The two retreated, leaving only Princess Huayang and Nanny Yu in the room. The journey had been arduous, and the weather was hot. Even with frequent stops, the princess looked quite worn.
"The Sage has prepared everything in advance, undoubtedly out of his brotherly affection for you, Your Highness. Please do not worry too much," Nanny Yu advised.
Princess Huayang's smile was weak. Yes, they were siblings, born of the same mother.
When she was married off to Youzhou years ago, she had foreseen this day, but she never expected it to come so soon.
"Why is it that when men fight for power and profit, it is always women who are sacrificed? Back then, I received an urgent dispatch from the capital saying our Empress was gravely ill. I rode day and night, but I still couldn't make it in time to see her one last time... Nanny, I don't want to harm Lingyi."
"Perhaps there is still room for maneuver, and things are not as dire as Your Highness imagines," Nanny Yu said, her heart aching at the princess's distress.
Princess Huayang shook her head. "I understand my husband, and I understand my brother even better."
The next day, as dawn broke, Princess Huayang was already up and dressed. After breakfast, she took her two daughters to the palace.
The carriage stopped at the palace gate. The Grand Princess looked at the familiar surroundings, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
The once familiar palace gates now seemed strange. The guards at the gate no longer recognized her, the Grand Princess who had been away for so many years.
As Princess Huayang was about to ask Nanny to present her token, Eunuch Zhang, guided by a young eunuch, emerged from the palace gate with a smile. He quickly bowed, "This old servant pays his respects to Your Highness, the Grand Princess."
Princess Huayang recognized him as Eunuch Zhang, who served the Sage. She smiled, "It has been many years, Eunuch. Are you well?"
"Thanks to Your Highness, this old servant is well. Everyone has been waiting for Your Highness for a long time. Please, Your Highness, enter the palanquin," Eunuch Zhang said with a bow and a smile.
In the palace, not everyone was qualified to ride a palanquin; it was a symbol of status.
"Thank you for your arrangements, Eunuch."
"These are all the Sage's orders. Today, the Sage specifically ended the morning court early to await Your Highness, the Grand Princess."
Eunuch Zhang, as the Sage's most trusted confidant, never failed to mention the Sage.
Upon hearing the young eunuch report the Grand Princess's arrival, the Sage rose from his dragon throne and walked out.
"We pay our respects to the Sage!"
Princess Huayang was about to curtsy when the Sage stopped her, "Eldest Sister!"
The siblings, having not seen each other for many years, were both moved to tears. Princess Huayang quickly called to her two daughters behind her, "Lingyi, Lingyuan, come and greet the Sage."
Luo Lingyi and Luo Lingyuan, standing behind her, knelt and paid their respects.
"Good children, rise quickly. The palace is your home, do not be so formal," the Sage said with a benevolent smile.
"Yes!" they replied in unison. Having been instructed by their mother beforehand, they dared not be presumptuous.
Soon, palace attendants led the two young ladies to tour the imperial gardens. Although it was hot this season, the imperial gardens had shaded and enjoyable spots for the noble ladies to play.
Lunch was served in the Taiji Hall, with a few imperial consorts in attendance to welcome the Grand Princess.
Consort Yao, already favored, now managed the affairs of the six palaces, exuding the air of the mistress of the harem.
She wore a peacock-blue long gown today, her figure graceful. The exposed skin, contrasted with her palace attire, was snow-white and smooth, possessing a charm and dignity far exceeding that of a sixteen-year-old girl.
The hairpins on her head further emphasized her unique position in the palace.
"Your Highness, the Grand Princess, has had a long journey. You must stay for some time," Consort Yao said, a slight curl of her lips, speaking with the tone of a hostess.
If it were before, Huayang might not have paid her much mind. However, times had changed; the seventh prince, whom the Sage favored, was her son.
"The Sage also said so. Your Ladyship and the Sage truly have a telepathic connection," Princess Huayang said, willing to give her some face.
Consort Yao's smile deepened. She turned to the Sage, "The Sage often reminisces about the time Your Highness, the Grand Princess, spent in the palace. Naturally, the Sage is reluctant to see you leave again."
The Grand Princess seemed lost in thought, "Time flies. The children have all grown up."
"Indeed, the two young ladies are elegant and graceful. Your Highness is truly blessed," Consort Yao said, her gaze falling on the two young ladies of the Luo family.