The imperial edict, like a heavy stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly set the entire capital ablaze with excitement, ripples of heated discussion. No one could have predicted that the prime minister's brilliant daughter and the newly crowned top scholar would actually tie the knot. The most talked-about incident was the emperor's witnessing Su Jinli openly calling Jiang Yan "idiot." Like a gust of wind, the story spread like wildfire throughout the capital. For a time, the playful and endearing phrase, "Jiang Yan is an idiot," became a common catchphrase throughout the capital. From the residences of high-ranking officials to the casual conversations of ordinary people, people could be heard discussing the incident, either bursting into laughter or lamenting the wonderful fate of their relationship.
The atmosphere inside Prime Minister Su's residence was as lively as a grand festival. Prime Minister Su held the imperial edict in hand, his gaze roaming repeatedly over the golden silk paper. His smile stretched like a blossoming flower, nearly reaching his ears. His mustache trembled with joy, as if dancing with delight. He held Su Jinli's hand tightly, his voice filled with relief and joy as he kept muttering, "Excellent! Excellent! Jiang Yan, this boy, truly has discerning eyes. He's chosen the most outstanding daughter of our Su family!" His expression was as if Jiang Yan had not merely married his daughter, but had brought him unparalleled honor.
Just as Prime Minister Su was immersed in joy, he heard a flurry of footsteps. Young Marquis Su, like a lively little deer, rushed into the room, carrying his beloved broadsword. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and he strode forward, hugged Su Jinli tightly, and shouted, "Sister! Are you really going to marry Brother Jiang Yan? This is great! If he dares to bully you in the future, I'll use this sword... uh... treat him to a good meal!" His fierce and ferocious appearance made people laugh.
Su Jinli was both angry and amused. She raised her hand and gently tapped his head, pretending to be angry and said, "You only know how to eat. Can you be more ambitious and stop thinking about eating and drinking all day long?"
Just then, a faint fragrance wafted into the air. The eldest sister, Su Qingyao, walked gracefully into the room, carrying an exquisite brocade box. Smiling, she handed the box to Su Jinli and whispered, "Here, your dowry. Open it and take a look. Do you like it?" Su Jinli gently opened the box, revealing a dazzling array of precious rouges and powders that Su Qingyao had meticulously collected. Each box was beautifully packaged and boasted alluring colors. Among the rouges, a brand-new coral pen was particularly eye-catching. Its vibrant red, like a burning flame, radiated a warm glow.
Su Jinli felt a surge of warmth in her heart, her eyes slightly reddened, and she softly said, "Thank you, elder sister. You've taken the trouble, these are all things I like." Su Qingyao gently held Su Jinli's hand and said softly, "Silly sister, why are you being so polite to me? Your marriage is a big deal, so naturally I have to prepare something for you."
However, this joy didn't last long. Just as everyone was immersed in the joy of Su Jinli's impending marriage, a servant hurried in with a slightly nervous voice, saying, "Master, Miss, Liu and Madam Li have been summoned by the Empress Dowager for questioning." Upon hearing this, Su Jinli's lips curled up in an unconscious sneer, a flicker of determination in her eyes, and she thought to herself: What's bound to happen will happen. After all, their actions will not escape everyone's eyes.
Inside the Cining Palace, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. The Dowager sat atop the phoenix chair at the head of the room, her expression dignified and her gaze piercing. Madam Liu and Madam Li knelt on the ground, trembling like two frightened quails, not daring to breathe.
"You two are so bold!" The Queen Mother slowly put down the teacup in her hand. Although her voice was not loud, it reverberated like a hammer in the silent palace, carrying an unquestionable majesty. "How dare you deliberately plot to frame Jinli? Who gave you the courage? Speak!"
Liu was so frightened that her face turned pale as paper, tears welled up in her eyes, and she cried and said, "Empress Dowager, please calm down. It's all my fault. I was bewitched and foolish for a moment, so I did such a foolish thing... Please spare my life, Empress Dowager!" As she spoke, she kowtowed continuously, and her forehead hit the ground with a dull sound.
"Bewitched?" The Queen Mother snorted coldly, her eyes filled with disdain and anger. "I think you're clearly driven by jealousy! In what way is Jinli inferior to you? In terms of talent and character, she's exceptional in every way. Instead of learning from her, you're jealous and committing such despicable acts. It's truly beneath your dignity!"
Madam Li was also trembling with fear. She quickly followed suit and kowtowed, her voice tinged with tears. "Please spare me, Your Majesty. I will never do it again... It was my foolishness. I listened to the slander of others and acted impulsively, which led to my grievance. Please, Your Majesty, have mercy on me and give me one more chance!"
"Don't you dare?" The Queen Mother looked at them coldly, her eyes sharp and majestic. "Do you know that the person you are framing is none other than the granddaughter-in-law I have long favored! Jiang Yan and Jin Li are the perfect match in my mind. How dare you interfere? You are so audacious!"
Upon hearing this, Liu and Madam Li were both horrified and filled with regret. They had never imagined that the Queen Mother had already set her sights on Su Jinli and Jiang Yan. Their actions were undoubtedly provoking trouble.
"Since this is your first offense, I will not pursue the matter for now." The Queen Mother's expression eased slightly as she spoke slowly, "However, Liu, when you return, you must reflect on your mistakes and contemplate them behind closed doors. If you dare to harbor any evil thoughts again, I will send you to live in the family temple for a long time, so that you can sincerely repent for your mistakes! Madam Li, you should also return and discipline your daughter properly. Don't let her embarrass herself in public again. If something like this happens again, I will not forgive you lightly!"
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