Chapter 47 Good sister, tell me quickly how to do something harmful...
A lady immediately whispered her curiosity.
"Who is it that only sent a few cotton-padded coats?"
"Padded clothes? Even my servants don't wear clothes made of cotton. How dare you present them to the Empress Dowager as a birthday gift? Who would dare to be so disrespectful to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager?"
"Although it's true that gift-giving isn't about the price, but about the thought behind it, this is going a bit too far."
Who is it?
There were many wives of officials present, and they all spoke in hushed tones, creating a noisy atmosphere.
Even without much head movement, their eyes were filled with intense curiosity.
Princess Rongyang stood behind the Empress Dowager, looking down with an arrogant expression. Soon after, a palace maid brought up a tray with a coarse linen coat on it. The coat was grayish and looked old.
Princess Rongyang held the garment between two fingers, took two steps forward, and threw it in front of everyone. Immediately after throwing it, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her hands.
"You misspoke. This garment isn't entirely cotton. Look, it also contains linen, and it's tattered and ragged, like a beggar's clothes."
The clothes were thrown on the steps, and everyone could see clearly that the fabric was extremely poor quality, not the kind of material that could be presented to them. To make clothes from such fabric and then present them as a birthday gift to the Empress Dowager was unthinkable.
"..."
Some people were already gasping in shock. Who was so fearless, so disrespectful to the Empress Dowager and the royal family?
"Should such a person who is disrespectful to the Empress Dowager be beheaded or exiled? You tell me, Madam Jiang."
Princess Rongyang pronounced the last three words with exceptional clarity, emphasizing each syllable.
In an instant, dozens of gazes fell on Zhao Xian.
Everyone was shocked, after all, Lord Jiang was a third-rank official, and the Jiang family was not so poor.
Then there's only one purpose left: to challenge imperial power.
Have the Jiang couple gone mad?
Zhao Xian was about to applaud her. Before coming, she had thought she would need Jiang Liangxu's help, but Princess Rongyang helped her instead.
Lucky star!
The Empress glanced at the cotton-padded coat that had been left on the steps and spoke first: "There must be some misunderstanding here."
The Empress Dowager retrieved the gift list and saw that it clearly stated cotton and linen clothing, but the quantity was somewhat off.
"Zhao, what do you have to say?"
Zhao Xian stepped forward slowly, lifted her skirt and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to take a look at these cotton and linen clothes."
"You've changed your tune. If I hadn't discovered what you sent today, wouldn't I have been fooled?" Princess Rongyang's words were full of disbelief in Zhao Xian.
The princess's help also had its downsides, namely that she had to explain more, because she always tried to seize every opportunity to put blame on Zhao Xian.
Zhao Xian remained kneeling on the ground, not in a hurry, and said in a calm tone, "The items sent to the palace will be inspected several times. How could I dare to do something that would deceive the Empress Dowager?"
Everyone was even more confused; if they knew the answer, why did they still do it?
Princess Rongyang glanced at the cotton-linen garment. She had already had the palace maid check it; there was nothing hidden inside. It was just an ordinary, tattered garment. "Since you knew that, why did you still dare to commit the crime? Is there something precious about this cotton-linen garment?"
"Rongyang." The Empress Dowager only called her name, and Princess Rongyang immediately shut up and retreated to the Empress Dowager's side.
The Empress Dowager looked at Zhao Xian, who was kneeling, and said, "I see that the quantities written in this book are not right. Are you still saying that you are not deceiving me?"
No one told her to get up, so Zhao Xian could only kneel and say, "Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you. As the book says, I only have more than 50,000 cotton and linen clothes like these."
"More than 50,000 pieces of such tattered clothing? And you're giving them all to the Empress Dowager? Are you planning a rebellion?"
“Princess, no one rebels uses cotton-padded clothes.”
Someone burst out laughing.
Zhao Xian was quite annoyed that she kept interrupting her, and continued, "These cotton and linen clothes were prepared and made by my servants when the flash flood occurred in Changzhou."
After a natural disaster, the people suffer the most, especially those whose belongings have been washed away by the floods; this winter will likely be particularly difficult for them.
These cotton and linen clothes were few in number, but I still shamelessly presented them to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager prayed for the disaster area and the people with her golden body, showing her genuine compassion for life.
