Chapter 6 Old Rules
Ling Yao was known for her flirtatious nature in the capital, and she certainly had her own unique way of pursuing men.
She never used force; instead, she was always humble and considerate. If she heard that someone was afraid of the cold, she would find a rare fox fur coat for them. If she knew that someone was fond of music, she would collect ancient scores and famous zithers to give them as gifts. If someone's husband was sick, she would even remember to send him imperial medicine from the palace.
That genuine care, seemingly devoid of any royal airs, is often more effective at winning hearts than power.
In addition, she was born with a sweet and approachable appearance, and when she was gentle and considerate, few people could harden their hearts to refuse her. Therefore, the number of husbands and servants she took in was always the most considerable among the princesses, and they came from all walks of life.
She was silenced by Ling Wei and said reproachfully, "Fifth Sister, your mouth is still so sharp. I'm just soft-hearted and can't stand seeing people suffer."
She deftly deflected the attack, but her gaze lingered once more on Yi Shao's beautiful profile, her smile deepening: "Alright, alright, I know you care about your own people, so I won't interfere."
"Second sister, fifth sister, it's nice to chat, but don't miss the time for your audience."
The voice was gentle; it belonged to Ling Xuan, the third princess who was standing beside Ling Yao.
She had a delicate oval face, with sparse eyebrows and eyes, and a perfectly timed smile always playing on her lips.
Anyone who meets her for the first time will think that she is a dignified, kind, and trustworthy royal exemplar.
Ling Xuan first gave Ling Wei a gentle nod, then turned to Ling Yao, her smile unchanged, "Second sister's thoughtfulness is always so meticulous, but Fifth sister will take care of things at Fifth sister's residence. You should go in quickly."
Ling Wei casually cupped her hands in greeting: "Second sister, third sister, then I'll take my leave first."
Having said that, without waiting for a response, he gestured to Qing Shu to push Yi Shao's wheelchair and walked directly towards the inner court. Shen Zhilan silently followed, her moon-white robes fluttering gently in the morning breeze.
As Ling Wei and her entourage disappeared at the end of the palace road, Ling Yao's smile faded. She gazed in the direction Ling Wei had left, her fingertips casually tracing the lotus pattern on her sleeve.
"Shen Zhilan... what a pity."
She sighed softly, her tone genuinely tinged with regret, though it was unclear whether she was lamenting the moon-like man or the latent power behind him that had dissipated with the passing of the Crown Princess. "However, it's better that he's mute; he'll be content."
Then, a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes: "But that Yi Shao... such a handsome face, so lively and eloquent, yet he ended up with the Fifth Prince."
She shook her head, as if regretting that a beautiful flower had been placed in... well, after all, she's a blood relative. To scold her is to scold yourself, old blockhead.
Ling Xuan stood beside her. Upon hearing this, the usual faint smile on his lips deepened slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on the empty palace hall: "She is indeed a beautiful woman. Although the Yi family are merchants, they are the wealthiest in the world. How could their son be an ordinary person? It is fate that Fifth Sister has found such a beauty."
She pronounced the word "de" softly and meaningfully.
Ling Yao turned her head to look at her, blinking her almond-shaped eyes: "Third sister, there's a hidden meaning in your words. What, do you think that Yi Shao is not simple, or do you think... Fifth Brother is not as simple as he seems?"
Ling Xuan then withdrew her gaze and looked at Ling Yao, her smile as gentle as ever: "Second Sister is joking. Fifth Sister is straightforward, and it's only natural that she cares for those in the household. As for whether she's simple or not..."
"Within these palace walls, you and I, sisters, are simply each on our own path, each with our own destiny."
Her words were perfectly worded, neither denying nor confirming Ling Yao's guess, but rather encompassing everyone involved, giving off an air of detachment.
Ling Yao stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly broke into a sweet smile and affectionately took Ling Xuan's arm: "You're so good with words. Let's go, let's go, let's not stay out too late."
The two walked away hand in hand, chatting and laughing, as if their witty and subtle conversation had never happened.
The imperial road leading to Changning Palace in the inner court was strictly regulated. When they reached a slightly open square, a middle-aged man dressed in dark blue eunuch's robes, accompanied by two palace attendants, blocked their way.
His gaze first fell on Ling Wei, and he bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Fifth Prince."
His gaze then fell on Yi Shao's wheelchair, and he frowned. "According to the inner court regulations, this wheelchair cannot move forward any further."
"Please move aside, my lord."
Ling Wei stopped in her tracks, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Palace rules? How come I don't know about this rule? When was it added? His leg is injured, how can he move?"
The male official lowered his eyes and said in a flat tone, "Your Highness, this is an old custom that has been followed throughout the ages. Apart from the sedan chairs of His Majesty, the Phoenix Prince, and the other noble princes, all carriages and wheeled vehicles are prohibited from traveling in the inner court, in order to show respect and also to maintain the tranquility of the palace."
He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Yi Shao, whose expression had slightly changed in the wheelchair. "Now that you, Consort, have arrived, palace servants will assist you. According to regulations, a Consort should follow the principal wife by three steps. If it is truly inconvenient..."
"Palace attendants may support you on either side and lead you forward."
Ling Wei's eyes turned cold: "Help him? He can't support his legs, how can he walk? Why don't you just carry him across?"
The male official shook his head, his tone rigid: "Your Highness is wise. Carrying someone on your back is against etiquette. How dare a lowly palace servant touch the noble body of a courtier? Moreover, the posture of carrying someone on your back is improper before Your Majesty and should not be done."
Having said that, he winked at the two burly eunuchs behind him: "Be careful, don't hurt the concubine."
The two men stepped forward, one on each side, and reached out to support Yi Shao's arms.
The way they were trying to lift him off the wheelchair, leaving his legs to dangle on the ground without any support, would clearly be a result of the two people half-lifting and half-dragging him over.
Ling Wei's gaze darkened.
Her gaze swept over the male official's lowered but fearless face, and she understood.
The rules in the palace are always flexible; when to be strict and when to be lenient depends entirely on the intentions of those above and how those below interpret them.
There are no precedents; it's just that someone is using this as an excuse to make a fuss.
If she defies the rules, she could be accused of "disobeying palace rules and indulging her concubines," and the accusation would quickly reach the ears of the Empress Dowager.
If she were to endure it and watch helplessly as Yi Shao was carried along like an obstacle to complete this final stretch of the road, then Ling Wei's face, along with Yi Shao's dignity, would be shattered within these palace walls today.
The person who set this trap wanted to put her in a dilemma.
If this humiliation makes Yi Shao resentful and completely disappointed in her, what kind of help can she expect from the Yi family behind him?
Although Yi Shao herself said that she was abandoned, the Yi family may not think much of her now.
However, the bond of marriage is stronger than that of ordinary cooperation. Some people probably sensed something and couldn't sit still, so they were eager to nip it in the bud before it even emerged.
It's likely one of her two good older sisters.
I can't wait!
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