Volume 1: Flourishing Laughter Chapter 77: Revisiting Old Haunts

  Everyone did not expect that Rong Jing would actually give up his studies so early, this is an unprecedented event since the classes in the upper study room. You look at me, I look at you, and finally everyone's eyes fell on the Crown Prince Ye Tian Qing.

  Ye Tian didn't expect Rong Jing to disperse the school so early, he raised his head to look at the sky, and saw Yun Shang Yue chasing after Rong Jing's figure running out, his face suddenly sank.

  "Wait for me, Younger Sister!" Ye Tianyu was in the middle of reading "Ode to Swan Goose" and had just reached an exciting part when Yun Qianyue suddenly snatched it away from him. He immediately stood up and chased after her.

  Ye Tianjin stood up and was about to leave when Qin Yujing, who was sitting beside him, softly called out, "Your Highness!"

  The night sky tilted, and his footsteps paused for a moment as he turned his head towards Yu Jing.

  Yu Jing's small face turned pale, her beautiful eyes were in a state of panic and helplessness as she looked at Ye Tianqing. The words Yu Jing had just spoken to her were too devastating, she couldn't think of any way to turn the tables, she could predict that by tomorrow, this would be known throughout the land. As for her future fate, it was really unpredictable.

  At night, Tian Jing saw Yu Cong for the first time with a weak and helpless look. Upon closer inspection, he found her to be so endearing. His thoughts stirred, and he gave Yu Cong a very complex glance before turning around and walking away.

  The pale face of Yu Jing condensed into a gloomy white, thinking that even if the Crown Prince himself stepped forward, he might not be able to take back the words of the Marquis of Jing.

  "Miss Qin, I also need to return to the Crown Prince's residence, let's go together!" Ye Tianjing said as he walked to the door.

  Qin Yujing was startled, although the Crown Prince's mansion was adjacent to the Prime Minister's mansion, but Ye Tianqing had never spoken such words of convenience to him before. Her already pale face turned even paler, and her body, which had just stopped trembling, began to tremble slightly again.

  "I have some national affairs to discuss with the Prime Minister, so I'll take this opportunity to visit his residence!" Ye Tianqing turned around and looked at Yu Jing, seeing that she was standing still, explained.

  Yu Jing nodded and followed Ye Tianqing out of the study room, with one person in front and the other behind.

  Rong Linglan watched as Ye Tianqing took Yu Cong away, a cold smile spreading across her face. She let out a chilly hum. From that day on at the Crown Prince's residence when she and Leng Xue had a huge fight while Ye Tianqing looked on indifferently, she understood that this man was truly heartless and ruthless. At that time, she also came to realize that such a man wasn't worth her love. Previously, she had mocked Yun Shangyue for being infatuated with Ye Tianqing, the Crown Prince, as foolish, but now she thought it was wise. From now on, she would never again harbor fantasies of marrying into the Crown Prince's residence.

  Those who can enter the study are either princes and princesses or children of high-ranking officials in the court. They have been at the center of power since childhood, extremely sensitive to certain things, and when they hear Rong Linglan's cold laughter, they all look at her together.

  Rong Linglan withdrew her gaze, ignoring the crowd, gathered up her books and walked out.

  "Wait, Rong Erlang!" Seventh Princess shouted, stopping Rong Yilang.

  "What's the matter, Seventh Princess?" Gong Linglan stopped in her tracks and looked at the Seventh Princess. She naturally knew that Qin Yuyin and the Seventh Princess, as well as several other princesses in the palace, all secretly admired her brother, the Crown Prince.

  "It's boring staying in the palace, and today you're back from school so early again. Why don't I invite you to my mansion to have some fun? What do you say?" The Seventh Princess hesitated for a moment before making her request, and as she spoke, her small face turned slightly red.

  Rong Linglan naturally knew what she was thinking, nodded, "Since the Seventh Princess is bored in the palace, then go to my daughter's house to play! My daughter's house still has a few interesting things."

  The Seventh Princess was overjoyed and hastily walked towards Rong Linglan. The two of them left the imperial study together.

  After the people who had left with a heavy heart, the remaining people in the study did not leave immediately, but instead gathered together to discuss. From yesterday's Yun Qianyue and Wu Zongyuan's imperial edict of marriage, to the rumors that Yun Qianyue abused Jing Shizi, to today when Yun Qianyue almost fell down and was caught by Jing Shizi in front of everyone, to Leng Shaoyu's broken arm at Yun Qianyue's hands, to Ye Qingran's defense of Yun Qianyue, to Jing Shizi's words "such great talent, worthy of being the empress"... all these became topics of conversation among the people. For a time, everyone was extremely excited.

  The holy city of Tian Sheng has not been so lively for a long time. It seems that the bustle of the past month has increased day by day!

