After the dramatic and disgraceful fall of the Empress and Rong Mo Mo, Ling Fei took over the management of life in the Palace. The increase in her responsibilities gave her unprecedented power; she was empress in all but name. As such, many of the other concubines muttered darkly about her unworthiness. She wasn't from a good Manchu family, they whispered, but from an uppity Han family. Despite generations of loyal support for the Ai Xin Jue Luo clan, her family did not have the blood of the Manchu running through them. Many of the concubines had already been dissatisfied with the Emperor's favoring of Ling Fei but now that she was second in power only to LFY, those resentments deepened. In addition, Ling Fei's son, though still a baby, was seen as a threat to the other A Ge's. The close relationship between Ling Fei and the Fu family, which has also received unwarranted favor from the Emperor, made for even more jealousy. Now that Zi Wei Ge Ge was to marry Fu Er Kang, Ling Fei seemed unstoppable.

Of course, even the most envious concubine would agree that the marriage between ZWGG and EK was heaven set; anyone can see they pair was well matched. Though ZWGG's mother was only from a middle class Han family, the princess had royal blood running through her. In some of the concubines' eyes, even a royal bastard had more claim to the family than Ling Fei. Besides, ZWGG's royalty was obvious in all who met her. She had impressed everyone from the lowliest servant to the most old-fashioned official with her patience, her many talents, her great ability to forgive, and her strength in handling every challenge that came her way. When even Rong Mo Mo bowed to her and forbade others from speaking badly of her, never mind that RMM herself had been the chief instigator of attacks on the lady, everyone in the Palace knew ZWGG was a force to be reckoned with. Besides, all the royal children loved their ZW jie jie (older sister) and the sure way to any concubine's heart was through her children. No, ZWGG was no threat. No matter how much elevation the Emperor gave Er Kang, he would only be an official and no threat to the A Ge's chances at the throne. In addition, Er Kang was widely recognized for his talent. If the concubines could not secure him as the husband for their own daughters, at least he will always be connected to the Royal family and work for the Qing dynasty's best interests. Minus the few who would complain no matter what, the concubines for the most part had little complaint regarding ZWGG and Fu Er Kang's marriage.

Ling Fei herself was not oblivious to the courtly grumbles. Secrets never stayed secrets for long in the Palace but almost always became rumors. She knew of the discontent of many concubines from high ranking Manchu families. She did not climb to the top, into the spotlight of the Emperor's favor, solely based on her ability to please the Emperor. She was well versed in courtly politics and knew that the first rule of survivor was discretion. So, though she knew she held the power of the empress now, she did not flaunt her authority. Instead, she made sure to defer to LFY and follow the older woman's suggestions. She warmly congratulated the other concubines when the Emperor turned his eyes on them and always made sure to treat all the Royal children equally and kindly. She asked for advice from the older concubines, both regarding palace matters as well as in raising her own children. Through it all, she smiled and remained demure despite all the negativity she knew surrounded her. LFY saw Ling Fei's behavior and contrasted it greatly with the Empress's jealousy and cruelty and felt satisfied that the Palace finally had such a calming and understanding influence. Indeed, LFY saw in Ling Fei some of the same gentle authority that the original Huang Hou, who had passed away years ago, possessed. Despite Ling Fei's lack of Manchu blood, LFY trusted in the concubine's honesty and competency. Once the other concubines saw that Ling Fei had both the Emperor's and LFY's approval, they decreased their grumblings. Over time, as Ling Fei continued to mind her own business and not interfere with the other concubines unless it was necessary, the grumblings seized. The ones who had complained the most took comfort in the fact that the Emperor showed no sign of officially giving Ling Fei the Empress's title.

