Having finished speaking, she beckoned to Ning Huaixiu: "Huaixiu, quickly kowtow to the Empress Dowager and the Empress, then return to your mother’s side."
Upon hearing this, Miss Ning understood that her mother had switched sides and given up on her entering the palace, her heart suddenly chilled, and she stood stiffly for a mont before suddenly kneeling down and kowtowing to Caiwei, saying: "Empress Dowager, your unworthy servant is not qualified to hold a concubine position to serve the Emperor. Your servant wishes to enter the palace as a palace maid to wait upon the Emperor!"
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this, unable to believe that the daughter of the Pri Minister was willing to degrade herself to such an extent that she could accept even the identity of a palace maid!
Madam Ning exclaid in shock: "Huaixiu, this is a serious matter, how can you act so recklessly? Co back quickly, lest your father be angry with you!"
Miss Ning shook her head, tears flowing, and said: "Mother, your daughter is unfilial. Entering the palace to serve the Emperor is my biggest lifelong desire, I beg my mother to fulfill this wish!"
Madam Ning also started crying, saying: "You foolish child, you are also a daughter of the Chancellor’s mansion, why can’t you marry any family you wish? Why insist on degrading yourself to enter the palace as a palace maid? What good can your mother say about you?"
Empress Dowager Mo, who was just stunned by Caiwei, had just regained her composure and, seeing Madam Ning having second thoughts, hurriedly said: "It’s rare to see Miss Ning’s devoted heart. Since you have already decided to enter the palace, this palace will fulfill your wish."
Having said that, she turned to Caiwei and asked: "Empress, I have already decided to let Miss Ning enter the palace, what do you say?"
Caiwei laughed and said: "Since the Imperial Mother has decided, this concubine shall obey. But Miss Ning, as the esteed daughter of the Pri Minister, do you really think it’s worth it to beco a naless palace maid?"
Ning Huaixiu firmly said: "Huaixiu is willing to accept this with no regrets, even unto death!"
Thus, the matter was settled. Three days later, Miss Ning would enter the palace as a palace maid to serve by the Emperor’s side.
In fact, Empress Dowager Mo wanted to give Ning Huaixiu a position, but the Emperor had once personally promised that he would not take any more concubines this lifeti, and the Empress would not persuade the Emperor to take concubines, so it was not proper for her to directly confer the title without their approval. Considering Caiwei’s temperant, even if she conferred it, Caiwei would not acknowledge it. Instead of causing a public disgrace later, it was better to take a step back. After all, with Miss Ning’s talent and her affection for the Emperor, she would eventually gain the Emperor’s favor sooner or later!
As long as she could divide the Empress’s favor and suppress the Empress’s arrogant deanor, she would be satisfied!
After leaving the Empress Dowager Mo’s travel palace, Caiwei, riding her phoenix palanquin, returned to the travel palace she shared with Nangong Yi. Upon entering the room, she told the eunuchs and palace maidens waiting outside, "When Duke Li Guo’s wife arrives later, there’s no need to report her arrival, just let her in!"
Today, she had publicly slighted Empress Dowager Mo, and Duke Li Guo’s wife would surely co to ask about it. Thus, after returning, Caiwei did not go out to find Nangong Yi but changed into her regular clothes and leaned on the fire kang in the Eastern Warm Pavilion awaiting her arrival.
Old Mada Liu did not make her wait too long; about the ti it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xiao Zhi led her in.
As the Old Mada ca forward to perform a greeting, Caiwei quickly got off the kang and supported her to prevent it: "Grandmother, please don’t do this. You are an elder, making you greet like this, wouldn’t that shorten my life?"
The Old Mada said: "Your Highness, rituals must not be abandoned. For decades, this old body has always strictly adhered to the rules, daring not overstep, even when the forr Empress Dowager held the rear position, each ti I entered the palace to et her, I perford the full ceremony."
The thinking of ancient people differs from modern ones, and Caiwei, unable to stop her, reluctantly received her greeting.
After the Old Mada finished her bow, Caiwei personally helped her up and seated her on the edge of the kang in the Eastern Warm Pavilion.
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