Ouyang Yue chuckled, a hint of helplessness on her face: "Since Princess Jiang Xuan insists, it would be unseemly for me to be coy. So I shall respectfully comply. I thank Princess Jiang Xuan for her generous gift in advance."
"Not at all, it's only right," Jiang Xuan said with a smile, but a hint of annoyance flashed in her eyes, as if she had ended up begging for a gift. This time, she was determined to go back to the palace and reward her father and mother properly after getting the jade pendant back.
"Hmph, putting on airs." Just then, Cheng Yu, Jiang Xuan's personal maid, snorted coldly, breaking the atmosphere in the carriage.
Dong Xue glared at Cheng Yu, who in turn looked back at her nonchalantly. Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly and collide between them. Ouyang Yue merely glanced at Cheng Yu. It would be beneath her dignity to argue with such a servant. Just because the maids around Jiang Xuan were unruly did not mean that she should lower herself.
"Alright, shut up!" Jiang Xuan snapped, seeing the faint mockery in Ouyang Yue's eyes. Already annoyed, she was now truly enraged. She was already feeling resentful; Cheng Yu, usually so clever and quick-witted, had suddenly acted foolish. Whether Ouyang Yue was faking it or not, she was asking for help now. Did she really think she could defy a princess? She could use her status to suppress others, but the key was to cover up the truth and avoid trouble. This was something Jiang Qi had repeatedly told her before leaving earlier that day. Jiang Xuan herself was proud and impulsive, but who did Cheng Yu think she was? If she directly angered Ouyang Yue, Jiang Xuan would definitely tear Cheng Yu to pieces!
Upon hearing the idiom, Cheng Yu's face paled instantly. She felt that Ouyang Yue's actions were somewhat feigned, and seeing the princess being mistreated, she couldn't help but speak up. Cheng Yu usually held considerable sway by Jiang Xuan's side; even the palace eunuchs and senior maids dared not act arrogantly in her presence, naturally fostering a sense of arrogance. Jiang Xuan rarely spoke to her, but when she did, it was out of genuine anger. Cheng Yu was immediately too frightened to utter a sound, keeping her head down the entire way, as if shrinking into the corner of the carriage to be seen as invisible.
On the fifth day, Ouyang Zhide and Liu Shi finally welcomed Ouyang Yue and Jiang Xuan. They welcomed them directly into the hall, and after a few pleasantries, Ouyang Yue got to the point: "Father, when you rescued Mother, did she say anything strange to you or give you anything?"
Ouyang Zhide was taken aback, wondering why Ouyang Yue was asking these questions. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Strange things? What kind are you referring to?"
Ouyang Yue thought for a moment and looked at Jiang Xuan. Jiang Xuan hesitated for a moment and only said, "For example, what did you say when you were given something mysterious?"
Ouyang Zhide immediately shook his head upon hearing this: "At that time, Lady Xuanyuan was being pursued by a group of bandits. These bandits were utterly wicked and extremely cruel, leaving a trail of blood wherever they went, burning, killing, and looting in their wake. Lady Xuanyuan originally had a troop of men with her, but these men were killed by the bandits while protecting her. According to my analysis, Lady Xuanyuan was a rather intelligent woman; if possible, she would have reduced the risk and sacrificed some of her possessions. However, she underestimated the shamelessness of those bandits. When I found Lady Xuanyuan, she was alone." "Without a horse, she fled on foot, losing all her valuables. Moreover, she was in danger of being defiled. If not for this, Lady Xuanyuan might not have agreed to return to the capital with me." At this point, Ouyang Zhide revealed a complex mix of pity and anger, continuing, "After returning to the capital, I intended to send Lady Xuanyuan back to the Leng residence. However, the Leng family is too large and has too many rules. Lady Xuanyuan knew that the Leng family would investigate her pregnancy at the time, so she didn't go back. I left her at the General's Mansion. I'm sure you all know the rest."
"As for any strange words or objects?" Jiang Xuan immediately showed an anxious expression, but Ouyang Zhide shook his head: "Let's not talk about strange objects. When we rescued Madam Xuanyuan, she had nothing but a few dirty clothes on her back. I can guarantee that. As for strange things, I don't think they're strange at all. It was Madam Xuanyuan who suggested that the Princess Consort of Chen recognize Ning as her mother. She knew she wouldn't live much longer and wanted a woman to have someone to rely on. This behavior is strange, but I can't understand it. As for other things, Madam Xuanyuan was very weak at the time and often fell into a deep sleep, sometimes for half a day or a whole day. Moreover, we were of different genders and had little contact. I can't think of anything else strange."
