In the end, Jiang Ning still learned about the bad news.
Jiang Mubai seemed to know that Jiang Ning would plead for Guying, so he hid directly in the barracks and refused to go home.
Thinking of Guying suffering and it being her fault, Jiang Ningâs heart became so anxious that she couldnât eat.
She went to see Empress and asked to leave the palace for a while.
Empress was neither cold nor warm towards her: âPrincess Consort, this is the Imperial Palace, and you are a royal daughter-in-law, not someone from an ordinary family who can just return home when you want toâ¦â
âEmpress can just rest, Iâll go ask the Emperor.â
Jiang Ning got up and walked away.
Not giving Empress any face at all.
There were still other concubines present.
Source: novgo.co
Empressâs face suddenly turned red with anger, but she couldnât vent her frustration.
As Jiang Ning walked out, she ran into Concubine Ya, who was slowly walking in with the support of her maidservant.
This was their first meeting since the incident.
At the moment of eye contact, Concubine Yaâs gaze was somewhat evasive, with a complicated expression.
âConcubine Ya is here.â Jiang Ning stopped and took the initiative to speak, âThe other day I drank the tea that Concubine Ya offered, and I thought it was excellent. Concubine Ya promised to send me some, but there has been no movement, could it be that you are reluctant to part with it?â
âAh, the tea, yes, the tea. I already prepared it to send to Princess Consort, but I forgot about it when I got busy.â Concubine Ya didnât expect her to ask about the tea so casually, and she was a bit incoherent for a moment.
The Empress and several concubines sitting in the room also heard it clearly.
They didnât know what had happened these past few days.
Concubine Yu kindly asked with a smile, âPrincess Consort, why do you like the tea from Silla?â
âI think it tastes pretty good. Maybe itâs because Iâve never had it before, so I find it novel.â Jiang Ning answered, her eyes watching Concubine Ya.
Concubine Ya didnât dare to look back at her.
Jiang Ning thought to herself, did she know that her dear brother was already dead?
Not only was he dead, but his body was also destroyed without a trace, not even a piece of bone left behind.
The young Concubine Yue, who was sitting beside the Empress, sarcastically chimed in, âConcubine Ya is enjoying continuous favor now, and even the former Concubine Jin canât compare. Being busy serving the Emperor, naturally, she doesnât have time to attend to others. Princess Consort, in my opinion, youâd better not develop a taste for the tea from Silla. What if you canât get it and keep thinking about it? What would you do then?â
At this moment, a little eunuch from Crystal Frost Hall came in and bowed to Concubine Ya, âThe Emperor has chosen Concubine Yaâs card again today. Your Highness, please prepare to receive His Majesty.â
The imperial concubines in the hall had different expressions upon hearing this.
Some were envious, some were jealous, and some were expressionless.
Empress smiled and said, âThe Emperor has been going to Starlight Palace quite frequently these days, hasnât he? Concubine Ya, with such great favor, you must serve the Emperor well.â
âYes.â Concubine Ya replied softly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Concubine Yue pursed her lips and whispered, âConcubine Ya only cares about her own happiness being young, keeping the Emperor in her chambers all the time. What would we do if the Emperorâs health is harmed by this?â
Concubine Yaâs face turned red, but she didnât know what to refute.
That the Emperor was getting old was a fact, that he was in bad health was also a fact, and his constant visits to her chambers were nothing but the truth.
What could she do about it?
Would she dare to refuse?
âConcubine Yue, donât be so sour.â Empress spoke calmly, âIf Concubine Ya can be favored, it is her ability. If you canât win the Emperorâs favor, itâs your own incompetence.â
Concubine Yue didnât dare to argue with the Empress and could only sulk and fidget with her handkerchief.