When Consort Yun received the imperial edict, she was very uneasy.
Jiang Wan had no connection with her, so why would she suddenly mention her in front of Emperor Jingyuan and invite her to dinner?
Could it be that I recently took Gu Shi as my sworn sister and supported her in every way, which displeased Jiang Wan?
To be honest, Jiang Wan was only a second-rank imperial consort, and Consort Yun didn't take her seriously.
That's why she dared to openly favor Gu Yurong.
But now... things are different.
Jiang Wan had rendered meritorious service in saving the emperor's life and was a favorite of the emperor, so she was not someone to be easily offended.
Consort Yun pondered for a while and said, "Quickly, call Xi'er here and have him come with me to the Qiankun Palace."
She had accompanied the emperor for many years and knew him very well.
Saving the emperor was no easy feat, and to earn Emperor Jingyuan's genuine favor was even more remarkable.
There were many meritorious officials in the Dayong Dynasty, but not all of them met a good end.
In the past two years, Jiang Wan has frequently won the favor of the Emperor and Empress, which is by no means due to good luck.
Jiang Wan is definitely not a simple person.
Pei Xi arrived quickly.
He was naturally carefree and had never liked dining at the Qiankun Palace.
Consort Yun had expected to have to use her words, but to her surprise, he readily agreed today and even changed into a newly made moon-white brocade robe with silver floral patterns, looking elegant and refined.
She nodded in satisfaction and led Pei Xi out of the palace.
When the mother and son arrived at the Qiankun Palace, they met Pei Xuan, who was just about to enter.
As the weather grew colder, Pei Xuan wore a dark mink cloak, blue boots, and a jade crown, exuding an air of refined elegance.
"Brother Crown Prince!"
Pei Xi saw him and ran up happily.
The two put their arms around each other's shoulders and exchanged pleasantries, appearing very affectionate.
Consort Yun frowned as she looked at it.
After Pei Xuan entered the hall, she called Pei Xi to her side and scolded him in a low voice: "Why did you not address the Crown Prince as Your Highness? You did not even perform the proper etiquette. If you are found to have done something wrong, be careful that your father will blame you for your lack of manners."
"Only you care about these things. Father Emperor likes brotherly love and respect, so he won't blame me."
Pei Xi pouted.
“My elder brother, the Crown Prince, has been kind to me and is not one to concern himself with trivial matters.”
"Close? Do you really think he's kind to you? That's all an act for His Majesty! You and he are mortal enemies in this life."
Consort Yun said.
"If we're talking about closeness, it should be your eldest brother, the one who is the brother of the same mother."
She gave Pei Xi a disappointed look and gave him a pep talk.
"When we eat later, remember to mention your elder brother to the Emperor. If he regains favor, it will benefit you..."
Pei Xi was so tired of hearing these words that he was practically sick of them.
He ignored him and followed Pei Xuan into the palace.
Upon entering, one sees Jiang Wan, draped in a sky-blue cloak, nestled beside the Empress, her beauty pure and serene, like a newly opened lily.
She stood up and bowed to everyone, and even winked gently at Pei Xi.
Pei Xi immediately knew that he had guessed correctly.
Jiang Wan deliberately summoned her mother, as if she had something to discuss with him.
He slightly curled his lips and nodded imperceptibly.
The hot pot prepared by the kitchen was fragrant, with tender mutton and rich, flavorful broth.
Today is a family dinner, so there aren't many formalities.
Pei Xi followed Consort Yun to her seat. Emperor Jingyuan and the Empress were chatting, and Pei Xuan occasionally chimed in with a word or two. Jiang Wan lowered her head and drank her soup, rarely speaking.
While eating, Pei Xi secretly wondered what Jiang Wan wanted to see him about.
With winter approaching, the conversation turned to ice skating.
Jiang Wan suddenly spoke up: "I've heard that every year when Snow Moon Lake freezes over, the palace holds ice skating rehearsals, and His Majesty personally attends to watch."