Jiang Xuan's expression immediately changed: "General Ouyang, have you really thought this through? Is there anything you haven't thought of, or something you forgot to say? Think about it carefully again."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Zhide's expression changed, but considering Jiang Xuan's status, he ultimately held back and said, "This is all I know. I can swear to heaven that I have told Princess Jiang Xuan and Princess Chen everything I know. If Princess Jiang Xuan does not believe me, there is nothing I can do. Princess Jiang Xuan, please." Ouyang Zhide was a military general, not one for the subtle maneuvering of civil officials. Jiang Xuan's distrust, and even her subtle threats, clearly aroused Ouyang Zhide's extreme resentment, and he was too lazy to see her again.
Jiang Xuan was furious. She had spent five days following Ouyang Yue to investigate this matter, hoping to find some clues. She had been holding back these past few days. When had she, a princess of the Great Gan Dynasty, ever been treated like this? She was about to explode in anger.
Ouyang Yue stood up and stroked Ouyang Zhide's hand, saying, "To be honest, Father, Princess Jiang Xuan said that Mother has a family heirloom of the Empress of the Great Gan Dynasty on her person, and she is eager to find it. So she is a little anxious. Please don't take offense, Father."
Ouyang Yue is the Princess Consort of Chen. Even if Ouyang Zhide looks down on Jiang Xuan, he wouldn't disrespect Ouyang Yue, especially since she's his daughter whom he's spoiled since childhood. His gloomy expression softened as he said, "I see. You should have said so earlier. But as far as I know, Madam Xuanyuan really had nothing left on her at that time. As for any mystery, I really don't know because of the inconvenience between men and women. She repeatedly told me to raise you. That's what she always emphasized, but I don't think that's anything strange."
Seeing that Ouyang Zhide was indeed not getting anything out of her, Ouyang Yue said, "Princess Jiang Xuan, I think we need to go back and remember this matter. And right now, the most likely thing is to find that group of bandits from back then. I wonder if you have any clues, Father?"
Ouyang Zhide shook his head: "There are so many bandits on the border. Every year there are several new ones, and some are killed by soldiers or their comrades. Besides, more than ten years have passed, and I have no clues."
Jiang Xuan's face was cold. She looked at Ouyang Zhide, who seemed furious, but ultimately didn't let her anger flare up. After all, this matter couldn't be blown out of proportion, and Ouyang Zhide had no reason to fully cooperate. Besides, if what Ouyang Zhide said was true, then her lead had indeed been cut off: "Then I won't disturb General Ouyang any longer. Farewell!" With that, Jiang Xuan turned away arrogantly, a stark contrast to her previous polite demeanor.
Ouyang Zhide frowned: "What exactly is Princess Jiang Xuan here for?"
Ouyang Yue sneered and said to Ouyang Zhide, "Father, this matter cannot be mentioned to anyone. As for how to explain the princess's visit to the mansion, I'll leave that to you to make up a reason. I still have to catch up with her. I'll come to see you another day." Previously, because the matter was of great importance, besides Ouyang Yue and Jiang Xuan's personal maids, only Ouyang Zhide was in the hall. As long as they didn't say anything, the matter wouldn't get out. Although Ouyang Yue didn't give a reason, Ouyang Zhide wasn't stupid and wouldn't spread the word and cause himself trouble.
He nodded: "You have to be careful, Princess Jiang Xuan has a bad temper, don't suffer any losses from her."
"Father, don't worry. She doesn't have the ability to make anyone suffer. Father, Yue'er will take her leave now." After saying this, she gave a slight bow and was helped out by Dongxue.
Jiang Xuan didn't lose her temper. She ran back to the carriage but didn't drive away immediately. Instead, she waited for Ouyang Yue to come out. After Ouyang Yue was helped up by Dongxue, Jiang Xuan said sarcastically, "Princess Consort Chen stayed to chat with General Ouyang again. But what has General Ouyang thought of this time? This has been going on for five days now. General Ouyang should have figured it out by now." She looked at Ouyang Yue coldly as she spoke.
