Chapter 104:
Jiang Juan: “?”
He was even more confused after hearing this. “Ingratiate themselves with me? What do I have that’s worth flattering?”
Bai Xuechao explained, “With the new Emperor’s ascension, the positions and appointments of the princes and consorts in the harem must be arranged. The new Emperor…”
He’s his own grandson, his grandson also was fond of him, Bai Xuechao put it delicately: “His temperament is hard to predict, so they come to plead with you. As for these people sending invitations, they either need something from you or are planning for the future.”
Jiang Juan sighed, “Is it really this complicated?”
Bai Xuechao waved his hand dismissively, “If you don’t want to meet them, then don’t. Let them seek out the new Emperor for their requests. Just enjoy yourself.”
Jiang Juan had no desire to meet with these people, as it seemed too much trouble. However, he did want to see Xue Congyun.
He had wanted to comfort Xue Congyun last night, but he was already asleep. Since Xue Congyun had come now, Jiang Juan intended to offer his condolences.
“Grandfather, I want to see the Sixth Prince.”
“Then call him in.”
Bai Xuechao patted his hand. Jiang Juan turned to the maid and said, “Could you please bring in the Sixth Prince and Imperial Consort Ning?”
The maid responded respectfully, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
She hurried off to fetch them.
Outside Lingguang Palace, many people were waiting expectantly for their summons.
Among them, Imperial Consort Mei and the Eldest Prince, Xue Chaohua, were the most anxious. The news of the new Emperor’s return to the capital quickly reached their ears. Given that Minister Li had publicly criticized Jiang Juan, and with Prime Minister Li’s influence and their own tacit approval, they were now nervous after seeing Prime Minister Li being punished.
Imperial Consort Mei, who used to be arrogant and domineering while holding the Phoenix Seal, could not ignore her injury upon hearing that Jiang Juan was in Lingguang Palace. Despite her wounds from the previous imperial punishment, she hurried over with her maid’s assistance.
—The last time, when Emperor Hongxing fell ill, Imperial Consort Mei had been punished with fifty lashes for instigating trouble, and she had not fully recovered.
Imperial Consort Mei received the news, and so did Imperial Consort Ning. Thus, the two women found themselves face to face.
“Sister, after all this time, you still look so unwell?”
Xue Congyun, who had been trying to persuade his mother to leave, finally gave up and awkwardly greeted Imperial Consort Mei, “…Imperial Consort Mei.”
He had been so heartbroken yesterday that he went to bed early. Even when he returned to the palace, he was still feeling down. However, he was taken out by Imperial Consort Ning, who said that meeting with the new empress might help him feel better in the future.
Xue Congyun thought that his mother’s concerns were unnecessary. His Brother Juan wouldn’t stir up trouble without reason, but since his mother insisted on coming, Xue Congyun had no choice but to go along.
Imperial Consort Mei nodded and smiled insincerely, “Isn’t it too hot?”
Imperial Consort Ning quickly responded, “Sister, you’re still recovering from your injury. You should go back and rest. Why are you lingering here?”
Her question was clearly rhetorical. Imperial Consort Mei nearly bit her teeth in frustration upon hearing it.
How could Imperial Consort Ning not know why she was here?
It was nothing more than trying to make amends and curry favor with the new empress.
Wasn’t Imperial Consort Ning here for the same reason?
In the end, they were all consorts of the late Emperor. No matter how glorious their past might have been, once Emperor Hongxing passed away, their good days were over. Whether they would have a comfortable life in the future depended entirely on the new emperor and empress’s disposition.
Things were different now. In the past, Imperial Consort Mei would have scowled at Imperial Consort Ning, but now she could only speak politely, “I’ve prepared a banquet for the empress and would like to invite him to join us.”
Imperial Consort Ning smiled, “Sister, how coincidental. The lotus flowers in my garden have bloomed, and I also plan to invite the empress to enjoy them.”
They exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere seemed peaceful, but in reality, there were undercurrents of tension.
Imperial Consort Mei said with a smile, “Enjoying the flowers is wonderful, it has its own charm.”
Had the empress never seen lotus flowers before? What was there to appreciate about this pitiful bunch of flowers?
Imperial Consort Ning replied, “Sister, you’ve thought of everything.”
