Madam Yun smiled as she looked at Feng Jinxuan.
“Could Nishang ride in the same carriage with you, so she can keep you company?”
Given Feng Jinxuan’s temperament, she would not have agreed.
But the thing was, deep down, she was Jiang Mo, and today the Transmigrator’s target was Yun Nishang.
Her face showed little expression as she let out a slightly haughty “Mm.”
Lingchan was somewhat surprised.
Even Old Madame revealed a hint of astonishment.
Madam Yun had also prepared herself for a cold rejection.
Who would have thought she would actually agree?
Madam Yun beamed with joy and quickly gave Yun Nishang a meaningful glance.
Yun Nishang stepped forward and curtsied, “Thank you, Cousin.”
“Let’s go.”
Feng Jinxuan glanced at Old Madame, “Grandmother, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has specially sent someone to fetch me, so I shall head to the palace first.”
“Go ahead.”
Old Madame nodded in agreement.
She watched Feng Jinxuan leave, fell silent for a moment, then turned to Madam Yun, “Let us set off as well.”
“Yes.” Madam Yun nodded.
Madam Yun had been in the household for eight years, yet for some reason, her womb had never been fruitful, and she still had no children of her own.
Her maternal family was already weak, and with no children under her care, she had to tread carefully in front of Old Madame, fearing that any misstep would earn her a scolding.
Moreover, no matter what, her position could never surpass that of Princess Mingyang.
Otherwise, even though Feng Jinxuan had been foolish for eight years, now that she had regained her senses, Old Madame still had no way to deal with her.
Wasn’t it true that even for the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, the palace had sent someone to fetch her?
The fact that Feng Jinxuan could address her as “Second Mother” was already giving her the respect she deserved.
Madam Yun was most adept at assessing situations and would never bring trouble upon herself.
Moreover, she was counting on Feng Jinxuan to help her niece, hoping it would allow her own family to rise to prominence in one fell swoop.
Lost in thought, Madam Yun obediently helped Old Madame into the carriage.
Meanwhile, Feng Jinxuan had already boarded her carriage and was on her way to the palace.
Yun Nishang sat quietly beside her, saying little.
Feng Jinxuan observed her intentionally or unintentionally—the show was about to begin.
Yun Nishang tightened her grip on the object hidden in her sleeve, fearing any mishap.
She knew that success or failure hinged on this moment, so she dared not make any mistakes.
Beneath her seemingly calm and indifferent demeanor lay a hidden ambition to climb higher.
Feng Jinxuan could see the thoughts lurking beneath Yun Nishang’s surface.
She curved her lips into a faint smile, concealing the cunning in her eyes.
Her carriage entered the palace directly, and when they reached Qihua Gate, she alighted.
Yun Nishang followed suit, standing slightly behind her.
Ahead, Nanny Zhang, who served the Empress Dowager, was already waiting. Upon seeing her, she hurried forward to pay her respects.
Feng Jinxuan recognized her at a glance, returned the courtesy, and then followed Nanny Zhang to the Empress Dowager’s palace.
Yun Nishang followed anxiously.
To her surprise, Feng Jinxuan did not embarrass her but instead tacitly allowed it.
While secretly delighted, Yun Nishang was also filled with confusion.
Lingchan did not understand why her young lady was helping this cousin. She exchanged a glance with Yingge.
Yingge shook her head at her, and the two of them watched Yun Nishang knowingly.
They feared this cousin might do something improper.
Upon arriving at the Empress Dowager’s palace, Feng Jinxuan actually brought Yun Nishang into the main hall.
The Empress Dowager had not seen Feng Jinxuan for many years, the last time being eight years ago.
Back then, Feng Jinxuan was still a little girl, but now she had grown into a graceful young woman.
However, she appeared much thinner.
It is evident that this child has suffered greatly over the past eight years.
Originally, the Empress Dowager had a way to bring Feng Jinxuan to her side and raise her herself.
However, the Princess Royal refused.
Looking at Feng Jinxuan, who bore a seventy percent resemblance to Princess Mingyang, the Empress Dowager revealed a kind and affectionate smile.
