"Sister Bai, we all are happy for you. You have made such a great decision. General Wang will keep you happy," Jiao Lun stated and picked the peeled orange from the bowl that was placed inside the bowl on the table.
"I would like to thank Sister Lili for showing her continuous support to me. However, the entire Royal Family gave me their support," replied Bai Yaling.
"Sister Bai, now do not look behind as you will soon enter the most beautiful phase of your life," Ying Lili advised her. Both Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun agreed with the Empress's words.
"Yes, Sister Lili. My Father's message has also arrived today. They are happy for me. Father has thanked and appreciated the efforts that His and Her Royal Majesty made for me," while saying so, her eyes filled with tears. "They must be worried for me. And after the news of my pregnancy, they were more worried."
"Sister Bai, General Wang has ended your parents' worries. Your child has got such a great father," Ying Lili said with a gentle smile.
"You are right, Sister Lili," Bai Yaling said.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, for intriguing you. The wedding dress has arrived for Princess Bai from the Wang family," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili.
"Send it in," Ying Lili commanded.
Court Lady Xu told the maidservant to come inside. She bowed before them and then yanked the silk cover from over the circular vessel.
Ying Lili stood up from her seat and so did the other Princesses. She walked to the maidservant and checked the red wedding dress.
"Your Majesty, General Wang has given a special order to prepare this dress," Court Lady Xu said and then gazed at Bai Yaling. "General Wang adores the Princess a lot."
"Sister Bai deserves to get adored," Xue Yu-Yan said. "The wedding dress is so beautiful. The fabric seemed of high-quality silk," she asserted as she touched the dress.
Ying Lili agreed with her words.
At that moment, Empress Dowager and three Consort Dowagers entered the hall. The servants bowed first and got on their knees.
Ying Lili greeted them along with the three Princesses. "Greetings to the Empress Dowagers and the three Consort Dowagers," Ying Lili said softly. They had outstretched her arms and joined their respective palms.
"The Empress shall take her seat. Princess Bai, you too," Deng Hui said.
They put their hands down. Ying Lili lifted her head and looked into Deng Hui's eyes. "First, the Empress Dowager must take her seat," Ying Lili said and moved her hand towards the chief seat for Deng Hui.
"Consort Dowagers, please take your seats too," Ying Lili stated. After they settled down, the Empress and the Princesses settled on their respective seats.
"Empress Dowager, First Consort Dowager, the Wang Family has sent the wedding dress for Princess Bai Yaling," Ying Lili informed them.
"That's great. Keep it in a safe place. This is an auspicious dress," Ju Fen, First Consort Dowager, said and looked at her daughter-in-law. "Princess Bai, I will not say many things. But I do wish you a great married life. Forget your past completely and enter into a world that is full of happiness," she wished her.
"Thank you, Mother. Your support was important to me," Bai Yaling said.
"Forgive my mistakes too," Ju Fen said, who had turned slightly emotional.
"Sister Ju, Princess Bai Yaling is not going far away. Do not cry," the Second Consort Dowager said.
Ying Lili was surprised to see this moment. Ju Fen was earlier against the remarriage of Bai Yaling and this sudden change in her behavior was unexpectedly lovable for her. At that moment, she recalled the Former Emperor, Han Wenji. He was always worried about the conflicts among his wives. He was worried about their views towards their respective children and daughters-in-law.
'Father, are you seeing this? The First Consort is supporting the decision of Sister Bai Yaling. If you would be present here, it would have been an incredible sight. Father, Sheng Li has succeeded in keeping this Han Family intact,' she thought in her mind. A tear had rolled over her cheek, which Court Lady Xu noticed. Ying Lili quickly wiped it before coming to anyone's notice.
"Sister Bai, do not forget us after getting married to General Wang. We will keep calling you during the Palace's events and also at other times," Liao Jun said and glanced at Deng Hui. "We can do that, can we, Empress Dowager?" she asked her with a polite tone.
"Of Course, Princess Liao Jun. Princess Bai is a part of this Han Family. She is welcomed at the Palace at any time," Deng Hui answered.
"Princess Bai, the winters are coming. So, I have accordingly given the order of the winter clothes for you. Keep yourself warm. Also, during pregnancy, if you find any complications, you can come to the Palace any time. Though I pray that it will never happen," Ju Fen told her a few things.
Everyone was glad to see the concern of Ju Fen towards Bai Yaling.
After having the conversation for a few more hours, everyone left for their respective chambers.
While coming to the Northern Palace, Court Lady Xu thought to ask Ying Lili about the reason for that tear, so she asked her. Ying Lili halted near the wooden pillar and turned to look at her.
"It was out of happiness, Court Lady Xu. Father was always concerned about this Royal Family. Today, an exceptional beauty was witnessed by me. A beautiful relationship of a mother-in-law with her daughter-in-law. That's why I ended up shedding that tear," Ying Lili vividly described it to Court Lady Xu.
"My Lili gets happy in others' happiness and she turns sad in others' sadness," she heard a familiar voice and felt two strong arms around her. Court Lady Xu and the maidservants behind them had lowered their eyes.
"Sheng Li," she whispered and tilted her head to take a glance at him, who was smiling at her.
"You can do this in the open," Ying Lili said in a low voice.
"I only hugged you. Is it wrong to hug my wife?" Sheng Li arched his brow.
"Of course, it is wrong. Every eye is on us," Ying Lili replied in a low voice.
"Let them see this then. They must know how a Cruel Prince fell in love with the kindest woman of the Empire," Sheng Li said and quickly kissed her cheek.
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Hello Dear Readers,
Sincerely apologetic for not updating for many days. Something urgent had come up.
HAPPY READING
