The Empress Dowager suddenly closed her eyes, ignoring Hai Ling, and waved her hand, saying, "I'm tired. I don't want to get involved in anything anymore. Since you don't like seeing me, I will stay in Cining Palace from now on and will not see anyone again. You can go now. I will not interfere in anything anymore."
Hai Ling's face was frosty as she looked at the Empress Dowager, who had already closed her eyes and was not even glancing at her, clearly not wanting to speak to her anymore. Since that was the case, what was there for her to say? She slowly said "An" and withdrew from the main hall of Cining Palace.
Outside the hall, Shi Lan waited. When she saw her master come out, his face turned extremely pale. Shi Lan couldn't help but ask worriedly.
"Your Majesty, what has happened?"
Hai Ling shook her head. How could she possibly say anything about this? Even at night, she couldn't say anything, because after all, she was her mother who had raised her for over twenty years. Furthermore, if the Empress Dowager denied what she had said, she would become someone who stirred up trouble. So she said nothing.
However, she couldn't help but be wary of the Empress Dowager. Although she had said she didn't want to see anyone again and would recuperate in Cixi Palace, it was still best for her to be careful. Hailing then quietly instructed Shilan.
"Later, send a few people to keep watch near Cixi Palace. Report any movement to me immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Shi Mei responded. Although she didn't know what the Empress Dowager and the Empress had said in Cixi Palace, it was clear that the two were at odds.
The group returned to Liuyue Palace, where Shimei had already returned. She presented Hailing with a brocade box and spoke with a smile.
"Your Majesty, all the silver has been collected."
Upon hearing that the 300,000 taels of silver had been received, Hailing finally felt a little happier. She took the brocade box handed to her by Shimei, opened it, and found stacks of silver notes inside.
"Put it away first," Hailing gestured to Shimei to put away the silver. Shimei noticed that her mistress's expression was a little off. While putting away the silver, she quietly asked Shilan what had happened. Shilan shook her head and then muttered a few words in a low voice. The Empress was unhappy after entering the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace. It must be related to the Empress Dowager.
Hai Ling naturally saw the two of them whispering to each other. She snorted coldly, and the two maids, Shi Mei and Shi Lan, immediately fell silent. Hai Ling stood up and spoke lazily.
"I'm going to my bedchamber to rest for a while," Hai Ling said as the group entered the bedchamber. She then instructed Shi Mei to inform the four hall masters of Wuyinglou that, in addition to raiding the Prime Minister's residence and the Zhong family, they could also take action within the three kingdoms to make Wuyinglou famous.
"Yes, this servant will leave the palace immediately to take care of it."
Shi Mei left the palace to order the four hall masters of Wuyinglou to prepare to take action in various places to make Wuyinglou famous.
Although the people of Wuyinglou had previously robbed people from Xifu, their purpose was too small, so it did not have much effect. No one in the world knew what kind of organization Wuyinglou was, so it quickly disappeared.
Two days later, the entire city of Bianliang was in an uproar because the people from Wuyinglou had robbed the Prime Minister's mansion. It was said that the mansion had been completely looted, and everything of value inside had been taken away. This nearly cost the Prime Minister and his wife, who loved money more than anything, their lives. They fainted and woke up several times before things finally calmed down.
As soon as the Prime Minister recovered, he rushed to the Ministry of Justice and ordered the Minister of Justice to thoroughly investigate the bandits of the Shadowless Tower and to recover the property lost from the Zhong family.
Although the Ministry of Justice accepted the case, such robbery cases are generally difficult to investigate. In addition, the people from the Shadowless Pavilion did not leave any clues at all, so it is impossible to find out in a short period of time.
In the palace, Xi Liang, who had been granted the title of Princess Qinyang, was telling Hai Ling about what had happened in the capital with a smile. However, Xi Liang had no idea that the mastermind behind this so-called Shadowless Pavilion was actually Ling'er. She was just telling Hai Ling about it as a joke.
"Ling'er, you don't know how happy the whole capital is! Those people from Wuyinglou are really clever. They actually robbed the Zhong family mansion. I heard that old bastard Zhongli was almost driven to death by anger. He deserved to die of anger sooner rather than later. If he had died of anger, it would have been a blessing for the people."
Xi Liang was overjoyed, and Hai Ling laughed along with her. After chatting for a while, Hai Ling remembered the promise she had made to Xi Liang.
"Xi Liang, my brother and Mingzhu's wedding is in two days. After we finish their business, I'll talk to the Princess Consort of Cang about marrying you off to the Southern Ling Kingdom."