  While the eunuchs waiting outside the study were busy, the informants planted by various masters inside the study also started to work, and in the first time, they reported the important events happening inside the study to their masters. Especially the remark made by Jing Shizi to Qin Yuxiang "such a great talent, worthy of being the empress" was spread throughout the palace within the time it takes to have a cup of tea, and within half an hour, all the officials in the capital city and the common people in the city already knew about it. The speed was as fast as the telegraph and telephone in the 21st century.

  The protagonist Rong Jing, who caused this incident, was now slowly walking towards the palace gate.

  He still looked as usual, walking slowly and elegantly, with the sunlight shining on his white brocade robe, like a wisp of cloud floating down from the sky. His expression was calm, as if that earth-shaking sentence was just a casual remark, light as dust, leaving no trace in his heart.

  Yun Qian Yue followed behind Rong Jing, walking with a swagger, watching the man in front of her walk slowly while constantly pursing his lips. After seven or eight times, he didn't even turn his head back. She couldn't help but quicken her pace to catch up to him and spoke in a mysterious tone, "Hey, you're just going to push that talented and beautiful woman into someone else's arms? Can you really bear to do so? You know that little beauty has always been pining for you!"

  Rong Jing looked at her but didn't look at her, as if he hadn't heard what she said.

  Yun Shallow Moon continued to ask with interest, "With just one sentence, you can push her into hell! If you don't like someone, just don't like them, why are you so heartless. That little beauty must be crying in her heart now!"

  He walked on slowly as if he hadn't heard anything, without even a glance in her direction.

  Yun Qian Yue looked at Rong Jing's appearance and suddenly became angry, saying: "Heartless and unrighteous!"

  Rong Jing's footsteps paused, and he turned his head to gaze at the shallow moonlit clouds. His clear eyes flashed with a hint of blackness, and his eyebrows slightly rose. His voice was low and cold, "The position of the Empress is not something that just anyone can do, especially you, a foolish and ignorant woman. Qin Yuxin has talent but doesn't use it, isn't that a waste? I'm helping her. Why is she crying? She should be happy."

  "Will she be happy?" Yun Shangyue curled her lips. That woman's heart was obviously tied to this black-hearted man!

  "I think she and Ye Tianying are more compatible in terms of temperament, which is not impossible." Rong Jing continued walking ahead, saying casually: "I didn't know you and Miss Qin were so close, coming to her defense like this."

  It turns out that he is also a romantic at heart, just like Qin Yuyin and Ye Tianqing. So, he saw that scene too? Yun Shuoyue blinked her eyes repeatedly, and her mouth curved up and down involuntarily. She continued walking forward with quickened steps, ignoring his teasing and leaning in close to him, saying mysteriously: "Now that you've made this comment, the old emperor will probably not let her off, and no other family will dare to marry her either. She can only be married into the imperial family. Even if she likes you, it's impossible for her to enter your household as a bride. Unless... unless you become the emperor yourself, then maybe..."

  "Mind your words! This is the imperial palace!" Gong Jing warned with a glance at Yun Shangyue.

  Yun Qian Yue's voice stopped abruptly, and she heard footsteps coming from behind her. She immediately shut up and turned around to see that it was Ye Tian Yu. She said irritably, "What are you running for? Is there a ghost chasing after you in broad daylight?"

  Yè Tiān Wù chased after her, but didn't expect to be scolded by Yuè Qiǎn Yuè right to his face. He stopped in his tracks and looked at her, "Mò zhàng de hé shàng mō bù zháo tóu nǎo" (a phrase used to describe someone who is confused or doesn't understand what's going on). "Moon sister, I don't recall provoking you?"

  Yun Qian Yue hummed and said unreasonably: "You're asking for it! Get away from me quickly!"

  Ye Tianyu couldn't figure out how he had offended this young lady. He thought carefully, but still couldn't think of anything. Looking at Rong Jing, who continued walking forward without even turning his head back, Ye Tianyu furrowed his brow and said: "Moon sister, where did I offend you? You have to tell me so I know! I really don't know where I offended you."

  "You... you said I was bragging, I'm not happy now. Want to see this book? No way!" Yun Shangyue couldn't think of an excuse for a moment, and suddenly remembered the words Ye Tianyu said about her bragging. She immediately brought it up and used it. She even shook the basket with "Ode to Swan" on top, and hummed a sound, continuing to walk forward.

  Ye Tian Yun suddenly couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, following closely behind Yun Qian Yue, "Yue Mei Mei, you're also too vengeful, aren't you?"

  "Don't follow me, I'm still angry!" Yun Qiu Yue started to shoo people away, at this moment she looked just like a spoiled rich young lady.

  "Then you show me that book, and I won't follow you anymore!" Ye Tianyu requested on the spot. He added: "I guarantee that in the future I will never say that you are boasting again! Is that okay?"

  "Are you coming to class tomorrow?" Yun Qianyue stopped in her tracks and asked Ye Tianyu.

  "Come!" Nite Tian nodded slightly.

  "That's it, you're in charge of keeping this for me, including that book." Yun Qian Yue immediately handed the flower basket on her arm to Ye Tian Yu, she had been carrying it back and forth every day, it was really tiring. Someone was willing to help, why not let them?

