Favor

The next morning I woke up before the Emperor so I quickly dressed with Huiqing's assistance. "Miss you are glowing" She said to me with a smile. I did feel a lighter today, like walking on a cloud. And had a smile I couldn't shake. Then I heard the Emperor wake.

I went to help him dress, isn't that what a true wife does? He seemed tired but no other emotion showing on his face. He never does give much away but I hope he was not displeased. Just then he grabbed my hand and gave me a warm smile. He's so handsome when he smiles...but it's so extremely rare. "We shall have dinner tonight" he said then called for his eunuch. Instructing him to escort me back to my palace, and that I shall be given a sedan chair to be carried in from now on....a what?

We walk outside and I saw a beautifully painted wood carved chair that had extensions to be lifted. Hmm. The eunuch helped me into the chair and then announced my departure. Four very sturdy looking eunuchs then lifted me in the chair and proceeded to carry my back my may palace. It felt odd being above everyone else but I must say it is a relief to not have to walk all the way back. Thank goddess we didn't pass anyone, I don't want big deal to be made...

Getting back to my own room I had a unusually large breakfast. Then it started...eunuchs were coming in one by one and dropping off ornate boxes, packages and a very large pile of extremely fine silks of many colors. Stunned I just sat there as Huiqing's smile got bigger and bigger. When it finally stopped the last eunuch announced this was all from the Emperor and Empress Dowager. I kneeled and asked him to give my thanks, which I will do so personally later.

So overwhelmed Huiqing and I were finally alone with all these amazing gifts. She just looked at me with excitement and I nodded my head. To which she promptly started opening one of the top boxes. Showing me a beautiful matching pair of jade bracelets. Then a glass flower hair pin set made up of several intricate pieces, I can't wait to see it on. I then opened the large box in front of me filled with more hair pins most of them dangled with strings of pearls, gold and gems of many colors. Will I ever wear all of them? So many beautiful things...Huiqing was still opening boxes, one filled with the most beautiful long scarfs I've ever seen and most are decorated with fine jewels. Probably to go with all the fine silks I received as well, I must have dresses made of my favorites immediately. I need to show my appreciation, it's all so much.

Huiqing started to catalog everything before put in all away, then I thought about my new sisters in the harem. Noble lady Ning and first attendant Mingyu. I want to share some of the things I received, plus how will I use it all in the first place? And if I'm very lucky there will be more to come. I picked out beautiful silks for each with hairs pieces to match. I tried to find colors that would suit them and I hope they can enjoy in favor too one day.

That night I enjoyed dinner with the Emperor, we chatted of small things. I of course thanked him profusely for all the beautiful gifts. To which he replied that I deserved everything but majority was from the Empress Dowager. He said she is very pleased with his choice. Then I felt if I should ask for permission to gift things to the other ladies. He was surprised but smiled and agreed that it would be very acceptable. We finished our dinner together and then he decided to stay that night with me in my palace...