"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Empress's face was cold and grim, a hint of malice rising in her heart. Ever since the Crown Prince's death, she had been suppressing her hatred. She had initially considered winning over one of the princes, ultimately choosing Baili Mao. However, this prince, who had previously been timid and submissive in the palace, was now gradually becoming more assertive. He didn't object to the Sun and Lin families extending olive branches to him simultaneously, but given the years of rivalry between the Lin and Sun families, how could they possibly be treated fairly? The Empress wasn't entirely at ease with the unresolved conflicts. Furthermore, the Empress constantly thought of avenging the Crown Prince, but had been struggling to find an opportunity. Wasn't Ouyang Yue's entry into the palace just that opportunity?
Since Jiang Xuan wants to marry Baili Chen, it's only right that she lends a hand. The Empress's eyes were deep and her lips curled into a cold, alluring smile.
That same day, Baili Su was brought into the palace. Liu, who had been staying at the Prince Chen's residence, also returned to the General's residence with Ouyang Tong. Ouyang Yue and Baili Su naturally stayed at Baili Chen's original Chenyu Palace. On the afternoon of the day Baili Su was brought in, Emperor Mingxian took the time to meet with Baili Su for half an hour.
Today, Baili Su was wearing a red jacket, which made his already delicate face look even more fair and rosy. His big eyes were at least one or two sizes bigger than those of ordinary children, and when they turned around, they were very clever and cute.
Emperor Mingxian couldn't help but smile: "Su'er, come to your grandfather."
Baili Su stretched out his chubby little hand, put his finger next to the corner of his mouth, and tilted his head slightly to look at Emperor Mingxian with curiosity. Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Su'er, your imperial grandfather is calling you. Go over quickly."
Baili Su's eyes darted around, and he grinned sheepishly as Ouyang Yue led him to Emperor Mingxian's side. She then handed him to Fu Shun, who cradled him and presented him to the emperor. Emperor Mingxian cradled Baili Su's little bottom in his large hand, smiling as he looked at him. Ouyang Yue stared intently at Emperor Mingxian. Seeing that his expression was normal, unlike the strange look she had seen in Baili Su's eyes the first time, she breathed a slight sigh of relief. It seemed that Emperor Mingxian's initial reaction was indeed due to Su'er resembling Empress Bai; as long as he wasn't mentally disturbed, that was fine.
"Giggle giggle," Baili Su laughed first after being hugged, and suddenly reached out his chubby little hand to pull down Emperor Mingxian's beard.
"Su'er!" Ouyang Yue called out, her lips twitching. Her Su'er was no ordinary child; he was a vengeful little fellow, and this was probably up to no good again.
"Oh dear, young master, this is unacceptable! Let go of him quickly!" Fu Shun was also stunned, and then hurriedly tried to pick up Baili Su and pry his hands off.
Emperor Mingxian hissed in pain as his beard was plucked, and a dark glint appeared in his eyes. However, when he saw Baili Su's innocent and adorable face, he paused for a moment, then waved to Fu Shun. Fu Shun's face stiffened, but he dared not say anything more.
Emperor Mingxian, on the contrary, became interested: "Su'er, why do you seem to have a grudge against your grandfather's beard? You just like to pluck your grandfather's beard."
"Hehehe." Baili Su was just a child and didn't understand any of this. He only knew that he should pluck his goatee as much as he could and make it all messy. Hehehe.
Emperor Mingxian's face twitched. His beard had been ripped off by Baili Su time and time again, and it really hurt. While Emperor Mingxian's face was twitching, Ouyang Yue quickly hugged Baili Su and said with a somewhat embarrassed smile, "Father, please calm down. Su'er is still young. He likes Father, that's why he is close to you."
Emperor Mingxian stroked his beard: "So that's how it is. You're really clever and quick-witted."
Ouyang Yue's lips twitched strangely twice. Could this Emperor Mingxian have masochistic tendencies? He was being pulled on the beard and he was still praising people. Baili Su's eyes rolled around, and he thought to himself, "This old man doesn't seem as bad as I thought."
