Chapter 613: Seeing Wei Qingwan Again_1

Behind Wei Ruo were Xiumei and Lin Fang, both of them wary, cautious at every step, prepared to protect Wei Ruo at any time.

Arriving in front of the Kunning Palace, Qin Momo paused in her steps, turning her head to Wei Ruo, she said, “Queen Rui, you had an old bond with King Jing. As long as you are not too obstinate, King Jing will not harm you.”

For Qin Momo to say such words to Wei Ruo at this time, it must be in consideration of their past relationship.

“Thank you for your concern, Momo. I am the wife of King Rui, and it should not be proper for King Jing to harm me, his sister.” Wei Ruo replied.

Qin Momo frowned slightly, as if she had many more things to say, but refrained from speaking further.

Entering the Kunning palace, Wei Ruo didn’t find the Imperial Concubine Hui.

Within the palace, numerous royal women gathered.

According to the rules of the Great Ye Dynasty, the Emperor’s spirit tablet would be kept in the Qianqing Palace for twenty-seven days, during which time monks would recite scriptures for him. All the while, the women would pray and recite Buddhist scriptures under the leadership of Imperial Concubine Hui.

When Wei Ruo entered, all people’s eyes turned to her, their expressions somewhat unusual.

Among them, there were several members of the Qunfang Association founded by Wei Ruo. Their relationship with Wei Ruo wasn’t bad.

However, times have changed, and under the current situation of Capital City, their gaze at Wei Ruo was different from before.

Wei Ruo’s gaze swept the crowd, pausing slightly when she saw Wei Qingwan.

After not seeing each other for three years, Wei Qingwan looked noticeably weary and older. Her delicate skin had acquired the marks of age, and there were fine lines at the corners of her eyes. Her under-eye bags were somewhat pronounced, perhaps due to the lack of sleep in recent days.

Wei Qingwan was also looking at Wei Ruo. In just a glance, Wei Qingwan’s fists clenched tightly.

How come after three years in the bitter cold, Wei Qingruo did not look old at all? Even more, she seemed to be even more radiant than three years ago?

This isn’t fair!

Currently, Imperial Concubine Hui was not present, and the women in the room instinctively formed two rows, respectfully waiting for her.

Wei Ruo was arranged by Qin Momo to sit next to Qi Shijing.

This also put her near Wei Qingwan.

Wei Qingwan deliberately moved closer to Wei Ruo and whispered through gritted teeth, “You really are brainless, daring to return to the Capital City!”

Wei Ruo flicked a glance at Wei Qingwan and replied, “Why wouldn’t I dare to return? The Emperor, my father-in-law, has passed away. As his daughter-in-law, it is my duty to mourn for him.”

Lowering her voice, Wei Qingwan sneered, “Weren’t you pretty smart before? How come you’ve become so stupid now? Or is it that your smartness only lies in farming?”

“Surprisingly, you seem rather concerned about me,” Wei Ruo calmly replied, her demeanor unruffled in the face of Wei Qingwan’s mockery.

“Huh, you can even laugh now. I bet there are times when you’ll cry and it won’t be enough!” Wei Qingwan continued.

How could she stand Wei Ruo being so calm and composed?

How could Wei Ruo be like this? She should be terrified, she should be on the edge! What Wei Ruo was experiencing now was exactly the same.

With King Jing in power and the King Yu Residence on the brink of danger, could her King Rui Residence escape?

They were in the same situation!

Wei Ruo didn’t reply. Wei Qingwan continued to mock, “Did you think you’re just here to mourn? Do you mindlessly think you and King Rui can return to Jiliao alive? I tell you, you’re dreaming! If you and King Rui had stayed in Jiliao, perhaps there would have been a glimmer of hope. It’s a pity you were too foolish, to the point you thought your return is just for mourning. Therefore, it serves you right if you can’t make it out alive!”

“It seems like you are eagerly anticipating my misfortune?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Wei Qingruo, I don’t mind telling you, I was afraid that you wouldn’t come. It shouldn’t just be me who ends up in this position; you should suffer a thousand, ten thousand times more than me!” Wei Qingwan declared.

“Wei Qingwan, aren’t you tired?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Tired? Why should I be? I’d rather see if you’re still as good with your tongue and able to manipulate those around you when we’re on the road to the netherworld!” Wei Qingwan retorted coldly.

Wei Ruo, however, remained calm and even encouraged her: “Then you should strive harder, try to be the ghost that walks the fastest on the road to the netherworld.”

“Wei Qingruo!” Wei Qingwan was infuriated by Wei Ruo, glaring at her fiercely.

Wei Ruo ignored Wei Qingwan, her gaze calmly fell on the empty seat of honor. The person she really wanted to see today was Imperial Concubine Hui.

Just as Wei Ruo was wondering when the Concubine would show up, a palace maid’s voice sounded from outside the door: “Imperial Concubine Hui has arrived…”

Then, an elegantly dressed lady was led into everyone’s sight by Nanny Qin.

Having lived in the Cold Palace for three years and now over fifty, Imperial Concubine Hui was noticeably aged, her hair was grey, and wrinkles were quite obvious, no longer having the glamour she once possessed.

After she sat down, everyone paid their respects to Imperial Concubine Hui, except for Wei Ruo who stood unmoved.

Her unconventional behavior instantly made her the focus of the room.

Imperial Concubine Hui’s gaze also unquestionably fell on Wei Ruo.

“Why does Queen Rui not pay her respects?” Imperial Concubine Hui asked.

“To my knowledge, before my father passed away, he did not recall Imperial Concubine Hui from the Cold Palace. A concubine who’s been cast into the Cold Palace and stripped of her position shouldn’t have the authority to receive my kneeling salute,” Wei Ruo replied.

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and they were all shocked at Wei Ruo’s audacity.

She was really hitting where it hurt the most for Imperial Concubine Hui!

Imperial Concubine Hui’s face showed a trace of anger, the smile in her eyes was replaced by coldness and malice.

“It seems Queen Rui does not accept the situation.” Imperial Concubine Hui said with a faint smile, “Well, after all, I am just an ordinary concubine, not noble enough.”

Upon hearing this, the women present hurried to put in a good word for Imperial Concubine Hui:

“Imperial Concubine Hui is honorable and precious.”

“Without a doubt, Imperial Concubine Hui is the most distinguished person in the palace now.”

“Imperial Concubine Hui gave birth to His Majesty. After the coronation, she will be the most honorable Empress Dowager in the Great Ye Dynasty.”

“…”

All of them tried their best to curry favor with Imperial Concubine Hui.

Even Wei Qingwan, who had just mocked Wei Ruo, was no exception.

Wei Ruo was not surprised at everyone’s flattery towards Imperial Concubine Hui. Under such circumstances, if it were her, she might do the same to save herself.

“When you become the Empress Dowager after the coronation, you can order me to kneel before you,” Wei Ruo said.

Her voice was particularly grating amidst the sounds of flattery and compliments.

“Queen Rui is really as unique as I have heard.” Imperial Concubine Hui’s voice became colder, but the smile on her face shone even brighter.

“I’ll take that as your recognition of me.” Wei Ruo said.

“Good, very good.” Imperial Concubine Hui said with a contemptuous look and a cold smile.

Then, Imperial Concubine Hui turned her gaze to Wei Qingwan standing next to her, “Concubine of King Yu, your elder sister is very disrespectful to me, what do you think should be done?”