Chapter 345 - 345: Follow The Emperor’ s Arrangements

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Jiamei also sensed something fishy and whispered in Ling’er’s ear.

“Today is a blind date banquet, you know?” Ling’er was still in the dark. “What blind date?”

“You and my Eleventh brother.”

Ling’er looked up, and the Eleventh Prince was looking at her. The two locked eyes, blushing and lowering their heads. “How do you feel about my Eleventh brother?”

“Um, not bad.”

“Both of you are saying ‘not bad.’ What does that mean? Are you willing or not?” Ling’er pursed her lips for a while. “My mother will decide my marriage.”

“What a good daughter!”

“This is not just filial piety; it’s trust. Those who treat me well, even if it’s my husband, can’t compare to my parents.”

“Well, you have a point.”

While Qiao Mai chatted with her in-law, she observed Ling’er’s expressions and could tell that this marriage was pretty much settled.

She sighed. Everyone present was astute, especially the old emperor. They all had a clear understanding of the situation. The emperor confided in Yuan Jiaqi over a drink.

“Jiaqi…”

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“My empress has been deposed. I want to make Consort Rui the new empress, but she doesn’t have a son. I plan to appoint her as empress and make Eleventh the legitimate son under her name. What do you think?”

If it were any other official, they would have been frightened by the emperor’s words. However, Yuan Jiaqi had developed enough courage.

“Your Majesty, as long as it pleases you, we are here to assist. But Eleventh Prince’s legs just recovered, and he still needs your guidance.”

“Of course. Next year, after Chuan’er and Jiamei’s wedding, I’ll issue the edict for their marriage. When I officially crown Eleventh as the Crown Prince, won’t it be a grand celebration? Your family will also gain face, right?”

Tsk, who cares? It’s only the emperor who constantly elevates the status of the royal family. Qiao Mai doesn’t even want to bother with them.

“We will follow your arrangements.”

“Haha, that’s settled then.”

On the way back, Ling’er learned about this matter and did not object. Since her marriage was settled, there was no need to consider other men.

The next day, news spread in the palace that Princess Tianshui was engaged to the Eleventh Prince, and the wedding would take place after Princess Jiamei’s marriage.

The news stirred up the capital once again. Was the Eleventh Prince’s leg healed? When did this happen? Was the renowned physician involved?

It seemed like the emperor was planning something. It was as if he had poured oil into a hot pan.

The royal family, especially the other princes and their descendants, were alarmed.

They all knew that if the Eleventh Prince’s legs were fine, the emperor would have appointed him the Crown Prince long ago.

However, now that he was genuinely recovered, the emperor must intend to make him the heir.

It was a hundred percent possible, but after their repeated analysis, all hopes withered away.

Assassination at the palace? Poisoning again? It’s not possible anymore. The emperor wouldn’t give anyone a chance to harm his son.

Once was enough; the palace now resembled an impenetrable fortress, impervious to swords and spears. Aware of Madam Qiao’s medical prowess, they had no worries about poisons.

The old emperor had long decentralized military power, with many soldiers and generals, each with responsibilities. The military tokens were all in his hands.

His orders were unquestionable.

Regardless of the arrangements made by the old emperor, Qiao Mai remained indifferent. When the weather was good, she went out for consultations; when it wasn’t, she entered her space for meditation and cultivation.

The young girl she had bought had adapted to life in Lucky Garden. Despite her petite stature, she had developed a bit of baby fat. She managed the Yuexian Pavilion with meticulous care.

In the evenings, she practiced the mental techniques taught by Qiao Mai.

When Qiao Mai announced she was going into seclusion, Yuan Jiaqi wouldn’t disturb her. After a quiet dinner, he would start reading.

As a month flew by, the outside temperature dropped significantly, yet Lucky Garden remained warm and comfortable.

Seeing that she was about to leave for Tianshui Town, the emperor issued a decree to appoint Consort Rui as the empress. He declared Li Yuxuan, the eleventh prince, the empress’s son.

