boyutpedia Chapter 74 The Empress Dowager's grandson has been found
Chapter 74 The Empress Dowager's grandson has been found
The day of entering the palace arrived quickly.
Jiang Mian accompanied Jiang Xun to the Yunxi Palace, where a special banquet was held in the imperial palace.
As Jiang Mian stepped into the palace grounds, gazing at the familiar palace walls and halls along the way, memories of the past flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a myriad of emotions.
When she first entered the palace in her previous life, she was extremely cautious, fearing any mistakes, and dared not go anywhere except the Crown Prince's palace. If she encountered any concubines or imperial consorts, she would have to kneel down and pay her respects, trembling with fear, for fear of violating the rules.
Later, Consort Yu plotted to murder the Empress. When the plot was exposed, the Emperor sided with Consort Yu, hastily confining her to her quarters and ending the matter. The Empress barely survived, but her resentment led to illness, and she soon died of depression.
Afterwards, Chi Yu lost the support of the harem, and Ning Zhi, whose power was growing, gradually broke away from the Chi family.
Jiang Wan secretly breathed a sigh of relief that the Empress was no longer targeting her, but she was also more apprehensive.
At that time, although Chi Yu was not favored by Ning Zhi, her own belly remained empty. So she clung to Ning Zhi's side all day long, fearing that Chi Yu would become pregnant before her.
She even wanted to oust Chi Yu and take the position of Crown Princess.
However, the Crown Princess is the wife of the Crown Prince, and if one wishes to divorce her, the Emperor's permission is required.
So when Consort Yu was pregnant, she secretly switched the congratulatory gift sent by Chi Yu, causing Consort Yu to miscarry, thus making Chi Yu guilty of harming the imperial heir in order to avenge the Empress.
Her methods were not clever; in fact, they could be described as despicable. But she ultimately succeeded in having Chi Yu deposed, and soon after, she was promoted to Crown Princess.
Looking back, Jiang Wan just wanted to sit in a higher position, so that she wouldn't have to be subservient and kneel before everyone she met.
However, once you are in a position of power, you will naturally see the benefits of power. After tasting the pleasures of being in power, you will be reluctant to let go.
On the day Ning Zhi ascended the throne, she finally became pregnant.
The Heavenly Official said it was an auspicious omen.
At that time, she was experiencing mood swings and a poor appetite during her pregnancy, and only making sweet cakes by herself could alleviate her boredom. To cheer her up, Ning Zhi would taste whatever she made.
That is precisely why she had the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
......
"Mian'er," Jiang Xun said, pulling her back to reality, "When you see the Empress Dowager later, speak less and don't make any mistakes."
"I know, Father, but why has the Empress Dowager hosted this banquet?"
"It's all because..."
"Miss Jiang~" A pretty voice from afar interrupted Jiang Xun's words.
Jiang Mian looked in the direction of the sound and saw that it was Miss Wen Yin, the third cousin, walking towards her with a smile.
She was dressed very brightly today, and it was clear that she had put in a lot of effort.
"Greetings, Commander Jiang." Wen Yin bowed politely, then said, "Commander Jiang, are you also here to attend the Empress Dowager's banquet?"
"Exactly."
"What a coincidence, so am I."
Wen Yin smiled, thinking to herself: Jiang Xun probably also knew about the Empress Dowager's grandson and wanted to show off with his daughter.
She looked Jiang Mian up and down. She was dressed properly, though not nearly as glamorous as Jiang Mian, but her face was incredibly alluring.
I wonder what kind of person the Empress Dowager's grandson likes? What if he takes a fancy to Jiang Wan?
No, we need to find a way to get Jiang Mian away.
A calculating glint flashed in Wen Yin's eyes, but she spoke with her smile undiminished: "Commander Jiang, Miss Jiang and I have some things to discuss. Would it be possible to take up some of her time?"
Jiang Xun glanced at Jiang Wan, who said, "Father, go ahead. I'll be there shortly."
"Alright, don't be late. You need to be well-behaved in the palace."
After Jiang Xun finished speaking, he turned and left.
Jiang Wan asked, "Does Miss Third have something to say?"
"Why don't we talk as we walk? You haven't been to the Huifang Garden inside the palace yet, have you?"
Jiang Mian remained silent and walked beside her.
