Chapter 96 (None)

Xiao Jiatong curtsied from a distance, her fair and delicate face bearing a perfectly measured smile, polite and courteous.

Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang clasped their hands in greeting, bowed, and called out "Big Sister" before running off to play on their own.

Jiang Ling nodded in return, pointed at the two playfully fighting, and said half-jokingly, "Sigh, these two naughty children are really no match for the eldest princess."

Normally, Xiao Jiatong rarely left Rouyi Palace except to pay her respects to Emperor Yuanming or for palace banquets and festivals. She and Jiang Ling were only nodding acquaintances.

Seeing that Jiang Ling seemed inclined to exchange pleasantries, Xiao Jiatong appeared surprised for a moment, her face stiffening. She quickly regained her composure and said respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. A-Zan and A-Lang are sensible and clever; Your Majesty has raised them very well."

"The eldest princess's calligraphy is renowned. However, neither of these two little monkeys likes to study, and their calligraphy is truly unbearable to look at, often angering the emperor."

Jiang Ling shook her head helplessly, then changed the subject, "The eldest princess has come to pay her respects to the emperor; she is truly filial. The emperor is unwell and often mentions you brothers and sisters. Alas, the hearts of parents are always full of love and concern. It is getting late; the eldest princess should stay and have dinner with the emperor before returning home."

She continued talking to herself, giving Xiao Jiatong no chance to answer, and extended her hand in a gesture of warm invitation, "With the passing of Prince Rui, the eldest princess is very understanding and can comfort the emperor."

Xiao Jiatong's face stiffened. She lowered her eyelids and said with a forced smile, "Your Majesty, I should stay and serve Father, but I happen to be on Father's orders to go see Atang. After I settle Atang in, I will come with her to Father's side to take care of him."

Jiang Ling hadn't heard Emperor Yuanming mention Xiao Jiatang these past few days; it must have been Xiao Jiatong who brought it up. When she mentioned settling things down, Jiang Ling's thoughts shifted, and he understood Xiao Jiatong's purpose in making this trip.

With one prince dead and the other wounded, Xiao Jiatong had come to Emperor Yuanming to fulfill her filial duty and appeal to familial bonds. She used this tactic with exceptional skill, and Emperor Yuanming entrusted Xiao Jiatang to her care.

The more Emperor Yuanming valued Xiao Jiatong, the more beneficial it was for Consort Liu, his adoptive mother, since she had made invaluable contributions.

Consort Zhao was sent to the Imperial Temple, largely because she framed Jiang Ling. She was Xiao Jiatang's mother, and even if she brought it upon herself, Xiao Jiatang would still hate Jiang Ling because of it.

Furthermore, Consort Zhao caused Xiao Yunrui's death, and even if Consort Lin didn't hold it against her, not taking advantage of her misfortune was already considered magnanimous and kind. Consort Zhao and Consort Zhao were not on good terms, and when Consort Zhao got into trouble, Consort Zhao remained indifferent, which speaks volumes about the relationship between aunt and niece.

No matter how intelligent Xiao Jiatang was, she had never truly experienced major events, so how could she be a match for a cunning and calculating person like Consort Liu? In just a few rounds, she became a bargaining chip in Consort Liu's hands.

Emperor Yuanming was cold-hearted and always put himself first. However, Emperor Yuanming had few children, and Xiao Jiatang was not implicated because of Consort Zhao; as a princess, she was of some use.

Jiang Ling would not make things difficult for the helpless Xiao Jiatang, nor would he allow Consort Liu to get what she wanted.

"Alas, a lot has happened lately, and everyone is exhausted. We have indeed neglected the Second Princess. It is the First Princess who is more thoughtful and keeps the Second Princess in mind."

Jiang Ling pretended not to understand the meaning behind Xiao Jiatong's words and said, "Seeing this reminds me of the past. The Second Princess is also getting on in years, so it's time to consider moving out of Xiangxue Pavilion. I'll go and talk to the Emperor about it right away."

Xiao Jiatong's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Atang and I are close in age, and the two sisters can talk to each other. Father has already arranged for Atang to live with me."

Jiang Ling grunted, neither confirming nor denying, and said, "In that case, come with me to speak to the Emperor."

Xiao Jiatong was now in a dilemma. Jiang Ling served Emperor Yuanming, and if she intervened, Emperor Yuanming would most likely change his mind.

After weighing the options, Xiao Jiatong stepped aside to let Jiang Ling walk in front, saying, "Then I'll trouble you, Your Highness."

The two entered the main hall together. Jiang Ling said, "Princess, please have some tea first. I have something to discuss with the Emperor." Without waiting for Xiao Jiatong's reply, she instructed the palace maids to serve tea, "Take good care of me."

