After finishing her sentence, Jiang Wan did not intend to stay any longer.
The time she had agreed upon with Pei Xi was approaching, and she needed to get to Wangyue Tower as soon as possible.
Pei Xuan personally escorted her to the gate of the East Palace.
“Madam Jiang is quite good to her friends,” he said. “But you’re overthinking it. Although Shuangbai is young, he is not a frivolous person.”
Jiang Wan looked up at him and said calmly.
"Zhuque has already been married."
The world always places higher demands on women.
In her previous life, she left the capital for three years. When she returned to the General's Mansion, she was met with a barrage of unpleasant rumors.
That was the first time she had experienced the devastation of public condemnation.
Zhuque was more than ten years older than Shuangbai and was a remarried woman; one can imagine the immense pressure she had to endure.
Even more tragically, even if they overcome all obstacles and get together, if Shuangbai's feelings are only temporary, what will happen to Zhuque once the novelty wears off?
Her early life was full of hardships, so Jiang Wan couldn't help but think of things for her.
Pei Xuan replied, "Who says a woman who has been married cannot find a good match?"
He looked at Jiang Wan, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
"After a divorce, one is innocent. If one meets a good man, one can still wear a phoenix coronet and wedding robes and enjoy the joy of marriage."
Jiang Wan smiled slightly: "It's easier said than done."
“If you’re determined to do it, it’s not difficult.” Pei Xuan’s eyes flickered. “So what if she’s a remarried woman? If it were me, I would do everything in my power to ensure she has no worries whatsoever.”
Jiang Wan was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but glance at him sideways.
Pei Xuan's dark eyes were deep, with an obscure and unfathomable meaning surging within them.
She smiled softly.
"If Shuangbai could be like Your Highness, I would naturally have no objection."
She curtsied.
"I have an appointment with someone, and the time is approaching, so I must take my leave now."
Pei Xuan narrowed his eyes, watching her figure disappear into the twilight.
Her pomegranate-red skirt was as bright as fire; she rarely wore such a vibrant color.
"Is Your Highness going out tonight?" a servant asked. "Today is the Moon Worship Festival, and half of the capital will be going out together. The streets will be very lively."
Moon Worship Festival.
Pei Xuan disliked joining in the fun and was even less sensitive to festivals. Only after he spoke did he slightly furrow his brows.
Where is Atang?
The servant said, "The princess went to the palace in the afternoon and hasn't returned yet. She must be being kept in the palace by the Empress to practice calligraphy."
"Prepare the horses."
Pei Xuandao.
"It's rare to have such a lively day, so I'll take A-Tang out of the palace for a stroll."
Inside the Qiongyu Palace, Consort Yun was putting on her makeup in front of the mirror.
Today is the Moon Worship Festival, and Emperor Jingyuan has chosen her. Presumably, his imperial procession will arrive soon.
"His Majesty's presence today to accompany Her Majesty is truly a great honor," the nanny flattered.
Consort Yun sneered, "If Princess Zhaoning hadn't stayed overnight in the Empress's palace, how could I have had the chance to serve her in bed?"
Over the years, no matter how the concubines in the harem vied for the emperor's favor, none could compare to the empress.
Just like the other princes, none of them could compare to Pei Xuan in terms of their status in Emperor Jingyuan's heart.
In the past, Pei Feng, as the eldest son, could compete with Pei Xuan.
Now... Consort Yun can only place her hopes on Pei Xi.
"Your Majesty!" the eunuch announced as he entered, "His Majesty has gone to the Empress's palace and instructed that you need not wait."
"What?" Consort Yun stood up abruptly. "Wasn't Zhaohua supposed to stay overnight at the Empress's palace? Why is His Majesty going to the Empress's?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince has escorted the princess out of the palace and also invited His Majesty to dinner."
Consort Yun's face darkened, and she said irritably, "I know."
Just then, Pei Xi strolled in from outside the palace, grinning, and said, "Mother, you promised your son that I could go out of the palace tonight, so you can't go back on your word."
"All you do all day is eat, drink, and have fun. Can't you be a little more ambitious? Back when your brother was in his prime, how glorious our Qiongyu Palace was! Look at you now!"
Consort Yun glared at him, saying with exasperation.
"How can you possibly defeat the Crown Prince like this?"
Pei Xi pursed her lips.
The elder brother was quite capable, fighting fiercely with the Crown Prince, but what was the result? His face was ruined.
Not only was he ineligible for the throne, but he also completely lost the emperor's favor.
All the fighting and squabbling is pointless; it's better to just rely on yourself.
"Mother, why do you insist on opposing Pei Xuan? Do you think I'm cut out to be the Crown Prince?"
Pei Xi said earnestly.
"Your Majesty, I think Pei Xuan is a good person. Why don't we treat him well now and ask him to bestow upon you the title of Noble Consort Dowager in the future? Wouldn't it be better to live a life of leisure and wealth? Why fight to the death when you can't win anyway..."
Before he could finish speaking, Consort Yun slapped him on the back of the head: "What nonsense are you talking about!"
She was furious, pointing at Pei Xi but unable to speak for a long time before finally saying something.
"Alright, Madam Gu will be going to the palace in a few days. She has important matters to discuss with me. You will come with me to see her and plan our affairs after her death."
"What's the important matter?" Pei Xi asked.
"You'll find out then." Consort Yun's eyes darkened. "If all goes well, the Chengping General's Mansion will be at our disposal in the future."
Pei Xi covered his head and said "Oh," then said, "Then I will leave the palace."
After he left, Consort Yun couldn't stop sighing: "That child is so useless, how can I count on him?"
“The Third Prince has matured a lot since then. At least he agreed to meet Madam Gu with you. He used to never ask about these things,” the nanny advised.
"We still need to find him a suitable marriage," said Consort Yun. "Last time, it was thanks to you that you discovered Xu Shu's health problem. Otherwise, if we had married her off in such a muddled way, wouldn't that have ruined Xi'er's life?"
"What does Your Majesty intend to do about the marriage with the Xu family?"
"Since the betrothal hasn't been formally arranged yet, we can simply refuse on the grounds that our horoscopes don't match."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com