A garment may look light, but it can keep you warm and allow a penniless person to live until spring.
I am but a short-sighted and reckless woman. The only solution is to give all of these to the Empress Dowager, so that she may arrange for the cotton and linen clothing to be sent to the areas most severely affected by the disaster.
It is hoped that these cotton and linen garments will help the people overcome their difficulties, and that their blessings will bring the Empress Dowager good health and longevity.
“You really know how to make people laugh.” Princess Rongyang sneered. “Since it’s for the common people, why is it made so dirty and filthy? Or is it that Madam Jiang is high and mighty and looks down on the common people, using such things to insult them?”
Zhao Xian lowered her head, making her face unseen. "Has the princess ever heard of the story of 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"
"What do you mean by that? Of course I know, I don't need you..."
"Rongyang." The Empress Dowager's voice was louder this time, unlike her previous soft calls; it carried a hint of authority.
After Princess Rongyang shut up, the Empress Dowager finally spoke: "Bring up that cotton and linen garment so I can take a look."
A palace maid stepped forward, folded the discarded cotton and linen clothes, and placed them in front of the Empress Dowager.
When the Empress Dowager was a child, she experienced a period of hardship with her family and knew the difficult life of ordinary people. She knew that even a cotton coat had to be pawned for money to survive. "I feel that this is not a pure cotton coat."
"Your Majesty, the price of cotton-padded clothes had gone up at that time, so I ordered people to take the cotton-padded clothes apart, piece them together with coarse linen, and stuff them with washed duck and chicken feathers mixed with cotton and linen. They had no smell, were clean, and were very warm to wear."
“Mrs. Zhao, you are very thoughtful.”
Only by making clothes patched up can they reach the people. One should not be greedy for credit or act rashly, but rather act with composure.
No wonder the Emperor likes Lord Jiang; both of them are quite likable.
"The title of Lady Zhao Xian, a third-rank imperial consort, is bestowed with five hundred taels of gold, one hundred bolts of silk and satin, and a token granting her the right to enter the palace at any time."
Upon hearing that a reward would be bestowed upon Princess Rongyang, she looked at the Empress Dowager in disbelief, "Grandmother."
Zhao Xian was already kneeling, so she directly bowed and thanked the Empress Dowager, saying, "This humble woman thanks the Empress Dowager for the reward. However, this humble woman has a request that I would like to ask for, and I hope that the Empress Dowager will grant it."
"explain."
"Could the five hundred taels of gold be exchanged for millet, sorghum, beans, and other grains, to be added to the disaster relief grain allocated by His Majesty to Changzhou and other places? Could the one hundred bolts of silk and satin be exchanged for cotton cloth and coarse linen, so that my wife can arrange for people to rush to make cotton clothes, ensuring that the Empress Dowager's care for the people is delivered to them before the cold winter arrives?"
The Empress Dowager stroked the cotton-linen robe in front of her, and after a long while said, "Granted."
"Thank you for your grace, Empress Dowager."
Zhao Xian remained calm throughout, showing no sign of anxiety.
The Empress Dowager had to admit that this Zhao was eloquent and knew how to conduct herself. Even though she had taken the lead in donating grain, she did not take credit for it at all, but instead attributed it to the Empress Dowager. How could anyone not like her? "Empress, you should take the ladies to the Palace of Fortune and Longevity first."
"Your Majesty, I obey."
The group followed the Queen to their new destination.
The wives of several second-rank ministers exchanged glances. They hadn't talked much with this Madam Jiang before, mainly because she was a homebody and rarely went out.
Last time at Huguo Temple, the other party looked so lifeless that it was impossible to communicate with them.
They had all wondered how Madam Jiang, a mere village girl, could have been targeted by Princess Rongyang for so many years without causing any real harm.
They thought it was Lord Jiang protecting his wife.
From this perspective, it seems that humans themselves are quite formidable.
Look at his every word and action; he flattered subtly while also getting things done.
Just then, someone was about to start a casual conversation.
Then a palace maid from the Empress's side came over and said to Zhao Xian behind them, "Madam Jiang, Her Majesty the Empress invites you to come forward and keep her company."
Zhao Xian, accompanied by her daughter-in-law and goddaughter, went to the front.
--
Inside the sleeping quarters of Shouchang Palace.