Emperor Mingxian then had to attend to official business, so he sent Ouyang Yue away again. From that day on, Ouyang Yue had to go to the Imperial Study with Baili Su every day, waiting for at least a quarter of an hour before coming out, but usually no more than half an hour. Every time she came out, her eyes were red, and she would cover her face and cry all the way back to Chenyu Palace, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice. Afterwards, a rumor began to circulate in the palace that Princess Jiang Xuan was going to marry Prince Chen, and the Prince's wife was trying her best to stop it, going to the Emperor every day to plead for her to refuse. But the Emperor was not so easily persuaded, and the Prince's wife always returned empty-handed.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan sneered, "Hmph! She's just a jealous woman. The most important thing for a woman is to produce offspring for her husband's family. How dare she hinder the continuation of her husband's lineage! Such a jealous woman is a disaster for Prince Chen!"
Jiang Xuan's words soon spread, and the drama of two women vying for a husband intensified. Ouyang Yue's reputation as a jealous woman spread far and wide. However, compared to her bad reputation, Jiang Xuan's act of forcing others to marry Prince Chen as a concubine also attracted a lot of gossip.
On the fifth day of Ouyang Yue's stay in the palace, she went to pay her respects to Emperor Mingxian as usual, and also asked him to reconsider his idea and not let Jiang Xuan enter the Prince Chen's residence. Emperor Mingxian usually met with her politely, but today, for some reason, the Princess Chen said something, and a loud shout suddenly came from the imperial study: "You jealous woman, I shouldn't have given you this marriage in the first place! Get out of here! Get out!"
"Waaah, please, Father, retract your order, or your daughter-in-law will kneel here forever."
"Get out of here! I don't want to see you!"
"Wow!" The conversation between the two in the imperial study seemed to be escalating into an argument. Baili Su was probably frightened and burst into tears.
"Su'er, waaaah, your mother is useless, your mother is useless..." Ouyang Yue's cries were truly pitiful and heart-wrenching. Emperor Mingxian was annoyed to no end: "Get out! Princess Jiang Xuan will not marry into the Chen Prince's mansion, get out now!"
"..." Suddenly, the door to the Imperial Study was opened, and Ouyang Yue rushed out carrying Baili Su as if fleeing. Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Mingxian was still furious, glaring at the door. The guards, eunuchs, and palace maids standing outside stared wide-eyed. The Princess Consort of Chen was incredibly bold, actually angering the Emperor and not even afraid of being beheaded. She was truly willing to risk her life to prevent the new concubine from entering the palace. If the Princess Consort of Chen wasn't a jealous woman, she would be doing herself a disservice.
That very day, Emperor Mingxian issued an imperial decree, bestowing a marriage upon Princess Jiang Xuan of the Great Gan family, Sun Quan, the second son of the eldest branch of the Sun family, one of the five great aristocratic families of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and currently serving as the deputy commander of the palace. Furthermore, Geng Quan was promoted by Emperor Mingxian to the rank of commander-in-chief for marrying Princess Jiang Xuan, thus gaining both fame and fortune. This somewhat lessened the Sun family's resentment at having to marry a fallen princess. After all, what aristocratic son didn't have multiple wives and concubines? If Sun Quan was truly unhappy, he could simply take a couple more concubines. Besides, the Sun family was already on the verge of decline due to the deaths of Baili Jian and Consort Sun. Now, if they married Princess Jiang Xuan, they would naturally have the support of the Great Gan family, giving them a chance to compete. Driven by self-interest, who cared what kind of person Princess Jiang Xuan was? As long as she was a princess, that was enough.
When Jiang Xuan heard the news, she smashed the room and shouted angrily, "What! They actually betrothed me to Sun Quan? What kind of person is he? Does he deserve me? At the very least, I should be married to a prince. This is simply outrageous!"
Jiang Qi was also very resentful about this. When they first entered the palace, they had begged Baili Chen and were determined to be his successor. What did Emperor Mingxian mean by suddenly issuing an imperial edict? Did he completely disregard the wishes of Da Gan? Jiang Qi and Jiang Xuan stormed into the palace and went straight to the imperial study. They had just been invited in by Fu Shun, and before they could even speak, Emperor Mingxian sighed, "Prince and Princess of Da Gan, this was my oversight. I misspoke in my haste. However, the person I chose is an exceptional talent. Now that he is the commander of the palace, his future is limitless."
