Chapter 66: The wedding 1 (2/2)

Su Liya was grounded at Jing palace by the Emperor, she couldn't leave without his permission. She had been pretty much bored throughout her stay in the palace, apart from the stone-faced Etiquette Mistress and the scared maids, she was pretty much left to her own devices.

With nothing much to do, Su Liya found herself reading and studying the etiquette books left by the Etiquette Mistress. She followed the usual protocol and saluted the Imperial Consort. This wasn't her first time meeting imperial consort Shi, she had met her a few times while accompanying Zhu Fengyin.

Everything she met this consort, she was always amazed by her superb acting skills. If this was modern time, imperial consort Shi could win an Oscar with her acting. This time wasn't any different, imperial consort Shi acted like the concerned elder.

She acted like they were very close, asking her various questions. Su Liya was already used to fakeness after following Zhu Fengyin to various social events. She got in touch with her inner actresses and put on a good show of closeness.

Su Liya didn't know she could put on such an act until now. The more she stayed in this world, the more explored her various potentials. It was scary how it all came naturally to her but that might be because it was a matter of life or death. After probing for information and getting none, Imperial Consort Shi left.

Su Liya released the breath she held when the unwelcome guest left. This consort was a little too smart for her liking, her sudden visit left her on the edge. She felt so uneasy for the next few hours, the last shoe dropped when are when the Empress visited her.

She had only seen the Empress during the few imperial banquets she had accompanied Zhu Fengyin to. Although It was always from a distance, the Empress was always awe-inspiring. Empress Lu had quite the aura, it was very intimidating.

The Empress was supported by her court lady Xuanyi to the low backed seat at the receiving hall. Su Liya recalled all the Etiquette lessons, this was their first meeting so she paid her respects. The Empress never released her, instead, she watched her silently from her seat like the Empress She was.

The Empress aura felt very innate luke she was born with it. It was nothing like the overblown aura imperial consort Shi put on. The Empress studied her silently, after a few minutes, she must have come to her conclusions because she finally dismissed her.

”At ease”

Su Liya stood and bowed. She wasn't instructed to seat yet so she just stood in front of the Empress. The Empress, who wasn't the kind to show her authority in such a childish manner instructed her to seat.

Empress Lu picked up her cup of tea, lifted the lid halfway and waved the steam away before taking a sip. After a few sips of tea, she returned the teacup to the table next to her and said ”You have been in the palace for some time, how are you finding your stay?”

”Answering your highness this little one has enjoyed her stay. Thanks for the concern.”

Empress Lu tilted her head to the side, ”you can dispense with the formalities, You are now my child. Call me imperial mother, get used to addressing yourself like a princess. It is your rate now”.

”Yes imperial mother”

”While I am not pleased with how everything went down, since we are already at this point. Let us make do with everything. You will be getting married in a few days, although we haven't known each other for long. You are my daughter, I am responsible for you.

”Xiao Zhu is a kind boy, he is a very good choice of husband. Be loyal to your husband, don't bring shame to the family. Learn the four lessons, be filial to your husband, your in-laws and your ancestors. Don't steal, Don't commit adultery and foster the new generation.

”You are new to this all so I will give you a bonus piece of advice, Be careful of people that act like friends. That includes Imperial Consort Shi, I don't know what game you are playing but hurt Xiao Zhu and I will end you” after saying that the Empress waved the maid standing next to Xuanyi closer.

The maid held a medium-sized box in front of her, as soon as she was called forward, she bowed and presented the box to Su Liya.

”You are getting married, Liya. We haven't known each other for long, this is the best I can do for you. Every married young lady should be somewhat independent”.

Su Liya knew that it was tradition for the bride's family to provide her with a dowry, it would be insulting for her to reject this. She accepted the box and bowing said ”Thanks, imperial Mother”

”It isn't much, please bear with me. You must be exhausted, I will take my leave. The days are nearing close, join me for breakfast”.

”Yes imperial mother”.