The Empress nodded: "This is a tradition of the Dayong royal family. Last year, His Majesty also rewarded the most outstanding warrior in ice skating."
"A wild goose treads on snow, dancing on ice—it must be incredibly beautiful," Jiang Wan said. "It's just a pity that I'm not skilled in this art; otherwise, I would really like to give it a try."
Consort Yun smiled and said, "Ice skating is not difficult. With Lady Jiang's intelligence, she will surely learn it in no time."
She was worried that Jiang Wan would cause trouble for her because of the Gu family, so she didn't dare to speak at first.
It wasn't until half the meal was eaten and nothing had happened that Consort Yun realized she had been overthinking things.
She was, after all, a favored concubine. Perhaps Jiang Wan was just mentioning it casually in front of the emperor to curry favor with herself.
She appreciated the favor and was willing to greet her with a smile.
"Consort Yun is right."
The Empress looked at Jiang Wan with gentle eyes.
"If you are interested, you don't need to trouble others. There are many palace maids in the palace who are skilled in ice skating. Ask the Imperial Household Department to lend you one, and you can learn in less than half a month."
Pei Xuan took a sip of wine and said, "Mother is being too stingy. She's just a servant. What's wrong with rewarding her to Madam Jiang? I've noticed that when Tang'er goes out, she always has three or four attendants behind her, but Madam Jiang only has one maidservant with her. That's too simple."
The Empress laughed at his words and glanced at Emperor Jingyuan.
Seeing that Emperor Jingyuan did not object, she said to Jiang Wan, "Alright, you can go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and choose whichever one you like. Take it back to your residence."
Jiang Wan hurriedly stood up: "The servants in the palace are all there to serve His Majesty and the Empress. How can I, a humble woman, linger here?"
Emperor Jingyuan was pleased to see her respectful and courteous demeanor and smiled.
"You have rendered a great service. What is a palace maid compared to that? Later, a reward will be sent to the General's Mansion."
Jiang Wan knelt down again to express her gratitude.
At the banquet, Consort Yun kept giving Pei Xi meaningful glances.
Pei Xi immediately understood what she meant.
As everyone was talking about ice skating, Pei Feng was undoubtedly the best in the palace when it came to this skill.
Now is the perfect time to bring up Pei Feng.
Pei Xi was reluctant, but he couldn't resist Consort Yun's repeated prompting and started talking about Pei Feng's training of the guards and rehearsals for ice skating last year.
Emperor Jingyuan was very satisfied at the time and even praised him.
Taking advantage of the situation, Consort Yun said, "Why don't we let Feng'er take charge of this year's ice skating rehearsals? This child doesn't have any other skills, but his foundation in martial arts is quite solid, and he can contribute his share."
Emperor Jingyuan pondered for a moment.
Jiang Wan smiled and said, "I have heard that Your Majesty was skilled in ice skating when you were still a prince. The eldest prince is very good at martial arts, which must be due to your talent and agility."
Her words, though seemingly unintentional, reminded Emperor Jingyuan of his youthful charm, and he couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, Feng'er will be in charge of ice skating this year."
Since his appearance was damaged, Pei Feng has stayed at home most of the time.
After all, he was his own son. Although he had no chance of ascending the throne, Emperor Jingyuan did not want to see him become so depressed.
Consort Yun was overjoyed at achieving her goal and gave Jiang Wan a grateful smile.
After the meal, the Empress sent someone to lead Jiang Wan to the Imperial Household Department.
Pei Xi stood up, but Consort Yun grabbed him, saying, "What are you going to do? Stay and talk with your father."
“I should thank Lady Jiang for speaking up for my brother.”
Pei Xi made up a random excuse and quickly left the palace.
Pei Xuan was about to go out when the Empress stopped him: "Xuan'er, your mother has something to discuss with you."
"Whatever it is, Mother, we can discuss it another day."
The Empress shook her head and said in a low voice, "This matter is very important; it concerns A-Wan."
Pei Xuan paused, then slowly turned his head.
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