"Mother, today is a family banquet for us, mother and son. Why let outsiders interfere?"
Sheng Changling's words were quite impolite. As soon as he said them, the atmosphere in the hall quickly turned somber, as if the harmony and joy just moments before had been nothing but an illusion.
The palace servants were so frightened they didn't dare breathe, each one trembling with fear, lest their masters, if displeased, casually punish them.
Empress Dowager Rong was indeed displeased, because this was the second time Sheng Changling had publicly humiliated her.
It's all because of that vixen, Liu!
Great, that's really great!
However, even though she was angry, Empress Dowager Rong did not immediately lash out; however, the slight droop of her lips betrayed her displeasure.
"Changling!"
"Mother, I have urgent business to attend to. Now—everyone, get out!"
Sheng Changling knew his mother was angry, but even so, he did not change his mind and instead gave the order directly.
Although it was said to refer to everyone, it was actually quite clear that it referred to Miss Rong and Miss Jiang.
Being so blatantly disliked, Jiang Wuyou and Rong Yuhuan, both proud women, felt like they had been slapped in the face in public, their faces burning with pain.
But thinking of their respective families, they could only endure it, no matter how unhappy they were.
They are standing right next to Empress Dowager Rong, motionless, clearly recognizing her as their master.
This made Empress Dowager Rong feel a little better, but it also strengthened her resolve: this Liu family member absolutely cannot live!
As long as she exists, Changling will become uncontrollable, which is the last thing she can tolerate!
However, revealing one's purpose now is clearly not a wise move.
She could hide her ambition for over twenty years, so a few days won't make a difference.
Once Empress Dowager Rong understood this, she waved her hand, signaling the two to leave.
Jiang Wuyou was somewhat unwilling. She had finally entered the palace, but she hadn't even said a word to Sheng Changling before leaving.
Just as she was about to speak, Rong Yuhuan, who was beside her, did not give her the chance. She grabbed Jiang Wuyou's hand and pinched it hard a few times.
The pain successfully brought Jiang Wuyou back to her senses. She looked at Rong Yuhuan, who was poised and dignified, and together they respectfully bowed to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
Once outside, Jiang Wuyou flung Rong Yuhuan's hand away, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.
She sensed the presence of her nemesis emanating from this man.
If she knew the original plot, she would realize that this person was indeed someone she had fought against her for her entire life, and in the end, she almost failed at the last moment.
"What's wrong, Wuyou? Let's go back. The Empress Dowager has assigned us palaces. Let's go back and take a look."
Rong Yuhuan, however, remained as courteous and polite as ever, showing no anger whatsoever at being shaken off by Jiang Wuyou earlier.
Now, on the contrary, he is patiently advising Jiang Wuyou, seemingly genuinely concerned for her well-being.
"Why...why did you help me just now?"
Jiang Wuyou spoke somewhat awkwardly. All along the way, she had treated Rong Yuhuan as an enemy and hadn't exchanged more than a few words with her.
"Wuyou, I know you misunderstand me, but you should know that people like us don't have a choice."
"Entering the palace is not my wish, but if I don't enter the palace, it will be my younger sister. She is still young, and I can't... Now that I'm in the palace, I can only do my best to survive. I believe that as long as we support each other, the days ahead won't be too difficult."
Rong Yuhuan still had that gentle and amiable demeanor, but Jiang Wuyou didn't believe a word she said, and even laughed inwardly.
The reason is simple: this person is just too hypocritical!
If you said you didn't want to enter the palace, then why didn't you speak up to plead your case just now?
She is the Empress Dowager's own niece. If she says she only wants to be a younger sister, would Sheng Changling force her?
Furthermore, she should know that among the three daughters of the Rong family, Rong Yuhuan is not even close to being married yet, since the eldest daughter is still unmarried.
However, since Miss Rong was born out of wedlock, it's probably not because of that that Rong Yuhuan stole her opportunity.
Ha, what a liar!
Jiang Wuyou disliked this kind of person, but she also knew that this was not the time to deal with her.
At present, the biggest threat is still that bitch in the Hall of Mental Cultivation!
She wouldn't engage in internal strife at this time, so she happily reached a reconciliation with Rong Yuhuan.
"Is that so? I misunderstood you. But you're right. Now that we've entered the palace, we must live well. In the deep palace, we must support each other even more."
"good."
The two looked at each other and smiled, as if their previous discord had vanished like smoke.
The midday sun was so dazzling, shining on the two of them, making them look very warm, but in reality, it couldn't penetrate into each other's hearts.
*
Cining Palace.
After they left, only the mother and son sat facing each other in the magnificent hall, one in light and one in shadow, one tall and one short.
Empress Dowager Rong sat by the window, the high stool bathing her in sunlight. Her obsidian and gold-threaded phoenix-tail gown shimmered with golden light, making the phoenix seem to rise from the ashes and come alive.
Sheng Changling, sitting opposite her on a low stool, was completely out of the sunlight, making his bright yellow dragon robe appear dull and lifeless.
It really is—clearly distinct!
These people, who should be the closest and most trustworthy in the world, are now so distant, probably wary of each other.
"Mother, why did you do this?"
In the end, it was Sheng Changling who lost his composure first. He suddenly stood up, looked up, braced his hands on the table, and stared straight at the person who was both the most familiar and the most unfamiliar to him.
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