Jiang Qihan said with a cold face, "Your Majesty, my sister clearly designated Prince Chen. How could a princess of Da Gan marry such a lowly person? Does Your Majesty also break your promise, or do you think Da Gan is so easy to bully that you dare to humiliate Da Gan like this? If so, let this matter rest. When I return, I will definitely explain to my father the hospitality of Da Gan."
Emperor Mingxian's eyes darkened as he said, "I was indeed somewhat negligent in this matter. I was annoyed by the crying and spoke carelessly. But my word is as good as gold and cannot be taken back. If Princess Jiang Xuan is preparing to choose a husband for the Great Zhou, Sun Quan is the best candidate. If Princess Jiang Xuan has no such intention, then I will not force her. Also, since I did not agree to it in the first place, it cannot be considered that I broke my promise. Prince Da Gan, you must be careful with your words."
"You! This is outrageous! How could I, a princess, marry that Sun Quan? What kind of person is he? I am to marry Prince Chen. As the saying goes, princes are subject to the same laws as commoners. The Emperor of Great Zhou has made a mistake, and naturally, a solution must be found. I will never marry again in this life. Does the Emperor of Great Zhou intend to disrupt the peace between our two nations and become a sinner for all time by showing such disrespect to the envoy from Da Gan?" Jiang Xuan said coldly, her pretty face composed, her chin slightly raised. Her trump card was Da Gan.
Emperor Mingxian slammed his hand on the imperial desk with a loud 'bang': "How dare you! I am the emperor, and my words are as good as water spilled on the ground. They cannot be changed. Princess Daqian is indeed arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable. If you disdain to marry her, the Great Zhou Dynasty cannot afford to support such a great Buddha as you. Return to Daqian immediately!"
Emperor Mingxian's aura was extraordinary. As the ruler of a country for many years, he was naturally imposing even without anger. Now, with a fierce glare, Jiang Xuan was so frightened that she almost fell over. She was also surprised and puzzled by Emperor Mingxian's toughness. Previously, Emperor Mingxian had been quite polite to her for the sake of the two countries' relations. Now, he was completely disregarding the peace agreement between the two countries. Had he gone mad?
Jiang Qi noticed that Emperor Mingxian's eyes were filled with a strong killing intent as he looked at Jiang Xuan, and he was also looking at him in a seemingly casual way. Jiang Qi's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Thank you, Emperor of Great Zhou, for bestowing the marriage. My sister has accepted it."
Jiang Xuan's eyes widened in shock and anger. "Brother, what are you saying!"
Jiang Qi completely ignored Jiang Xuan. They were now in the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Although they were members of the Great Zhou royal family, if they were to disrespect the Emperor of Great Zhou, he would be dreaming if he thought he could leave peacefully. Continuing to provoke them would do no good: "Shut up!"
Jiang Xuan trembled with anger, while Emperor Mingxian's expression softened somewhat. He looked at Jiang Qi with admiration: "The Great Prince is indeed wise and extraordinary. Rest assured, even if this matter was my oversight, I will still send generous gifts when Princess Jiang Xuan marries, and she will be free to enter and leave the palace afterward." The Great Zhou palace being opened to a foreign princess was already a tremendous honor, and Jiang Qi's face lit up with joy upon hearing this.
Jiang Xuan couldn't accept it, but Jiang Qi knew her very well. He quickly said goodbye and pulled Jiang Xuan out of the imperial study. Jiang Xuan shouted "Ah!" in anger and was about to yell at Jiang Qi when she saw a beautiful woman in white standing not far away, smiling at her. The victorious smile on her face was so dazzling that her eyes turned red and stung. Who else could it be but Ouyang Yue!
Jiang Xuan was so angry that she felt dizzy and screamed as she rushed towards Ouyang Yue: "It's all your fault, you bitch, you deserve to die!"
"Slap!" Jiang Qi suddenly frowned, raised his hand and slapped Jiang Xuan, knocking her to the ground. With the force of the slap, she even rolled over on the ground. Jiang Xuan was even more ashamed and angry. She looked at Jiang Qi in shock and burst into tears.
☆、263、Frustrated, caring for the sick!