The Empress Dowager looked at the cotton and linen clothes in front of her, calmed down, and realized that Zhao had given her a troublesome task. She looked at the Eldest Princess and asked, "Who is the right person to handle this matter?"
The princes have all grown up, and there has been a lot of open and covert competition. The Third Prince's wife even organized a charity flower sale last time, but no matter how much fame she gained, it couldn't compare to the disruption caused by the Prince of Yu's heir. Afterwards, it didn't make much of a splash.
If it were just a matter of donating silver, silk, or gold, there would be no need to put in so much effort. But these are things that are truly useful.
The Empress Dowager was old, and she knew that the rumors about her leading everyone in praying for blessings were just a facade, and would only circulate among the noblewomen.
But if this matter proceeds...
"Mother, doesn't the Jiang family still have two sons?"
Lord Jiang has injured his leg and is temporarily unable to attend court. Madam Jiang is a woman and it is inconvenient for her to appear, but the Jiang family is not without members.
The Empress Dowager gave the eldest princess an approving look.
"Your Majesty, the princess is still outside the palace and refuses to leave."
The Empress Dowager rubbed her head. "Would it have been better to marry her off to someone far away back then?"
She hasn't made any progress after all these years for a man.
I always felt I had mistreated her, so I spoiled her. But with so many people present today, she still didn't know her place. She's really spoiled.
--
We arrived at the Hall of Fortune and Longevity.
According to their social status and the official titles on the table, everyone found their seats and took their places.
Looking from the entrance, the lowest rank is the third grade.
Before long, officials from the imperial court also arrived.
Zhao Xian didn't see Jiang Liangxu, but she did see King Yu leading his heir toward her.
Zhao Xian: 'Don't come any closer, don't come any closer, Wen Sang, don't come any closer.'
King Yu was tall and strong. When viewed alone, King Yu's son was of normal height and build. However, when compared to King Yu, the son looked like a little chick.
Among military generals, only two or three could match the stature of King Yu.
Even though Zhao Xian was internally screaming, they still got to her.
King Yu spoke first: "Lady Jiang, my son is foolish and has offended you. Please forgive him and do not hold it against him. I have prepared a small gift and sent it to your residence as an apology to the eldest daughter-in-law."
Li Lianniang, who had maintained a smile ever since leaving the Jiang family, almost couldn't hold on any longer.
When they saw King Yu walking towards the women of the Jiang family, everyone's eyes were filled with gossip, after all, the affair between King Yu's heir and the eldest daughter-in-law of the Jiang family had been the talk of the town.
Strangely enough, Madam Jiang even brought out her daughter-in-law, whose reputation was tarnished, and yet no word of divorce came from the Jiang family.
"Your Highness's words are rather evasive." Zhao Xian smiled and slowly rose, her expression suddenly changing as she asked in a cold yet curious voice, "Is this how you avoid the main point?"
Zhao Xian found it strange that they could be so indifferent and even confronted her, telling her not to take it to heart.
King Yu raised an eyebrow slightly. To be honest, this personality was truly suitable for being the matriarch; she was proud yet unafraid of him.
"Children are young and don't understand, so why should we adults be so fussy and hurt our relationship?"
Zhao Xian almost laughed in anger. A child in his twenties? In a normal family, that would be a father.
"Does King Yu know what the consequences will be for your words today?"
She suddenly realized why those women had died. Wasn't King Yu pushing people to their deaths by saying such things in public?
Afterwards, those high-ranking officials and nobles, for the sake of their reputation, would naturally not spread the word.
Zhao Xian suddenly thought of a saying: 'If a child is sick, then he is definitely the least sick one in the family.'
King Yu crossed his arms. "What consequences? My son did something wrong, and I brought him here to apologize. Did I do something wrong?"
Zhao Xian had suspected this man was eccentric before, and now it was confirmed; he was indeed abnormal: "Does Your Highness have any evidence to prove that the woman the Crown Prince Yu encountered that day was my daughter-in-law? Someone whose face has never been seen by anyone—who deliberately spread those misleading rumors to ruin a woman's reputation?"
The Crown Prince of Yu said arrogantly, "Madam Jiang, I have seen the eldest young mistress of the manor several times. Even if she were wearing a mask, I would still recognize her."
Cui Tingyue suddenly clenched the handkerchief in her hand. That voice…
Zhao Xian touched the bracelet on her wrist. "Since the young master is so certain, how about we make a bet?"
