The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 346 The Empress Dowager's Deception

Dawn breaks.

As dawn broke and the sky began to brighten, the scenes in the various prefectures of the capital were vastly different.

The joyous atmosphere at the Crown Prince's residence had not yet dissipated; it was time for him to bring his new bride to the palace to pay respects to Emperor Jing.

As dawn broke, a gilded carriage slowly drove to the palace gate. Once the carriage came to a stop, an attendant led the way, and the group passed through layers of palace gates, walked along the smooth, mirror-like imperial road, and finally stopped outside the Xuanzheng Hall.

A eunuch's shrill voice shattered the palace's tranquility, announcing, "The Crown Prince, accompanied by his concubines, Lady Chu and Lady Qin, is here to pay homage to His Majesty—"

The air inside the hall was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Emperor Jing sat upright on his dragon throne, his bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with the twelve symbols of imperial authority. His face was dignified, exuding an aura of authority without anger. His gaze swept over the three people below the steps, finally settling on Jing Fengyao, his eyes softening slightly.

"Your subject, along with Consorts Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua, pays respects to Your Majesty." Jing Fengyao bowed deeply, his posture respectful.

Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua also knelt down and bowed, their voices gentle and soft, in unison, "Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"

Chu Mingyue was the daughter of Prime Minister Chu, a close minister of Emperor Jing, while Qin Zhihua came from a general's family and was also the niece of the late Empress. Both of them were of noble status, and even though they became concubines, Emperor Jing made an exception and allowed them to refer to themselves as "sons and subjects" along with their husband.

"Rise." Emperor Jing raised his hand, his tone steady, yet unable to hide a hint of satisfaction.

Looking at his two daughters-in-law below the steps, he couldn't help but sigh slightly—if Qin Yin were still here, how wonderful it would be to see Feng Yao get married and start a family.

Jing Fengyao stood up, lowered his eyes, and replied respectfully, "Thanks to Father Emperor's blessings, my marriage has gone smoothly."

Emperor Jing nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua for a moment before he slowly said, "You two must serve Feng Yao well in the future, and you must also get along harmoniously."

Such words of advice should have been spoken by the Empress. As Emperor Jing spoke, his voice unconsciously softened.

Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua quickly bowed their heads in agreement, their tone respectful.

Just then, a eunuch's loud announcement rang out from outside the hall: "The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Fengyao and the other two's expressions changed slightly. Emperor Jing frowned almost imperceptibly, but still rose from his dragon throne and personally went to greet them.

The Empress Dowager, dressed in a bright yellow brocade phoenix-tail palace gown and adorned with a red gold and pearl-encrusted phoenix hairpin, was carefully supported by Su Rong as she slowly walked into the palace.

A faint smile graced her face, but the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes betrayed a hint of coldness, and her eyes held an undisguised sharpness.

"Grandson and his concubine pay their respects to the Empress Dowager." Jing Fengyao and the other two quickly bowed in greeting.

"What brings you here today, Mother?" Emperor Jing greeted her, his tone flat, revealing neither joy nor anger, but his face wore a forced smile.

Last night, Yongping informed the Empress Dowager that he was about to be sent back to the Southern Frontier. How could she sit still? Before Jing Fengyao could bring people to her palace to pay their respects, she came to her door in person.

"I'm just impatient to meet my two wonderful granddaughters-in-law as soon as possible," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, her voice filled with affection. She then stepped forward and took Qin Zhihua and Chu Mingyue's hands without further ado.

The icy touch on their fingertips made them tremble slightly, but they dared not show it on their faces.

"Tsk tsk, look at her appearance, she's as beautiful as a fairy. Our Feng Yao is truly blessed."

Upon hearing this, Jing Fengyao merely smiled faintly, "Grandmother, you are too kind. These two are new to the household and still have many rules to learn. I am grateful for your concern."

The Empress Dowager could easily detect the distance in his words. She patted Qin Zhihua's hand, then abruptly changed the subject, saying slowly, "Speaking of which, I have another matter to ask of Your Majesty today."

Emperor Jing frowned slightly. "Mother, please speak freely. Why use the word 'beg'?"

“Last night, Yongping came to see me. She said that His Majesty asked her to return to Xinjiang on a chosen day. She has been married to a man in the southern border region for many years and it is not easy for her to come back. I am old and it is rare for me to have a conversation with Yongping…” After saying this, she picked up a handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

"Besides, Riley is still ill, and the weather is bitterly cold, so it is really not advisable to move her."

Emperor Jing picked up the teacup beside his throne, his fingertips tracing the rim of the cup, and remained silent.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager said, "You siblings haven't seen each other for many years. Even if Yongping has done something wrong, His Majesty is merciful and should be more lenient. Why not keep Yongping in the palace for now and punish her by making her copy scriptures in the Buddhist hall to reflect on her mistakes? It won't be too late to make a plan after some time when His Majesty's anger has subsided."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall froze. In front of his two concubines and daughters-in-law, Emperor Jing naturally wouldn't point out Princess Yongping's faults, as that would be a slap in the face to the royal family. But if he couldn't say anything, he should keep her, otherwise it would be neither filial nor benevolent.

Emperor Jing put down his teacup and was about to speak when he saw the Empress Dowager suddenly turn to Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua, a kind smile on her face. "Speaking of which, you two are now royal daughters-in-law. I would like to hear what you two think is the best way to handle this matter."

That's a very tricky question.

Chu Mingyue and Qin Zhihua both felt a chill run down their spines, but dared not show the slightest panic on their faces.

If they followed the Empress Dowager's wishes and said that Yongping should be kept, they would be going against Emperor Jing's wishes. If they said that Yongping should be sent back according to the imperial decree, they would offend the Empress Dowager and be labeled as "heartless and ungrateful".

It was clear that the Empress Dowager had deliberately thrown this hot potato at the two newly arrived brides of the royal family.

Both of them knew the truth, especially Qin Zhihua. She came from a military family, her birth mother died early, and she had no stepmother. Her grandmother was generous and doted on her, so she rarely came into contact with the private affairs of the household. At this moment, she couldn't help but feel a little helpless and subconsciously looked at Chu Mingyue beside her.

Chu Mingyue lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes concealing the emotions within them. She knew all too well that every word spoken in this hall had far-reaching consequences.

She slowly raised her eyes, first curtsied to Emperor Jing, then turned to the Empress Dowager, her voice gentle yet measured, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager's kindness is deeply appreciated, but Princess Yongping, though a princess, is also a subject, and her fate is naturally up to His Majesty to decide."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was just enough for everyone to hear clearly. Emperor Jing was even more pleased, thinking that she was so sensible and worthy of being the person he had personally chosen for Jing Fengyao.

However, these words offended the Empress Dowager. She had originally intended to sow discord between Prime Minister Chu and Jing Fengyao, but now Chu Mingyue was giving her no face at all and openly standing against her. Su Rong was right, this person should not be allowed to live!