  Ye Tianyu originally resisted, but as soon as he saw "Yuanyangzhen" also lying inside, he immediately nodded and agreed with great relish, "Good! I guarantee to take good care of it for you." As soon as the words fell, he was afraid that Yun Shuoyue would regret it, so he took the flower basket and turned around to leave without a trace.

  Yun Shallow Moon pouted, thinking that this guy must have been hanging out with Ye Qingchen since childhood and had also learned his sloppy temperament. Although he was a bit more reserved than Ye Qingchen's sunny disposition, his behavior was somewhat crooked and he had a lot of weird ideas in his head, but he wasn't so annoying that people would dislike him. At least he looked better than Ye Tianqing. Just as she pouted, her arm suddenly sank, and she lowered her head to see Rong Jing's book box on her arm. Her face turned black, and she looked up at Rong Jing, "Don't you have hands?"

  Rong Jing glanced at her and said, "You ride in my carriage every day, shouldn't you be doing this little thing for me?"

  Yun Qianyue hummed and walked forward with Rong Jing's book box. How could she have forgotten that there was another burden waiting for her, and this burden was a master who didn't allow strangers to approach, and couldn't be gotten rid of? She felt somewhat resentful.

  The two of them stopped talking and walked forward in silence.

  As she turned the corner, Yun Shang Yue saw a eunuch standing not far ahead. She recognized this eunuch as Sun Eunuch, who served by the empress's side. On the day she first arrived, when Ye Tian Yu took her to the Viewing Garden at night, it was this very Sun Eunuch who came halfway to greet them. Seeing Sun Eunuch standing there, looking in their direction with an air of having waited for a long time, Yun Shang Yue's eyes narrowed slightly.

  Rong Jing stopped in his tracks, without turning around, and calmly said to Yun Shangyue: "Sun Nian is probably here on the emperor's orders to invite you. I'll wait for you at the palace gate."

  Yun Shallow Moon frowned and said bluntly, "I'm not going! Why should I run to her just because she invited me?" She hadn't forgotten that her good aunt wanted to lock her up in the Ministry of Justice's heavenly prison. The fear that gripped her when she first arrived was something she would never forget for the rest of her life.

  "You can't not go, disobeying the imperial edict of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager will leave a bad reputation." said Rong Jing.

  "What's there to be afraid of?" Yun Shangyue snorted, unconvinced.

  "Maybe it'll be beneficial for you to go, who knows." Rong Jing's voice was extremely soft, only audible to the two of them.

  "Hmm?" Yun Shangyue's eyes lit up, "What benefits?"

  "You won't know if you don't go!" Rong Jing glanced at her.

  Yun Qian Yue thought that if there was any benefit, she would naturally go. Seeing Rong Jing not paying attention to her, she carefully considered it, but her mind was empty and couldn't think of a reason, and then said to Rong Jing: "Hey, make it clear, or I won't go."

  "If you don't go, there's no benefit to be gained, what does it have to do with me?" Rong Jing casually threw out a sentence.

  Yun Shallow Moon rolled her eyes, it had been more than a month since she first met that aunt of hers, and now she still hadn't seen her. She wanted to investigate the woman's true intentions towards the Yun Wang Fu and what attitude she held towards her. Another point was that if she could coincidentally see Qing Wan Gong Zhu, that would be best. The Ling Tai Temple had someone who had harmed her with a love potion, and the Emperor had entrusted the Da Li Temple Master to thoroughly investigate it. She didn't hold much hope for it, waiting for the results of the investigation was always fruitless. This matter from ten years ago when the Wen Bo Hou Fu was slaughtered still remained a mystery, so she knew that.

  Yun Shangyue had two thoughts, thinking that she should go anyway. She waved her hand at Rong Jing, "You can go back first! No need to wait for me. I'll be back on my own later."

  "I'll wait for you!" Rong Jing threw out a sentence and continued walking forward.

  Yun patted her eyelids and thought that if he was willing to wait, she would wait too. She stopped arguing and continued walking forward as if nothing had happened.

  "The slave greets Young Master Jing and Miss Shallow Moon! May Young Master Jing be safe, and may Miss Shallow Moon be auspicious!" Old Lady Sun stepped forward immediately as the two approached, paying her respects with extreme courtesy.

  Rong Jing remained silent and didn't say a word.

  Yun Piao Yue exclaimed, seemingly only just noticing Sun Mama, and smiled as she greeted her: "Sun Mama! It's been a long time! You're not attending to my aunt, what brings you here?"

  "Returning to Miss Shallow Moon, it is the Empress who has sent me to wait for you after school. The Empress said that she hasn't seen you enter the palace in several days and truly misses you, so I've come to invite you." Old Lady Sun immediately replied respectfully.

