The Fourth Prince’s consort also looked somewhat awkward, but she still spoke gently, “Forget it Princess, Miss Qian and the others must have been startled by the fall into the water. Since nothing happened, it’s fine whether we look or not.”
“This is not about whether to look or not,”said the old Princess Lu with a frown. “That Song Tangning and the Qian family girls previously rejected Princess Leyang publicly, which was already bad enough, but now the Fourth Prince’s consort is trying so hard to help them, yet they’re treating her with such coldness. This is truly rude.”
The Fourth Prince’s consort quickly replied, “Grandmother, please don’t say that. Perhaps they have other concerns. I have met Miss Yiyang before, and she’s a very humble and polite young lady. Even the Empress Mother speaks very highly of her and is quite fond of her…”
When the Empress was mentioned, the consort's expression dimmed a little.
“The Empress was even looking forward to Miss Yiyang entering the palace. She had the kitchen prepare her favorite desserts, but who would have thought that the Emperor suddenly got angry because of rumors from the outside world and scolded her? The Empress specifically asked me to tell Miss Yiyang to stay out of the palace for now, so that she wouldn’t be implicated or blamed by the Emperor.”
The wrinkles on Princess Lu’s face deepened, and Madam Wenxin, the Marquis of Wenxin's wife, could feel the atmosphere turning sour.
She recalled the banquet at Tang Mansion when the Empress had publicly sent gifts and congratulations, and Rong Yue had promised to bring Tangning to the palace to thank the Empress. At that time, everyone could tell that it was just an excuse, but now that the Fourth Prince’s consort had brought it up so seriously, it made Tangning and the others seem cold-hearted and disrespectful to the Empress.
Madam Wenxin quickly said, “The Empress is being too harsh. Tangning and the others have been busy with the affairs of Rongsheng Academy and were also dealing with the trouble from the Lu family hurting His Majesty. I’m sure Tangning was just planning to go to the palace later, and wouldn’t be afraid of being implicated by the Empress…”
The Fourth Prince’s consort shook her head. “Madam Zhou, there’s no need to explain. I understand. The Empress has lost favor, and His Highness has been secretly harmed and ridiculed. It’s normal for Miss Yiyang to keep her distance from us now.”
Princess Leyang, who had been standing nearby, spoke up. “What do you mean ‘normal’? Who doesn’t know how much the Empress cares for her?”
“Miss Yiyang lost both her parents when she was young, and many distinguished families in the capital wanted to marry her into the Lu family. But the Empress personally chose her and arranged for her to marry the best son in the Lu family.”
“Later, when Lu Zhinian had his incident, the Empress was very regretful. Not only did she actively help her break off the engagement, but even when Miss Yiyang went to the Lu family to argue, the Empress didn't hesitate to fall out with the Lu family and supported her.”
Princess Leyang didn’t have much good relationship with the Empress and didn’t intend to speak for her, but she had a strong dislike for Song Tangning.
She had previously taken an interest in that young lady and wanted her youngest son to marry her, but after several attempts, her advances were rejected. After the banquet, when she had extended an invitation and sent gifts, they were returned unopened.
She had been watching for a long time, and tonight she finally got news that Tangning would be at Yinghe Lake. She had gone through great lengths to set up a trap, thinking that if Tangning fell into the water and was saved by her son, in front of everyone, Tangning would have no choice but to marry him, even if she didn’t want to.
But who would have thought that Song Tangning was so capable? She had managed to escape from the lake. The people she had arranged earlier were useless, and she didn’t know how her son was doing now.
After losing the opportunity, Princess Leyang originally wanted to take advantage of Tangning’s fall into the water to appear caring and get closer to her, but was publicly humiliated instead. Now, how could she speak to Tangning in a pleasant tone?
“The Empress has treated her like her own daughter, always thinking of her. But she, when seeing the Empress in trouble, avoids her, not even caring about how others will perceive her as cold-hearted.”
Princess Lu’s wrinkles almost merged together. She had heard about Song Tangning’s background and knew about her ties to the Song family. She had always thought that this woman was too heartless and cruel.
