Lanqin was taken aback. She recalled that during the banquet, Ninth Prince's wife had taken the initiative to propose a divorce to Fourth Prince. This surprised Lanqin greatly, since this was in ancient times and very few women in ancient times would do such a thing. It was quite unexpected for her.

This Ninth Prince's wife must be an extraordinary woman, for Lanqin was deeply attracted to her.

Ninth Princess stood alone by the railing, looking at the lotus flowers in the pond, but her eyes seemed somewhat unfocused, as if she were not really admiring the flowers, but rather lost in thought.

Lanqin walked to her side, and as soon as Ninth Princess saw her, she immediately curtsied and said, "This concubine greets Consort Xi."

Lanqin smiled and gently helped her to her feet.

Lanqin walked to the railing, looked at the lotus flowers, and said, "Why isn't the Princess Consort in high spirits? Is the scenery not beautiful enough to attract you?"

Upon hearing this, Ninth Princess Consort quickly replied, "Your Majesty has gone to great lengths to arrange this lotus appreciation gathering and invite me here. It is an honor for me, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude."

Lanqin said, "That's good. I noticed that Ninth Princess Consort looks listless. I wonder if she has something on her mind."

The Ninth Princess smiled, but suddenly her smile froze, and a determined glint flashed in her eyes. "Your Majesty, I have a request."

Lanqin was taken aback and looked at her in astonishment. She had already figured out some of the clues in her heart, so she said, "Tell me, whether I can help you or not is another matter."

Ninth Prince Consort smiled and said, "I know. It's about my divorce from Ninth Prince. He has already agreed and we are just waiting for His Majesty's final approval."

Lanqin froze, and asked in astonishment, "Ninth Master has already agreed?"

Ninth Prince's wife nodded, and without any lingering affection, she said, "Yes, Ninth Prince has already spoken to the Emperor, but the Emperor has not yet responded. I hope Your Highness can help me speak to the Emperor and grant me this wish."

After hearing this, Lanqin couldn't help but feel annoyed. Women in ancient times really had it tough. They needed the emperor's permission to get a divorce, and if the emperor didn't agree, they couldn't get a divorce.

This is the tragedy of ancient princesses: although they were noble and enjoyed immense wealth, they also endured suffering that ordinary people could not bear.

Lanqin said, "But... I think you should think it over carefully."

Ninth Princess nodded, understandingly saying, "This concubine has thought it through very clearly. Please grant my request, Your Majesty."

Seeing that she was determined, Lanqin had no choice but to reluctantly help her.

After all, Ninth Prince's later fate was tragic, and Ninth Princess Consort was a shrewd person who treated her quite well. Saving one person is worse than nothing, so it's better to help her this time and let her divorce Ninth Prince. That way, even if something happens to Ninth Prince, it won't involve her.

Lanqin nodded and agreed, "Alright, I promise you, I will say a few more words to the Emperor, but whether the Emperor will agree is still beyond my control."

The Ninth Princess Consort said with a smile, "Your Majesty is a blessed person. The Emperor will surely listen to what Your Majesty says in front of him."

Lanqin was taken aback. Ninth Princess Consort bowed deeply to Lanqin to express her gratitude, but Lanqin quickly helped her up and stopped her from bowing.

Ninth Princess Consort remembered that in her previous life, Consort Xi's son, Hongli, became the Empress Dowager, so Consort Xi would be the future Empress Dowager.

Lanqin looked at her calmly, and always felt that there was a certain determination in her eyes.

After thanking her, Ninth Princess Consort, having achieved her goal, led her maid away.