  "But I still need to go back to the mansion to take care of things! Yesterday, a distant relative from the Yun Wang Fu moved into the Yun Wang Fu, Aunt must know about it too? I really don't have time!" Cloud Shallow Moon said with a pretentious tone: "I actually miss Aunt too, but let's put it off for another day! After I've settled things in the mansion, I'll go pay my respects to Aunt."

  "Replying to Miss Shallow Moon, Her Majesty the Empress knows that Miss Shallow Moon has been studying characters and accounting books for some time now. Now she comes to the study room for lessons and takes charge of household chores in the Yunwang Mansion, it must be very busy and definitely tired. However, Her Majesty said that it can't be delayed for too long, and not at this moment. At present, Her Majesty the Empress and various palace ladies are admiring flowers in the rear garden, just a few steps away from here."

  Yun Qian's face hesitated upon hearing this.

  "Miss Shallow Moon, the Empress said that you must go. In a few days, it will be the anniversary of Queen Yun's death. She can't leave the palace, so she has prepared a gift embroidered by her own hands for Queen Yun. She wants you to bring it back and burn it in front of Queen Yun's tomb. The Empress has been doing this every year for many years, Miss Shallow Moon, you should know."

  "Alright then!" Yun Shangyue thought that Yun Wangfei was her mother and nodded in agreement.

  "The old slave will lead the way for the young lady!" Sun Jing led the way in front.

  The clouds were shallow and the moon was visible, and Rong Jing had already walked to the palace gate and gone far away. She lifted the book box in her hand and thought about how she had forgotten to give it to him just now. Never mind, take it with you! After walking a few steps, she seemed to ask casually: "How many days are left until my mother's memorial day? I've been tortured to death these days, and I forgot the date early."

  "The anniversary of the death of Princess Yun is on the first and fifth day of July every year. Miss, you are too busy and tired on these days, Princess Yun will not blame you." Sun Shunü comforted Yun Qianyue with her words.

  Yun Qian smiled and said, "Yes, I'm afraid my mother is now in heaven worrying about me being tortured! How could she blame me?"

  "The Emperor and Old Master Wang are also doing it for your own good, Miss. The Empress Dowager has advised you to learn how to read countless times in the past, but unfortunately, you didn't like reading at that time. The Empress Dowager sighed in private many times. Now that you've learned to read and are being diligent about it, Her Majesty was overjoyed when she found out." said Nanny Sun.

  "Auntie is so kind-hearted!" Yun Shangyue sighed with a pretentious tone.

  "Miss Shallow Moon, the Empress has actually been very miserable in the palace all these years. She just never says anything, and I've been serving her for so many years, so I understand a bit. The Empress... "

  "Sun Auntie, are you taking Moon Sister to see Mother?" Night Sky's voice suddenly came from behind.

  The old woman was startled and hastily stopped talking, turned around to bow to Ye Tianqing, and respectfully replied: "Your humble servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince! To answer Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress has not seen Miss Shallow Moon enter the palace for some time now, and she truly misses her. She sent me to invite Miss Shallow Moon over for a chat."

  Yun Qian Yue turned around at this time, and saw Ye Tian Qing and Yu Jing walking over from behind. Ye Tian Qing walked in front, while Yu Jing followed behind him with her head lowered. Although they were some distance away, it didn't hinder their conversation. She let out a cold snort - was Ye Tian Qing really quick to act? Just as Rong Jing had said that Qin Yu Jing's great talent could be worthy of being the empress, did he immediately think of taking Qin Yu Jing in?

  "Yue's sister hasn't visited the palace to see her mother for over a month now! In the past, Yue's sister would often go to her mother's place to chat every three to five days." Ye Tian nodded and his gaze fell on Yun Shangyue, seeing her gentle and elegant, slender and refined, that feeling from before came back again. His eyes couldn't help but warm up as he walked over and spoke in a gentle voice: "Since that's the case, Yue's sister should hurry up and go! Don't make Mother wait anxiously. Mother has always been loving towards you, so don't quarrel with her because of what happened last time!"

  The faint moonlight couldn't even lift her spirits, she was too lazy to talk to this person, so she turned around and walked away.

  "Big Sister Moon!" Qin Yu Jing cried out tenderly.

  Yun Shallow Moon's footsteps paused, and she slowly turned her head to look at Qin Yu Cong. She saw that his face had returned to normal, but his eyes were slightly different from usual. He smiled, "What's wrong, Sister Qin?"

  Qin Yujing looked at Yun Shangyue with a complex gaze, and amidst that complexity, there seemed to be a deep-seated hatred.

  Yun Shallow Moon had met countless people, with a perfect degree in psychology from her past life. She naturally saw the hatred in Qin Yu's eyes clearly, which was because she couldn't get the man she loved and was pushed away by him, so she turned to hate her instead. Yun found it somewhat amusing. They say women shouldn't make things difficult for other women, but some women just like to play tricks on each other. She didn't take it seriously, pretending not to notice the hatred in Qin's eyes, smiling at her and waiting for her to speak.