Had the empress never eaten anything good before? Why would she need to go out of her way to attend your banquet?
Xue Congyun: “……….”
Xue Chaohua: “……….”
Not long after, the maid finally emerged and apologized, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Empress is unwell and cannot see you all.”
This meant a blanket refusal.
Xue Congyun didn’t think much of it. Given the nature of the occasion, where everyone was clearly trying to curry favor, it was better for Jiang Juan to see no one. Otherwise, he would face endless trouble in the future.
“Mother, let’s go,” Xue Congyun complained. “I told you it would be a wasted trip.”
“Whether it’s a wasted trip or not, we still had to come.”
Imperial Consort Ning replied, giving him a stern look. The pretense had to be maintained. She nodded to Imperial Consort Mei before gracefully departing.
Since the Empress was unwell, there was no need for the other guests to linger. The ministers who had come with invitations gradually left as well. Imperial Consort Mei and Xue Chaohua, though anxious, had no choice but to return.
Just as they were about to leave, the maid spoke up again, “Sixth Prince, please stay.”
Xue Congyun paused and turned around.
It wasn’t just him. Everyone who had been preparing to leave turned to look, curious. The maid continued softly, “The Empress is unwell and cannot enjoy the flowers, but she invites you and Imperial Consort Ning to come inside and sit for a while.”
Xue Congyun was momentarily stunned, then Imperial Consort Ning, understanding the opportunity, immediately smiled and said, “Thank you, we’ll gladly accept.”
She gave Xue Congyun a gentle pat, and he finally snapped out of his daze.
Xue Congyun looked around, noticing the envious glances. At that moment, he felt quite pleased with himself. Not only had Jiang Juan refused to meet anyone else, but he had also extended an invitation to him and his mother.
Xue Congyun walked with a newfound swagger.
“Great, we’ll come in.”
He was beaming with pride, while Imperial Consort Ning was quietly delighted as well, though she showed it more subtly. She glanced at Imperial Consort Mei and said, “Sister, I’ll accompany the Empress for a while. We’ll continue our conversation another day.”
“Alright.”
Imperial Consort Mei smiled as she watched Xue Congyun and Imperial Consort Ning enter Lingguang Hall. Her smile almost froze, and her nails dug into her palm, leaving several marks.
She almost forgot that the Sixth Prince had been mingling with the empress all morning; their relationship was quite good.
Instead, she had repeatedly offended him and now had to anxiously wait for the consequences.
Imperial Consort Mei felt quite unsettled and angrily scolded Xue Chaohua, “You useless fool, why don’t you learn from your brother? He’s already ingratiated himself with the empress!”
Xue Congyun had always been incompetent and was often scolded. Usually, Imperial Consort Ning would scold him after Emperor Hongxing did. Today, however, it was quite unusual—Imperial Consort Ning praised him, and Imperial Consort Ning, with a smile, patted his head, saying, “You used to be as good as having no brain at all. At least you’ve done something smart now.”
Xue Congyun felt frustrated and asked, “Mother, are you praising me or scolding me?”
Imperial Consort Ning thought back to Imperial Consort Mei’s expression earlier and felt delighted. She reflected, “It’s true that fools have their own kind of luck. You, this unlucky child, have been sending my precious things to Prince Li’s residence all the time, and somehow, you’ve managed to make a name for yourself.”
The maid led Imperial Consort Ning and Xue Congyun into Lingguang Hall. When Xue Congyun saw Jiang Juan, he excitedly waved at him, “Brother Juan.”
“Don’t call him Brother Juan,” Imperial Consort Ning frowned, “It’s not proper.”
“It’s fine,” Jiang Juan smiled, “I’m used to him calling me that.”
Since Jiang Juan didn’t mind, Imperial Consort Ning had nothing more to say. Still, seeing Jiang Juan’s close relationship with Xue Congyun, she couldn’t help but marvel again at how lucky her foolish son had been.
Imperial Consort Ning smiled and greeted Bai Xuechao, “Mr. Bai.”
Bai Xuechao nodded and exchanged pleasantries with her.
Xue Congyun and Jiang Juan didn’t need to go through formalities. He plopped down beside Jiang Juan and said happily, “Brother Juan, you’re really giving me face. You haven’t seen anyone else, just me.”
