Jiang Bai didn't ask the palace maid any further questions, but the next day, she was still summoned to the palace. However, it wasn't the emperor who asked her questions, but Princess Anping.
Princess Anping saw Jiang Bai and said, "Jiang Bai, we've found out the truth. This palace maid is from the dynasty."
Jiang Bai's expression changed slightly, but he wasn't surprised: "It seems the dynasty doesn't have any selfish motives towards our Zhao family."
"Luckily you found what she had in time, otherwise things could have gotten out of control."
Jiang Bai also sighed: "Indeed, but I still have to thank the princess for informing me of this."
Anping smiled and said, "Actually, it doesn't matter whether I tell you or not, because the dynasty no longer has the opportunity to enter the capital or cause trouble for your Zhao family."
Jiang Bai didn't need to think too much; she understood what it meant. This was all Wang Chao's own doing.
The fact that the emperor didn't kill him within the capital was already a way of giving Imperial Censor Wang a final act of respect.
“I think you’re still worried about this, so I’m going to tell you the truth.”
Jiang Bai took Anping's hand and patted the back of her hand: "The princess has been too good to my Zhao family and to Jiang Bai."
Anping shrugged: "To be honest, I already consider you a friend."
"Friends?" Jiang Bai was somewhat surprised. She had never imagined that a princess of the current dynasty would become her friend.
"Of course. You are so capable, courageous, and determined, and you are also quite an interesting person. It's not easy to find a friend like you."
Jiang Bai smiled and said, "The princess certainly doesn't seem like someone from the palace."
Anping's smile deepened: "Jiang Bai understands me best."
“My aunt’s health is getting better and better now. Today the emperor was asking me how to reward your Zhao family.”
Jiang Bai didn't respond; she believed the emperor wouldn't mistreat her.
After another few days, Jiang Bai gave the Empress Dowager the last dose of medicine. The Empress Dowager's complexion was very rosy, a far cry from her frail appearance over the years, and she exuded the composure and charm of a middle-aged woman.
The Empress Dowager looked at herself in the mirror and was momentarily dazed. She turned to look at Jiang Bai and called him to her side: "Jiang Bai, thank you."
She thought she had failed again, that even as Empress Dowager she would not live to enjoy her life, but Jiang Bai's appearance gave her a new livelihood.
Jiang Bai smiled faintly: "Your Majesty, there's no need to be so polite."
At this moment, a eunuch entered from outside the door: "Your Majesty, His Majesty has summoned Lady Zhao."
The Empress Dowager looked pleased: "Jiang Bai, go."
Go and take what is rightfully yours.
Jiang Bai and Princess Anping headed towards the Emperor's Palace. People on the way treated Jiang Bai with great respect, a stark contrast to the scene when he first entered the palace.
However, Jiang Bai also discovered that the palace was not as outsiders imagined. For example, the relationship between Princess Anping and the emperor was not the same as what outsiders saw.
Although Jiang Bai was somewhat curious, she did not ask about it.
She didn't have that many lives to spare for gossiping about the emperor behind his back.
The two entered the main hall, where the emperor greeted them with a smile: "Jiang Bai, you've arrived."
Jiang Bai bowed and said, "This humble woman, Jiang Bai, greets Your Majesty."
"Please rise quickly." The emperor gestured with his hand.
"Jiang Bai, you have rendered meritorious service in treating the Empress Dowager. After much deliberation, I have decided that from now on, the Zhao family's medicinal cuisine business will be associated with the royal family, and your medicinal cuisine will be under the royal protection."
This is exactly what Jiang Bai wanted!
Jiang Bai knelt and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Her tone was filled with undisguised joy.
The emperor continued, "You have two children. Your daughter can marry into the royal family, and your son can serve as an official in the court. I will certainly treat him well!"
At this point, Jiang Bai did not agree.
The emperor was somewhat puzzled, looking at Jiang Bai's expression as if he didn't like him.
Jiang Bai slowly spoke: "Your Majesty, in this matter, I would like to ask the children for their opinion. The future is ultimately in their own hands."
The emperor remained silent for a moment before speaking: "You're right, Jiang Bai, you're a good mother."
For some reason, the emperor's eyes dimmed for a moment when he said this.
Jiang Bai seemed to see it, yet also seemed not to see it.
Even after leaving the palace, that look still flashed through Jiang Bai's mind.
Anping noticed Jiang Bai seemed lost in thought and gently patted her on the back: "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Princess. Are you leaving the palace?" Jiang Bai asked with a smile.
"Yes, I don't usually go to the palace. I've been taking care of my aunt these past few days."
"So that's how it is." Jiang Bai suddenly realized.
She looked at Anping, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.
Jiang Bai spoke first: "Are you trying to ask me why the relationship between the Emperor and me is not as the outside world says?"
"This..." Jiang Bai was a little embarrassed, but finally nodded.
The princess said somewhat helplessly, "Actually, His Majesty and I grew up together, and we've always had a very good relationship."
"The reason why people outside spread such rumors is naturally due to certain unavoidable reasons."
Jiang Bai interrupted An Ping, saying, "I understand, Princess, there's no need to say anything more."
Knowing too much is not a good thing.
Anping's gaze drifted into the distance: "Then let's not talk about it, there's nothing much to say anyway."
The two left the palace together. Jiang Bai was happy and brought home a lot of snacks from Furonglou.
As usual, Zhao Yi waited for his wife to come home at the alley entrance.
As the sun set, the two walked hand in hand down the alleyway on their way home.
"From this day forward, our Zhao family's medicinal cuisine shop will be a royal merchant."
"Zhao Yi, we're about to become imperial merchants!"
Jiang Bai couldn't contain his excitement and hugged Zhao Yi.
Zhao Yi patted her head: "This is all thanks to my wife!"
"Madam, how about I stay home and cook, while you take care of external affairs?"
Jiang Bai chuckled upon hearing this: "Are you joking with me?"
"To be honest, if you were a man, you would have been a prime minister long ago."
Jiang Bai ignored him: "But I think this kind of life is very good."
As soon as she finished speaking, she saw the two of them still waiting for them at the door. Zhao Xile ran over on her little legs, calling out, "Mommy! Mommy!"
"Did Mother bring Le'er something delicious?"
Jiang Bai held the pastries high, teasing Zhao Xile: "Today, the pastries from Furonglou are absolutely delicious—crispy, fragrant, soft, and chewy!"
Zhao Xile's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she tugged at her clothes desperately, saying, "Mother, Mother, let's go home quickly."
Go home and have some snacks!
Zhao Yi picked her up and pinched her cheek: "You little kitten."
Zhao Ping'an walked over with a smile, and Jiang Bai ruffled his hair: "Has Little Ping'an grown taller again?"
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