  "I just think that Jing Shizi is really good to Yuesister, and I'm a bit envious of sister being treated differently by Jing Shizi. So I have some doubts about how Yuesister won over Jing Shizi's heart? I don't know if sister can tell Yuancheng about it." Qin Yuancheng looked at Yunshangyue, not knowing why she suddenly called out to her as she was leaving, and felt a surge of resentment in her chest, a burning fire that would be suppressed if she didn't do something. So this was the first time she asked boldly without any reserve or restraint."

  Yun Qian Yue didn't expect that Yu Jing would become so bold nowadays. She saw Ye Tian Qing looking at her, and immediately lowered her head, very self-aware, and retreated a little further away. Her eyes flashed with a smile, "He treats me differently? Qin sister, don't joke around. He treats you differently, that's for sure. In his eyes, I'm just a pile of dirt, how can I compare to Qin sister who receives his praise? Didn't he say that Qin sister is talented and worthy of being the empress? And yet he says I'm born foolish and ignorant, and probably won't be able to catch up with even one-tenth of Qin sister's abilities in this lifetime."

  Yu Jing heard the words "Qin sister is a great talent, worthy of being the empress." and was once again stabbed in the heart. She looked at Yun Shangyue's bright smile and became even more resentful. Others may not know, but she firmly believed that Jing Shizong had been protecting Yun Shangyue all along, and now she was even more convinced that Jing Shizong did not want her to marry into the royal family, which is why he pushed her away.

  Yun Shallow Moon blinked her eyes, smiling at Yu Cong, and continued to tease: "Qin sister, when you become the empress one day, don't forget about our relationship and take good care of me! Especially if there's anything good, like gold, silver, jewels, jade, or emeralds, think of sending some my way. After I marry that poor guy Rong Feng, I'll definitely be less wealthy than you, but I'll need your help a lot!"

  Ye Tian's face changed color, unexpectedly Yun Qianyue still had in mind that she wanted to marry Rong Feng.

  Qin Yujing's face, which had just recovered, turned white again. She only heard the first half of the sentence and didn't notice the second half.

  Yun Qian Yue seemed to not notice the changes in their expressions and continued smiling, "However, I think you two are quite a good match! I truly hope that His Majesty is wise and will soon grant you permission to marry. I can then go and ask for a cup of celebratory wine to drink."

  Qin Yujing's small face could no longer be described as pale, her body trembled and she involuntarily took a step back.

  "Oh no, Qin sister, what's wrong with you? You look like you're ill. In that case, hurry back and rest! Although it's summer now, the heavy rain yesterday has made many people fall ill. Even Nan Liang Rui, the crown prince, and the university scholars in the imperial study room are struggling to attend classes today. Haven't you seen him almost collapsing? If you get sick too, that would be perfect, all of you falling ill at once! I'd have to go from house to house visiting you all. You know I'm really busy lately, so Qin sister, please hurry up and call for the imperial physician!" Yun Shangyue looked at Yu Cong with concern on her face, but in her heart, she was coldly sneering. Who can't pretend? Who isn't ruthless? She's even more skilled at it. This little beauty shouldn't have provoked her; if she did, she'd let her taste the consequences.

  "Thank you, Sister Yuexia!" Qin Yuxing took a deep breath and almost fainted. She warned herself to calm down quickly, and soon she really calmed down and filtered through the words Yun Shangyue had just said clearly in her mind. She exclaimed: "Sister, did you say I'm going to marry Rong Feng?"

  "Uh, it's Rong Feng. Not Rong Jing, Qin sister didn't hear wrong." Yun Shangyue thought that this woman was indeed not simple, and it seemed she had underestimated her. She also didn't bother to entangle with her again, "Qin sister, if you're fine I'll go to my aunt's place now, she's still waiting for me!"

  Yu Jing suddenly remembered that yesterday, Yun Shangyue had asked the emperor for a marriage to Rong Feng. The hatred in her chest was suddenly blocked by something. If Yun Shangyue wanted to marry Rong Feng, then she really didn't care about Jing Shizi anymore. Even if Jing Shizi continued to defend her, it wouldn't make a difference. Her expression improved slightly, and the smile on her face became more genuine. She quickly said: "Sister Yun, please go! It's all Yu Jing's fault for being rude and wasting your time, making Empress Dowager wait. Please don't blame me, Sister Yun!"

  "Never mind! I'm off!" Yun Qian Yue waved her hand and turned around to walk away.

  Sun Auntie bowed to Ye Tianqing and Qin Yuyin, then immediately followed Yun Shangyue. Having lived in the palace for a long time, she knew what to listen to and would quickly forget what she shouldn't hear.

  The two figures disappeared from view, Qin Yu Jing glanced at Ye Tian Qing and slowly lowered her head.

  "Let's go!" Night Sky withdrew his gaze, no longer looking at Qin Yu Cong, and walked forward with a much colder tone.