Fortunately, by the time the day of ZWGG and HZGG's double wedding drew close, all the courtly grumbles had mostly subsided and the family seemed at peace at last. After all, it was awfully bad luck to have any sort of discord to mar the auspicious event. A few days before the wedding date, Ling Fei arrived at Shu Fang Zhai to speak with the two girls who had become like her own daughters. Though HS gave the responsibility of organizing the event to Fu Lun, EK, and YQ, it was Ling Fei's role to make sure the girls understood the expectations of being a bride. After she had introduced the two women who would be with ZW's and XYZ's personal wedding maids for the day and reassured them that they would always have someone to help them through the various wedding rites, she dismissed the other servants for a private talk with the girls.

Ling Fei held the girls' hands and smiled a true smile of congratulations: "ZW, XYZ, I am so happy for both of you. ZW, I will miss our presence in the Palace, but I know you will be happy with EK. Please, don't forget to visit. 9-Ge-Ge will keep asking for you. XYZ, you and YQ have been through so much, I'm glad you two will have your happy ending as well. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to find me."

ZW and XYZ glanced at each other then smiled gratefully at the woman who had become like their mother.

ZW spoke: "Niang Niang, you are one of the reasons that XYZ and I are able to obtain our happiness. We could not have made it without your support."

XYZ nodded in agreement: "Even though I made an enemy of HHNN from the first moment I entered the Palace, you still tried all you could to protect me. XYZ is not one to forget such kindness."

Ling Fei smiled and released the girls' hands to dab at her eyes: "Oh you two. I have never known such emotions and such adventures since you two entered my life. And now you've grown up and are getting married! I can't believe how fast these two years have passed…But enough of tears and thanks. We are family; we have no need to be so overly courteous. I have come today not only to give you my congratulations but also to give you some forewarning…I'm sure you're both excited about your wedding, goodness knows EK and Wu A Ge have both seemed like they're floating on air ever since LFY and HS announced the date of the auspicious event, but there are some things about being a bride that I must explain to you."

ZW, ever sensitive, understood at once Ling Fei Niang Niang's message. She blushed but shyly nodded.

XYZ, however, was never one for reading between the lines: "Niang Niang, it's alright. I know that we'll have the wedding maid with us. I don't think even I will be able to make mistakes with someone whispering instructions to me the whole time."

Ling Fei blinked at XYZ: "Well, I'm not worried so much about you making mistakes, XYZ. I know you will be fine with the rites. I'm speaking of…well…after the rites, when you and Wu A Ge are…alone."

XYZ blinked her big eyes at her: "Alone?"

Ling Fei shifted a little uncomfortably: "Uh…yes…alone. You see, XYZ, I've come to speak to you not about the wedding so much as about the wedding night."

ZW blushed a deeper shade of red at her words, but XYZ merely blinked again: "Wedding night?"

Ling Fei nodded: "Well, yes. This is not a pleasant topic for any of us. But, well, LFY thought it'd be better coming from me because of our close relationship. And, well, we can't send you two off to be married without some forewarning." She took a deep breath: "XYZ, ZW, I don't know how much you know about … about the relations between a man and a woman?"

By this point, poor ZW's face was a nice crimson hue to match the flowers in her headdress and XYZ was finally beginning to understand Ling Fei's meaning.

XYZ blinked a third time and let out a quiet: "Oh." Then, she too blushed.

Ling Fei was startled at this uncharacteristically demure response and softly cleared her throat: "Well..umm..see, there's this white clothe for the night and well, in the morning, LFY is sure to inspect it in the morning to make sure that … that the deed was done and that you two are properly married."

XYZ let out a squeak and immediately started pacing the room. ZW by now had hid her face behind her hands.

As XYZ paced, Ling Fei could hear her mutter: "Stupid rules…inspect? Properly married? Stupid, stupid. Whatever happened to privacy? Stupid palace rules."

Ling Fei took a sip of her tea to calm her nerves and waited for the two girls to calm down.

After a while, ZW finally peaked out from behind her hands to glance in concern at her sworn sister. Even in a situation as this, her worry for others overruled her own embarrassment: "XYZ. Please, stop pacing. You're making me dizzy."

XYZ looked at ZW incredulously but did pause: "I'm making you dizzy? ZW, I'm getting quite dizzy just thinking about it. I said falling in love was troublesome. Why oh why did I not listen to my own advice?"