"What are we betting on?"
Zhao Xian gripped the bracelet on her wrist tightly, a hint of madness flashing in her eyes. "I'll bet on whether the young master can recognize my daughter-in-law at a glance. If he wins, the Jiang family will accept the apology from the Yu Prince's Mansion."
As she spoke, Zhao Xian paused, then changed the subject and continued, "If the young master cannot recognize the person, then it means that the young master has been lying all along and deliberately ruining my daughter-in-law's reputation. The apology should naturally be sincere. The young master should carry thorns and run around Jin'an three times, shouting 'I was wrong' as he runs."
Zhao Xian really wanted him to call her a scoundrel, but alas, this was an era of imperial power.
"What does Your Highness think? Shall we gamble?" Zhao Xian asked, then immediately looked at Prince Yu.
She could tell that the Crown Prince of Yu was somewhat afraid of his father, so it was best to go directly to his parents about this matter.
If a child is raised but not taught, it is the father's fault; however, King Yu was the one with the biggest problem.
King Yu waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's bet."
Zhao Xian approached the Empress, greeted her, and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to be a witness and do me a favor."
They had only been chatting for a short while when they realized they had met too late in life.
The Empress readily agreed to Zhao Xian's request: "Alright."
Zhao Xian whispered a few words to the Empress's personal maid.
The latter nodded and said, "Madam Jiang, rest assured, this servant will make the arrangements immediately."
The ministers and their wives present today are all shrewd people. Just now they thought Zhao Xian was a worthy friend and a smart person, but now they suddenly feel that they should stay away from this Madam Jiang in the future.
Being too impulsive and unforgiving when in the right, if someone gets really angry one day, they might start arguing with others in public.
Those present were all prominent figures, and they disliked such stubborn people the most.
People like this usually like to come up with dirty tricks that hurt the enemy a thousand while also hurting themselves eight hundred.
However, a small number of people secretly admired him.
Soon, fifteen women, all dressed in identical clothes, emerged in a flash, their faces obscured by veils.
Zhao Xian was very satisfied at first glance. As expected of a personal maid, her efficiency was high.
"Your Highness, you must not come within three steps of them. As Your Highness just said, you can recognize them even if they are masked. Begin recognizing them; it will take about half a cup of tea."
The crown prince of Yu looked at the fifteen people who wore the same clothes, the same veils, the same build, and even the same height.
His previously confident expression now seemed less certain.
Zhao Xian was also looking at the fifteen people, but to be honest, she couldn't recognize them either.
This can be considered as borrowing Mrs. Hua's idea, but it doesn't have the exaggerated scenes in the movie that insist on judging by looks.
"His Majesty has arrived."
At the eunuch's loud shout from outside the door, everyone snapped out of their daze and turned to kneel towards the doorway.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well."
The Emperor entered and said, "Rise, all of you."
Everyone thanked them and stood up.
The Emperor reached out and helped the Empress to sit down in the most honored seat. "What is going on here?"
The Empress explained softly, "...the two sides made a bet, and His Majesty arrived just in time."
The Emperor glanced at King Yu and his heir and smiled, "Jun'er, do you recognize them?"
The Crown Prince of Yu looked somewhat embarrassed. He had just been confident that he would recognize it, but after steeling himself, he casually pointed and said, "That one."
Zhao Xian didn't want him to give her a quick answer: "Left or right? Which number?"
"The third one from the right."
The person whose name was called stepped forward and removed the veil, revealing that it was not Li Lianniang's face.
"Your Highness, may I ask what the Jiang family has done to offend you? I apologize to you again, and I beg you not to continue to damage my daughter-in-law's reputation. A woman's life is already as precarious as walking on thin ice. At home, she obeys her father; after marriage, she obeys her husband; and after her husband's death, she obeys her son. You say you've seen her and know her, and then spread a few specious rumors. How is she supposed to live?"
While Zhao Xian was speaking, those wearing veils had already been led away by the palace maid Qi An.
The Crown Prince of Yu firmly denied doing what he had not done, saying, "I didn't spread those words, so stop slandering me."
Zhao Xian lowered her eyes and remained silent, no longer arguing with him. But everyone had heard and seen the bet just now, and someone would judge right and wrong.
