Rebirth: The Fourth Lady Wants to Lie Down

At the palace gate, the sun sets and the golden sunlight shines on the bluestone slabs, giving this solemn entrance a warm glow.

The carriage slowly approached, and the sound of the wheels rubbing against the ground was particularly clear in the quiet of the early morning.

As the carriage stopped steadily, the door opened gently, and Yi Ya, dressed in a plain long dress, stepped out first, with a look of expectation and caution. Then, Yinzhen, dressed in court robes and looking extraordinary and majestic, followed closely behind her. The two smiled at each other and stepped out of the carriage hand in hand.

Honghui and several of his brothers and sisters followed closely behind, their little faces filled with curiosity and excitement about the palace banquet, yet they still maintained the dignity of royal children.

Just as he stood firm on his feet, he heard the sound of new wheels not far away. Several gorgeously decorated carriages were slowly approaching, adding a bit of liveliness to the palace gate.

Yi Ya turned to look at Yin Zhen and suggested softly, "Fourth Master, it looks like there must be other distinguished guests coming with us. We might as well wait for a while. Perhaps we can meet someone we know and enter the palace together."

Yinzhen nodded slightly to show his agreement.

Soon, the carriages stopped one by one, and the doors opened one by one. Among the crowd, the figures of the Third Lady Dong E and the Third Prince came into view.

Dong E was wearing a cheongsam with intricate patterns, and her temperament was gentle; the third prince was wearing a formal suit, and his appearance was heroic. Seeing this, Yi Ya hurriedly pulled Hong Hui and others forward, with a warm smile on her face.

"Third sister-in-law, third brother, what a coincidence!"

Yi Ya's voice was clear and pleasant, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

Dong E also smiled brightly. She took a few steps forward and held Yi Ya's hand affectionately: "Fourth brother's wife, I haven't seen you for a long time. You are still as charming as ever. Master, come quickly."

After some polite exchanges, the children couldn't wait to pay their respects to their elders.

Hongchun was the most lively one. He ran forward first, saluted politely, then took Honghui's hand, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Brother Honghui, do you know that I have been..."

Honghui was infected by Hongchun's enthusiasm, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. The two quickly immersed themselves in the atmosphere of sharing each other's interesting stories.

Seeing this, Hong Pan also joined them. The three little boys gathered in a group and began to discuss their recent discoveries and toys enthusiastically.

Their conversations were full of childish innocence and joy. Even Honghui, who was usually the most dignified and steady, seemed particularly excited when talking about these topics.

Yinzhen and the third prince walked in front. They talked about the changes in the court and occasionally talked about trivial matters at home. Their words revealed a rare tacit understanding and friendship.

Dong E and Yi Ya walked side by side, chatting about women's topics, ranging from palace trivia to parenting experiences. They laughed from time to time, adding a bit of warmth and harmony to the early morning at the palace gate.

As the children's discussion became louder and louder, sometimes even Yinzhen, Yiya and others would turn around to ask.

They looked at the three little boys who were chatting animatedly, their eyes full of love and doting.

……

Inside the Yonghe Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the gentle face of Concubine De. She was sitting in front of a bronze mirror, with several skillful palace maids carefully combing her intricate hair. The golden hairpins inlaid with pearls and gems were gently inserted into their hands, adding a bit of royal dignity and grace.

"My queen, do you think this peony flower will go well with this brocade palace dress?"

The maid in charge at the side asked softly, holding a lifelike peony flower in her hand, wanting to add the last touch of spring for Concubine De.

Concubine De opened her red lips and smiled slightly. That smile was like the gentlest spring breeze, which made people feel warm. "Very good, this is it."

Everything was ready. Concubine De stood up slowly, gracefully, and prepared to go to the banquet specially arranged by the emperor tonight with her personal nanny, Nanny Gui. Just as they stepped out of the door, a burst of hurried footsteps outside the palace broke the tranquility of the palace.

Aunt Gui frowned slightly, turned around first, and scolded sternly: "Where did this little maid come from? She is so ignorant of the rules and disturbed the Majesty's peace!"

The maid turned pale with fear when she heard this. Her knees weakened and she almost fell to the ground. She kowtowed and begged for mercy: "I know I was wrong. It's really... there is an urgent matter at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The people from the Wuya family said they want to see the queen for something important, so I..."

Upon hearing this, although Defei was displeased in her heart, she still maintained the demeanor of a concubine. She gently raised her hand to interrupt Li Ma's reproach and spoke in a gentle voice.

"It's okay, Aunt Gui, don't be anxious. Little maid, tell me why the people from the Wuya family want to see you at this time?"

The little maid gave Concubine De a grateful look and quickly replied, "Your Highness, Master Wu Ya from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that there is an important arrangement for tonight's banquet and he needs to report it to Your Highness in person, so I came here to ask for an audience."

When Concubine De heard this, she felt strange. The Wuya family had been in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for many years and had always acted prudently. Why would they suddenly have something important to discuss at this time? But she still nodded and gave the order.

"In that case, let him in. Aunt Gui, go and make some arrangements and have him wait in the side hall."

Nanny Gui took the order and left, and the little maid hurriedly followed behind, secretly thanking her luck that although she had caused trouble today, it was a blessing in disguise and she could see how such a big event was handled in the palace.