Jiang Qi felt a headache coming on as he watched Jiang Xuan weeping. He was also quite frustrated. Jiang Qi and Jiang Xuan were siblings from the same mother and had a good relationship in the past. Unfortunately, being born a prince of the Great Gan Dynasty meant that their kinship was inevitably mixed with other things. Of course, Jiang Qi was happy to see Jiang Xuan marry into the Chen Prince's mansion. Whether it was Jiang Xuan's wish or his own, it was the best idea. However, this was on the premise that the plan was feasible. If he knew it was impossible and would offend Emperor Mingxian, Jiang Qi could not agree to it.
However, seeing Jiang Xuan crying in distress, he felt bad too. Looking at Ouyang Yue who was slowly walking over, Jiang Qi's face darkened, and his eyes were like those of a hawk, staring coldly at Ouyang Yue, but the latter did not care.
Today, Ouyang Yue wore a white floral dress. Standing tall, she resembled a pure white lotus flower, her graceful figure swaying in the wind as she walked, exuding an extraordinary air. Ouyang Yue didn't wear any particularly expensive jewelry, but her radiant smile added even more beauty to her already lovely face.
Compared to those delicate women who are fifty-six years old and have not yet become nuns, she also possesses a mature charm as a married woman. If the original Ouyang Yue was the most beautiful woman, then now that she is married, coupled with this charm that young girls cannot learn, she truly deserves to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Even the stunningly beautiful Jiang Xuan pales in comparison.
However, Jiang Qi had no interest in admiring the beauty at this moment. He merely squinted, constantly sending cold daggers at Ouyang Yue with his eyes. Ouyang Yue smiled gently, looking at Jiang Xuan sitting on the ground, weeping bitterly. Even with her eyes blurred by tears, there was still a deep hatred in them, which only made Ouyang Yue's smile deepen: "Princess Jiang Xuan, why are you so angry? Who is so blind as to offend Princess Jiang Xuan? They are truly audacious!" As Ouyang Yue spoke, she even let out a sigh, her expression carrying a hint of righteous indignation, which made Jiang Qi and Jiang Xuan's faces turn even more ashen.
Who is it, so far away yet so close at hand? It's none other than you!
You little slut who got the benefit and is still acting innocent! If you hadn't been running to the Imperial Study every day these past few days, crying and refusing, Emperor Mingxian might not have had a moment of madness and rejected her proposal, and just randomly assigned Sun Quan instead. What are you pretending for now?
Jiang Xuan was filled with resentment and remained silent for a long time. Ouyang Yue was truly hateful. She had achieved her goal, yet she was still putting on an act in front of her. It seemed like she was being unfair to her, but in Jiang Xuan's eyes, it was clearly mocking her for trying to steal a chicken and losing the rice instead. Her face turned pale and then red, her teeth clenched, and her beautiful cheeks puffed out, as if she could devour Ouyang Yue alive if she said another word.
Jiang Qi snorted coldly: "Princess Consort Chen knows the truth of the matter, so why gloat here? You should know that people like this often die the most tragically in the end." Jiang Qi lowered his voice slightly, his tone carrying a chilling coldness.
Ouyang Yue raised her head slightly and looked at Jiang Qi with a smile: "I don't understand what the Crown Prince means. I only know one thing: people should not do anything wrong, nor should they be of a despicable nature. Heaven is watching what people do, and evil will never prevail over good."
Jiang Qi sneered: "Evil will not prevail over good? Does Princess Consort Chen think you are such a kind person that you would drug your younger sister with aphrodisiacs and cause this to happen today? Even if we have no evidence, this feud has been formed. Xuan Yuan Yue, you wait for your revenge."
"Oh? So Princess Jiang Xuan enjoys using drugs when she's having an affair? Hehehe, that's quite a tale. Most noble ladies wouldn't stoop to such things. Princess Jiang Xuan is indeed a princess; her ideas are so ahead of their time. I admire you." Ouyang Yue's eyes curved into crescents, her smile as adorable as two crescent moons. However, her words infuriated Jiang Xuan, making her so angry that she almost fainted.
"Xuanyuan Yue, you bitch, how dare you humiliate me like this!"
"Xuanyuan Yue, how dare you be so rude!"
