Qin Yining and the Empress walked slowly toward Kunning Palace, the atmosphere notably light.

“She put quite a lot of force into that kick, and the bronze tripod is extremely hard – her foot probably can’t bear weight now.” The Empress looked back at Qin Yining, her eyes full of amusement.

Qin Yining smiled: “I didn’t touch her – she brought it upon herself. When someone strikes without cause, I have no reason to stand still and let myself be bullied.”

“It seems the Prince cherishes you deeply.”

Sometimes she truly envied Qin Yining, able to live so freely. Perhaps only women loved by their husbands could act so fearlessly in doing what they wished?

Seeing the Empress’s bitter smile, Qin Yining understood her feelings.

She said gently: “Actually, this has nothing to do with the Prince’s favor. I merely borrowed the status he gave me. If I had shown even the slightest retreat today, not only would I have diminished the Prince’s reputation, but others would look down on me. When my children return to the capital in the future, they’ll inevitably deal with people in this circle. If others see me as formidable, even if they want to bully my children, wouldn’t they have to think twice?”

Qin Yining spoke of herself, but was simultaneously reminding the Empress.

How could the Empress not hear Qin Yining’s persuasive intent? Her steps gradually slowed and stopped as she turned to face Qin Yining. Meeting her gentle yet encouraging gaze, the Empress felt suddenly moved.

“This palace understands the Princess Consort’s kind intentions.” The Empress sighed softly. “I also understand that if I don’t strive, my son may suffer in the future, but…”

“This subject’s wife understands Your Majesty’s difficulties and feelings. But life always presents various hardships and unwillingness – choices must always be made. Either follow the heart or follow reason. Actually, regardless of the choice, the future remains unknown. The difference lies only in having more or fewer possibilities within one’s grasp.”

In all these years, no one had ever spoken so intimately with the Empress. When Li Qitian was away at war, she served her mother-in-law and sister-in-law at home like an old ox. Later, even as Empress, her days remained the same. Born of humble origins, her family consisted only of uneducated relatives who understood no great principles yet constantly sought to benefit from her position.

She had no one for heart-to-heart conversations, having to puzzle through everything alone whenever problems arose.

Now, in her moment of despondency, she never expected someone would disregard status and position to speak intimately with her. The Empress’s emotion was almost indescribable.

“The Princess Consort is someone who values genuine feeling. This palace will carefully consider your words.”

Seeing that the Empress wasn’t stubborn or self-willed, possessing an exceptionally gentle nature and being well-educated and reasonable, Qin Yining’s fondness for her increased.

Though their positions differed, at least for now, they could coexist peacefully.

The two chatted leisurely as they walked slowly. Upon returning to Kunning Palace, Nanny Sun and Consort Yun, who had changed her cloak, were already waiting respectfully in the main hall.

Consort Yun had changed into a yang crimson brocade cloak, appearing as delicate as a spring peach. She was actually quite impatient from waiting – who would have thought that after the Empress sent someone to Ci’an Palace to summon her, she would arrive only to wait for so long.

Seeing the Empress return with Qin Yining, Consort Yun reluctantly curtsied briefly, saying lazily: “Greetings to the Empress.”

Qin Yining also performed proper etiquette toward Consort Yun: “Greetings to Consort Yun.”

After both parties exchanged proper courtesies without impropriety, the Empress walked slowly into the hall, turning to instruct Nanny Sun: “Please ask Nanny Gong to come. Etiquette lessons shall begin today – this palace can also learn along.”

“Yes.”

Nanny Sun went outside and instructed a palace maid to fetch the person.

The Empress then ordered seats to be provided. Qin Yining and Consort Yun sat according to their ranks. When Nanny Gong arrived, the three began studying together under her instruction.

Nanny Gong was over sixty years old. During Northern Ji’s time, she had been the palace nanny who taught court ladies proper conduct. Having served several consorts, the highest-ranking being an Imperial Noble Consort, she knew the rules and etiquette for various ceremonies very clearly.

Qin Yining had an excellent memory and learned quickly from Nanny Gong’s teachings. Having previously studied under Nanny Zhan in Great Yan, though customs differed between the two countries, many rules shared common principles, making it easy for Qin Yining to learn. She understood the proper conduct for walking, sitting, lying, daily eating and drinking, and even speaking.

Nanny Gong taught meticulously. As the Empress and Consort Yun listened together, she couldn’t push the two palace mistresses too hard, sometimes checking Qin Yining’s progress instead. What surprised and impressed Nanny Gong was that whatever she taught, Qin Yining would never make mistakes after hearing it once.

In comparison, Consort Yun’s aptitude was much poorer. Her bowing posture was incorrect, she repeatedly failed to improve despite instruction, and her pride made her unable to accept even half a word of criticism.

After several days, Qin Yining had mastered about seventy to eighty percent of the rules, while Consort Yun showed little improvement.

Perhaps she wasn’t incapable of learning, but felt that being proper and obedient before the Empress was beneath her dignity.

“Princess Consort Zhongshun is truly exceptionally intelligent. For the marriage reception and entertainment ceremonies, the Princess Consort should have no problems. However, etiquette and proper conduct exist to make people’s eyes light up when they see you and feel refreshed when they interact with you.

“Therefore, the Princess Consort must regularly practice the rules you’ve learned, incorporating them into daily life, into every movement and word, allowing gradual transformation. Only then can rules and etiquette become part of your being, naturally radiating grace and bearing.

“What this servant teaches all comes from ancient ceremonies. Mastering them not only changes one’s personal bearing but also represents a form of inheritance that can influence the next generation.”

“Yes, I’ve remembered everything Nanny Gong said. I’ll learn and correct myself in daily life, though sometimes when distracted I forget to mind these things.”

Seeing Qin Yining speak so honestly, Nanny Gong couldn’t help smiling: “This is human nature. Changing a habit isn’t easy. Learning proper conduct is essentially forming new habits.”

While Nanny Gong conversed pleasantly with Qin Yining, Consort Yun sat to one side, pursing her lips as she repeatedly practiced several bowing methods.

She now saw clearly that the Empress bringing her to Kunning Palace to learn etiquette was obviously meant to torment her!

These past days had left her with aching back and waist. Even when serving His Majesty, she was so tired she couldn’t help yawning, nearly causing His Majesty to misunderstand that she was impatient with sharing his bed.

Consort Yun gritted her teeth, glaring at the Empress who was attentively listening to Qin Yining and Nanny Gong’s conversation.

Just then, Nanny Sun entered with a smile, bowing as she reported: “Your Majesty, the First Prince has awakened and is calling for his mother.”

The Empress’s face brightened with joy upon hearing this, even her haggard features marked by premature graying were illuminated.

“Quick, bring the Prince here. Now that he’s awake, he should come out for some air.” She turned to smile warmly at Qin Yining: “These past days you’ve entered the palace daily but haven’t had a chance to see the Prince, have you? How fortunate today – when he’s brought over, you can meet him.”