This wedding was magnificent, with ten miles of red dowry. Hu Qingya, dressed in red and wearing a veil, was led by Long Hanjie to kneel and pay respects to the Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress. Then, she served tea to the Prince’s wife, Qiu Fei. In the grand hall, Xu Qiuer sat high up. As the Emperor was unwell, the Empress returned to the inner palace after Hu Qingya’s greetings.
Xu Qiuer, dressed in purple, smiled and took the cup from Hu Qingya, signaling Xiao Ju to hand over the prepared red envelope. Hu Qingya received it under the matron’s guidance. Xu Qiuer stood, raised her wine cup, and proclaimed: “Congratulations to the Prince and Qing Fei, wishes for the Emperor’s swift recovery.” She drank the entire cup.
The nobles, princes, and officials focused on her, their cheers so loud even the Emperor in the inner palace could hear. After drinking, Xu Qiuer pretended to be drunk and was supported down by Xiao Ju. Xu Qinger, feeling overshadowed, glared at Xu Qiuer’s retreating figure. Resentfully, she approached the Prince with a wine cup. “This concubine…” she choked up, then smiled at Long Hanjie, tears falling, “wishes the Prince and his wife an early birth of a noble son.”
Xu Qinger’s face stiffened, becoming increasingly unsightly. She clenched her hand, her nails digging into her palm. Those outside could see the tension inside, noting the significant difference in demeanor between the two women.
Qiu Fei’s words blessed both the Prince and the Emperor, affirming her worth as the Prince’s wife. That evening, Long Hanjie stayed in Qing Fei’s palace.
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