ZW smiled slightly: "XYZ, surely you knew this was inevitable. It's not like HAM only told you about the marriage yesterday. You and YQ have been engaged, whether officially or not, for well nigh two years now.

XYZ looked sheepish: "Well, engagement is one thing. Marriage is quite another. I haven't exactly given much thought to what it means…"

ZW resisted the urge to roll her eyes, the response was so like XYZ: "Well, now is as good a time as any to think about it, isn't it? Ling Fei is kind enough to come forewarn us, we might as well heed any advice she might give us."

XYZ glared at her: "Think about it? ZW, are you saying you're ok with…with the inspection? It's so…so…"

ZW replied with a slight blush: "Well, I happen to agree with you that it's rather…embarrassing for there to be an actual inspection, but, well, it's really small price to pay, isn't it?"

XYZ exclaimed: "Small price to pay? I don't know about you… I certainly don't want everyone in the Palace to know that I…that we…gah! ZW!"

ZW delicately raised an eyebrow: "XYZ…do you really think they wouldn't know even without the inspection? It's what married people do, isn't it? And believe it or not, we will be married in a few days time."

XYZ glared at her again: "ZW! How can you be so calm?"

ZW simply replied: "Oh, I'm not. But looking at you being so agitated, I feel much better about it all."

Before XYZ could retort, Ling Fei broke into the conversation: "So I surmise that you girls know what's going to happen?" XYZ and ZW both blushed but nodded.

Ling Fei breathed a sigh of relief: "Oh thank goodness. My job is a lot easier then. And really, I think you girls will be fine. You're both marrying men who love you; I trust they will be as gentle as possible. Just…there will be a bit of pain, some discomfort, but it will pass… Your role as the bride is to be as accommodating as possible, just follow your heart and you'll be alright."

ZW and XYZ looked at each and quickly thanked Ling Fei.

Ling Fei nodded: "Well, I think you two would probably like to talk about it amongst yourselves. I won't disturb your privacy. If you have need of me, please feel free to visit at any time."

The concubine smiled one final time and bade them goodbye. As she stepped out of Shu Fang Zhai, she let out a deep breath, thankful that the task was complete. She had never been more grateful that her own daughters were still young and far from marriageable age.

Within Shu Fang Zhai, XYZ stared at the closed door while ZW sank into a chair and helped herself to some more tea. XYZ recommenced her pacing and muttering: "Follow your heart she says…that's it? Stupid stupid…" She suddenly paused in her steps and turned towards ZW: "ZW, how do you know what's going to happen?"

ZW blushed: "Well, my mother told me actually. When I was about ten, I overheard one of the neighbors call her a whore. I didn't understand what it meant, so I asked her about it. It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, perhaps only topping what just happened here, but she took that opportunity to explain the birds and bees to me…how do you know about it XYZ? Didn't you grow up in a convent?"

XYZ snorted in a decidedly unlady-like manner and sank into a heap in the other chair: "Only for a small amount of time. After that, I was kidnapped, or maybe I just got lost, anyways, I was left to fend myself in the world. For a while I was a servant in some big household. The Master was not only cruel, but he also took advantage of some of the older maids. I happened to hear them talking about it one day and realized I had to escape. So, escape I did. Fortunately, I met Liu Qing and Liu Hong soon afterwards."

ZW sat up in her chair: "XYZ! That's horrible!"

XYZ shrugged: "Well, yes, but that's life. I'm just glad I managed to escape it. And I met Liu Qing and Liu Hong, so everything ended up alright still."

ZW marveled again at XYZ's eternal optimism despite all the hardships she had experience: "Still, XYZ, I'm sure it'll be nothing like what you heard with you and YQ. YQ loves you and you love him. My mother said when two people love each other, then the act is a natural manifestation of their love."

XYZ looked at her hopefully: "Really?"

ZW nodded: "My mother never lied to me. Besides…you two have kissed, right?"