Jiang Ling was already the mistress of Qionghua Pavilion, and the palace maids and eunuchs all obeyed her every word. A palace maid stepped forward to lead Xiao Jiatang to the guest room and respectfully said, "Please, Your Highness."

Xiao Jiatong watched Jiang Ling's actions, her heart pounding, and she knew something was wrong. Now she was caught in a dilemma, and could only barely suppress her panic as she followed the palace maid.

The commotion in front of Xiao Yunrui's mourning hall had already reached the Emperor. Zhang Shan, along with Huang Liang, was reporting back to Emperor Yuanming.

Emperor Yuanming's face turned ashen with rage, and he nearly fainted. As soon as Jiang Ling entered the room, he pounded the bed, crying out in anguish, "What on earth is going on? My harem is not at peace for a moment! What are you plotting? Are you trying to drive me to my death?!"

Jiang Ling sighed deeply, stepped forward and sat on the brocade stool beside the dragon bed, took Emperor Yuanming's hand, and softly called out, "Your Majesty."

She had never been so gentle and proactive before. Emperor Yuanming paused, then snorted, "Making a scene in front of the court officials and in front of Arui's mourning hall, where is the decorum? Where is the face of the royal family? You have completely disgraced me!"

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is heartbroken and her health is very poor."

Jiang Ling began with Consort Lin, skipping over their confrontation and discussions, and truthfully recounted what had happened after Consort Liu's arrival.

Before Jiang Ling entered the house, Zhang Shan had already recounted most of the argument that had taken place in front of the mourning hall. What she said in front of Zhang Shan and Huang Liang was consistent with what they had said.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine has lost Prince Rui, and Your Majesty understands her pain best. I do not know the truth, so I dare not judge who is right and who is wrong."

Jiang Ling emphasized her opinion to demonstrate her impartiality: "I truly feel sorry for the Imperial Concubine, who has been implied as having lost her mind. We are all sisters in the harem; even if we don't like each other, we shouldn't openly or secretly belittle the Imperial Concubine. Respect for the dead is paramount. Prince Rui's body is barely cold, and his talented, gentle, and intelligent mother has been turned into a madwoman. He won't rest in peace even in the afterlife. The Imperial Concubine is so weak she can barely stand, her voice is hoarse from crying, and she even has difficulty speaking. How can she possibly argue with Consort Liu? I think Consort Liu is going too far. If she truly cares about the Imperial Concubine's grief over the loss of Prince Rui, she wouldn't blame the Imperial Concubine even if she hit or scolded her. These words are utterly hypocritical. If she truly didn't care, she wouldn't have mentioned it; she would have simply turned and left. It's like when Consort Zhao bumped into me and injured me; I didn't hear a single word of apology from her, not a single word was mentioned from beginning to end."

Xiao Yunrui died from a head injury, and Jiang Ling suffered a similar head injury, but fortunately recovered. The injury was extremely dangerous, and Emperor Yuanming indeed never heard Jiang Ling utter a single complaint. Even if Consort Lin had instigated the incident, her grief over the loss of her son was understandable.

Consort Liu's actions seemed to be defending herself. However, after Jiang Ling carefully analyzed and compared the two, Emperor Yuanming made his own judgment, and his expression became increasingly unpleasant.

All the goodwill that Xiao Jiatong had previously felt for Consort Liu vanished without a trace.

Jiang Ling gave a wry smile. "Sigh, I'm the kind of person who doesn't understand or like those roundabout ways. I prefer to speak my mind directly and make things clear to your face, so as to avoid gossip behind your back."

Emperor Yuanming couldn't help but lift his eyelids and glance at Jiang Ling, thinking to himself, "Although I haven't heard her inner thoughts for a long time, she is right. She actually has a terrible temper. She would even curse me in her heart, and it wouldn't be surprising if she turned her face black on the spot. Although she has a bad temper, she is truly kind-hearted and has never had any intention of harming anyone."

"Consort Liu's words were veiled in barbs, utterly disgusting. She mentioned A-Lang, haha, what does she mean? The eldest princess entrusted her with raising her son, which helped her recover from the loss of her child. Saying that A-Zan and A-Lang are the only young ones in the harem, she's practically pointing her finger at me, suggesting that A-Lang go with Consort Lin to appease Consort Lin who has lost Prince Rui!"

Jiang Ling avoided the matter of Consort Liu kneeling; she looked indignant and clenched her fists tightly in anger.

Emperor Yuanming looked down at her hand holding his, and felt a surge of emotion.

“I can’t bear to part with A-Lang! A-Lang isn’t a cat or a dog; A-Lang is a living, breathing person! No matter how good Consort Lin is, A-Lang is very clever. He and A-Zan have been inseparable since they were toddlers. If they are separated, how sad A-Lang will be, thinking that I don’t want him anymore! The bond between the brothers will probably never be restored. I’m not trying to flatter myself, but looking across the entire Great Yin Dynasty, you can’t find many pairs of half-brothers as close as A-Zan and A-Lang! People, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. Some people may seem like saints, but they have devilish hearts!”

