“Is the Little Imperial Grandson truly alright now?”
Jiang Yunxu sighed softly: “The Little Imperial Grandson has a congenital heart condition and needs quiet recuperation for two years.”
She then listed out all the matters the Little Imperial Grandson needed to pay attention to, one by one—food, drink, and daily necessities, none could be overlooked.
Empress Mu dared not be careless and listened very attentively.
“Since His Majesty has punished you for three days, you shall remain in Fengqi Gong for these three days.” Empress Mu’s attitude toward Jiang Yunxu was quite favorable; she had saved the Little Imperial Grandson and secured a crown prince position, posing no threat to herself.
Such a pawn was still quite satisfactory for Empress Mu to use for the time being.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Soon, three days later
Jiang Yunxu emerged from Fengqi Gong early in the morning, but before she had taken more than a few steps, she was summoned by someone from Consort Yun’s side.
She reached out and touched her cheek—Consort Yun’s slap had been no light matter.
“Wangfei, His Highness is also present,” the palace maid reminded her.
Thus, Jiang Yunxu hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to Consort Yun’s palace. As expected, she was met by two people with dark expressions.
“Kneel!” Consort Yun shouted angrily, clutching a long whip in her hand, poised to administer punishment.
Jiang Yunxu raised an eyebrow, keeping her composure: “Consort Yun, what wrong have I committed to anger you so?”
“Enough nonsense! If Mother Consort tells you to kneel, then kneel!” Chu Youqi said.
Jiang Yunxu still made no move, and at that moment, two palace maids pressed her down, forcing her to kneel on the ground.
Consort Yun’s delicate face was filled with rage: “You have quite the audacity, repeatedly pushing Sanwangfu into the eye of the storm. Do you admit your fault?”
In truth, what Consort Yun most wanted to ask was why, three days ago, she had not fought for anything on Chu Youqi’s behalf. Such a good opportunity had been wasted, infuriating her to the point of sleepless nights.
“Consort Yun.”
Suddenly, Aunt Lu’s voice came through. She held a pouch in her hands and presented it: “Third Princess Consort, this is what you accidentally left behind in Fengqi Gong. Empress ordered this servant to deliver it.”
Jiang Yunxu glanced at the pouch—it was not hers at all. But whether it was or not was unimportant now. She smiled and accepted it with both hands: “I’ve troubled Aunt Lu to make the trip personally.”
“Third Princess Consort, you are too polite. You are the savior of the Crown Prince’s little highness. Empress is so grateful to you that such a trivial matter is hardly worth mentioning.”
Aunt Lu bowed respectfully, and the phrase “Crown Prince’s little highness” deeply stung Consort Yun. Before Consort Yun could speak, Aunt Lu had already departed.
Jiang Yunxu swaggered as she hung the pouch at her waist.
This action only deepened Consort Yun’s loathing for Jiang Yunxu, this ugly wretch, and she cursed her as a traitor.
“Consort Yun, your words are mistaken. How would a secluded woman like me dare to recklessly discuss court affairs? I was merely forced by circumstances and acted accordingly.”
These words were ambiguous, yet they gave Consort Yun endless room for imagination. She stared blankly at Jiang Yunxu.
“Are you saying Empress ordered you to do this?”
Jiang Yunxu shook her head, pointing a finger upward. She sighed: “Rather than being a Wangfei, I would prefer to be a Crown Princess. However…”
She deliberately drew out her tone, glancing at Chu Youqi, and said helplessly: “His Highness has been making frequent moves in private and has long become a thorn in others’ sides. If I had made any demands, would Consort Yun and His Highness still have the chance to stand here?”
These words were all meant to intimidate Consort Yun. Couldn’t she use her brain? Chu Youqi coveting that position—what qualifications did he have?
With no real power and no backing, only an empty promise painted by Jiang Zaixiang.
Consort Yun, belatedly realizing the situation, immediately changed her expression, helping Jiang Yunxu to her feet: “Wangfei truly understands the bigger picture. You’ve had a tiring day today, so you should return early to rest.”
How quickly her face changed!
Jiang Yunxu nodded, bowed, and turned to leave. Before long, Chu Youqi caught up with her: “You wretch, was everything you said earlier true?”
She suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Chu Youqi with displeasure, sneering: “Just for that word ‘wretch’ you uttered, I’d rather smash the item than give it to you. How dare someone like you even think of coveting it?”
“You!” Chu Youqi clenched his fists until they creaked: “You’re toying with this prince.”
“Oh, finally catching on.”
Jiang Yunxu scoffed and continued walking, but Chu Youqi behind her grabbed her arm, holding it tightly: “Jiang Yunxu, you will follow me to Zaixiangfu immediately and obediently kowtow to the Zaixiang to admit your mistake. Otherwise, even I won’t be able to save you.”
Zaixiangfu?
That was exactly her intention.
Leaving the palace and boarding the carriage, she remained silent the entire journey. That home was a den of demons, where everyone coveted the second branch’s possessions.
After alighting from the carriage, she stood on the steps, gazing at the three bold and flowing characters: Zaixiangfu—imposing and magnificent.
“Jiang Yunxu, rein in your temper. Later, you will obediently apologize to the Zaixiang, understood?”
Chu Youqi kept instructing her throughout the journey.
She ignored every word, silently following him into Zaixiangfu. As soon as Lady He saw Jiang Yunxu, she couldn’t help but scrutinize her from head to toe.
It was still the same ugly face, so how had she become so bold?
Jiang Yunxu raised her eyes to meet Lady He’s probing gaze. Their eyes locked, sparks flying.
Lady He frowned and sat in the seat to the lower right, clutching a jade bead of excellent quality. With her movement, the tassels hanging from the Furong Chijin Ruyi Zan in her hair swayed gently. Though over forty, she was exceptionally well-preserved, looking no more than thirty.
Both were wives of the Jiang family—one living in luxury and comfort, while her own mother was like a madwoman, eating spoiled food and being beaten at will by servants. This was an injustice she absolutely could not swallow.
“It’s been only a few days, but Third Miss seems to have gained quite an edge. Seeing an elder, she doesn’t even know to offer a greeting.”
Jiang Yunxu glanced at Lady He, strode over, and sat in the seat of honor, lifting her chin: “I wonder what manners the He family taught you. I, as a first-rank Wangfei, a titled lady recorded in the imperial genealogy—what are you to dare raise your voice before me?”
At these words, Lady He was stunned.
“Truly, coming from a petty household.” Jiang Yunxu sighed. She had never come here to make peace.
Some people only yield to force.
Like the one before her.
“Jiang Yunxu, have you gone mad?” Chu Youqi wished he could cover her mouth, but Jiang Yunxu retorted: “I, as Wangfei, dare to bow to her, but would she, the wife of a mere official, dare to accept it? If word got out, wouldn’t people suspect Jiang Zaixiang of harboring ulterior motives?”
“You!” Chu Youqi was left speechless with anger.
Lady He stood up, flustered, and glanced outside. Only after seeing no unfamiliar faces did she relax: “Third Princess Consort puts on quite the airs. Once married, you turn your back on family. And to think your mother thinks of you day and night.”
Lady He emphasized the word “mother,” intending it as a threat.
Jiang Yunxu smiled instead: “Mother’s madness is not a recent occurrence. Thank you, Aunt He, for your daily concern. Rest assured, even though Jiang Yan’er willingly degraded herself to become a concubine, I will not mock her. I will certainly take good care of her.”
Threats—she could make them too.
Lady He’s expression shifted slightly, her chest heaving with anger. Before she could speak again, Jiang Yunxu had already risen and kicked the steward hard in the leg: “You blind fool, hurry up and lead the way for this Wangfei. I wish to see my mother.”
The steward dared not delay and immediately guided her.
Just before leaving, Jiang Yunxu suddenly stopped, turned her head, and smiled at Lady He: “I almost forgot to mention—Jiang Yan’er is a concubine. By rights, she should not leave the residence casually. Yesterday was the customary return visit to her natal home—she didn’t come, did she?”
“What do you mean?” Lady He frowned.
“If she dares to return to the Zaixiangfu so casually, this Wangfei, as the principal wife, will not tolerate it. Once I return, I will certainly punish her severely!”
With that, she ignored Lady He’s murderous expression and strode away.