TICIEC Chapter 47.1

On May 15th, a torrential downpour swept through the city.

“Master, it started raining in the middle of the night, and judging by the weather, it’s not going to stop anytime soon. Please be careful not to get wet…”

Lian Rui held up an oil-paper umbrella and helped Ning Wanyin into the sedan chair.

Ning Wanyin gave a soft ‘Hmm’.

As usual, the concubines first gathered at Jingxi Palace. The concubines with colorful banners were fine, but the others were somewhat disheveled.

“It’s Ning Jieyu who has His Majesty’s favor. She hasn’t even reached the rank of Zhaoyi yet, and she’s already in a sedan chair.” Fang Zhaoyi said sourly.

“All you sisters should learn from Ning Jieyu.”

She was slowly appreciating the disheveled appearance of the lower-ranking concubines who had come in the rain when she noticed Ning Wanyin’s clean clothes and found them an eyesore.

“You flatter me, Fang Zhaoyi. If Fang Zhaoyi needs any advice from me, I will certainly not hesitate to share.” Ning Wanyin calmly retorted.

Fang Zhaoyi scoffed, “I can’t learn your underhanded tricks…”

“Fang Zhaoyi, you should learn them when you have time. I heard you suffered a miscarriage. Although I am utterly useless, I have gained some experience in protecting Shun Pin’s pregnancy. I will certainly impart all my knowledge to you.” Ning Wanyin said slowly.

Fang Zhaoyi’s face turned deathly pale. She gritted her teeth, “I don’t need you to teach me!”

“Your Highness, it’s too early to say that. It’s not like you’ll never have another chance in this lifetime. Learning more will prevent you from repeating the same mistake, won’t it?” Ning Wanyin smiled faintly.

Fang Zhaoyi was nearly driven mad by Ning Wanyin, yet she was speechless. Ning Wanyin deliberately targeted her sore spots, striking where it hurt most.

Seeing this, Wei Yingya silently thought to herself: Those who are this arrogant in palace dramas won’t last three episodes. I need to take this as a warning!

“Now that all the sisters have arrived, we should go and pay our respects to the Empress Dowager.” Shu Fei said with a smile.

Xue Jinyan claimed illness and didn’t come; she felt ashamed of being slapped in public. No concubines in the Xue faction dared to provoke Ning Wanyin, and their morale was low.

Shu Fei thought to herself: Ning Wanyin has severely humiliated the Xue family. If the Empress Dowager doesn’t restore their dignity, how will the Xue faction maintain its standing in the future?

There should be a good show today.

…

The imperial concubines entered the Cining Palace to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.

“It’s kind of you to come and pay your respects to me in this heavy rain. Your filial piety is truly heartwarming.” Empress Dowager Xue said with a benevolent expression.

The concubines all replied in unison: “It is our duty to serve the Empress Dowager.”

“Very good, very good… You are all filial children.” Empress Dowager Xue praised them.

Her gaze fell on Ning Wanyin in the crowd: “Ning Jieyu, I heard that your grandmother prayed on my behalf at the pagoda. I forgot to thank you.”

Ning Wanyin stepped forward: “It is an honor for the Ning family. Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is too kind.”

“I have another matter to trouble you with today. The abbot of the pagoda said that someone needs to perform a blessing ceremony in the palace to demonstrate sincerity. It would be even better if this person were related to the one performing the blessing ceremony at the pagoda.”

Empress Dowager Xue wore a troubled expression.

“This matter is somewhat difficult for you, but for the sake of the Great Yan, you are the most suitable candidate.”

Ning Wanyin readily complied with the customary etiquette, saying, “I will obey the Empress Dowager’s orders.”

“Good child, I haven’t misjudged you. I’ll entrust the matter of praying for blessings in the palace to you.” Empress Dowager Xue praised her with a look of satisfaction.

A maidservant from Empress Dowager Xue stepped forward and said: “The ritual of praying for blessings requires Ning Jieyu to stand in front of the Empress Dowager’s palace gate, facing the direction of the pagoda, silently recite scriptures, and kowtow for three hours, each kowtow landing on the ground.”

The concubines were astonished.

Kneel for three hours straight?

And with the sound heard?

Ning Wanyin’s forehead would bleed from all the kowtowing!

 

 

 

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