  Yun Shang Yue was originally listening to Sun's words very seriously, but now that she no longer speaks, she also lost the heart to ask further. Which woman in the palace is not suffering? Who doesn't have a tear of bitterness? But this cannot be used as an excuse to persecute others. She has been an orphan since childhood, although she yearns for affection, but if others do not show her affection, she will not harbor even a hint of resentment towards them. What about the Empress's aunt? It's best not to provoke her again.

  The two of them didn't encounter any obstacles along the way and arrived smoothly at the Yuanyang Pond in the Imperial Garden, which was exactly where Yun Shang had woken up that day.

  Returning to the old place, I recall the confusion and thrill of that day, and can't help but let out a sigh.

  At this time, several women and eunuchs were sitting around the lotus pond, with bright colors and beautiful scenery. The Empress sat in the middle, on her left was an older woman with white hair wearing a purple gold dress, and on her right were two women of similar age to the Empress. The Empress wore a nine-tailed golden phoenix crown, while the older woman and the other two women wore eight-tailed golden phoenix crowns. Yun Shang Yue guessed that since there was no empress dowager in the palace, this older woman was probably some kind of imperial concubine, and the other two women were likely of the rank of noble consort.

  The queen's lower seat was occupied by several younger women who looked like they were of relatively low status.

  Just as Yun Shang Yue was thinking about whether to kneel and pay respects, she heard the gentle and loving voice of the Empress laughing and calling out, "Moon child doesn't need to pay respects! Come quickly and let Auntie take a look, you've really suffered a lot."

  Yun Shang Yue, still looking lazy, heard the words and walked towards the Empress, passing by the scrutinizing eyes of the concubines. She directly went to the Empress's side, thought for a moment, pouted her mouth, and hummed: "Auntie was so ruthless that day, wanting to send me to the Heavenly Prison of the Ministry of Justice. I thought Auntie didn't like me anymore!"

  The queen's face stiffened, and then she smiled and sighed: "I knew you'd remember my grudge. That day, it was Auntie who wanted to give the people of Wangchun Building an explanation, but later regretted it. Yesterday, I heard that Jing Shizi found evidence that the Wangchun Building incident was someone's deliberate plot to harm you, not something you did. I realized I had wronged you and felt that although you're a arrogant and pampered little girl, you're not heartless and ruthless. It was Auntie who wronged you, don't be angry, okay? Auntie apologizes to you."

  The queen said as she held Cloud Shallow Moon's hand, her hand warm and wrapped around Cloud Shallow Moon's cool fingertips.

  Everyone present was looking at Yun Shangyue, and if one were to say that after the poetry appreciation meeting, rumors about Yun Shangyue had been circulating in the palace, of course she was already well-known in this Tian Sheng City, but those were all about her arrogant and domineering behavior as a young noblewoman. Nowadays, however, the names most closely associated with hers are Jing Shizi and Ran Xiao Wangye. Almost no one present wasn't curious how she had suddenly gained the special attention of Jing Shizi and Ran Xiao Wangye, including the Empress Dowager.

  "Hmph, Auntie is not on my side and even helps Yuetian bully me. I almost ended up in the Ministry of Justice's prison, and you think a simple apology will do? I won't accept it." Yun Shangyue pouted her small face and snorted at the Empress.

  "This is for you! Will it serve as an apology?" The queen didn't blame Yun Shangyue for being rude and cold-faced, instead she took a brocade box from behind a palace maid and handed it to Yun Shangyue with a smile.

  Yun Shallow Moon immediately reached out to take it, and in front of the empress, she opened the brocade box. When she saw that there were two sets of exquisitely crafted jewelry inside the brocade box, they were top-grade warm jade, and the quality of the jade was superior, no less than the two jade pendants of Rong Jing and Nan Lingrui. The style was also very good, and at a glance, it was known that the value was not low. She was delighted in her heart, but her face did not show it. Thinking that she had indeed been told by Rong Jing that there would be benefits to be gained from coming. She hummed in her mouth: "Auntie only knows how to use such small things to dismiss me!"

  As soon as she finished speaking, a faint sound of gasps could be clearly heard all around.

  "You silly girl! You really should read books and learn. These two sets are not ordinary jewelry, they are the green warm jade that was offered by the Southern Liang State five years ago. It's said that this jade is one of a kind in the world, so at that time, two sets of jewelry were made from it. One jade hairpin is worth a city, let alone these two sets of jewelry. You don't even know what you're getting, and yet you still complain that the compensation your aunt gave you is too small?" The empress looked at Yun Shangyue with a mixture of scolding and laughter.

  "I didn't know anything about it in the first place! You didn't tell me, how was I supposed to know!" Yun Shangyue immediately hugged the brocade box and smiled at the Empress, "Auntie just gave it to me now! Can't go back on your word! Even if you want to take it back, it's mine now."

  "It's yours! The Emperor was right, you're a mischievous monkey!" The Empress teased with a smile and asked in a gentle voice, "Has your anger dissipated this time?"

