Chapter 85 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
Zhang Xiaojia entered the Ningguo Mansion's main gate and was respectfully led to the backyard. Sunlight filtered through the lush leaves, casting a dappled shadow on the bluestone slabs.
From a distance, she saw Princess Yian standing in the courtyard with a respectful look on her face, obviously accepting the admonitions of her mother-in-law.
Zhang Xiaojia's eyes flashed with displeasure, and she smiled and said, "Old lady, you are so well-mannered. It's really admirable. However, you seem to have forgotten an important etiquette."
The old lady frowned slightly, and there was also displeasure in her eyes.
Zhang Xiaojia continued slowly, "Princess Yi'an is a member of the royal family and holds a distinguished position. According to etiquette, she is the ruler and you are the subject. Heaven, Earth, the Emperor, Parents, and Teachers are all above the Emperor, and the Emperor comes before the Parents. This has been the rule since ancient times, and you, old lady, should understand."
Princess Yian's face was full of gratitude, while the old lady had a stern face and said nothing.
"Although the princess has married into the Ningguo Mansion, her status has not changed. Old Madam, your strict requirements on her are naturally well-intentioned, but you must also consider the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects to avoid losing your composure."
The old lady said coldly: "Princess Jing, it's against the rules to come here so rashly, isn't it?"
Zhang Xiaojia looked at the old lady of Ningguo Mansion and wondered if she had gone crazy. She had sent a visiting card yesterday and came today. She was the one who had to follow the rules.
Zhang Xiaojia glanced at Princess Yi'an again. What did she mean? It would make it easier for her to act. Princess Yi'an looked at the old lady with anger in her eyes. If she wanted to speak, that was fine. She shook her head to stop her.
She sneered at first, then said, "Ah Da, go to the Taifu's residence in person and tell him that Zhang Xiaojia, whom he taught since childhood, has been accused of being unruly."
When Ningguo Duke's eldest son heard what happened to his grandmother in the yard, his eyes turned.
"Wen Bo, go talk to the princess's maid and ask her to clean up the mansion. The princess and I will go back to the mansion with my mother and my useless father, the prince, to stay at night."
"Sir, are you really going to agree to Yi'an County Master's request?"
"People should know their own limitations. This young master only loves painting. In the eyes of the world, this young master is unlearned and unskillful. Women in this dynasty can enter the court, but their husbands cannot become scholars. If Yian wants to enter the former dynasty, then we should follow her request.
Our dynasty requires that the backyard should not interfere in politics. This young master has no interest in the court, which is just perfect.
The old lady in the family has forgotten the principles of monarch and minister. In addition, my father-in-law has worked hard for disaster relief and has never been corrupt. Based on this, Your Majesty will never let anyone bully Yian."
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Just as Ah Da was about to leave, he saw Xiao Fuzi, the apprentice of the eldest eunuch beside the emperor, and Duke Ningguo coming over.
Xiao Fuzi saw Zhang Xiaojia and his group from afar and quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Greetings to Princess Jing, Princess Yi'an, and Madam. May all be well!"
Zhang Xiaojia nodded slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes: "Xiao Fuzi, why are you here?"
Xiao Fuzi remained respectful, lowering her brows and looking submissive. "Your Highness, Princess Jing, yesterday the Dowager Consort Chen specifically instructed that you bring Princess Yi'an with you to the Palace of the Emperor to have lunch together."
Zhang Xiaojia raised her eyebrows slightly, turned her gaze to the old lady of the Duke of Ningguo, and a mocking smile appeared on the corner of her mouth: "This princess was pointed at and accused of having no manners today. This princess was originally planning to ask the Grand Tutor to testify on her behalf."
Xiao Fuzi's expression suddenly changed. She turned her gaze sharply towards Duke Ningguo, her tone tinged with coldness. "Duke Ningguo, are you questioning the Emperor's teachings? Princess Jing has been raised by the Emperor and the Dowager Consort since she was young, and has been deeply influenced by the Grand Tutor. Even if the Princess has done anything wrong, it's not your place as a minister to point fingers."
The old lady of the Duke of Ningguo's face froze. She had obviously not expected Xiao Fuzi to fight back so directly, and she was speechless for a moment.
Zhang Xiaojia smiled even more deeply upon seeing this, and waved his hand gently: "Xiao Fuzi, since the Concubine Dowager has invited you, let's go there early so as not to keep her waiting for too long."
Xiao Fuzi responded respectfully, then stepped aside and motioned Zhang Xiaojia to go first.
Zhang Xiaojia took the hand of Yian County Lady and walked calmly towards the palace, leaving the old lady of Ningguo standing there with a gloomy expression.
In the carriage, Yian poured tea for Zhang Xiaojia: "Lin'an, thank you."
Zhang Xiaojia's mouth twitched, and he said unhappily, "You're the best at pretending. You've acted weak all your life, pretending I'm the bad guy and you're the good guy. Your father was so worried that he came all the way to the imperial farm yesterday and asked me to take care of you."
Yi An said helplessly, "What can I do? I don't want to become a scholar, but I have six naive sisters, a useless brother, a weak mother, and an even weaker concubine! I can only marry a noble son who has status, no bad habits, no ambition, and is attractive to me! I can only fight for it myself, otherwise after my father dies, my mother and concubine will be bullied to death by their own family."
Zhang Xiaojia looked at the scenery passing by outside the window and sighed softly: "Yian, do you know how difficult this road is? In the court, so many eyes are staring at your father's position. As a woman, you want to gain a foothold among men. Are you ready?"
Yian clenched the teacup in his hand, his eyes determined. "Lin'an, I have no choice. I can't stand by and watch my family fall into hardship. I must become strong to protect them."
Zhang Xiaojia turned her head and looked Yian in the eye. "I've helped you this far. Whether you can impress the Emperor and successfully inherit your father's career, I won't help you. I'm a woman from the inner court and can't interfere in politics. Yian, if you inherit your father's position, you'll have to wait until he dies to obtain the title of Prince. You can't obtain the title of Prince while he's still alive."
Yian smiled slightly, a sly look flashing in his eyes: "Lin'an, being a prince is vain. I want real power. Otherwise, if my father passes away, my brothers and sisters, my mother and my aunt will kill themselves. I can't afford to gamble, and my father won't be angry, especially my useless brother."
Zhang Xiaojia was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Yian, in the court, every step is very dangerous. If you are not careful, you will be doomed. Be careful."
Yian gently held Zhang Xiaojia's hand: "Lin'an, I know you're doing this for my own good. But please believe me, I'm ready. I'll be careful and won't let anyone get hold of anything. And, with you backing me up, I'm even more confident."
Zhang Xiaojia shook her head helplessly. "You've always had this stubborn temper. Since you've made up your mind, I won't say anything more. Just remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, come to me for consultation. Don't try to handle it alone."
Yian nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Lin'an. I'm truly lucky to have you as a friend."
The carriage slowly pulled into the palace. The two women smiled at each other, each with their own thoughts. They knew that from this moment on, their fates would be inextricably linked.
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