsewang Alabtang, which led to this “tribute” visit.
“The Crown Prince is truly wise and capable,” Tang Gege said, supporting her chin and genuinely praising him. “I heard that during the grand court meeting, with all the civil and military officials present, when discussing the plan to win over Tsewang Alabtang, so many officials failed to hit the point. Emperor Kangxi was very upset and asked the Crown Prince to speak. To everyone’s surprise, the Crown Prince thought for a moment and then came up with a solution. He spoke eloquently in front of the officials, laying out a thorough, practical strategy. The Emperor praised him again and again!”
Cheng Wanyun looked at Tang Gege in surprise. “How do you know about the court meeting?”
“Everyone in the palace knows, it’s all over the place,” Tang Gege replied, more surprised that Cheng Wanyun didn’t know. “It’s just you who stays behind closed doors and doesn’t ask about the outside world. Ask Qingxing or Bitao—they’ll definitely know.”
Cheng Wanyun responded with a soft “Oh,” realizing that this was probably the so-called “guiding of public opinion.” After so many years, she had only recently started to understand that the palace gossip wasn’t just idle chatter. There were always hands behind the scenes pushing certain narratives, and the true purpose was often uncertain.
Now, praising the Crown Prince—was this another form of compensation from Kangxi?
Cheng Wanyun wasn’t sure, but her thoughts were quickly interrupted by another matter—her family had sent word that Wanyan had found a good match and was ready to get engaged.
Not long ago, the provincial exams had been held, and Huai Zhang had placed at the bottom of the list, but he had still passed and became a successful candidate. The Cheng family was overjoyed, setting off firecrackers and quickly sending word to the palace. At the time, Cheng Wanyun had just been promoted to Side Concubine, so it was truly a double celebration!
When Cheng Wanyun heard the news, her eyes became slightly misty.
Huai Zhang passing the exam meant that the Cheng family had not relied on anyone else but had made it on their own. This was a different kind of achievement. In the capital, some who wanted to curry favor with the Crown Prince showed kindness toward the Cheng family, while others, jealous and envious, spread rumors that the Cheng family only made it to the capital because of the women’s connections. This made Cheng Wanyun angry as well.
However, Huai Zhang passing the exam, though not a spectacular achievement, was remarkable considering he was only fifteen. Among all the candidates in the Qing dynasty, there probably hadn’t been anyone younger than Huai Zhang who passed the exam in recent years. This was a resounding slap in the face to those who had belittled them, and the Cheng family felt proud.
Seizing the opportunity, Madam Wu, with the support of Madam E Chu, selected the younger son of the Shumu Lu family, Duo Xihun, as a potential son-in-law. Duo Xihun’s father had passed away early, and there was no one in his family holding an official position. However, he had an older brother working in the city of Shengwu Ula, and although he hadn’t passed the exams, he was a scholar and known for writing beautifully. It was only a matter of time before he passed the exam.
In a way, the Cheng family had elevated their status by marrying into the Shumu Lu family, who were from the plain yellow banner. Though poor, they still held onto the pride of their banner. Without Cheng Wanyun’s older sister being the Side Concubine of the Crown Prince, it would have been impossible for the Cheng family to marry into such a distinguished family.
In the palace, if a concubine, imperial prince’s consort, or Side Concubine is pregnant, they can call for family members at any time, a privilege granted by the imperial family. She no longer had to be as nervous as she was when she was still a gege, requiring the Crown Prince to specially make arrangements for her. Now, she had the right to handle such matters herself. Therefore, Cheng Wanyun picked out a box of jewelry, headpieces, and several rolls of fine palace satin from her personal collection to give to Wanyan for her wedding, and passed a message to Madam Wu. Soon, Madam Wu entered the palace.
At Shunzhen Gate, a eunuch was already waiting with a sedan chair for Madam Wu. She passed through the north gate of the Imperial Garden, where she switched to a shoulder sedan. Sitting in the swaying sedan, Madam Wu tightly held a small bundle containing the pickled vegetables and dried tofu she had personally made for Cheng Wanyun.
After about half an hour, she arrived at the gate of Yuqing Palace. Walking through the familiar corridor, Madam Wu quietly exhaled. Although she had been living in the capital for over half a year, she still felt a little nervous when hearing she was about to enter the palace.
Bitao greeted her at the second gate. When she saw Madam Wu, she quickly bowed and smiled, leading the way. “Madam Cheng has arrived. Our master has mentioned you several times.”
“Hello, Aunt Bitao,” Madam Wu said, remembering her well. “You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble. If something urgent with the Side Concubine, you could have sent a small maid to bring me in.”
“How could I dare say it’s a trouble? You’re too polite,” Bitao replied, leading Madam Wu to the warm chamber in the back courtyard. When Madam Wu saw that the back room had been renovated, she noticed the door curtains had been replaced with felt and embroidered with a black dog carrying a large yellow cat. As she lifted the curtain, a large dog leaped out carrying a cat, startling Madam Wu so much that she almost dropped the jar of pickles.