Now, hearing about her ingratitude, she was even more disgusted.
Zhou Yuchang, whose nature was gentle, also noticed the tension in Princess Leyang's words. She opened her mouth to explain for Tangning, but just then, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Tangning, with Qian Qiyue, entered after changing their clothes.
Both of them sensed that the atmosphere in the room was not right.
The Fourth Prince’s consort, full of concern, quickly walked toward them. “Are you both alright? Did you get hurt…”
She reached out to hold Tangning, but Tangning instinctively avoided her.
The Fourth Prince’s consort’s hand was left hanging in midair, and her face immediately showed embarrassment.
Princess Lu slammed the table. “How dare you!”
“Grandmother…”
The Fourth Prince’s consort turned her head to speak but was cut off by Princess Lu’s reprimand. “Don’t speak.”
Princess Lu looked at Song Tangning and Qian Qiyue with a stern face. “You two little girls, not knowing the proper distinction between ruler and subject, don’t kneel when you see me, and act disrespectfully. The Fourth Prince’s consort was kind enough to show concern when she saw you fall into the water, but you two kept evading, refusing her help. This is truly outrageous.”
Tangning and Qian Qiyue didn’t expect to be greeted with such harshness as soon as they entered.
Seeing Princess Lu’s anger, Madam Wenxin quickly stood up. “Please forgive them, Princess. Miss Yiyang and Miss Qian meant no disrespect. They just fell into the water tonight and are still frightened, not yet settled.”
Zhou Yuchang also stood in front of them. “What my mother said is true, Ah Yue and the others were frightened just now.” She quickly turned to Tangning and Qian Qiyue. “Tangning, Ah Yue, quickly greet Princess Lu.”
Tangning furrowed her brows, and her face darkened, as did Qian Qiyue’s.
Seeing that Zhou Yuchang and Madam Wenxin were both full of worry, Tangning suppressed her displeasure, and with a tight-lipped expression, she glanced at the extremely angry Qian Qiyue.
Only then did the two of them kneel and salute. “Tangning/Qiyue, we pay respects to the Princess.”
Princess Lu, however, made it clear that she wanted to make things difficult for them. “When did the girls of the capital become so disrespectful, giving such a perfunctory salute?”
“An Mama!”
The old maid who had been following Princess Lu quickly stepped out and walked in front of Tangning and Qian Qiyue, looking at Zhou Yuchang. “Madam Zhou, please step aside.”
Zhou Yuchang was stunned for a moment before being pushed aside.
The old maid reached Tangning and Qian Qiyue, and without warning, slapped Qian Qiyue’s face.
Qian Qiyue was stunned by the slap.
“The ruler and subjects are distinguished, and you must kneel to greet the Princess. I will teach you two young ladies.”
The old maid turned to slap Tangning as well, but this time, Qian Qiyue reacted quickly. With a face full of anger, she grabbed Tangning, pulling her away, and then kicked the old maid’s leg.
The old maid lost her balance and fell backward, knocking over a table and spilling cups.
Princess Lu slammed the table again. “How dare you! Guards!”
“Yuejian!!”
As Princess Lu stood up, Tangning called out. Yuejian, who had been waiting by the door, ignored the obstruction and kicked open the door, stepping inside. Alongside her, Canglang also protected Tangning and Qian Qiyue, standing behind them.
Seeing this, Princess Lu’s expression grew even darker. She pointed at Tangning and shouted, “So, Song Tangning, you want to rebel, don’t you?”
Tangning didn’t want to cause trouble, but she wasn’t afraid of it either. This person was clearly making things difficult for them.
She grabbed Zhou Yuchang, who had nearly been knocked down earlier, and her face also darkened.
“The current Emperor is still alive, and there are countless princes who can succeed the throne. Princess Lu, are you treating your Lu Palace as the rulers of the Great Wei or coveting the Emperor’s throne?!”
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T/N: Prince and Princess Lu are not related to the Lu family. She is a relative to the current emperor and Lu is the name of her royal title
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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