Except for the other princes and grandsons, everyone was content. Consort Rui became the empress, had a son, and Jiamei gained an elder brother—the Great Ming Dynasty had a successor to the throne.

The emperor spent his days guiding the Eleventh Prince, teaching him to govern and be a good monarch.

At the end of November, Qiao Mai prepared to return to Tianshui Town. Ling’er insisted on accompanying her, wanting to revisit the place after so many years.

Bringing Jiamei along, they planned to experience the northern ice and snow.

The two girls disrupted Qiao Mai’s plans. With their presence, the journey would now be extended. Qiao Mai sighed, knowing that her seclusion and meditation would be impossible during this trip.

“Alright, send someone to the palace to inform Jiamei. We will set off tomorrow. One attendant will be enough. Don’t bring too much luggage; it’s inconvenient.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Ling’er happily left. That night, Qiao Mai bought two comfortable carriages.

These carriages were spacious and well-insulated. Although they looked heavy, they were surprisingly light and agile. The large tires and sturdy design made them suitable for bumpy roads.

Paired with their well-fed and robust horses, the horse-drawn carriages were simply magnificent.

After reporting to the empress and informing the emperor, Jiamei, accompanied by a palace maid and guards, arrived at the Qiao residence early in the morning.

Seeing the carriages, she was astonished. “This, this carriage is too beautiful.”

Holding onto her arm, Ling’er said, “Sister-in-law, if you weren’t coming along, my mother wouldn’t have arranged this carriage. She feared you’d suffer on the road.”

“Hehe.”

This time, Nanny Jin didn’t accompany Ling’er. Instead, she went with Yue Hong. They had arranged their luggage in the carriages. Yuan Jiaqi held Qiao Mai’s hand.

“Another month without you. My heart will be on edge when you’re not home.”

“I’ve arranged everything. Nothing will go wrong.”

“Okay.”

Jiamei and Ling’er leaned against the carriage window, watching the scene with jealousy.

Qiao Mai boarded the carriage, waved to her husband through the window, and said to the coachman, “Let’s go.”

Sitting proudly at the front, the two coachmen were full of spirit. Being able to drive the princess’s carriage was a stroke of luck, especially with such a magnificent carriage and high-quality horses.

Jiamei and Ling’er sat together in one carriage, their luggage placed on the roof, while Qiao Mai sat alone in the other.

“It’s too comfortable.’

“When you marry in, we can ride in such a carriage every day.”

“I don’t want to go out daily; I want to help Aunt manage household affairs.

Who has the time?”

“Just call her ‘Mom’. Calling her Aunt is too troublesome.”

Jiamei blushed slightly and lightly tapped her. Ling’er rummaged through various small compartments in the carriage.

“Wow, Mom thought of everything. Look, there are fruits, melon seeds, candy, and snacks inside.”

“Being Aunt’s daughter is truly fortunate.”

“Soon, you’ll be happy too. Just treat my mom well, and she will treat you well.

Back then… ”

Ling’er’s chattering mouth narrated the family’s affairs, and Jiamei, listening, wore a face of longing.

Qiao Mai scanned the two with her mental power, smirked, and began meditation and cultivation.

She had instructed the coachmen not to stop at noon. They were to manage as needed, find an inn when it got dark, and consult Jiamei and Ling’er if there were any problems. The two were not young anymore and needed some training.

With these two distinct carriages, the ten-day journey was shortened to six. They could cover several hundred miles daily, making the travel remarkably fast.

As they headed north, the weather became colder, but one couldn’t feel it inside the carriage. However, the cold from the north could be sensed if they opened the window.

Looking at the sight of trees shedding their leaves outside, Jiamei felt a bit sentimental. “So, this is what the north looks like.”

“Yeah, don’t be fooled by the falling leaves; Mom said they are in hibernation.

When spring comes, they’ll shoot up again.” “Accumulate strength for a leap forward, right?”

“That’s right!”