Jiang Xuan and Jiang Qi shouted angrily at the same time, but Ouyang Yue suddenly twisted her body and staggered back several steps. Her face was deathly pale, and she covered her mouth in surprise with a handkerchief in her hand. Her shoulders trembled, and she looked as if she had suffered some inhuman treatment: "Your Highness, Princess, this matter is not something I, the Princess Consort, can decide. You are not satisfied with Princess Jiang Xuan's choice of husband, but you cannot blame me! I am completely innocent! Don't come any closer! Don't hit me..."
"You!" Jiang Qi's face turned green with anger. He finally understood what it meant to be the one to accuse others first. This Ouyang Yue had been causing trouble for days, repeatedly disrupting their original plans, and now she was even pretending to be so weak and frail. This woman was not only cunning but also such a good actress. How hateful!
Jiang Qi noticed that the Imperial Study was a very important place. They were very close to the Imperial Study, and there were quite a few soldiers guarding the area. Each of them was serious and had a cold expression as if they were ready to take down their enemies at any moment.
"Ah, don't hit me! I am the Princess Consort of Chen! You are all so rude! How outrageous!" Jiang Qi's speechless pointing finger caused Ouyang Yue to scream again. This scream finally made the guards move. Five or six of them rushed over. Two of them protected Ouyang Yue, while the other three stood not far from Jiang Qi and Jiang Xuan with long spears in their hands. It seemed as if they were about to stab them if they went any further.
"Hello, Xuanyuan Yue! You're doing very well! There's plenty of time in the future." Jiang Qi's lips were pursed so tightly they were distorted, as if the words were being forced out from between his teeth. His face was so gloomy it seemed like ink could drip from it, dark and seeping. His two fists were clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging, and he was trembling so much he almost threw a punch.
Jiang Xuan was already so angry that she couldn't catch her breath. She clutched her chest tightly, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her white teeth bit her red lips as if they were Ouyang Yue's neck, and she was so terrified that she wanted to bite them off. In just a moment, her lips turned a little red. Her breathing was heavy, her nose twitched constantly, and each breath she exhaled seemed to expel a lot of candle smoke. Her face was completely distorted.
Ouyang Yue took a step back, seemingly frightened by their ferocious expressions. The guards' faces darkened even further. These two from Da Gan were far too arrogant. They dared to act like this in front of the Imperial Study; what would happen if they went outside? And they were members of the Da Gan royal family! Compared to the princes and princesses of Da Zhou, they were no match. No wonder a princess would stoop so low as to engage in illicit relations. Their character alone showed they were no good. They even dared to lay a finger on Prince Chen? They weren't even worthy of being his concubine!
"Your Highness and Princess, this is the Imperial Study of the Great Zhou Dynasty. No loud noises or physical altercations are permitted here. Otherwise, you will be arrested as an outsider. Please forgive us to avoid any misunderstandings." That's what he said, but he was holding a long spear, its cold, gleaming tip pointed at someone else—clearly a threat.
Jiang Qi had never suffered such humiliation. Unfortunately, these people were standing far away when they spoke, and he hadn't heard what they said at all. Instead, seeing Ouyang Yue's pretense, it seemed as if they were the ones who had done it. Even if they went to Emperor Mingxian to complain, they would only lose face in the end. Jiang Qi closed his eyes, took two deep breaths to calm himself, and then opened his eyes. However, the chilling aura in his eyes made the guards even more nervous. Jiang Qi suddenly laughed: "Princess Consort Chen, you are truly a fine woman. This prince admires you. If we hadn't met so late, this prince would definitely have married you as my princess consort."
Ouyang Yue sneered: "Your Highness is joking. What virtue or ability do I possess? Even if it were earlier, Your Highness would have met someone better. I have never thought of marrying anyone other than Your Highness."
Jiang Qi narrowed his eyes: "Is that so? Some things are hard to say. Maybe in the future..." Jiang Qi glanced meaningfully at Ouyang Yue, then turned and pulled Jiang Xuan, saying, "Royal sister, go back first. There's plenty of time in the future."
Jiang Xuan gave Ouyang Yue a cold smile, her lips moved slightly, and Ouyang Yue saw clearly that she was saying, "You will pay the price, I will never let you go!"
Ouyang Yue shook her head and sighed, "The Crown Prince and Princess Jiang Xuan are really angry. Why are they talking nonsense? Sigh..."