  "It's gone, it's gone! How could I blame Aunt?" Yun Shangyue waved her hand carelessly. If she had known there was something good to take, she wouldn't have chatted with Yu Cong for so long and would have rushed over earlier.

  "I heard that Miss Asa Moon broke the South Sea Bixi bracelet passed down from the founding emperor and empress. I didn't believe it, but now seeing Miss Asa Moon not wearing it on her hand, it's true." A woman suddenly spoke up from beside the queen.

  The queen's complexion changed slightly.

  Yun Qian Yue looked in the direction of the sound, and only then did she carefully notice that this woman bore some resemblance to Leng Xue Li. She roughly knew her identity - Leng Xue Li's aunt, Cold Imperial Concubine.

  She paid special attention to the rules and origins of the women in the palace when she read the historical records of her time, and found that except for Rong Wangfu and Deqin Wangfu, all the women of officials above the third rank had entered the palace. Her aunt was a concubine at that time, and her cold and distant aunt was already a consort when she entered the palace, later promoted to Guifei, ranking first among the four consorts.

  At that time, there were four consorts: Chen Fei, who was paired with General Feng as one of the two great divine generals of the Tian Sheng era, and had a daughter in her old age, but was chosen by the emperor to enter the palace. She was also the birth mother of the fourth prince, Ye Tianyu. Unfortunately, she died young and was posthumously honored as Chen Guifei. Another consort was Lan Fei, who five years ago was said to have caused chaos in the palace and suffered a great punishment. Her maternal family was also implicated, and the emperor had her killed with a cup of poisoned wine. The emperor exterminated her nine clans but retained her title as Lan Fei. He demoted her only son, the seventh prince Ye Tianyi, to the northern border, where he repeatedly achieved meritorious service and was allowed by the emperor to return to the capital, but refused to do so. Another consort was a woman from a humble background who was brought back by the old emperor twenty years ago during a secret visit to the civilian world. She had no children, but was deeply favored by the old emperor, who conferred upon her the title of Ming Fei. Ming Fei had three daughters: Qingwen Gongzhu, Liu Gongzhu, and Qi Gongzhu. After that, there were no more consorts promoted. Therefore, with two of the four consorts gone, only Leng Guifei and Ming Fei remained.

  Yun Qian thought for a moment and guessed the identity of the woman beside Leng Guifei - it was Ming Fei!

  In the palace, the Empress Dowager had passed away when the Emperor was still young. The other imperial consorts either died of old age or lost their power and influence, and were relegated to a cold palace. Now, there is only one elderly imperial consort in the palace. Because the Qin family, father and son, both served as Grand Chancellors, Empress Qin relies on the power of the Chancellor's residence to live out her days peacefully in the palace. Also, because she had no children, she was instrumental in helping the current Emperor ascend to the throne, and although she was not conferred the title of Empress Dowager, she is deeply respected by the old Emperor. Everything about her daily life, from food to clothing, follows the rules and protocol of an Empress Dowager. Therefore, without a doubt, that older woman must be Empress Qin, also known as the elder aunt of Qin Yuxiang.

  Apart from these three important figures, the other women were all daughters of high-ranking officials in the imperial court, with low social status and not favored by the emperor. So when Yun Shangyue briefly thought of her, she didn't pay attention to it and coldly faced Consort Leng saying: "That bangle helped me ward off disaster and died for it. Consort Leng clearly knows that I'm lucky to have escaped with my life, yet you're speaking like this, are you trying to rub salt in my wounds? Even the emperor's uncle didn't ask about or blame me, is Consort Leng trying to overstep her authority?"

  The Cold Imperial Concubine originally wanted to bring up this matter just to remind the Empress that it was unnecessary to dote on a useless woman who couldn't even enter the palace, and she also brought out two sets of jewelry made from Green Warm Jade. She had begged the Emperor for a long time, but he didn't give them to her. Yesterday, she received news that they were being sought after by the Empress to be given to Yun Shangyue, which made her extremely resentful. Today, she heard that Yun Shangyue had hurt her nephew, and she became even more hateful. When she heard that the Empress had sent someone to invite Yun Shangyue, vowing to make her look good, she didn't expect that as soon as she started speaking, she was refuted by Yun Shangyue, who also pressed a charge of usurping imperial authority against her. Her face changed color, and she forced a smile, saying: "How could I? I just wanted to verify my doubts, how dare I usurp imperial authority? It's just that those are sacred objects passed down for hundreds of years, and they were ruined by Miss Shangyue's hands, which is truly regrettable."

  "I also think it's a pity! Probably because my life is too thin, I'm not worthy of wearing such precious things!" Yun Qianyue no longer looked at the Cold Imperial Concubine and turned to face the Empress: "Auntie, give me the things that Mother burned for me, I still have to hurry back to the manor!"

  "What's the hurry? You've just arrived and haven't even spoken with your aunt yet!" The queen asked softly.

  "Jing Shizi is still waiting for me at the palace gate, I came in his carriage." Yun Qianyue said.

  "Huh? You said Jing Shizi is waiting for you at the palace gate?" The empress was taken aback.