In Jiang Xuan's view, Ouyang Zhide knew nothing about the matter, which was probably related to Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue had probably arranged a story with Ouyang Zhide beforehand by using the jade pendant as a pretext. When Ouyang Zhide came in, he said he didn't have it, but who knew the truth? After all, Ouyang Zhide was the one who was most likely to know the whereabouts of the jade pendant. The matter of the bandits might also be a possibility, but if it was really as the emperor said, Leng Yuyan would not have handed over such an important jade pendant so easily.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue's eyes flashed with a cold glint: "Oh, so Princess Jiang Xuan means that I, the Princess Consort, have already informed my father and intend to keep this jade pendant? Leaving aside whether Princess Jiang Xuan's claim that it's a family heirloom of the Empress of the Great Gan Dynasty is credible, my mother is now dead, and my father has no idea where the jade pendant is. With no one to testify, it's up to you to say whatever you want. If that's the case, tomorrow or the day after, if some princess from another country claims this jade pendant is a family heirloom, I, the Princess Consort, will have to desperately help search for it? Then, who will be telling the truth?" The truth, perhaps only Mother in heaven can know. Leaving all that aside, just consider this: I, the Princess Consort, have been running errands for Princess Jiang Xuan these past few days, without uttering a single word in return, and now I'm met with a mountain of complaints. I've truly been offering my warm welcome only to be met with indifference; I deserve to be belittled. Princess Jiang Xuan, it seems my lowly status is unworthy of riding in Princess Jiang Xuan's luxurious and elegant carriage. Dongxue, help me down from the carriage, and have Father prepare another carriage. We'll return to the Chen Prince's residence.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan was startled. Looking at Ouyang Yue's furious expression, which seemed genuinely angry at being wronged, Jiang Xuan was unsure of what to do. She had originally intended to provoke Ouyang Yue to reveal the truth. However, judging from her current state, if she were to actually let her out of the carriage, Ouyang Yue might complain about her to everyone in a fit of anger, making it difficult to keep the secret. Being a princess was truly frustrating, yet in this matter, she had no way to express her bitterness.
Jiang Xuan gritted her teeth, immediately grabbed Ouyang Yue's hand, and said apologetically, "Princess Consort Chen, please don't be angry. When we came here, the Empress Dowager repeatedly told me to accomplish this task. When I learned that Princess Consort Chen was the biological daughter of Madam Xuanyuan, I was full of confidence that this task would be accomplished. I even made a confident promise to the Empress Dowager at the time. Who knew that I thought I would definitely be able to find the jade pendant, but now all the clues have been cut off. I was anxious and said the wrong thing. Please forgive me, Prince Chen's Mansion."
Ouyang Yue's expression improved somewhat, but she still complained a little, "It's no wonder Princess Jiang Xuan is upset. But judging from how much Princess Jiang Xuan values this jade pendant, if it's so significant, she could find the original carver to carve another piece of good jade. The most difficult part of carving this kind of jade pendant isn't the quality of the jade, but the skill of the carver."
“Princess Consort Chen, you may not know this, but the sculptor is dead, and this jade pendant is a family heirloom, which cannot be replaced by ordinary new jade.” Jiang Xuan said helplessly.
Ouyang Yue said "Oh": "However, please forgive my bluntness, although this is a family heirloom, it is ultimately just a matter for the Empress's maternal family. It is somewhat of a waste of talent to entrust this matter to someone of the Princess's status. It would be understandable if this matter concerned the vital interests of the Emperor and Empress. It seems that Princess Jiang Xuan has a very good relationship with her maternal family."
Jiang Xuan's expression suddenly changed, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes. However, when she looked up at Ouyang Yue, Ouyang Yue was smiling faintly, not noticing anything amiss. Was it just her imagination? Jiang Xuan simply smiled lightly: "It's not exactly good, but since this matter has come to the Empress Dowager's door, if it weren't for the Empress Dowager's sake, they wouldn't even dream of me lowering myself to do anything for them."
Ouyang Yue looked enlightened, a hint of doubt flashing across her face: "I see. It is truly remarkable that the Empress Da Gan could raise Princess Jiang Xuan to be so benevolent and filial. I am quite curious about the Empress Da Gan. I hope that the child in my womb will be as outstanding as Princess Jiang Xuan in the future."
Jiang Xuan exclaimed, "Could it be that Princess Chen is carrying a princess?"
Ouyang Yue suddenly realized: "Whether it is a man or a woman, I do not know yet, but it seems that it is somewhat inappropriate to compare it with Princess Jiang Xuan. Please forgive me, Princess Jiang Xuan."
Jiang Xuan shook her head: "It's nothing, but Princess Chen thinks, who else could possibly know about these things?"
Ouyang Yue instinctively shook her head, but she suddenly froze halfway through. Jiang Xuan noticed her momentary hesitation and quickly said, "It seems that Princess Chen has thought of something. Why don't you tell me? Even if it fails in the end, it's still a clue, isn't it? Please, Princess Chen, don't hesitate to tell me."
Ouyang Yue sighed, "Even I, the Princess Consort, am unsure about this person. It's hard to say whether she truly knows. Princess Jiang Xuan, please don't think I'm deliberately seeking revenge. For someone of my status, it would be beneath me to stoop to the level of a lower-ranking person. As Father mentioned earlier, after Mother gave birth to me, she entrusted me to Ning Shi's care. During the preparation for my delivery, although Father took excellent care of me, the difference between men and women meant he didn't have the opportunity to see Mother alone. At that time, Ning Shi was on Father's orders to take care of her. Father didn't have the opportunity, but whether Ning Shi did or not is hard to say."