What's so interesting about that garden? It's just an inconspicuous little courtyard in the palace.
Wen Yin then asked, "Miss Jiang, do you still remember the letter I asked you to pass on to Young Master Xiao?"
“I remember. But he’s not at home; the letter is still in his room.”
"I see. I'll send someone to retrieve the letter another day."
To avoid giving others a handle to accuse her of having an affair with a man, thus ruining her great marriage with the Empress Dowager's grandson.
"Miss Jiang, have you prepared any congratulatory gifts for today?" she asked tentatively.
Jiang Wan asked in confusion, "A congratulatory gift?"
"Yes, the Empress Dowager has finally found her grandson. Are you going to the banquet empty-handed?"
Jiang Wan was shocked: "The Empress Dowager's grandson has been found?!"
She was quite surprised. She remembered that the Empress Dowager was not the current emperor's biological mother. Her biological daughter married into the Prince of Beiqin's mansion, but during one of his tours, the couple died, leaving behind only their legitimate son, who went missing when the Empress Dowager brought him back to the palace.
The Empress Dowager had always been troubled by this, searching desperately without success, and died with this regret in her previous life. Unexpectedly, she found it in this life?
Wen Yin rolled her eyes slightly, feeling that Jiang Wan's words were extremely hypocritical. She said with a half-smile, "Since you've come to the banquet, you wouldn't say you don't know about this, would you?"
"I really didn't know. My father didn't explain in detail. If I had known, I should have prepared a generous gift."
Wen Yin smiled faintly: "The Empress Dowager is magnanimous and will not blame you."
She was hoping Jiang Mian would be impolite; the more the Empress Dowager disliked her, the more it would highlight her own propriety.
As the two walked into Huifang Garden, Jiang Mian casually asked, "By the way, I remember that Miss Third is engaged to the Empress Dowager's grandson, right? In that case, I should congratulate her in advance."
Wen Yin felt a little embarrassed and turned her head to the side, changing the subject: "Thank you. Miss Jiang, you should take a closer look at these flowers, after all, it's a rare opportunity to come to the palace."
Jiang Mian turned her head to look, and at this time there was nothing new in Huifang Garden, only some bougainvillea in bloom. Later, Ning Zhi turned this place into a plum garden, planting a garden full of winter plum blossoms, which was truly beautiful when they bloomed.
She casually plucked a flower, held it to her nose, and smelled it. The fragrance was a bit faint, but still refreshing.
"Be bold!"
Wen Yin suddenly roared, "How dare you pick the flowers in the palace? Guards!"
Jiang Mian was startled by her sudden tone of voice. Before she could react, the palace guards in the garden were summoned.
"Have her plucked any flowers or plants in the palace garden and take her to the Empress for punishment!"
Jiang Mian was taken aback, but then she understood. Although one could not arbitrarily pick flowers and trees in the palace, usually no one would mind.
Clearly, Wen Yin was deliberately picking a fight today. No wonder she brought her to Huifang Garden; all that talk was just to lure her out with this move.
"I'd like to ask, but what have I done to offend Miss Third?"
Wen Yin raised her chin, snorted, and turned her head away disdainfully: "Why aren't you taking her away? Do you really want me to personally go and invite the Empress?!"
The palace servant was caught in a dilemma, hesitatingly looking at the two women: one was the young lady from the General's Mansion, and the other was the third cousin of the Wen family. Neither of them were people he could easily offend. But if he had to offend one, he would choose the one from the General's Mansion.
“Miss Jiang, please make a trip there. Her Majesty the Empress is very magnanimous; you can simply go and apologize.”
Jiang Mian glanced at her sideways: "What if I insist on not going?"
"That's not up to you," Wen Yin chuckled and gave a wink.
Two maids immediately came forward and bound Jiang Mian's hands.
The maid squeezed her hand tightly: "Please lead the way, sir."
Jiang Mian struggled twice, but the two maids were strong and held her wrists tightly, refusing to let go.
Wen Yin looked at Jiang Mian coldly, a hint of smugness in her eyes.
Last time at the Wen residence, Chi Yu mentioned that Jiang Mian was trying to curry favor with the Crown Prince, and the Empress had long been dissatisfied with her.
Now that she's gone to the Empress's palace, it won't be so easy for her to get out.