Jinzhi from Fengxi Palace was not visiting Jiyun Lane for the first time. Familiar with the path, she followed Tang Mansion's servants inside and immediately spotted the well-dressed and radiant Rong Yue amidst the crowd.
Yesterday, with King Cheng’s execution, the “hidden threat” that Empress Lu had been concerned about for so long was completely eliminated, and she had finally managed to sleep a few peaceful hours that night. However, upon waking up, her fatigue was still visible. In her youth, the Empress had a beauty that rivaled Rong Yue's, and they were of similar age. Yet, while one had divorced and shone brightly with radiant beauty, the other, despite wearing makeup, faintly showed signs of aging.
Of all the people in the capital who knew about the King Cheng matter, no one was more aware than Jin Zhi.
She had initially thought that even if Rong Yue had won over King Cheng and maintained her glory, the years of deception would still breed resentment and jealousy. But she never expected that upon meeting her, Rong Yue would appear in such a manner.
She was completely unaffected by King Cheng's death, and her smile was even more dazzling than the peonies in the garden.
Jin Zhi was momentarily stunned.
“Aunt Jin Zhi?”
Tang Ning furrowed her brow, seeing the woman staring blankly at her aunt. Unable to hold back, she stepped forward and positioned herself in front of her aunt.
Princess Leyang also did not like Empress Lu. Recently, there had been too many issues surrounding the Lu family, and in the past, Empress Lu had used her family's power to make life difficult for others. Leyang had once tried to make friends with her but had been humiliated by the Empress. Now, learning that Empress Lu had fallen out with the Lu family, she was happy to see her struggles.
Princess Leyang spoke directly, “The Empress sent someone here, but you haven’t said a word. What exactly are you here for?”
Jin Zhi quickly snapped out of her daze, performing a curtsy before Rong Yue. “Replying to the Princess, Empress Lu knows that Madam Rong has been granted an imperial decree by His Majesty, severing the past ties, and is hosting a banquet today to celebrate. Therefore, she sent me with a gift, hoping Madam Rong’s future will be smooth and prosperous.”
Rong Yue hadn’t expected Empress Lu to send her a gift. Looking at what Jin Zhi had brought in, she lowered her eyes to hide her disdain.
Smooth and prosperous? Lu Qingfeng spoke so lightly. All the suffering she had endured over the years was due to Lu Qingfeng’s actions. Yet she had the audacity to act so grandly, sending someone to pretend to care.
Did she think that now that Xie Tianyu was dead, all their past issues would disappear and no one would ever know?
Rong Yue smiled lightly, her expression gentle. “Thank you, Empress Lu. I will visit the palace to express my gratitude another day.”
Jin Zhi, seeing that Rong Yue had accepted the gifts without a change in expression, felt relieved and then smiled at Tang Ning. “The Empress hasn’t seen the County Princess in a while and has missed her. I heard that the County Princess’s academy has been completed, and the Empress personally selected some books and calligraphy to send as a congratulatory gift.”
Several palace servants followed behind, carrying large boxes. When they opened them, the items inside were so numerous that people in the garden who were watching couldn’t help but show surprise.
Princess Leyang’s eyes widened. She had expected the Empress’s “gift” to be a simple token, but who would have thought there would be several large boxes?
Tang Ning frowned. “No merit, no reward. I cannot accept these.”
Jin Zhi gently replied, “How can you say there’s no merit? The Empress has always treated the County Princess as her own daughter. The County Princess often accompanied the Empress in the past. As for the matter with Young Master Lu, the Empress was momentarily unaware of his true nature and did not realize how bad he was. She deeply regrets that the County Princess became distant from her because of this.”
“The County Princess doesn’t wish to enter the palace? The Empress doesn’t blame you. She simply wishes for your well-being. These gifts are not from the palace, but from her as an elder to a younger one. Please accept them, County Princess. Otherwise, I won’t know how to explain this back to the Empress.”
Tang Ning’s brows knitted slightly, her displeasure evident. Empress Lu was truly despicable for using such tricks on her.
When the Lu family had fallen, she had refused to enter the palace, and Empress Lu had sent a phoenix hairpin to soften her attitude. She had thought that Empress Lu wouldn’t bother her again, but now she had come knocking once more, using her so-called "elder" status to pressure her.
If it were anyone else, Tang Ning would have refused without hesitation, but Empress Lu was still the Empress, and before her brother’s issue was resolved, Empress Lu still held some value. She couldn’t afford to completely sever ties with her. Moreover, there were so many eyes on them right now, and Empress Lu had already “lowered” herself, acting as if she was apologizing.
If she refused, it would be like slapping the Empress’s face in front of everyone. Who knew how that would be interpreted or spread?
But if she accepted, she would inevitably have to make a statement.
“Empress Lu misunderstood. The Lu family is the Lu family, and the Empress is the Empress. I only refrained from visiting the palace because I heard the Empress was unwell. Since these are the Empress’s gifts, I will accept them. Once the academy is fully established, I will visit the palace with Aunt to express my gratitude.”
Jin Zhi smiled upon hearing this. “The Empress will be very pleased to know that the County Princess is willing to visit the palace.”
Rong Yue, however, was not in a good mood. She detested Lu Qingfeng but had to suppress her disgust. “Since Jin Zhi is here, why not join us for the banquet?”
“Thank you for your kind offer, Madam. However, I must return to the palace to serve the Empress. I will not trouble you further.”
Jin Zhi bowed to both Rong Yue and Tang Ning, then led the servants out.
The guests in the garden couldn’t help but look at Rong Yue with more respect. Not only had she earned His Majesty’s favor, but now even Empress Lu was showing her special attention. And the County Princess, who had fallen out with the Lu family, was being treated so kindly by the Empress.
Although the Rong family had only these two women left, they were far from insignificant.
Princess Leyang’s eyes twinkled as she stepped forward, taking Tang Ning’s hand in a show of intimacy. “It seems the Empress dotes on you so much. But of course, you are so charming. I look at you as if you were my own daughter…”
“Your Highness flatters me.”
Tang Ning frowned, subtly withdrawing her hand.
She appeared to walk toward the boxes but was actually avoiding the overly enthusiastic Princess Leyang. “The Empress probably dotes on me because of the Lu family’s situation, but I have no ties to them anymore. I have only respect for the Empress, and she is overthinking things.”
She didn’t want to get entangled with Empress Lu, so she shifted the responsibility onto the Lu family and then turned to Rong Yue.
“Aunt, please have someone take these things away. The other ladies are still waiting, and the banquet should begin.”
Rong Yue lowered her eyes in disdain. “Nian Xia, take these things away.”
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