Chapter 95 (None)
Consort Liu was no ordinary person. After a moment of shock, she quickly retaliated, raising her voice to shout, "Your Highness, the Imperial Consort!"
Her voice, originally clear and bright, was filled with grievance as she spoke from the depths of her abdomen, drawing all attention to her. Everyone turned to look at her.
"With Prince Rui gone, Your Highness is heartbroken. If you can vent your anger by scolding me, then do so. If Your Highness still feels it's not enough, you can even hit me; I will not blame Your Highness."
Consort Liu spoke very quickly and in a loud voice. Consort Lin was too weak and her voice was suppressed as soon as she opened her mouth. She wisely stopped in time so as not to do anything useless.
"I was just like the Imperial Concubine. When my son died, I wished I could die, and I hated the Imperial Concubine as well. I thought to myself, why did Prince Rui live a good life, but my son died? It's because Prince Rui and my son were incompatible according to their birth charts, and he took away my son's good fortune."
Consort Liu seemed to be recalling the events of that year, her expression sorrowful and pained. "I knew that none of this had anything to do with the Noble Consort or Prince Rui. The flesh that fell from my body was gone in an instant, and it hurt more than having my heart ripped out. I never cared about anything else."
She stepped forward, standing tearfully before Consort Lin, and said sincerely, "Your Highness, we have both experienced the pain of losing a child, and I don't blame you. Over the years, it was thanks to A-Tong that I was able to recover and survive. Now there are few children in the harem, only the third and fourth princes under Consort Hui's care are still young..."
"How dare you!"
Jiang Ling sternly interrupted Consort Liu, saying, "You, Consort Liu, are so sharp-tongued and full of ill intentions!"
Consort Liu used her deceased son as an example, seemingly telling a story while also expressing her feelings and pain back then. Her mention of Xiao Jiatong was a reminder that she only had one princess and therefore had no real reason to frame the eldest prince.
The opinions of the common people are irrelevant; the views of the court officials are of utmost importance.
The most important point about Consort Liu's words is that she only has Princess Xiao Jiatong.
There was no precedent for a princess to ascend the throne in the Great Yin Dynasty, and the court officials never even considered it. Therefore, the officials of the Ministry of Rites would definitely side with Consort Liu.
With just a few words, Consort Liu cleared Consort Lin of the suspicion that she had implied the death of Prince Rui.
Not only that, Consort Liu was extremely clever. Seeing that Jiang Ling was there, she also took the opportunity to scheme against her.
When Xiao Yunlang is mentioned, it's because he's using a divisive tactic, instigating Consort Lin to deal with Jiang Ling. If Jiang Ling is lost, it won't just be Xiao Yunlang who suffers, but also Xiao Yunzan. Having a prince in hand, whether biological or raised, is a powerful tool for seizing power.
Consort Lin, feeling utterly powerless, leaned against Granny Xie Xiuyun. Her voice was hoarse; she was no match for Consort Liu.
Jiang Ling had to take action personally, firstly to retaliate against Consort Liu, and secondly, if she was useless, Consort Lin would definitely not choose her.
After all, Consort Lin would never willingly submit to a fool; taking advantage of the situation and going along with Consort Liu was the best solution.
“Consort Hui Shu…” Consort Liu reacted quickly, her eyes reddening, her respect tinged with grievance.
Jiang Ling was in better health than Consort Lin. At this tense and crucial moment, she used all her strength and desperate energy to shout angrily, "Hypocritical scoundrel, shut up!"
Consort Liu glanced almost imperceptibly at her trusted maid, Fu'er, who lowered her head and quietly retreated, walking away. Consort Liu then slightly turned away, avoiding her gaze, her eyes icy, and choked out, "Consort Hui, you are favored by the Emperor and hold a higher rank than me. I have always respected and honored you. If I have offended you in any way, please speak frankly, Consort Hui. I apologize to Consort Hui."
As she spoke, her legs trembled as she knelt on the ground, bending down to kowtow.
