The news of Jinghui's entry into the palace quickly reached the ears of the Song family.
Song Ziyu was somewhat worried: "Last time, my second sister was defeated by Master Jinghui. Could there be something wrong with this person?"
Song Tingyue sent someone to inquire.
According to reports, after meeting with Emperor Jingyuan, Jinghui sat in the Fuyou Hall chanting scriptures every day and did not exhibit any other unusual behavior.
Song Tingyue was finally relieved.
"The Empress is seriously ill, and His Majesty is simply having someone chant sutras to pray for her well-being. There's no need to make a fuss."
She sneered inwardly.
No amount of chanting scriptures could save the Empress from her condition.
A few days ago, she met Imperial Physician Sun in Pei Jin Palace and learned that the Empress had smallpox, which is a deadly disease.
More importantly, it violated a taboo of the royal family.
Even if she can be saved, her position as the First Lady will certainly be in jeopardy.
Despite Emperor Jingyuan's seemingly loving relationship with his wife, he might be the first to execute her.
No wonder Pei Xuan kept this matter a secret, sending people to guard the Empress's bedroom so that no one was allowed to get close.
It's just a delaying tactic.
As far as she knew, Consort Rong was already planning how to expose this matter.
"The Empress is in grave danger this time, and Jiang Wan... she must already know the inside story. How dare she cover up such a serious matter for Pei Xuan and his mother? She's incredibly audacious."
Song Tingyue gave a half-smile.
"That fool! She must think that this will please the Empress and the Crown Prince, but little does she know that she is courting death."
When the Empress's illness flares up, we'll take the opportunity to punish her for deception and cover-up.
She won't survive either!
A look of pleasure flashed across Song Tingyue's face.
Jiang Wan caused her to lose a leg and suffer ridicule from everyone. Now, she finally has a chance to vent her anger!
After eliminating Jiang Wan, the next one will be Song Yu.
Although Song Yu was young, he was not easy to deal with.
Thinking of this, Song Tingyue asked, "How is the martial arts test going? Where did Lin'er go? I didn't see him practicing martial arts today?"
Song Ziyu hesitated for a moment before replying, "Lin'er has gone to the palace."
"He went to see Madam Gu at the Censorate again?" Song Tingyue said disapprovingly. "Madam Gu is a criminal now. Let him stay away. Once our family achieves great things, we'll have everything we need."
Song Ziyu nodded, took a deep breath, and spoke with excitement.
"If Consort Rong can truly overthrow the Empress in one fell swoop, the General's Mansion, following the First Prince, will surely rise to prominence in no time!"
The siblings smiled at each other.
Master Jinghui entered the palace and chanted scriptures for three days, but the Empress's condition still did not improve.
Jiang Wan spent her days researching prescriptions and her nights entering the palace to administer acupuncture to the Empress, while also fulfilling the daily pulse-taking duties of the imperial physicians.
The inner palace seemed to have calmed down.
However, Pei Xuan and the other man both knew that the current calm was only temporary, and that an even greater storm was brewing within it.
On this day, Jiang Wan entered the palace as usual.
As soon as she entered the side gate, she saw Emerald from the Queen's palace waiting for her. Upon seeing her, Emerald hurriedly ran over.
"Madam Jiang! Today, Consort Rong and Consort Yun caused a scene in front of the palace, insisting on seeing Her Majesty the Empress. The Crown Prince is dealing with them and sent me here to inform you."
"I see."
As Jiang Wan walked forward, she asked, "Where is the princess now?"
"The princess has been kept in the dark about the Empress's affairs. She is completely unaware of them. A few days ago, she listened to His Highness the Crown Prince and has been secluded at home embroidering."
Jiang Wan nodded.
In fact, not everything she told Song Tingyue was a lie.
Before the Empress fell ill, she had indeed been teaching Pei Tang embroidery, hoping that she could improve her virtues and skills as a woman. This was known to everyone in the palace.
She used this as an excuse to enter the palace, but Pei Xuan felt that if they were going to put on an act, they should go all the way and also wanted to find a way to get Pei Tang away.
So he suggested that she embroider a screen with a myriad of flowers to pray for the Empress's well-being.
Pei Tang readily agreed.
Judging by the days, it should be almost finished.
Jiang Wan said to Emerald, "Go back first and keep a close eye on the servants in the palace. Don't let His Majesty know about this for the time being."
Jade left quickly.
Jiang Wan then looked at Biluo: "Go to Fuyou Hall and send a message to Shiyin."
He then walked quickly toward Pei Tang's palace.
Pei Tang was indeed focused on embroidery.
A screen is more than half finished.
Although the embroidery skills were not very refined, it was clear that every stitch was made by her own hands.
Upon seeing Jiang Wan enter, she was delighted: "Sister Jiang, what do you think of this screen?"
Jiang Wan said, "Very good. When Her Majesty wakes up and sees this, she will surely be pleased."
Pei Tang laughed and said, "Last night I went to visit the Empress Dowager, but my brother still wouldn't let me into the inner room, saying he was afraid I would catch a cold."
"He's making a big fuss over nothing! I've practiced martial arts for many years, I'm not a child anymore, how could I be so easily infected?"
"Sister Jiang, did you go to see Mother today? Has she woken up yet?"
"Not yet," Jiang Wan said. "However, Her Majesty's condition is gradually improving and she will recover soon."
"What kind of cold could be so severe?"
Pei Tang wrinkled her nose and whispered to her.
"However, Mother has worked hard for many years, so it would be good to take this opportunity to rest for a couple more days! After she wakes up, she will have to worry about the affairs of the six palaces again."
Jiang Wan looked at her innocent face and gently raised her lips.
Simple and carefree people are naturally less troubled, which is a blessing in itself.
With the screen mostly finished, Pei Tang pulled Jiang Wan aside and asked her to help choose the color of the silk thread.
Jiang Wan raised her hand and gently stroked the pattern. After thinking for a moment, she said, "When it comes to understanding Your Majesty, no one can surpass His Majesty. Why don't we ask His Majesty for help?"
Pei Tang felt this made sense.
So he ordered his servants to carry the screen towards the Qiankun Hall.
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