Jiang Juan said slowly, “……Last night, Jiang Qingliang said you cried like a heartbroken pig. I wanted to see what a heartbroken pig looked like.”
Xue Congyun: “?”
He immediately stopped smiling and felt a bit sulky. “Heartbroken pig? I think he’s the pig!”
Mentioning this made Xue Congyun think of Emperor Hongxing, which dampened his mood again. However, he understood Jiang Juan’s intention in coming to see him. “Brother Juan, were you specifically here to comfort me?”
Jiang Juan: “Yes.”
Xue Congyun was quite touched. “Brother Juan, you…”
He seemed to pause, not knowing what to say.
“What is it?” Jiang Juan asked curiously.
“Maybe something more substantial as comfort?” Xue Congyun tentatively suggested.
Jiang Juan: “Like what?”
Xue Congyun said, “Well… since the Fifth Brother is preparing for the coronation ceremony, the princes will also need their titles and fiefs arranged. We might be sent off to the fiefs.”
Jiang Juan: “And then?”
Xue Congyun rubbed his hands together. “Brother Juan, could you help me with this?”
“I want a fief that’s close to the capital so I can come back and visit you from time to time. It should also be a bit prosperous; otherwise, what will I eat and play with?”
Jiang Juan asked in surprise, “What do you want me to do with this information?”
Xue Congyun flattered, “Can you ask Fifth Brother about it? If the fief he assigns isn’t suitable, just hint to him a bit and help me out.”
Jiang Juan: “……”
Jiang Juan honestly said, “I don’t think I can influence him.”
Xue Congyun: “You can!”
Jiang Juan: “But…”
Seeing Jiang Juan hesitate, Xue Congyun asked plaintively, “Brother Juan, do you want to see me cry like a heartbroken pig?”
Jiang Juan: “???”
Xue Congyun opened his mouth and pretended to cry. Jiang Juan didn’t want to see a pig, so after some hesitation, he told Xue Congyun, “I can only ask him about it. I really can’t influence his decision.”
Xue Congyun was pleased with this response. “Alright, alright.”
Knowing in advance and making plans was also good.
Xue Congyun felt increasingly optimistic. With Jiang Juan’s support, it was indeed very comforting.
When Xue Congyun arrived at Lingguang Hall, he was full of complaints, but as he left, he was full of energy. Just before he left, he didn’t forget to remind Jiang Juan repeatedly, “Hint to him, Brother Juan,, remember to hint to him!”
Jiang Juan: “……”
Not long after Xue Congyun and Imperial Consort Ning left, Bai Xuechao also took his leave.
The old man had hurried from the mountain to the palace and found it uncomfortable there, so he decided to return to the Prince Li Residence to rest. Jiang Juan said, “Then Grandfather, please rest well.”
Bai Xuechao cheerfully replied, “You should get some rest too.”
After seeing Bai Xuechao off, Jiang Juan could finally go to sleep.
He was extremely tired, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.
It wasn’t long before a hand wrapped around his waist, pulling him into an embrace.
“Your Highness…”
The embrace was so familiar that Jiang Juan didn’t even need to open his eyes to know who it was.
Xue Fangli kissed his eyelashes and said, “Keep sleeping.”
Before falling asleep, Jiang Juan still thought about Xue Congyun’s request. Half-asleep, he mumbled, “Where is the Sixth Prince’s fief supposed to be?”
Although Xue Fangli was busy, he was well-informed about whom Jiang Juan had met and what he had done today. He casually asked, “What’s the matter?”
Jiang Juan, in a half-dreamy state, muttered, “He wants a place close to the capital, and it should be a bit prosperous.”
“That’s not possible.”
Jiang Juan mumbled an “oh” and slightly moved his eyelashes. If it wasn’t possible, then it wasn’t. He was too tired to keep his eyes open and wanted to continue sleeping.
But someone wasn’t letting him sleep.
“What about your hint?”
Jiang Juan: “Huh?”
Xue Fangli lowered his eyes, maliciously pinched the soft flesh on Jiang Juan’s face, leaned closer, and said in a seductive voice, “If I don’t agree, won’t you hint at all?”
“Be good and hint properly. If you do it well, I’ll grant you anything.”
Author’s Note: The prince is teaching the salted fish how to be a scheming consort (just kidding).
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