Unlike Old Madame’s feigned affection, the Empress Dowager genuinely liked her from the bottom of her heart.
“Jinxuan pays her respects to the Empress Dowager, wishing Her Majesty peace and prosperity.”
Feng Jinxuan performed a respectful bow.
The Empress Dowager raised her hand, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.” Feng Jinxuan stood up properly.
Yun Nishang, meanwhile, remained kneeling in the center of the hall.
Only then did the Empress Dowager notice her.
“Who is this?”
“Your Majesty, she is the daughter of Madam Yun.”
Feng Jinxuan replied.
“Your subject, Yun Nishang, pays her respects to the Empress Dowager.”
Yun Nishang performed a bow.
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, her tone indifferent, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.”
After expressing her gratitude, Yun Nishang stood up and took her place to the side.
The Empress Dowager beckoned to Feng Jinxuan, “Come, let me take a closer look.”
“Yes.”
Feng Jinxuan obediently stepped forward, meeting the Empress Dowager’s gaze.
Her eyes curved into crescents, and her smile was exceptionally radiant.
Unlike the arrogance she displayed in the eyes of outsiders.
The Empress Dowager held her hand, “You’ve truly grown up. Now, tell me, how have you been all these years?”
Feng Jinxuan shook her head, “I don’t remember very clearly.”
“You tell me.” The Empress Dowager then turned her gaze to Yingge.
Yingge knelt on the ground, tearfully recounting the hardships her young mistress had endured in the Duke’s residence over the years.
The more the Empress Dowager listened, the darker her expression grew.
“It seems the Feng family has been living too comfortably lately.”
The Empress Dowager said sternly.
Feng Jinxuan, however, leaned close and whispered a few words into the Empress Dowager’s ear.
Only then did the Empress Dowager’s expression soften slightly, “Then let it be as you wish.”
“Thank you for your grace, Empress Dowager.” Feng Jinxuan quickly bowed.
Seeing the resemblance to Princess Mingyang in Feng Jinxuan’s eyes and brows, the Empress Dowager felt even more heartache.
“Later, accompany me to the Star-Plucking Terrace,” the Empress Dowager said gently.
“Yes.” Feng Jinxuan nodded.
As if remembering something, she added, “Xuan’er hasn’t been to the palace in a long time either. I’d like to take a stroll first.”
“Go ahead.” The Empress Dowager readily agreed.
She even reminded her not to forget to return.
Feng Jinxuan was overjoyed. After bowing, she immediately left with Yun Nishang.
The Empress Dowager’s smile faded after she departed.
“Daring to humiliate the royal family in such a manner—this girl has only just awakened and hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
“Empress Dowager, what is it about the Duke’s residence?”
Nanny Zhang asked softly.
“She wants to catch the big fish.” The Empress Dowager shook her head, “This is just like the Princess Royal.”
“Could it be that the Princess Royal has concerns, which is why she delayed her arrival in the capital?”
Nanny Zhang added.
“Yes.” The Empress Dowager nodded, “But how can the dignity of the royal family be trampled upon like this? I cannot tolerate such insolence.”
She snorted coldly, “Go and convey my decree: have that old hypocrite kneel outside my bedchamber.”
“Yes.” Nanny Zhang lowered her eyes in acknowledgment.
At this moment, Old Madame had just entered the palace, her heart filled with unease, her eyelids twitching all day.
As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, she was taken away by Nanny Zhang.
Madam Yun followed along as well.
Upon learning of this, Feng Jinxuan was indifferent.
She looked at Yun Nishang, “Cousin Yun, would you like to accompany me to the front, or would you prefer to stroll on your own?”
“I’ll follow my cousin.”
After meeting the Empress Dowager, Yun Nishang had decided to stay by her side.
Feng Jinxuan smiled deeply, “Good.”
She looked up and saw the Transmigrator dressed in full regalia.
Jiang Mo was searching for Yun Nishang’s figure, but she hadn’t expected Feng Jinxuan to be right beside her.