Jiang Ling was a first-rank Shufei (淑妃), with the character "Hui" (慧) added before her name to signify imperial favor and honor, not because her actual rank was higher than Liu Xianfei (柳贤妃).
Consort Liu was a veteran of the Prince's residence, and her kneeling changed the way the officials looked at her.
Jiang Ling stood before Consort Liu without flinching or yielding, and accepted her kneeling.
"Consort Liu, look, you've changed your tune several times since you entered the palace. First, you acted magnanimous in front of Consort Lin, but your words were full of criticism of her. Now that Prince Rui's body is barely cold, you're not even letting Consort Lin off the hook, portraying her as insane. Consort Lin grew up in the Lin family, beautiful and intelligent, unmoved by external gains or losses. When has she ever gone mad? You're just taking advantage of Consort Lin's poor health to bully her!"
Jiang Ling sneered repeatedly, stepping forward to force Consort Liu, who was still kneeling on the ground, to stop her from acting aggrieved towards me and deliberately kneeling before me...
She shook her head, her expression mocking, and clicked her tongue twice. "Consort Liu, who are you kneeling to? I bet it's not me."
At this point, Jiang Ling glanced casually at the officials. "I'm slow-witted and straightforward, always speaking my mind, and my reactions aren't as quick as yours. Your kneeling makes me look like a sinner, as if I'm abusing your favor to bully you, an elder of the harem—disrespectful and unworthy. You, on the other hand, are shrewd, manipulating people's hearts with ease, turning the tide in an instant, wielding power with absolute authority. The things you've done are too shameful to even mention!"
Consort Liu slowly raised her head. She did not get up, but knelt there with her back straight, her eyes filled with icy coldness as she looked at Jiang Ling: "What have I done to make Consort Hui so ashamed?"
"You know what you've done. I haven't said anything to save you face. You mentioned A-Lang..."
Jiang Ling paused deliberately for a moment, then chuckled, her expression mocking. "A-Lang has grown up and knows I'm not his biological mother. I've told him the truth about how his mother, Consort Gao, died. Not only the Imperial Hospital, but many people in the harem know about this. I have a clear conscience and haven't hidden a single word. Consort Liu, there are countless talented people in the world. You are exceptionally clever, but unfortunately, your heart is too filthy. How innocent this child is! You can deal with me, but don't use your underhanded schemes on a child who lost his mother at a young age."
She raised her hand and pointed to the sky, "Consort Liu, look up at the bright and clear sky! Aren't you afraid of incurring retribution?"
Consort Liu finally lost her composure, her face turned pale, and she stared at Jiang Ling with an almost ferocious expression.
Consort Lin, who had been leaning against Granny Xie, observing the situation, now looked at Jiang Ling, wiped away her tears, and began to weep again. She murmured, "Consort Zhuang, Consort Zhuang... so that's how it is, so that's how it is..."
The officials' expressions shifted constantly, a truly fascinating sight. Though their words were vague and didn't explicitly state anything, they inadvertently revealed shocking royal secrets.
Since it concerned the fate of the nation and the lives of the princes and empresses, no one dared to speak out, fearing that they might inadvertently invite disaster upon themselves.
If Consort Liu no longer needed to kneel, she used the help of Granny Shang to support herself on her knees and stand up.
Jiang Ling's words were tantamount to cutting off the fuel supply from under the pot.
Now that she has told Xiao Yunlang about his background, he has lost the need to compete for her.
After all, it concerned the death of his birth mother; how could he not care? If he eventually ascended the throne, he would certainly investigate at all costs. Even if he couldn't find out the truth, once suspicion arose, it would be difficult to dispel.
He couldn't afford to get into trouble, and Jiang Ling's words also cast a shadow of doubt in the minds of the court officials.
Similarly, if Jiang Ling publicly breaks off relations with her, whether it's Jiang Ling or Xiao Yunzan who gets into trouble, she will be the first person suspected.
“Consort Hui, I will also return the favor with a single sentence. Under the clear sky, you have insulted and slandered me, and Heaven has heard it all. I do not wish to argue with you, not because I am truly guilty, but because I do not want to quarrel before Prince Rui’s spirit and disturb his path to the Pure Land.”