“Wang Cai, stop causing trouble,” a soft voice reprimanded from inside. “Qingxing, have the little eunuch take those two mischievous troublemakers outside for a walk. They’ve stepped on my freshly written characters.”
Wang Cai ran off but didn’t forget to look back at Madam Wu, making her want to hide behind Bitao.
“Don’t be scared, Madam Cheng, Wang Cai has a good temperament. He never bites anyone unless provoked,” Bitao reassured her, lifting the curtain and calling inside, “Master, Madam Cheng has arrived.”
“Come in quickly!” came the sound of someone washing their hands and setting down their brush.
The room was warm and cozy. It was already October, and the weather was fluctuating between cold and hot. Early that morning, the north wind had started blowing, so the palace’s floor heating had been turned on.
Madam Wu noticed that under the threshold, a thick velvet rug shaped like dog paws was laid down. On the small incense table outside, there was a sky-blue Ru ware mei vase, filled with two bunches of blooming roses, filling the room with a fragrant aroma.
Cheng Wanyun had already come out from the inner room. When she saw Madam Wu, she smiled and said, “Mother, you’ve finally arrived. It’s been almost two years since we last met. How is Father and Grandmother?”
“You still don’t know about your father? He’s always carefree and has nothing to worry about, so there’s nothing wrong with him! But your grandmother is getting older and is having some trouble adjusting to the climate in the capital. She coughs every autumn. Otherwise, she would have come to the palace to see you…” Madam Wu said with a smile, looking at Cheng Wanyun. “You’re looking much better now. Your complexion is healthier than it was the last couple of years. You really worried me a lot recently…”
With the Crown Prince’s marriage and the empty horse allowances case, the rapid changes in the capital left Madam Wu, as a woman, feeling nervous and scared. Fortunately, the Emperor showed favoritism towards the Crown Prince, or things could have turned out differently.
Sometimes, Madam Wu truly envied Master Cheng for his lack of worries. He was clever at times, but often rather dull, and yet he had that strange luck to turn bad situations into good ones. Every night, he would fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, snoring so loudly it shook the heavens. Madam Wu, who was so anxious she couldn’t sleep, even thought about smothering him with the pillow to end it all.
Cheng Wanyun pulled Madam Wu to sit on the heated platform and said, “Mother, there’s no need to worry. The Crown Prince has the Emperor’s trust.” At least until the other princes were officially granted titles, the Crown Prince’s position remained unshakable.
Bitao brought tea and eight-treasure cakes, then took the palace maids out.
Cheng Wanyun continued, bringing up her grandmother’s illness. “I have a good remedy for coughs. The Crown Prince’s eldest brother had a persistent cough every day, but he was cured by this. It’s not medicine, just a daily tonic. It’s called ‘Autumn Syrup Candy’—made with pear juice, hawthorn, almonds, ginkgo, fat sea, fritillaria, licorice, ginger… and eighteen other herbal ingredients, boiled with rock candy. Take six to eight pieces a day, and it’s very effective for treating coughs.”
Madam Wu was extremely grateful. “This must be a secret recipe from the imperial doctors, right? The old lady in our family is truly blessed!”
After receiving the recipe, Madam Wu finally brought up Wanyan’s wedding date. “The date has been set. The six rituals will start next month, and they’ll likely marry in June next year. The Shumu Lu family lives right across the street, so it’ll be easy for them to visit. Your father said it would be best to find a house in the nearby alley. Marrying close by is the most important. Do you think he’s lost his mind? And that rascal Huai Jing actually climbed over the wall and spent the whole day with that Duo Xihun, then came back and told Wanyan, ‘Your husband is a good man. Apart from studying, he goes to the study hall to copy books to help with the household expenses and never visits brothels.’ He embarrassed Wanyan so much that she stayed in her room for two days eating her meals there. I was so angry, I grabbed the broom to hit him, but he even dared to run away!”
Cheng Wanyun couldn’t help but laugh. That was indeed the kind of foolish thing Cheng Huai Jing would do. She quickly asked Bitao to add a cowhorn bow to the gift Madam Wu was taking back. “This bow was used by the Crown Prince when he was little. It looks a little old, but it’s no ordinary thing. The Crown Prince gave it to me, so you should take it back for Huaijing.”
Madam Wu’s eyes widened. She didn’t dare even touch the bow and repeatedly shook her head. “How could I possibly accept this?”
“You don’t know the Crown Prince? He’s just using my hand to give it to you. Otherwise, do you think this bow would be kept for E Linzhu? It’s for Huai Jing. Also, Huai Zhang has a stone ink slab.” Cheng Wanyun laid the items out on the table, smiling as she placed a bright red silk brocade on top of a pile of fabrics. “This palace satin is a perfect color, and it was sent as a tribute from Suzhou. It’s just right for Wanyan’s wedding dress. I found it in the Crown Prince’s vault. It’s his special gift. There’s no such shade of red in my allocation.”