Jiang Qi didn't get away with this. Suddenly he said he admired her. Wasn't he just trying to make people suspect that there was something between the two of them? Was he trying to ruin her reputation? Unfortunately, these guards weren't stupid. Just now, the three of them were at each other's throats. How could there be any admiration? Listening to Ouyang Yue's words, one of them was still a little angry: "Do you really think this place is a big battle, and you can let them do whatever they want? You really don't know what you're talking about."
Soldiers have always been very patriotic, and they already disliked those who worked hard, but now they loathe them even more.
Ouyang Yue's lips curled slightly, but out of the corner of her eye she noticed a silver shadow flash behind a large tree not far from the courtyard of the Imperial Study, and her eyes flickered slightly.
She had no intention of coming here at this time and provoking Jiang Xuan, who was now acting like a mad dog. She didn't want to be bitten by the dog and just wanted to watch the show. However, when she saw Sun Quan standing not far away, she changed her mind.
Jiang Xuan was dissatisfied with Emperor Mingxian's change of betrothal and caused a scene in the imperial study, feeling that she, as a princess, had been forced into a marriage of lower status. Unfortunately, she was probably not the only one unwilling to accept this. Sun Quan, after all, was a pampered prince, forced to marry a woman who had lost her virginity for the sake of his family. Even if she was a princess, Sun Quan's pride would surely lead to resentment. Seeing Jiang Xuan's behavior now, how could Sun Quan not harbor resentment? If these two people, who couldn't stand each other, got married, who knew what kind of drama would unfold? So how could she not add fuel to the fire and ignite their conflict? Ouyang Yue secretly looked forward to their married life.
Jiang Xuan was so angry with Ouyang Yue that she collapsed onto the bed as soon as she returned to the inn, grumbling and moaning incessantly. Jiang Qi sat to the side, his face ashen, and remained silent for a long time.
Jiang Xuan then began to wipe away her tears: "That damned Xuan Yuan Yue, I will make you wish you were dead! Waaah, I, a princess of the Great Gan Dynasty, have to marry into such a lowly family, and into such an unknown person! Heaven! You've wronged me!"
Jiang Qi glanced at Jiang Xuan, who was sobbing uncontrollably, and sighed inwardly. He knew these words were meant for him: "Royal sister, I have already sent a messenger to Daqian to report what happened before. Father and Mother's reply will be sent back soon. If they agree, no one can stop this marriage." Even if Jiang Qi disagreed, the emperors of both countries had the final say, and no matter what they did, they couldn't change the outcome.
Jiang Xuan's face stiffened, and Jiang Qi advised, "Royal sister, the matter at the post station has had a huge impact. Judging from Emperor Mingxian's intentions, there is no possibility of her becoming a principal wife. You have to accept reality. Although Sun Quan is only a commander, he comes from the Sun family, which is one of the five great families of the Great Zhou. Moreover, he is a military man with a good reputation in the Great Zhou. Consort Sun and Consort Sun in the palace are both favored concubines. You can imagine the foundation of the Sun family over the years. My brother Sun Quan has also sent people to inquire about him. He is very skilled in martial arts and is promising at a young age. Although his reputation has not been prominent in recent years, it is because he has focused his energy on improving his martial arts. The Great Zhou does have some three talented scholars, but look at Leng Caiwen, who has a reputation for being a womanizer. He is far inferior to Sun Quan."
Jiang Xuan snorted, but her expression softened somewhat. Jiang Qi continued, "Your Highness is a princess, don't you understand? Although the position of the Palace Commander isn't high, the real power is immense. Many masters in the palace try to win them over. If the Sun family is meritorious in protecting their master and becomes a key minister of the new emperor, then Sun Quan will undoubtedly be the number one contributor. He'll gain both fame and fortune in no time, and he'll certainly become a first-rank official. Even princes wouldn't dare to offend him easily. He's the kind of person who can play the long game. Since things have come to this, why don't you think positively, Your Highness?"
Jiang Xuan slowly sat up, thinking about Jiang Qi's words, and gradually fell silent.
“Royal sister, your brother knows you’ve suffered this time, but we won’t let this loss go to waste. After all, Emperor Mingxian gave you a promise to enter the palace at will, which might bring us unexpected help,” Jiang Qi said, squinting his eyes.