Upon hearing Hai Ling's words, Xi Liang was naturally overjoyed. The thought of being able to marry into the Southern Ling Kingdom soon filled her with happiness, and the image of her beloved floated into her mind, causing her to murmur softly to herself.
hope Yin, I heard that there has never been a woman in your War King's mansion. Are you waiting for me? I will soon be married to the Southern Ling Kingdom. You must wait for me.
Seeing Xi Liang's adorable, girlish expression, Hai Ling knew she was happy. She teased her for a while, and the two spent half a day playing in Liuyue Palace. In the evening, Xi Liang had dinner and then left the palace.
In Liuyue Palace, Mingzhu has already left the palace. She is now living in the post station. Hailing has ordered people to protect her. She will be married in two days, so it is not appropriate for her to stay in the palace. At that time, she will be taken directly from the post station to the Ji residence.
Hailin will personally officiate the wedding for her and her brother.
In the palace, Hai Ling sent people to monitor the Empress Dowager's Ci'an Palace. Everything was peaceful in Ci'an Palace. Just as she had said, the Empress Dowager had not left Ci'an Palace again, nor had she sought out the Emperor or Empress. Ye Lingfeng was unaware of the conversation between the Empress Dowager and Hai Ling that day, so he would visit Ci'an Palace to pay his respects whenever he had time. The Empress Dowager remained indifferent and did not mention anything.
Two days later.
September 16th is the wedding day of Ji Shaocheng and Princess Mingzhu of Nanling Kingdom. The Ji family was originally an important family in Beilu, and now they have produced an empress, who is also deeply favored by the emperor. Therefore, the Ji family's status is becoming more and more stable. Today is Ji Shaocheng's wedding day, and many officials from Beilu have come to offer their congratulations. The Ji mansion is covered with red silk, and red is everywhere. The red color fills the sky, creating a joyous atmosphere.
Inside and outside the Ji residence, the servants all had smiles on their faces, walking around happily.
The young general is truly a dragon among men, and now he is finally getting married. The Ji family will have a mistress from now on. Moreover, it is said that Princess Mingzhu of Nanling Kingdom is very kind-hearted. When the south was in trouble, it is said that this princess of Nanling Kingdom donated half of her dowry. She was the person who donated the most in this fundraising, followed by the empress.
When the servants of the Ji family heard this news, they immediately accepted this future young mistress, so the entire mansion was filled with joy.
Hai Ling had told Ye Lingfeng early on and led her people out of the palace.
As an empress and a pregnant woman, she naturally didn't need to stay in the Ji family and squeeze in with others. So she was put into the best courtyard where she used to live to rest, take a nap, and someone would come to call her when the time came.
In ancient times, grand weddings always began in the afternoon. Hailing's courtyard was far from the main hall, so the comings and goings and the hustle and bustle in front did not affect her. When she woke up, she was refreshed and looked as beautiful as a flower. Pregnancy had not made her ugly or caused her to develop melasma or pregnancy spots. On the contrary, her skin was as smooth and delicate as a peeled egg. Whether it was due to sufficient sleep or the nourishment of love, she was perfectly normal except for her slightly large belly. The charm she exuded made it impossible to look away.
Shi Mei and Shi Lan served their master well and couldn't help but praise them.
"My lady is the most beautiful mother. The little master in her belly must be a beautiful child."
Hai Ling smiled and nodded, believing that the baby in her belly was a beautiful child.
Outside the door, Fu Yue led the steward of the Ji family over and respectfully asked Hai Ling, "Your Highness, the auspicious time has arrived, and the bride's sedan chair has reached the front gate. The wedding ceremony will begin soon. Would you like to go to the front?"
"The bride has arrived?"
Hai Ling was overjoyed. She never expected that she would wake up to find her bride in her sleep. So what was she waiting for? She immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Let's go, let's go to the front right away!"
The large group headed towards the main hall of the Ji residence. Servants they encountered along the way all knelt in respect, only rising after Hailing had passed, and then gazing at the departing Empress.
Everyone loves this Empress. It is because of the Empress that Beilu has shown a new look. The Empress is kind-hearted. She not only helps the poor, but also opened Baojitang to help patients in the capital who cannot afford medical treatment. It is said that the new commercial street that started to operate was also promoted by the Empress. It seems that the Empress has done so many good deeds.
Not only in Bianliang City, but also elsewhere in Beilu, the people praised it highly.
Hai Ling was unaware of these things, and even if she had, she wouldn't have cared. She did these things simply because she couldn't bear to see the people suffer and unable to afford medical treatment, but she never expected to be loved and respected.
Outside the main hall of the Ji residence, a number of people were standing. Ji Cong was talking with several officials outside the door when he looked up and saw Hai Ling appear. He quickly led the people over.