King Yu laughed heartily, “A bet is a bet, a bet is a bet. Tomorrow I will make him run around Jin’an.”
Your Majesty: "Your father is right, Jun'er, you mustn't disagree."
Zhao Xian returned to her seat, somewhat puzzled as to why Jiang Liangxu hadn't arrived yet, even though the Emperor had come.
Zhao Xian got up and went outside, but unexpectedly saw Jiang Liangxu being stopped by Princess Rongyang as soon as she came out.
Princess Rongyang asked with a pained expression, "Can you still stand up with those legs?"
"I am not a physician, and I do not know."
"When I heard about your accident, I knelt down at Huguo Temple and prayed for a peace charm for you."
"Your Highness is so sincere, did you only ask for one?" Zhao Xian suddenly interjected, looking at the peace charm in Princess Rongyang's hand, and asked sincerely, "It's not easy to divide it. Doesn't Lord Lin have one? You only gave it to my husband, isn't that a bit inappropriate? If Lord Lin misunderstands, he might call my husband a vixen."
Jiang Liangxu chimed in, "Madam, please don't talk nonsense. Lord Lin is exceptionally handsome."
Princess Rongyang took back the peace charm and glared at Zhao Xian, "Zhao, all you can do is resort to underhanded tricks."
After saying that, the man turned and left.
Zhao Xian looked down at Jiang Liangxu, "You should take care of the tail end of the Yu family."
"What's wrong?"
“They came up to me and tried to disgust me, but I was already very restrained.”
On the way, they also talked about sending out those cotton and linen clothes.
Zhao Xian pushed Jiang Liangxu to the Fushou Hall, where Li Lianniang and Cui Tingyue were already sitting obediently in their seats, waiting for her.
Upon seeing Zhao Xian return, Cui Tingyue hesitated, as if she had much to say to her.
After sitting down, Zhao Xian leaned over and listened. Cui Tingyue lowered her voice and said, "Mother, the Crown Prince Yu is that person from Huguo Temple. I can recognize his voice."
Zhao Xian didn't react much, patting her arm: "Sit back down, and don't leave my side or your godfather's side tonight."
As the eunuch announced, "The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
The royals took turns sending gifts to the Empress Dowager, each one a burning pile of money.
Zhao Xian was not surprised by the gift from the eldest princess, after all, it was she who sent it.
Judging from the reactions of those present, Zhao Xian felt that this could be developed into a business.
We can discuss it with the Princess then, and it wouldn't hurt to offer some concessions.
The Empress Dowager showed no preference for any of the gifts, and smiled, saying, "They are all very thoughtful."
As for the gifts from the ministers, they are usually just recorded in a register. The royal family is already busy making face for themselves, so why should the gifts from the court officials be shown?
Therefore, before entering the palace, Zhao Xian asked Jiang Liangxu to help her, but Princess Rongyang helped her in advance.
After the royal family finished presenting their gifts, the birthday banquet officially began.
The ministers toasted each other, and the ladies and young women of each family chatted, creating a lively atmosphere.
Then a chief eunuch stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the fireworks are ready."
The Emperor looked at the Empress Dowager: "Mother, let's move."
By now it was completely dark outside, and everyone moved to the observation deck to watch the fireworks.
Princess Rongyang walked at the very back, staring intently at the two figures from behind.
"Mmm—"
Suddenly, a force grabbed Princess Rongyang and covered her mouth with its hand, half-dragging and half-carrying her behind a huge pillar.
Princess Rongyang struggled until she heard a familiar voice in her ear.
Shh, it's me.
She gave up struggling, and the other person released their grip on her mouth.
He hooked his arm around her waist, turned her to face him, and pressed his lips to hers.
Princess Rongyang responded by standing on tiptoe, and the two seemed to be fierce, their breathing becoming heavy and forceful.
The other person stopped first, his breath rushing into Princess Rongyang's ear, and said with resentment:
"She really is as annoying as my cousin said. Dear sister, please tell me, what methods can we use to teach her a lesson?"
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A note from the author:
PS: I changed the title. As Baozi said, the current plot is unrelated to the title. It's mainly because the story hasn't progressed to the later parts yet. The second daughter-in-law hasn't married into the family, and the author's writing skills are limited, so I can't write too much drama. The title and the plot have to take place, so I changed one.
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