Consort Liu curtsied to Consort Lin and Jiang Ling, took the hand of Granny Shang, and turned to leave.
Seeing this, the officials scattered like birds and beasts, quickly pretending to be busy. Consort Lin glanced at the mourning hall and said to Granny Xie, "Granny, help me back to the palace."
Granny Xie hurriedly told Xiuyun to stay and make arrangements, while she helped Consort Lin walk outside. Jiang Ling also walked out, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"
"Not good," Consort Lin said truthfully, bitterly. "I need to rest properly, otherwise, this frail body of mine really won't last more than a few days."
"Whether you have an appetite or not, you must eat something so that you will have the energy."
Jiang Ling said, then turned to look at the busy courtyard and said, "Don't worry, the officials from the Ministry of Rites will handle the funeral arrangements. Take care of yourself first before coming back."
"I'm not coming." Consort Lin lowered her eyes, her voice filled with sorrow. "Seeing Arui's mourning hall, I felt suffocated, my pain was unbearable, and it will never heal."
Jiang Ling listened with a heavy heart. No matter how ruthless and useless Xiao Yunrui was, he was still Consort Lin's son. Throughout history, there have been instances of relatives protecting each other, and family members sacrificing their own for the greater good, which goes against human nature and ethics.
Consort Lin took a deep breath, hesitated for a long time, and said, "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Jiang Ling was taken aback for a moment, then said confidently, "Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust. Besides, I've had a smooth and lucky journey, I'm the chosen one, and I'll definitely have the last laugh."
Looking at Jiang Lingfei's spirited expression, Consort Lin felt a complex mix of emotions. She pondered for a moment, then said, "It's good that Consort Hui is like this. You live by the Emperor's side and are well-informed, so I won't say any more."
Jiang Ling understood Consort Lin's intention. The two parted ways at the crossroads, heading south and north respectively, and returned to their palaces.
Qionghua Pavilion.
Emperor Yuanming lay on the bed with his eyes open, and as soon as he closed them, Xiao Yunrui's voice and smile appeared before him. He felt extremely distressed and turned his head to look at the bedside.
Jiang Ling went to Xiao Yunrui's palace. When Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang found that she was not there, they immediately threw down their pens and ran outside to play with their spinning tops.
Emperor Yuanming was annoyed by this and summoned Huang Liangjiang and the others into the room. He then set up a table and chairs in front of the bed and personally watched them write large characters.
Xiao Yunzan, being mischievous, dipped his finger in the inkstone and secretly poked Xiao Yunlang's face. Instantly, an ink spot was left on Xiao Yunlang's face.
Xiao Yunlang wiped his face and saw the ink on his hand. Not to be outdone, he took a pen and smeared it on the paper that Xiao Yunzan had written on.
The two men silently exchanged blows, their hands, faces, and paper covered in ink. Emperor Yuanming, seeing their smeared faces, immediately flew into a rage: "You two scoundrels! If you don't finish ten large characters, I'll teach you a lesson!"
Xiao Yunzan frowned, his face contorted in a pained expression, and remained silent. Xiao Yunlang shrank back, obediently laying out the paper again, preparing to complete the homework assigned by Emperor Yuanming.
Huang Liang bowed and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, the eldest princess has come to pay her respects."
Xiao Jiatong rarely visited the Chuigong Hall. After Emperor Yuanming was injured, she came to pay her respects the day afterward, preparing to attend to him while he was ill.
Court officials frequently visited Qionghua Pavilion, and with Jiang Ling present, Emperor Yuanming sent her back.
Emperor Yuanming thought that Xiao Jiatong had come to pay her respects again. He thought to himself that she was good at both her studies and calligraphy, and that her arrival was timely, so he could take the opportunity to teach those two unruly monkeys a lesson.
"Let her in." Emperor Yuanming ordered Huang Liang, glaring at Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunrui, and said, "You two are supposed to be men, yet you can't even write calligraphy as well as a young lady. I wonder what kind of face you have!"