  "Yes! Grandpa told him to keep an eye on me while I study!" Yun Shangyue said with a bitter face: "He actually listened to my grandpa's words, watching me closely, even when we're walking in the carriage, he makes me recite lessons."

  The queen suddenly smiled and looked carefully at Yun Shang Yue's small face, scolding: "Jing Shizi can stare at you to read and recognize characters, teach you lessons, it's what many people can't get, but you don't like it." After finishing speaking, she ordered Sun Mama: "You go to the palace gate and inform Jing Shizi that he should return to the mansion first. Later, I will send a carriage to take her back."

  "Aunt, I'm afraid it's not possible, I still have his book box in my hand!" Yun Shangyue shook the book box. She didn't want to stay here for a moment longer. At this moment, she was especially grateful to Rong Jing for being so despicable, as this heavy book box had come in handy.

  "You say this is Jing Shizi's book box?" The empress was taken aback once again.

  "Yes! It's said that this is made of agarwood, who else would use it besides him!" Yun Qianyue tapped the book box with her hand, implying that no one else would be so extravagant.

  The empress looked at the book box in Yun Shangyue's hand, her eyes changed, and the faces of the concubines sitting in the Swan Goose Pool all changed slightly.

  "In that case, I won't keep you here any longer." The queen's expression quickly returned to normal, and she stretched out her hand towards the maid behind her, "Give her the prayer token I embroidered for my sister-in-law!"

  "Return to the palace, I hope the prayer is in your palace! I forgot to bring it with me, please forgive me!" The old lady immediately said: "Or should I go get it now?"

  "Alright then! Never mind!" The empress didn't blame the nurse, and said to Yun Shangyue: "Don't keep Jing Shizi waiting for too long. Tomorrow you'll be coming to the palace to attend classes in the schoolroom anyway, so just come to my palace afterwards to collect it. How's that?"

  "Good!" Yun Piao Yue replied concisely, thinking that the imperial concubine had probably forgotten to bring something, but actually the empress wanted to find an opportunity to have a private conversation with her. If she didn't mention taking Rong Jing's book box and sitting in his carriage to return, it was likely that she would soon say let her follow her to her palace to retrieve it, and conveniently chat with her about something or do something. However, at this moment, she really couldn't be bothered to stay here, not having seen the Clear and Gentle Princess, and didn't feel like accompanying these women in their idle chatter.

  "There are rumors outside that Jing Shizi has a crush on Miss Qianyue, I didn't believe it, but it seems to be true." The Cold Imperial Concubine spoke again. If she doesn't give Yun Qianyue a warning today and let her taste the bitter consequences, she won't be satisfied.

  "Yes! He's entrusted by the Emperor and my grandfather, after all! Plus, I have a good character, so I've caught his noble eye. Naturally, he treats me differently." Yun Shangyue thought that this Cold Imperial Consort was just as detestable as Cold Piao, she turned her head to smile sweetly at her, "Compared to your niece, Jing Shizi can't even be bothered to take a look at her."

  The Cold Imperial Concubine's face stiffened, her beautiful eyes gathering anger, "It seems that Miss Shallow Moon has fallen in love with Prince Jing? Wants to marry into the Rong Wang Fu? And yet is cold and heartless towards the Crown Prince? Vows not to enter the imperial palace?"

  "The princess is right, I am indeed marrying into the Rong Wang Fu, but not to Rong Jing, but to Rong Feng. Rong Feng is also a side branch of the Rong Wang Fu and currently lives in the Cuihua Pavilion of the Rong Wang Fu. My coldness towards the Crown Prince was something that happened 800 years ago. Yesterday at the Wu Zhuangyuan Conference, I found Rong Feng to be very good and fell in love with him at first sight, deciding then and there to marry him. Unfortunately, the Emperor's uncle did not agree and wants to consider it further."

  "Yesterday, I also heard about this matter. Moon, you are too reckless! How can you joke about lifelong matters?" The queen took over the conversation, looking at Yun Shang Yue with a disapproving face.

  "Auntie, you want to scold me too, but it has to wait till tomorrow! Jing Shizi is still waiting at the palace gate now! Even the Emperor and my grandfather wouldn't dare make him wait. If my grandfather knew I made him wait, he would definitely break my legs." Yun Qianyue looked at the Empress.

  "All right! You'd better hurry up and go!" The queen could only give in. She also knew that this was not the place for a lecture.

  The Cold Imperial Concubine's expression was not good, but this time she also didn't open her mouth to stop him.

  The Empress Qin and Consort Ming, as well as several other consorts of rank who were present, also remained silent.

  Yun Qian Yue hugged the brocade box and held Rong Jing's book case, turned around and strode away, soon leaving the Imperial Garden.

  Digression

  There are still friends who have monthly tickets, it's time to vote, the end of the month will be cleared to zero, if wasted, I'll be heartbroken... (⊙_⊙)

  Thank you for the diamonds and flowers!

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