Jiang Xuan's face was grim, her expression still cold and sullen, but the previous madness was gone: "Brother, it seems that it will not be easy to get Ouyang Yue to spit out this jade pendant. If necessary, we will have to use more methods."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Qi knew that Jiang Xuan couldn't let go of this matter, and that he also had the same idea. He nodded slightly and said, "However, we should not act rashly before we are absolutely certain. This time is a lesson."
Jiang Xuan took a deep breath and said, "Royal brother, I understand, and I certainly won't act recklessly." However, her eyes were filled with darkness. If she couldn't kill Ouyang Yue immediately, she would only make her revenge more intense. If her father and mother agreed to Emperor Mingxian's choice, she would definitely marry Sun Quan. Emperor Mingxian certainly knew how to choose people. The Sun family and Ouyang Yue were also enemies. She was weak and alone in the Great Zhou, but she could use the Sun family to take revenge. Ouyang Yue, you just wait and see!
The next day, when Emperor Mingxian went to Chengxiang Hall to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager, the Empress and several other concubines were also there. Emperor Mingxian looked at the Empress Dowager and asked with some doubt, "Why does Mother's face look pale? Is something wrong? Have you seen the imperial physician?"
The Empress Dowager shook her head and said, "It's nothing serious. People get uncomfortable all the time when they get old. You are busy with state affairs, and my matters are trivial."
"Your Majesty, no matter how busy I am, I cannot neglect your health," Emperor Mingxian said with concern.
The Empress, seated below, glanced at him and then said after a moment of silence, "Your Majesty and Mother Empress are anxious because they heard about the Princess Consort of Chen's outburst in the Imperial Study."
Emperor Mingxian's eyes flashed, and he pulled the Empress Dowager aside and said with a smile, "It's really too much trouble for you, Mother, to worry about such a young person. Don't worry, Mother, I will send someone to teach her a lesson. It's such a small matter that you've troubled me so much."
"What are you saying? Yue'er has her own difficulties, how can you blame her?" The Empress Dowager sighed. "But the Emperor is the ruler of the country, and the Imperial Study is a crucial place for state affairs. How can she be so ignorant of etiquette, going there every day to cry and whine? This is not the behavior of a princess." The Empress Dowager shook her head, her eyes showing some disapproval.
The Empress sighed, "Mother, it seems that Princess Chen is not only misbehaving, but also incredibly audacious. How can a woman like her be involved in matters concerning the peace between our two countries? She is treating politics like a game. This woman even dares to try to participate in court affairs, which is a huge overstepping of her bounds. If this were anyone else, a beating would be the least she could do."
It was just a marriage, yet it involved the peace between the two countries and the politics of the Great Zhou Dynasty. The Empress clearly had some ill intentions. However, given Jiang Xuan's status, it wouldn't be accurate to say that she was wrong.
"Oh, so according to the Empress, the Princess Consort of Chen should be severely punished." Emperor Mingxian turned to look at the Empress and said, his expression unreadable.
The Empress paused, then said softly, "Your Majesty, I am also concerned about Princess Chen. This matter is of great importance. How can it be decided by a mere woman? Throughout history, how many countries have been ruined by women? Her behavior has gone too far. If she is not taught a lesson, it will be difficult to win over the people. Besides, Jiang Xuan is, after all, a princess. If she is forced to marry Sun Quan, she may be dissatisfied and run back to Daqian in anger, which could lead to war between the two countries. That would be a great loss."
Emperor Mingxian raised an eyebrow and said, "So, according to the Empress, you mean to go along with Jiang Xuan's wishes and let her marry the Seventh Prince as a concubine?"
The Empress glanced at Emperor Mingxian with her eyes, and seeing that he did not show the slightest displeasure, she slowly said, "This is not necessarily a bad thing. Princess Jiangxuan has lowered her status to become a concubine. This status as a princess of the Great Gan Kingdom can only benefit the Seventh Prince and not harm him. It is worth considering."
Emperor Mingxian, holding a teacup, suddenly slammed it down on the table. The Empress Dowager, who was standing beside him, was startled by his sudden outburst and trembled. Emperor Mingxian's face darkened, and he looked at the startled Empress, coldly saying, "Does the Empress mean to criticize my mistakes?"
"Your Majesty, I didn't mean that..." The Empress was startled and quickly apologized.