“Father, if you can’t compete, then don’t. The sage said that people shouldn’t compare themselves to others. Your face is here, why would it disappear?” Xiao Yunzan stroked his cheek and said emphatically.
"You good-for-nothing brat, when has the Sage ever said such a thing?" Emperor Yuanming was both angry and amused. He stared at Xiao Yunzan's dark little face and couldn't help but bring up Jiang Ling: "Look at your face, when your mother comes back later, she will definitely deal with you."
Both of them were afraid of Jiang Ling, so Xiao Yunzan immediately became quiet and picked up a handkerchief to rub his face, making his cheeks turn a mixture of black and red.
When Xiao Jiatong entered the room, she saw the table in front of the dragon bed. She first went forward to greet him, and then said to Xiao Yunzan, who was rubbing his face vigorously, "Azan, don't use too much force, or you'll hurt your face."
The two sensibly stood up to greet each other. Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Jiatong were not familiar with each other, so he perfunctorily called her "big sister" and buried his head in his work.
Xiao Jiatong quickly stepped forward to stop her, and said gently, "Azan, wiping it like this won't get it clean; it needs to be washed with water."
Emperor Yuanming's mood eased somewhat as he watched his children talking to him, and he ordered Huang Liang to take them away to wash.
The two followed Huang Liang out, and the room fell silent. Xiao Jiatong's eyes reddened as she said, "When I heard about my elder brother's passing, I was heartbroken. However, the most heartbroken person in the world must be my father. My mother often told me that my father treated his children like the apples of his eye. With my elder brother gone, it's as if his heart is being ripped out. I dare not presume to ease my father's pain, to say a few words to him, or to help him get through this difficult time."
Her words struck a chord with Emperor Yuanming. He had always believed that although he was the emperor, he was a man of great affection and righteousness, a truly benevolent and wise ruler.
"Consort Liu has taught you very well." Emperor Yuanming's expression softened, and he said affectionately, "Atong has grown up. In the future, I will find you a good husband."
“Father.” Xiao Jiatong lowered her head, like a shy young lady, “Mother also said that no matter how busy Father is, he always cares about us brothers and sisters. Although I am a princess, Father loves all of us children the same way.”
Emperor Yuanming felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this. "You are all my flesh and blood, how could I not love you?" Thinking of Xiao Yunrui, who had died young, he felt a pang of sorrow in his heart.
Xiao Jiatong observed Emperor Yuanming's reaction and continued, "There are five of us siblings. My eldest brother... and my second brother is injured. After I get married, I'll have one less brother to support me. Father, I didn't understand before, but now that my eldest brother is gone, I truly understand what it means to be connected by blood. I was ignorant before, studying extra hard, trying to show off in front of you and get your praise. But Mother advised me not to study day and night, lest I ruin my life at such a young age." She was exhausted. I still found my mother strange. She treated me like her own daughter, caring for me with utmost devotion. Parents always want their children to succeed, so why was she advising me not to study? My mother told me that I was a princess, and princesses were to choose a husband. My elder brothers, A-Jue, A-Zan, and A-Lang, were the ones who would continue the Great Yin dynasty and carry on the Xiao imperial bloodline. I studied desperately, always trying to stand out and surpass my brothers, A-Jue and the others. I was being stubborn. I didn't even have time to apologize to my brother before he passed away…”
She began to sob, holding a handkerchief and wiping her tears with her head bowed. "Father, I regret it so much. Mother was afraid that the Imperial Concubine would be sad, so she went to comfort her. I couldn't help myself and came to see you, Father. I can't say these things to my brother anymore; I want to tell you, Father."
Of his children, Emperor Yuanming admired Xiao Jiatang the most; her calligraphy was bold and vigorous. Minister Liu's calligraphy was renowned throughout the land, and she, at a young age, had already captured seven or eight tenths of its essence.
