Everyone knelt down, only Ji Yunhuan remained standing.
The empress dowager came in a hurry, her feet were so fast that even the palace maids and nannies who were traveling with her were left behind, which shows how anxious the empress dowager was.
Only Nanny Yan followed. Wherever the empress dowager went, the kneeling crowds gave way and no one dared to bump into her.
Ji Yun happily bowed, and the Queen Mother grabbed her hand. "No need to be polite. Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I am fine, thank you Queen Mother for your concern. I just happened to run into an old friend and was busy for a while. I caused such a big commotion and even alarmed the Queen Mother. I am very worried."
The empress dowager breathed a long sigh of relief, only to realize that she was sweating coldly. She had walked too fast and even her calves were trembling.
"I'm glad you're alright, I'm glad you're alright. You scared me so much. If anything happens to you, I..."
A hint of murderous intent flashed in the Queen Mother's eyes. If anything happened to Ji Yunhuan, if her grandson was gone, none of the people who were blocking the way here would survive!
Nanny Yan stepped forward to support the Empress Dowager and shouted, "The Empress Dowager didn't host the Hundred Flowers Banquet for you to cause trouble! The Empress Dowager is kind-hearted and cannot bear to see you bullying a weak woman!"
The Queen Mother took a deep breath and barely suppressed the anger in her heart. "I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. What a fresh and tender child! You outshine all the flowers in the garden. No wonder you evoke jealousy!"
"Why are you all gathered here instead of enjoying the flowers? You're biased and spreading rumors, just like the gossipy women in the market. Where is the dignity of a young lady from an official family?"
The onlookers knelt on the ground and trembled.
They just came to watch the fun. The eldest daughter of the Ji family had a very bad reputation and had almost become a laughing stock in the entire capital. How could they have imagined that the empress dowager would actually come forward to defend Ji Yunhuan?
"Your Highness, please don't be deceived by her. She is not a faithful wife and has lost her chastity. She even attempted to seduce the prince of the Marquisate. I couldn't stand it, so I spoke out to stop her!"
As soon as Ji Yonglian finished speaking, the Queen Mother kicked her!
People in the palace pay attention to etiquette, and even if they want to punish someone, they don't do it themselves. It can be seen that the empress dowager is really angry.
"A woman's chastity is so important. How can you make up stories and fabricate accusations against her?"
Ji Yunhuan lowered her head to hide the hatred in her eyes. If it weren't for Aunt Zhang's plan, how could she be dragged into the dark alley by the thieves!
People cannot prove their innocence, so no matter how many rumors there are, she can only endure them.
Fortunately, she no longer cares. When she reaches a higher position and her child becomes emperor, even if the tongues of the world are as sharp as swords, they cannot hurt her at all.
The Queen Mother patted Ji Yunhuan's hand and said softly, "Don't be afraid, Huan'er. I know you are a good child."
Ji Yunhuan had undergone a physical examination before she was favored by the emperor, and she had her period the first time she was favored by the emperor. The emperor has always been cautious and would never allow the royal bloodline to be tainted.
It’s just that this matter cannot be exposed at the moment, but she will not let Huan’er suffer any more grievances.
Ji Yonglian explained anxiously, "I didn't say anything out of the blue. Many people saw it. She was..."
"Shut up!" the Queen Mother shouted angrily. "I only slapped you in the face just now because you were young, but you refuse to repent and maliciously slander your elder sister. You are truly vicious and cruel. I will not forgive you."
"Come here! Drag him away, give him twenty lashes with the cane, and throw him out of the palace!"
Ji Yonglian collapsed on the ground, wailing shrilly, "Empress Dowager, please spare me. Everything I said is true. Ji Yunhuan, that bitch... wuwu..."
The executioner covered Ji Yonglian's mouth to prevent her from saying anything unpleasant and polluting the Empress Dowager's ears.
Ji Yonglian was dragged away, and the muffled sound of flesh hitting flesh came from outside the Hundred Flowers Garden. Ji Yonglian's screams were blocked in her mouth, leaving only painful whimpers.
Su Honglang knelt on the ground, sweating profusely. He hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not speak to plead for Ji Yonglian.
The Queen Mother didn't like him in the first place, and his words would only add fuel to the fire. He believed Lian'er could understand his difficulties.
Now I have to let Lian'er suffer. The Queen Mother will not beat an official's daughter to death. She will just give her a light punishment and a warning.
The Queen Mother looked around and said, "Today's matter ends here. If I ever find out that anyone is spreading rumors or causing trouble again, I will never forgive them!"
Everyone lowered their heads even lower and said in unison, "We will follow the Empress Dowager's instructions!"
Ji Yunhuan was deeply moved and bowed to the Queen Mother, saying, "Thank you, Her Majesty, for clearing my name. Your Majesty is wise and intelligent, and truly a role model for women all over the world!"
Everyone loves to hear flattery, and the Queen Mother was in high spirits. "As long as you are upright and honest, you don't need to take the words of vulgar people to heart. If you are open-minded, your life will get better and better."
"I only just found out today that you're actually engaged to the Dingyuan Marquisate. The Marquisate's heir is treacherous and treating the marriage like a joke. Marriage is such a big deal, it's always the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. How could a man break off an engagement? Wouldn't that be a joke?"
"In my opinion, this marriage was canceled for the best! He has already changed his mind and broke off the engagement in public, showing no regard for your dignity. You will suffer if you marry him. I think you are a blessed woman, and a blessed woman will not marry an unfortunate man. Your best days are still ahead."
Ji Yunhuan stood beside the empress dowager and nodded obediently.
She looked down at Su Honglang condescendingly. Now times have changed and it was Su Honglang's turn to kneel on the ground and beg her.
"Huan'er, that's not the case. I was deceived and broke off the engagement in anger. We were childhood sweethearts, and I still have you in my heart."
"I won't back out of this marriage. Huan'er, please say something and tell the Queen Mother that we are in love. I will definitely marry you!"
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