A cold glint flashed in the Empress's eyes: "Consort Li is a restless woman, and her son is just like her!"
Consort Li often schemes to win the Emperor's favor, and as long as she doesn't make things too ugly, the Empress can ignore it. After all, over the years, she has long since lost interest in the Emperor.
But now that the other party is clearly eyeing her son's position as crown prince, she can't just turn a blind eye!
Although the Third Prince did some things secretly, once his aunt and cousin became suspicious, they were able to find clues and become vigilant.
Shen Tangning hesitated, "I was also a little confused. Later, the Princess found me and invited me to have tea. She also said many ambiguous things, and Tangning has been feeling uneasy ever since."
The Empress pressed on, "What did she say?"
Shen Tangning took a deep breath, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, and closed her eyes: "The Eldest Princess... she scolded my aunt for being foolish, for her hard work and schemes only to benefit others!"
In fact, the eldest princess certainly didn't say those words; these were all her own speculations. But she was certain that her proud aunt would never personally ask the other party for confirmation.
The Empress's eyes widened, and she stiffly slumped back into her seat.
Yan Huai asked with a worried expression, "Mother, are you alright?"
She slowly curled her lips into a cold, bitter smile: "She's right, I am stupid."
All these years, I still haven't been able to see the true face of the person next to me.
Mingyi is resentful towards her, wondering why she didn't stand by her side back then...
The Empress pursed her lips, something in her eyes went out, but then a glimmer of light appeared, and her gaze became firm. She looked at Shen Tangning and took her hand: "Good child, we owe you a lot this time."
Shen Tangning felt somewhat ashamed, but quickly dismissed the distracting thoughts. Those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles; telling a white lie to achieve one's goal is nothing.
It's better than watching them die without being able to do anything about it.
...
After leaving Kunning Palace, Shen Tangning smiled and said, "Aunt, you don't need to see me off. I can find my way."
Wenlan smiled gently: "Your Majesty's orders are not to be taken lightly by this servant."
Shen Tangning glanced at the vermilion palace walls, with their magnificent upturned eaves, which pointed towards the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
Wenlan understood: "Miss, are you worried about Young Master Chi? The examination will last for three days and won't be over anytime soon. Her Majesty said that if you are really worried, you can stay overnight in the palace."
Shen Tangning withdrew her gaze and curled her lips: "We must not let Her Majesty break the rules because of me."
She had barely finished speaking when she suddenly heard a crisp slap: "You idiot! You can't even handle this little thing. What use are you?!"
Shen Tangning frowned slightly. Within the palace, this was a road that the previous dynasty had to pass through. Who would dare to be so presumptuous?
Wenlan also looked over with a slightly cold expression.
When Shen Tangning saw Princess Yun'an's entourage, she was no longer surprised.
Princess Yun'an sat on the palanquin, her slender fingers examining her newly applied nail polish, her tone nonchalant: "Alright, Jinping, don't be late for your greetings to your mother. Let her kneel here and learn her lesson."
She looked up and saw Shen Tangning in front of her. A playful smile appeared on her lips: "Isn't this Miss Shen... oh no, she should be Mrs. Chi now?"
Shen Tangning curtsied and greeted them, her gaze sweeping over a certain spot, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
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