Consort Zhao didn't take it to heart and said, "Even if he's angry, it's only temporary. I'm doing this for his own good, and he'll understand in the future."
She was initially very angry when her son went to the border alone against her advice, but now he's doing fine, isn't he?
What grudge could a mother and son hold against each other overnight?
The trusted nanny was still somewhat worried, but she didn't dare to say much. After all, this was a matter between a mother and son, and as a servant, she shouldn't say too much. She could only do as she was told.
Consort Zhao's people were very efficient, and Jiang Jiuniang soon received the invitation. It was a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet held at Prince Jing's villa.
Jiang Jiuniang could guess that Prince Jing was going to ask the Dowager Consort for help. If the Dowager Consort Zhao could help, it would be better, at least it would be able to salvage some of Prince Jing's image. If she could help create some opportunities, there was still a good chance that he would take a liking to someone.
"Take your mother with you; it will be easier for her to take care of you."
Lu Baichuan didn't want her to attend those kinds of banquets. After all, the situation was still unstable, and there were too many uncertainties at the banquets. It wouldn't be good if she got hurt.
But he knew he couldn't stop her, and he also knew she meant well and wanted to help, so he could only compromise. He had heard that a woman's emotions are the most important thing during pregnancy, and that if he went along with her wishes and kept her in a good mood, the baby in her womb would be in better condition.
"That's what I thought too."
Jiang Jiuniang nodded without refuting. The banquet was the center of gossip, and she believed that Ms. Sun would be happy to go.
Soon the day of the banquet arrived. Jiang Jiuniang and Madam Sun left early in the morning. Madam Sun knew that this was a banquet specially organized by Consort Zhao for Prince Jing. She couldn't help but sigh, "Parents all over the world are worried about their children. Prince Jing is so old and still not married. Consort Zhao must be very anxious. She must want to do something at today's banquet to enhance the relationship between His Highness Prince Jing and that Miss Mei."
Halfway through her speech, Ms. Sun added with some melancholy, "However, Prince Jing probably won't be able to stay in the capital for too long. After their marriage, they'll likely have to go to the border or their fiefdom. It won't be easy for Miss Mei to visit her parents' home again."
"Hahaha, you're overthinking it! It's not even close to happening yet!"
Jiang Jiuniang couldn't help but burst into laughter. Sun rolled her eyes and ignored her. The two chatted and laughed and soon arrived at the villa where the banquet was being held. By this time, many ladies and young misses from various families had already arrived. They greeted each other and entered the courtyard together.
Since it was a banquet she had hosted, Consort Zhao arrived early and was surrounded by a group of people talking to her. Jiang Jiuniang and Madam Sun stepped forward to greet her, and both sides exchanged some polite words. Then, Jiang Jiuniang excused herself and went out.
Consort Zhao disliked Jiang Jiuniang for a long time. She had held a grudge against her for beating Jiang Jiuniang's son so badly at the little princess's banquet.
However, their son is now close to the couple, and the Lu family is currently favored by the emperor. Even if they don't like it, they have to maintain a facade of peace.
Jiang Jiuniang also disliked Consort Zhao. Although she had only met her a few times, Consort Zhao's face looked rather mean, and she didn't want to have too much contact with her, so she avoided her whenever possible.
After coming out, she found a place to sit and asked Mrs. Sun to go and talk to her old friend.
Sun was somewhat tempted, but still said, "I came here today to see you. What will you do if I leave?"
"Don't worry, I'll just sit here and not go anywhere. Besides, Yue Shu and the others are watching over us, so nothing will happen. Go talk to some people and come back and tell me if anything interesting happens."
She wanted to get Sun away from her. The old lady was a bit naive, and there were some things she didn't want her to know.
Upon hearing this, Madam Sun thought it was a good idea and instructed Yue Shu and the others to keep an eye on Jiang Jiu Niang to prevent her from running around. She then took two maids to go and chat with her old friends.
As soon as she left, Jiang Jiuniang instructed Yue Shu, "Arrange for someone to keep an eye on Miss Mei and Consort Zhao. Report back to me if anything happens."
Since we've agreed to help Prince Jing, it's essential to keep a close eye on those two.
She had never met Consort Zhao and didn't know much about her. Letting someone see what she was capable of and then cooperating with her might be more effective.
As soon as Mei Lanyi arrived, she was summoned to the presence of Consort Zhao. At that time, there were not many people in front of Consort Zhao, and coincidentally, the few people present were unmarried girls who had some feelings for Prince Jing.
This arrangement is rather intriguing.
Mei Lanyi didn't think too much about it. After arriving, she respectfully bowed to Consort Zhao, who then offered her a seat.
"I have heard that there is some misunderstanding between Prince Jing and Miss Mei. I am really being presumptuous to invite Miss Mei here today under the pretext of appreciating chrysanthemums."
When Consort Zhao spoke, she adopted a very humble posture, as if she were personally apologizing to Prince Jing.
The girls next to her instantly looked a little embarrassed. Judging from this, it seemed that Consort Zhao had taken a fancy to Mei Lanyi. Was it inappropriate for them to stay here?
But it wasn't appropriate to leave now, so the group could only try to keep their heads down and minimize their presence. After all, if Mei Lanyi really became the Princess Consort of Jing, she would be someone they couldn't afford to offend. Even if they harbored fantasies about the Prince of Jing, they couldn't act arrogantly at this time.
Mei Lanyi's expression was also rather unpleasant. When she received the invitation, she knew that it was mostly for her, probably because of Prince Jing. She had thought of various ways to refuse, but she did not expect that Consort Zhao would lower herself so much. How could she possibly respond?
Her face was filled with fear, and she hurriedly said, "Your Highness is too kind. It was my daughter who offended His Highness Prince Jing and caused him to fall into the water and catch a cold. She deserves to be punished!"
As she spoke, she looked up and saw that Consort Zhao's expression was unfriendly, realizing that Consort Zhao was angry.
Moreover, it was the kind of anger that was undisguised and directly expressed on his face.
Her knees buckled and she knelt on the ground.
The others also sensed something was wrong and immediately perked up to watch the spectacle.
Whether Consort Zhao truly despises Mei Lanyi or is merely feigning fear, perhaps they all still have a chance.
In front of so many people, Consort Zhao did not want to go too far, lest it reach her son's ears. She waved her hand and said, "Get up. Although you do deserve punishment, I did not make you kneel. Otherwise, when Prince Jing arrives, he will complain that I bullied you."
Mei Lanyi's face turned ugly. She knew that Consort Zhao was deliberately trying to embarrass her. She was flustered inside, but she pretended to be calm on the surface and got up to sit down again.
But then Consort Zhao said, “Miss Mei is quite capable. My son has never been so attentive to any woman in all these years. I wonder what you are thinking. If you are interested, I will ask the Emperor to bestow a marriage upon you two. If you are not interested, you should make it clear as soon as possible. Don’t keep playing hard to get and make my son suffer.”
These words were spoken to Mei Lanyi, and also to the other noble ladies around her.
Consort Zhao is openly telling everyone that Mei Lanyi is deliberately keeping Prince Jing hanging.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com