Seeing his usually intelligent and virtuous eldest daughter relying on him now, unable to hide her affection for him, Emperor Yuanming couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat. The series of major events that had recently occurred and the accumulated worries in his heart had unknowingly dissipated by most of them.
“A-Tong, you are filial and honest. In the future, you should teach those two rascals, A-Zan and A-Lang, more. They wrote big characters in front of me before, getting their faces and heads covered in ink, and their writing was a complete mess.”
Emperor Yuanming pointed to the table and said, "Go and see, it's infuriating!"
Xiao Jiatong got up and walked to the desk. She picked up the paper and looked at it carefully, saying, "Father, A-Zan and A-Lang's handwriting isn't bad. They're still young, and their wrists aren't strong enough yet. They'll naturally write better when they grow up. A-Zan is clever, and A-Lang is obedient. Father, they are of the Xiao family bloodline. When has the Xiao family ever produced a fool?"
Emperor Yuanming was greatly pleased, thinking to himself that his own flesh and blood were the best in the world.
Xiao Jiatong pursed her lips, her expression hesitant. Seeing this, Emperor Yuanming said, "A-Tong, what do you have to say? Just speak."
"Father, I have something I'd like to ask for your permission to do."
Xiao Jiatong hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and said, “Father, Consort Zhao is no longer in the palace. A-Tang is currently being cared for by the nannies. I visited A-Tang once, and she was constantly in tears and looked extremely haggard. I am the eldest sister and a young lady, so I can talk to A-Tang. Although the nannies are doing their best, they are still servants and dare not offer much advice. I would like to ask Father to let A-Tang live with me. I can keep her company, comfort her, and watch over her to prevent her from ruining her health.”
Since Consort Zhao was sent to the Imperial Temple, Emperor Yuanming had paid no further attention to Xiao Jiatang. Hearing that Xiao Jiatong was worried about her younger sister, he felt a little more gratified for her.
At the same time, Emperor Yuanming was very dissatisfied with Consort Zhao, who, as his own aunt, ignored Xiao Jiatang!
After all, she was his own daughter. Consort Liu had raised Xiao Jiatong so well that Emperor Yuanming readily agreed, "I grant your request. Let A-Tang live with you, so that you sisters can keep each other company."
Xiao Jiatong curtsied to express her gratitude, "Father, I will take Atang back to Rouyi Palace later. I will take good care of Atang and not let Father worry."
Emperor Yuanming was very pleased and said kindly, "Go now, and come to me if you have anything to say."
Xiao Jiatong respectfully replied, "Yes, Father, please rest well and don't worry too much. We siblings need your care and guidance. The Great Yin Dynasty cannot be separated from you, Father."
A smile unconsciously crept onto Emperor Yuanming's face as he watched Xiao Jiatong leave. After she walked out of the room, he sighed regretfully, "Alas, it's a pity she's just a princess."
After sighing, Emperor Yuanming's face darkened, and he shouted, "You two brats, get your asses in here!"
Huang Liang quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Hui Shu has returned. The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince went to see her and are talking with the First Princess in the corridor."
Jiang Ling rushed back to Qionghua Pavilion, where Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang ran towards her and threw themselves into her arms, exclaiming, "Mother, you're finally back!"
"I've only been gone a short while." Jiang Ling felt a warmth flowing through her as she saw them clinging to her, yet she also felt both amused and exasperated.
"Mother, Father told us to go and write big characters in front of him!" Xiao Yunzan said with a frustrated expression, but secretly chuckled, "Luckily, my eldest sister came to pay her respects to Father, and he let us off the hook."
Ahead, Xiao Jiatong was walking along the corridor. Her steps were light and graceful, her manners impeccable, and her skirt barely moved as she walked, displaying a calm and composure rarely seen in someone her age, with her hair styled in double buns.
The palace maid who accompanied her was Fu'er, who had secretly left with Consort Liu to Xiao Yunrui's palace.
Jiang Ling cried out inwardly in dismay, his heart sinking instantly.
Both she and Consort Lin overlooked Xiao Jiatong, and her actions and reactions were far too quick!
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