After thinking about it carefully, Jiang Xuan agreed and said, "Alright, let's go to the Ning residence first."
Ouyang Yue's expression was not good: "Princess Jiang Xuan, you must have heard about my entanglement with this Ning family before. Although I will not hold it against her, it does not mean that I forgive her. If you are willing, go and see Ning family yourself. I will not set foot in Ning family."
Jiang Xuan wanted to persuade her further, but saw that Ouyang Yue had already closed her eyes with a sullen face. Jiang Xuan had naturally inquired about the past when she came. The fact that Ning Shi forced Ouyang Yue to marry was enough to make people angry, so she did not insist on it. After sending Ouyang Yue back to the Prince Chen's mansion, Jiang Xuan went back to the post station.
In the bedroom of Prince Chen's mansion, Baili Chen held Ouyang Yue in his arms and hurriedly asked her about her well-being. Ouyang Yue had been running around for him these past few days, and he was the one who felt most sorry for her: "I really shouldn't have let you come along. It's only been five days, and you've already lost a lot of weight."
Ouyang Yue smiled and nestled in his arms, saying, "However, this time the harvest is not small. At least it lets us know that this jade pendant is indeed related to a major national event. However, the reason why the Xuanyuan family's jade pendant has an impact on the Great Qian Kingdom can only be said to be of great importance. It may be related to the turmoil of the Langya Continent."
This conjecture is quite audacious; how could such a small jade pendant have such a great impact? But for now, they have no choice but to think this way.
Baili Chen laughed and said, "This Jiang Xuan has been completely fooled by you, my wife. I suppose that no matter how clever she is, it's just petty cleverness. There is no woman in this world more clever than my wife."
That's right. Ouyang Yue has been deliberately playing tricks on Jiang Xuan these past few days. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for Jiang Xuan to reveal even the slightest thing, let alone the change in her expression due to anger and anxiety. This is a psychological issue, and Ouyang Yue's method has indeed succeeded.
Meanwhile, in the Empress Dowager's Chengxiang Palace, the Empress Dowager lay lazily on a soft couch, but upon hearing some news, her phoenix eyes narrowed: "Jiang Xuan is actually getting along intimately with Ouyang Yue. Could it be that Daqian really intends to marry Jiang Xuan to the Prince of Chen's mansion, and then combine the military forces of the two countries to create a win-win situation?"
The Empress looked grim and said in a deep voice, "Mother, what do you think we should do about this?"
The Empress Dowager, who was usually kind and gentle, had an expressionless face that carried an intimidating air of authority. Even the Empress did not dare to breathe loudly. The Empress Dowager sneered, "I am a good grandmother. It is only right that I care for my grandson. I should give him my blessings."
The Empress Dowager was laughing, but that laughter made the Empress's heart tighten. She absolutely could not believe that the Empress Dowager meant that. Whenever the Empress Dowager laughed like that, someone would die a terrible death!
☆、231, do you dare to kill me!
The Empress was shocked. As the Empress Dowager's niece, she had heard many rumors about the Empress Dowager when she was in the Lin family. The Empress Dowager was a woman of exceptional beauty and talent when she was young. Few people in the capital could rival her. However, there was one other woman, Princess Shuangxia, who was also the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent. Although it was rare for the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent to invite a royal princess to participate, it did happen. Some royal families were afraid of losing face and directly claimed that they did not want to use their power to suppress others. In fact, they only suppressed their thoughts of fighting after suffering great hardships.
The accident that year occurred with Princess Shuangxia. From birth, Princess Shuangxia was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, unmatched by anyone. Favored by the emperor and holding the status of the eldest son of the legitimate wife, she was arguably the most noble in the Great Zhou Dynasty. However, Princess Shuangxia had a good mother, and it could be said that the emperor at the time only treated the empress with respect, having the de facto relationship of husband and wife but no real affection. He also had no affection for Princess Shuangxia's elder brother. At that time, the emperor's favorite was a concubine. Emperor Mingxian's father was severely suppressed, but the empress did not fight for power. She was very strict in the education of Princess Shuangxia and her elder brother. Logically speaking, a princess would eventually marry, and as a noble princess, it was understandable that she could be a little arrogant. However, the empress did not think so.
Therefore, Princess Shuangxia was well-liked in the palace and had a very peaceful personality. Although she wasn't overly enthusiastic, she never caused trouble for anyone without reason. This was probably one of the reasons why the late emperor liked her. Princess Shuangxia was indeed very talented, which is why she participated in the beauty pageant and defeated several other countries to win first place. Second place went to the then-young Empress Dowager. Although she only came in second, the most noble princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty was above her, so the Empress Dowager's second place was well-deserved. This didn't make people think she was incompetent; on the contrary, it showed her talent. Because apart from Princess Shuangxia, the Empress Dowager didn't need to compete with anyone else; she was a woman of exceptional talent!