Madam Wu was completely stunned by Cheng Wanyun’s generosity. She had never seen so many fine things in her life. Once she left the palace, would she be robbed by someone?
“By the way…” Madam Wu suddenly pulled out a stack of embroidered handkerchiefs from her bundle. “That silly girl Wanhe has recently embroidered quite a few handkerchiefs. The designs are rather unique. She said with the year-end approaching, she wanted to give them to you as gifts for rewarding people!”
Cheng Wanyun took them and saw that they were embroidered with hydrangeas, a design rare in the palace. The flowers were indeed a delicate pattern, and Wanhe had stitched them carefully, using the palace satin Cheng Wanyun had previously given to the Cheng family. It was indeed a practical gift, perfect for personal use or for giving to others.
“Her needlework has improved, hasn’t it? Please thank her for me! These will be just right for the New Year!” Cheng Wanyun smiled and accepted them, thinking they would be perfect for rewarding servants or giving to Li Gege and the others during the holidays.
Madam Wu stayed in the palace for a month, until Wanyan’s six rituals were about to begin, before leaving. Cheng Wanyun enjoyed the authentic Huizhou dishes Madam Wu made, feeling very comfortable while nurturing the baby. The official maid also remarked that her appetite this time was much better than before, but advised her to be a bit more cautious. So, Cheng Wanyun reluctantly began to control her food intake, waiting for the Crown Prince’s return.
The recent news from the Mulan hunting expedition wasn’t anything special, except for one thing: Kangxi had brought the youngest son of Cewa Angrabdan, Harinauhai, back to the palace to be raised with the other princes. The child, only five years old, would now live far from his parents and relatives, within the deep palace. He would eat, drink, and be clothed just like the other princes. It was said that Harinauhai would live in the prince’s residence with the other young princes, and when the Crown Prince taught his younger brothers, he would also take care of the Mongolian prince as if he were his own nephew.
When the Crown Prince told Cheng Wanyun about this, they were outside in the yard, with Wang Cai chasing after Mi Mi. Cheng Wanyun noticed the Crown Prince suddenly stopped speaking and stared at the playful Wang Cai. Curious, she asked what was wrong.
“In Mongolian, ‘Harinauhai’ means ‘black dog,'” the Crown Prince said, his expression a bit odd. He looked like he wanted to laugh but felt it wasn’t quite appropriate. “That Mongolian little prince does indeed look a bit dark…”
Cheng Wanyun, who had just been thinking how poetic the name “Harinauhai” sounded, was now speechless.
In her mind, when she heard those four characters, she imagined a beautiful sunset over the sea, with the afterglow shining on the water, making the surface sparkle like agate.
But who knew… it meant “black dog”!
Wasn’t this name a bit too blunt? The Mongolian khan named his son “black dog” just because the child was dark-skinned?
How was this any different from Liu Zhi’s case! (A reference to Emperor Wu of Han’s reputation being harmed).
The New Year soon arrived, and this time Cheng Wanyun would accompany the Crown Prince to attend the grand banquet. Kangxi issued an imperial decree for all the imperial grandsons and granddaughters to enter the palace for the reunion dinner, so E Linzhu and Akedun would also be going.
It was Cheng Wanyun’s first time attending such a grand occasion, and it would have been impossible to say she wasn’t nervous. In fact, she had almost forgotten what Kangxi looked like. When she first entered the palace, she had kowtowed at Qianqing Palace, and she had gathered up the courage to take a quick glance at him. But now, years had passed, and all she could recall was a tall, stern, and thin figure clad in bright yellow.
The day before New Year’s Eve, the Crown Prince went over the details with her carefully and told her that the plan was for her to first visit Xihuang Palace to meet Concubine Xi, who would then take her and the children to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. The female family members would gather first at Ning Shou Palace to chat, and only when the grand banquet began would they move forward.
Afterward, the Crown Prince would part ways with her to accompany Kangxi to the Temple of Heaven for a sacrifice, and once they returned, the grand New Year celebrations would commence. Only afterward would they go to the Front Court to accept the officials’ New Year’s greetings. The two major palace banquets, one for the ministers and one for the Eight Banner nobles, would be held, and it would only be later in the evening that the family banquet for the harem would take place.
As usual, Yinreng instructed Hua Lan to accompany them. He patted the heads of the two children one by one, then straightened up and gently looked at Cheng Wanyun. “A Wan, take care of the children, and be sure to look after yourself too.”
Cheng Wanyun nodded seriously.
She hoped everything would go smoothly. On the way to Xihuang Palace, Cheng Wanyun silently prayed, but whether it was because too many people were making New Year wishes or some other reason, the heavens seemed to be buzzing with noise and didn’t seem to hear her prayer. She almost found herself in a tricky situation.