XYZ blushed but nodded.

ZW smiled teasingly: "And how was it?"

XYZ's face had a rather uncharacteristic dreamy look at this question. ZW chuckled and said: "See. My mother said a kiss is but a small beginning."

XYZ broke out of her daze: "Hey! What about you and Er Kang?"

ZW: "What about us?"

XYZ demanded: "Have you two kissed?"

Now it was ZW's turn to blush.

XYZ nodded: "I thought so." She sighed: "ZW. What if…what if I mess it up?"

ZW seemed confused: "Mess it up?"

XYZ nodded: "What if…what if I don't please him? I never did figure out how he could love someone like me. Or why he'd give up everything to roam the world with me. What if I disappoint him and he realizes that I'm really not worthy of his love? What if he decides he made a mistake?"

ZW reached out to hold XYZ's hand: "XYZ, this isn't like you to be so worried."

XYZ sighed: "How can I not be? Without you or Ling Fei mentioning it, I didn't really think about marriage. I mean, sure, you'll be leaving to live with Er Kang, but nothing will really change, right? We're still sisters, you'll still visit, and I'll still be the trouble magnet. But now…now it hits me that everything will be different. We're both leaving Shu Fang Zhai. Sure, HAM said it'll always be here for us whenever we need a place to go, but it won't be the same. I'll be living somewhere else…with YQ. I just realized that we barely know each other really. Without you and EK to serve as the buffer between us, what if we end up killing each other in a fight? Not to mention, there'll be so many more rules to follow. And you won't be around to help me with them!"

ZW was startled by the outpouring of concerns from the normally brave XYZ and quickly tried to sooth her worries: "XYZ. Things are changing, it's true. But I'll always visit. You know I will. Besides there's Qing-er in the Palace still to help you; she's become a good friend. Besides, YQ will always be there for you. Hasn't he always given in every time you two fought? No matter what happens and whose fault it really is, he always apologizes and tries to make amends. It might be difficult at times, but you need to trust that your love for each other will carry you through all the rough patches."

XYZ sighed again: "I know you speak the truth, but ZW, aren't you worried? Maybe not…you and EK are so well matched and EK's parents have always treated you like a daughter…"

ZW shook her head: "Of course I'm worried! I'm as apprehensive as you are about the wedding and everything that will happen afterwards, but I also have faith. I trust EK to take good care of me, just like you should trust YQ to take good care of you. The four of us have been through so much, what is marriage compared with life and death?"

XYZ replied: "ZW, why do you always have to make so much sense?" Nonetheless, she calmed down enough to pour herself a cup of tea: "Bride. Hmm…don't you find it strange ZW, that we will be brides soon?"

ZW smiled in relief: "Yes. Life seems to have a way of becoming full circle; when I first met you, you were dressed up as a bride, were you not?"

XYZ chuckled: "From fake bride and fake princess to real bride and real princess. Indeed, quite circular…ZW, promise me you'll visit the day after. Promise, please?"

ZW nodded: "Of course. Besides, EK and I will have to pay respects to HAM, LFY, and all the concubines that day anyways."

XYZ sighed, but this time in relief: "Oh good."

ZW chuckled as a thought formed in her mind, causing to XYZ to look at her curiously: "What's so funny?"

ZW replied with a smile: "I was thinking, if you're like this for the wedding, what will you be like when it comes time to have children?"

XYZ gasped and dropped her teacup: "CHILDREN? Oh no…what have I done? I just knew it! Falling in love will be the death of me!"

ZW couldn't help but laugh at XYZ's response. The servants, who had heard the cup crash and quickly swept into the room, asked in concern: "Ge Ge, what's wrong?"

XYZ only groaned in embarrassment as ZW quickly assured everyone that XYZ was alright.

XYZ stuck out her tongue at ZW and started tickling her in response.

Satisfied that the two princesses were alright, the servants quickly cleaned up the broken cup and replace the tea set as lighthearted laughter returned to Shu Fang Zhai .