The Empress Dowager had an excellent reputation in her own family. She was gentle, kind, and exceptionally talented, and had always been a role model for the Lin family in educating future generations. The Empress was one of them. All she had heard about the Empress Dowager was stories of divine worship, so when she arrived at the palace, she was momentarily taken aback by the differences.
After marrying into the royal family, the Empress Dowager, unlike Princess Shuangxia's biological mother, was greatly favored and rose through the ranks in an astonishing fashion. She was first promoted from a concubine to a high-ranking consort, and then directly skipped the imperial concubine to become empress. This shows the extent of the emperor's favor towards her, to the point that he disregarded etiquette and had absolute power over her. However, the Empress Dowager did not become arrogant because of her favor. Instead, she remained as kind and amiable as ever. The Empress Dowager was not pregnant at the time, and Emperor Mingxian's mother had died in childbirth. The infant was still a baby and did not know who his biological mother was. The late emperor naturally entrusted the child to the Empress Dowager for upbringing. Although Emperor Mingxian now knew that the Empress Dowager was not his biological mother, she had always taken good care of him, and the bond between them had been established. Therefore, Emperor Mingxian still treated the Empress Dowager with the same filial piety as he would his own mother, and this has never changed.
From then on, the Empress Dowager enjoyed smooth sailing and was as kind and benevolent as rumored, a rare mother and grandmother of the nation.
But once the Empress entered the palace, she realized it was all a facade. She didn't know what had happened in the palace years ago, but the Empress Dowager's rise to the position was far more than just the late Emperor's favor. The Empress Dowager's methods were far more sophisticated, and she killed without shedding blood. Compared to the Empress Dowager's cunning, she felt as ridiculous as a child trying to move a giant tree. Outsiders called the Empress Dowager benevolent as a bodhisattva, but she knew perfectly well that this reputation was earned through cunning.
Since Emperor Mingxian ascended the throne, the Empress Dowager had become much more restrained, and the Empress even thought that the Empress Dowager no longer wanted to manage the court. She even made two mistakes because of this. However, when she suddenly noticed the Emperor becoming increasingly cold towards her, the Empress felt a chill run through her. She understood that if she wanted to rise peacefully from Empress to Empress Dowager, she absolutely could not be an enemy of the Empress Dowager, not even showing the slightest disrespect. Therefore, based on the Empress's understanding of the Empress Dowager, her actions were perfectly normal; it was just that some people were likely to meet a terrible end!
The Empress's eyes darted around, but she kept her head down. The Empress Dowager's sly smile had long since disappeared. She glanced down at the Empress and said, "Does the Empress think this matter is good or bad?"
The Empress was taken aback. The Empress Dowager wasn't one to listen to others' opinions, but since she was asked, she had to answer. The Empress thought for a moment and said, "The two kingdoms of Da Gan and Da Zhou have always been evenly matched in strength, and their borders are always across from each other, thus keeping each other in check. This is why the surrounding nomadic tribes constantly harass both countries. They know that the two kingdoms won't easily go to war, as that would not only be a waste of resources and manpower but could also result in mutual destruction, allowing other smaller countries to take advantage. Therefore, the nomadic tribes are rampant, but they have never crossed the bottom line of either kingdom, and the two kingdoms haven't intensified their efforts to suppress them. This is also a consensus in the Langya Continent. The two kingdoms are so powerful that unless one of them suddenly receives strong external support, they won't be foolish enough to start a war and let others benefit. Jiang Xuan's mission represents the Da Gan Dynasty. Although the First Prince Jiang Qi only says that this trip is for friendly exchanges, anyone who isn't stupid won't believe his words. They clearly have ulterior motives."
The Empress paused, then continued, "The Daqian royal family is just as chaotic as the Dazhou. The Daqian emperor is nearly fifty, and in his youth he was extremely amorous, often sleeping with multiple women in one night, which has drained his body. In the past two years, he has long been unable to perform sexually, and his temperament has become increasingly eccentric. Although Jiang Qi holds the position of the eldest son, if the Daqian emperor were to issue an imperial edict to pass the throne to another prince, his health would be of no use to him. Therefore, Jiang Qi is somewhat anxious. Jiang Xuan's provocation of Ouyang Yue upon entering Dazhou is very likely aimed at Baili Chen. According to the Daqian people's thinking..." It's not hard to understand. Baili Chen is currently favored by the Emperor and commands Ouyang Yue and his Xuanyuan Army. If Jiang Xuan marries Baili Chen, she will definitely help him seize the throne, giving him a 70-80% chance of helping Jiang Qi seize the throne in the future. It's a win-win situation. If Jiang Qi is determined to get the throne, then the rumors that Jiang Xuan is interested in Baili Chen and that she has been frequently visiting the Prince Chen's residence will have a reason. Jiang Xuan plans to use force. Even if Baili Chen disagrees, the reputation of a princess will be ruined. For the sake of safety and the interests of both countries, Baili Chen will have no choice but to agree to the marriage.