Ever since Jiang Ling moved into the Chuigong Hall with Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang, Emperor Yuanming was unable to move and could only watch over them all day. From the moment they opened their eyes, they were always playing and bickering. One moment they would be crying, and the next they would be laughing and playing together.

As long as it's not dangerous and doesn't cause injury, Jiang Ling never interferes in their lawsuits, letting them resolve them themselves without bias.

Emperor Yuanming was extremely displeased with their playfulness and lack of focus on studying and writing. Jiang Ling had a strong argument against this, saying she would deal with them after they started school. She did not intentionally raise Xiao Yunlang to be an idle and dissolute playboy, nor did she intend to raise Xiao Yunzan in the same way.

Emperor Yuanming had noticed Xiao Yunlang's constant clinging to Jiang Ling and his obvious dependence on her; it was all genuine.

This clearly shows that what she said was not false at all; she truly loves the two of them.

Emperor Yuanming couldn't help but recall Xiao Yunlang's frail appearance when Consort Zhuang went mad. Now, he was still rather thin, but his energy was boundless. He was always jumping around like a monkey, and if no one was watching him, the two of them together could probably tear the roof tiles off.

Despite their boisterous nature, the two were never careless about manners and etiquette, and never caused any trouble for anyone.

Emperor Yuanming recalled that when he was young, his relationship with his brothers and sisters was merely superficial. Now, he had only two princes, both lively and clever, and they were closer than his own biological brothers.

"I was right to have entrusted Alang with the care of him back then! One is the ruler, the other is his advisor, and the brothers are of one mind. This is truly a blessing for the Great Yin Dynasty!"

Emperor Yuanming was filled with emotion, and said with a stern face, "You have raised Alang all these years, and I will never let him be raised by anyone else, so don't worry!"

Jiang Ling frowned and said, "I believe the Emperor, but I just can't help being angry. The Emperor..." She then looked at Huang Liang and Zhang Shan, "You may leave. I want to say a few words to the Emperor."

Huang Liang and Zhang Shan, who had been standing in the room, felt relieved upon hearing the sound and quickly and respectfully withdrew.

Emperor Yuanming asked in confusion, "What important matter do you have that even they don't believe you anymore?"

"Some things are better left unsaid to outsiders."

Jiang Ling's expression calmed down, and he said sincerely, "Your Majesty, I met the eldest princess earlier and spoke with her for a few minutes. I heard that Your Majesty asked the second princess to follow the eldest princess. I always felt that this was inappropriate. The eldest princess and the second princess never played together before. They have both grown up. How could they suddenly develop sisterly feelings?"

Emperor Yuanming frowned and remained silent for a moment.

Jiang Ling said with a worried expression, "To be honest, I have a lot of headaches about the Second Princess. I shouldn't have interfered in her affairs. Because of Consort Zhao, she must hate me. Consort Zhao is her birth mother, and I don't blame her; it's only human nature. Your Majesty, I've summoned the First Princess back, and Your Majesty has issued an edict to bring the Second Princess here, which can be considered as supporting the Second Princess. The Second Prince is injured and unable to come, so let the sisters, along with A-Zan and A-Lang, have dinner with Your Majesty. With his children all around, Your Majesty can find some comfort and also keep an eye on them. Would it be suitable for the Second Princess to live with the First Princess?"

Emperor Yuanming thought Jiang Ling was going to talk about something important, but she just said a few words from the bottom of her heart, wanting her children to come to her side.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanming's brows relaxed, and he said, "It's a small matter. Just go and pass on the message for me."

Jiang Ling deliberately joked, "To avoid making the Second Princess uncomfortable, I will eat by myself later and will not disturb the Emperor and his family."

Emperor Yuanming pretended to glare at her, but inwardly he was quite pleased with the idea of ​​them being "family." Reluctantly, he slowly withdrew his hand and said, "Aren't you part of my family anymore? Go away, you're always spouting nonsense!"

Jiang Ling walked out of the house leisurely and said to Huang Liang, "Huang Daban, I would like to trouble you to go to Xiangxue Pavilion. The Emperor has ordered that the Second Princess be summoned to dine with the Emperor."

Huang Liang was slightly taken aback, but quickly agreed and went to Xiangxue Pavilion. Jiang Ling then instructed the palace maids, "When the Second Princess arrives, also summon the First Princess."

Night fell, the sky darkened, and the grayness deepened.

Jiang Ling stood under the eaves, gazing happily at the yellow tiles and red walls before him.

Outside the heavy palace walls, she was certain that at this moment, some people were probably feeling like they had thorns in their backs, like ants on a hot pan!