"Therefore, I think this is a bad thing. If they really succeed in doing this, then even if Cheng'er is the Crown Prince, it will be very difficult for him to compete for the throne in the future. So we cannot let this happen, and we must try our best to suppress it. However, I haven't figured out what to do yet, so I ask Your Majesty for guidance." After saying this, the Empress bowed respectfully.
"Oh?" The Empress Dowager smiled. "Then, Empress, what do you think we should do about this?"
The Empress thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I think the most important thing for us now is to destroy the relationship between Daqian and the Prince Chen's Mansion. Only in this way can we dispel their idea of joining forces. If we can make Jiang Xuan choose Cheng'er instead, then Cheng'er's seizure of the throne will be a sure thing."
"Is that what you think?" the Empress Dowager asked. The Empress, not understanding, nodded.
"After following me for so many years, all you've learned is this little bit of superficial knowledge. You're really stupid!" The Empress Dowager's face darkened, and she immediately rebuked her. The Empress's face showed surprise, and there was a hint of grievance in her eyes, but she didn't dare to argue back.
The Empress Dowager sneered, "To directly destroy their relationship is tantamount to admitting your mistake. Neither Jiang Qi nor Jiang Xuan has revealed that this trip is for a marriage alliance. Your impatience will only expose your and the Crown Prince's ambitions. Do you think the Emperor and the court officials won't see it? The Crown Prince is the Eastern Palace Prince, and he already has an advantage that no one can match. To do something so trivial now is simply shooting yourself in the foot. Do you think the Emperor isn't annoyed with you and the Crown Prince enough?"
The Empress's heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly said, "Mother, I was foolish. Please give me your guidance, and I will do as you say."
The Empress Dowager glanced at the Empress and sighed, "You still have much to learn. You shouldn't have sabotaged this matter. Instead, you should have spread the news more and more widely, so that everyone in the capital and even the Great Zhou Dynasty would know that Jiang Xuan came for Baili Chen. You could even say that Jiang Xuan fell in love with Baili Chen at first sight. And Baili Chen, it must be said, possesses a beauty that even women envy, which is strong evidence of that. By then, the whole world will know about this and have already bound them together."
The Empress was inwardly terrified. If the Empress Dowager hadn't been her own aunt, and if she hadn't known perfectly well that the Empress Dowager wouldn't want Baili Chen to become emperor, she would have thought the Empress Dowager was helping Baili Chen by suppressing the Crown Prince. She stammered for a long time before finally managing to say, "This...this..."
"Why do you think my idea is bad? Do you think this method is very beneficial to Baili Chen?" The Empress Dowager looked at the Empress's drastically changed expression and sneered. The Empress was very nervous but dared not say it out loud: "I just finished talking to you, and you've become confused again. I'm asking you, what is the biggest difference between the Emperor and the Emperor of the Great Gan Dynasty?"
The Empress thought for a moment and said, "His Majesty is not a womanizer. Even if he loves someone, he will not completely lose his reason. This is why Consort Sun is the most favored concubine in the harem, but she has always been steadily suppressed by the Lin family. His Majesty is more wise than the Emperor of the Great Gan Dynasty."
The Empress Dowager shook her head: "There's one more thing you didn't mention, which is that the Emperor is younger than the Emperor of the Great Gan Dynasty. The Emperor of the Great Gan Dynasty may not live for many more years, but the Emperor has plenty of time. Do you understand?"
The Empress was about to shake her head. Even if the Emperor lived a long time, what difference would it make? It wouldn't be good for the Crown Prince. But as soon as she gave him a questioning look, she saw the Empress Dowager's dark and disappointed expression, and a sudden idea flashed in her mind. She said, "I understand!"
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Tell me about it."
"Please enlighten me, Mother. This is my opinion: since ancient times, imperial power has been supreme. The emperor of a country possesses absolute authority, and anything that threatens this power will make them wary, including their own princes. In previous dynasties, there have been instances of princes becoming too powerful, even forcing their way to the throne. Although most emperors, protecting their reputation, wouldn't do such a thing, Baili Chen is notoriously difficult and troublesome among the princes. He never follows any rules; other princes might not, but that doesn't mean he can't. And he's so sickly, yet the emperor favors him..." He couldn't say for sure who would inherit the throne, but that was ultimately the Emperor's decision. If certain matters fell out of his control, the Emperor would likely harbor resentment and apprehension. And if Princess Jiang Xuan and Baili Chen were to have a romantic affair, even though Baili Chen appeared to have the upper hand, wouldn't the Emperor be wary of his growing influence? "Mother is so wise," the Empress Dowager said eloquently. "If we can make the Emperor develop feelings for Baili Chen, he'll be doomed without us even lifting a finger." The Emperor spoke eloquently, and only then did the Empress Dowager show a slight smile: "A promising young man indeed."
Upon hearing this, the Empress's face lit up with joy. The Empress Dowager rarely praised her, so she immediately said respectfully, "Mother, then I will send someone to make arrangements right away. I guarantee that within three days, the news of Baili Chen and Jiang Xuan will spread, and even if it's false, it will be made to seem true!"
"Yes, go ahead and do it." The Empress Dowager waved her hand, and the Empress withdrew, thinking to herself that this was indeed a vicious plan, using someone else to do the dirty work without leaving a trace of blood.
However, even after returning to Anle Palace, the Empress's expression remained unpleasant. The Empress Dowager was indeed formidable, and the Empress was no match for her. But the Empress Dowager was also old. Although the Empress held the imperial seal, she still needed to consult with the Empress Dowager at the Chengxiang Hall before taking any action, regardless of the matter's importance. She was like a puppet, her life as Empress less comfortable than that of Consort Sun. She was always burdened by a heavy hat, her mouth pressed shut, unable to move freely. She too harbored resentment.
If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, she, as the Empress Dowager, will then be the Grand Empress Dowager. Will she still have the right to boss her around as the Empress? It seems the Crown Prince's ambition to become emperor will have to come to an end.
However, the Empress still followed the Empress Dowager's instructions regarding the method she used to deal with Baili Chen, because she had to admit that she was no match for the Empress Dowager in this method. The scheme was carried out silently and without any flaws, and no one could even find out that she had come here. This was a truly invincible scheme.
Within two days, the news spread like wildfire throughout the capital: the seventh prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Prince Chen, Baili Chen, was to marry Princess Jiang Xuan, the eldest princess of the Da Gan Kingdom. The Da Gan envoy had come to the capital specifically to discuss the marriage alliance between the two countries. Princess Jiang Xuan was the eldest princess of the Da Gan Kingdom, and also the most beautiful woman in Da Gan, renowned for both her talent and beauty. She was not far inferior to Princess Mingyue, the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent. Everyone said that Baili Chen was truly blessed, as the two most desirable beauties in the world would marry him. There was probably no one else as fortunate as him.
Moreover, Princess Jiang Xuan is extremely bold. It's said that she not only fell in love with Prince Chen at first sight, but also actively visited his residence to foster their relationship and facilitate her marriage into the family. She even set aside her princess status to curry favor with the principal wife, Ouyang Yue. Some suspect that if Ouyang Yue gives birth to a daughter, her position as the principal wife might be in jeopardy; if she gives birth to a son, the two beauties will likely engage in constant rivalry. Otherwise, why would Princess Jiang Xuan provoke the Princess Chen at the welcoming banquet and lose the contest so humiliatingly? The Princess Chen was indeed a cut above the rest, and this incident has created animosity between the two. It seems the Prince Chen residence is about to become quite lively.
Of course, as the word spread among the people, it wasn't all just hearsay and following the crowd; some of the more astute individuals figured it out.
It's not unusual for two countries to arrange a marriage alliance, but the choice of the bride is quite strange. If it's for the sake of peace between the two countries, shouldn't the proper choice be Crown Prince Baili Cheng? One is the eldest prince of Da Gan, one of the most likely candidates to become the emperor of Da Gan in the future, and the other is the crown prince of Da Zhou, the most likely candidate to become the emperor of Da Zhou. Such a combination would be logical, wouldn't it? If Jiang Xuan chooses Baili Chen, then there is a huge difference in interests. With such support from Baili Chen, isn't there a reason why Ying Xin might be able to oust the crown prince and ascend the throne?
Since ancient times, the supreme status has driven people of the world crazy. Even if Baili Chen has no ambition, he will definitely change his mind now that everything is ready. If this marriage is successful, the Crown Prince's support will be greatly reduced, and he may even be caught in the vortex of the struggle and die a miserable death!
Some people who are more easygoing have a feeling that the capital city is about to descend into chaos!
When Jiang Xuan heard the news about Ning Shi, she intended to visit her the next day. However, Jiang Qi stopped her. She first went to the Prince Chen's residence and then to the General's residence, which raised suspicions about her motives. If she went to Ning Shi's residence as well, she might be used by someone with ulterior motives. Even if she wanted to see Ning Shi, she couldn't do it openly. She had to find a way to do it discreetly. So, Jiang Qi sent someone to make contact, hoping to meet her secretly and find out the truth.
However, after waiting for two days, Jiang Xuan still hadn't been able to see Ning Shi when rumors started circulating in the capital, which made her restless.
Jiang Xuan's trip was definitely not for a political marriage. She wanted to find the jade pendant to give her father and mother the right to speak and choose her own husband. Jiang Xuan had grown up peacefully in the palace, becoming the most beautiful woman there. She knew that the palace was full of intrigues and power struggles. She knew that if she came to the Great Zhou for a political marriage, no matter how high her birth or how much she represented the Great Qian, she would essentially be a hostage in the Great Zhou Dynasty, used to keep the Great Qian in check. And if the two countries were to go to war, she, as the Grand Duchess, would not play any political role.
But if she stayed in the Great Gan Dynasty, things would be different. Even without a young, talented man second only to the emperor, she could enjoy a life of superiority for the rest of her life simply by lowering her status slightly. Even if that man were her husband, it wouldn't matter. She wouldn't be like other women in the world, because she would be a princess of Great Gan, her husband a subject, and her life a thousand times better than many men. Compared to the uncontrollable married life in the Great Zhou Dynasty, the wise people of the Clam Kingdom would choose to marry a talented man from Great Gan.
Jiang Xuan and Jiang Qi came to find the jade pendant and had to get close to Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue. Now, such unfounded rumors are circulating, which is infuriating! As the rumors spread, the falsehoods became the truth. Even if she didn't agree in the end, she was still invisibly tied to Baili Chen, and her reputation was ruined. Jiang Xuan was so angry that she smashed several things in the room, but she still couldn't calm down.
Jiang Qi finished his business and came out with a dark face. Seeing the state of Jiang Xuan's room, he knew that Jiang Xuan had also heard about it: "This is really bad, how hateful!"
Jiang Xuan suddenly said with a cold face, "Damn Baili Chen, he must have done this, you disgusting man!"
Jiang Qi said with a stern face, "That's right, it's highly likely that Baili Chen did it. He acts as if he's cold as ice, treating Ouyang Yue like his own heart, but which prince born into the royal family would fall in love easily, or even have true love? He's just putting on an act for outsiders. These past few days, because of the jade pendant, you've had to go in and out of Prince Chen's residence. Although he hasn't said anything to you, that's a favorable condition. If he takes the opportunity to spread some rumors, even if he doesn't do anything, you'll be in the same boat. If the reputation of the princess of the Great Gan Kingdom is ruined, it will not only ruin your innocence, but also damage the face of the Great Gan Kingdom. He really has no fear of losing a single soldier, yet he's forced you to marry him. What a clever scheme."
"Brother, I won't marry him! I'd rather die than marry him. You know, I'm staying in Da Gan. Over the years, I've been keeping an eye on the major noble and high-ranking families of Da Gan, and I've already identified five top candidates. After this matter is settled and I return home, I'll tell Father and Mother that I want to choose a husband from among them." As she spoke, Jiang Xuan stared at Jiang Qi and said, "Brother, although marrying Baili Chen would be a win-win situation, he's still from another country. Father and several princes are watching. While this would be helpful to you, he's not part of Da Gan's military force. If the princes take the opportunity to instigate or sow discord, Father might mistakenly believe..." "Your Majesty's intention to cultivate relationships with powerful foreign officials may not be beneficial to the Empress, and could even cause Father to become wary of you. Moreover, we both know Father's true intentions this time. If we fail to accomplish our mission in Great Zhou and instead create more trouble, wouldn't that be disrespectful to Father's instructions? If we further sow discord, Your Majesty's situation will become even more precarious. No matter how much Baili Chen desires to leverage the power of Great Gan, it is not advisable for Your Majesty to marry into Great Zhou. Furthermore, among the five men Your Majesty has chosen, there is the eldest son of the First General of Great Gan. Your Majesty will still have substantial military protection. Compared to Great Zhou, which is too far away to be of immediate help, this arrangement is actually more advantageous for Your Majesty in the competition."
Jiang Qi looked at Jiang Xuan. Although he knew that this was Jiang Xuan's excuse to persuade him to give up the idea, Jiang Qi also understood that every word Jiang Xuan said made sense. Even if he really wanted to entice Baili Chen, there was no need to rush, nor was it necessary to sacrifice Jiang Xuan. Da Gan also had many princesses and noblewomen. Using Jiang Xuan to restrain the important officials of Da Gan was indeed more advantageous than using her to control the more distant Da Zhou. Jiang Qi naturally suppressed his restless heart and patted Jiang Xuan's shoulder lightly: "What Your Majesty says is very true. Your Majesty thinks the same way. However, this Baili Chen is really despicable. He wants to ruin Your Majesty's reputation in order to force her. It seems that I, the prince, must go to the palace to have a word with him."