Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

As Jia Lian left, the curtains on both sides were drawn, revealing the figures of countless noblewomen.

Among them were Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Madam Zhen. However, in the Weiyang Palace, which was filled with imperial concubines and princesses, their status was rather lowly.

However, some people seemed to think differently. The elegant and noble woman sitting beside Yuan Chun, who had remained silent, glanced at the sorrowful-looking Mrs. Zhen and suddenly smiled at the Empress, saying, "From what the Empress said earlier, the Zhen family was invited to the capital by my sister, who even intended to marry their daughter to the Crown Prince as a concubine. This was originally a good thing. However, it seems that the Crown Princess does not appreciate my sister's intentions."

I advised my sister to stop worrying about this. The Zhen family is, after all, a prestigious clan. As you said, their matriarch and the late Empress Xiaowen were like sisters. If something were to happen to the Zhen family's daughter in the future, not only would your good intentions backfire, but you would also find it difficult to face the Zhen family's matriarch.

The elegant woman's words deepened the sorrow on Mrs. Zhen's face, but she could say nothing and could only wait for the nobles above to uphold justice.

The Empress could naturally hear the provocation and mockery in Consort Wu's words. Just as she was about to speak, the Crown Princess said, "Consort Wu, you are overthinking it. The late Empress Xiaowen was of such high status that everyone fawned over her during her lifetime. I'm afraid some people are just taking advantage of having a few pleasant conversations with Empress Xiaowen and the favor she showed her, and then claiming to the outside world that they are like sisters with her."

Take me, for example. Countless young ladies from prominent families whom I knew in my youth have boasted behind my back about how close they were to me, like sisters. In reality, I wasn't even that familiar with many of them.

Therefore, the claim by some that they were like sisters with Empress Xiaowen is probably nothing more than flattery and sycophancy.

Furthermore, as the Empress and the mother of the nation, why should my mother need to answer to anyone?

In the Crown Princess's eyes, the Zhen family was nothing more than nouveau riche, and she didn't believe the claim that the old lady of the Zhen family and Empress Xiaowen were like sisters.

Furthermore, since Consort Wu was the birth mother of the Third Prince, and the Third Prince was always at odds with the Crown Prince, often causing him displeasure, the Crown Princess naturally harbored no goodwill towards Consort Wu. Therefore, upon hearing Consort Wu's sarcastic and ambiguous words, she couldn't help but retort.

What others thought about her words was irrelevant, but Mrs. Zhen found them extremely grating.

If it were anything else, she could tolerate it, but the old lady in the family was the pillar of their Zhen family, the source of her confidence to stand here today. How could she allow others to belittle her?

Therefore, disregarding any distinction of rank, she helped Lady Wang to her feet and said with grief and indignation, "My grandmother's father and grandfather both died in battle for the country. She was the orphan of a founding hero. At the age of eight, she was personally bestowed the title of 'Princess Xiu'an' by the Emperor Taizu. Empress Xiaoci Gao pitied my grandmother's orphanage and treated her like her own granddaughter, allowing her free access to the palace. It was at that time that she met Empress Xiaowen, who was still a young woman at the time."

My grandmother was a strong-willed woman who never relied on her father's or grandfather's achievements. How did she come to be described as a sycophant in the Crown Princess's eyes?

My poor old lady is almost eighty years old. All those who loved her back then have passed away. Now she has been slandered like this, and there is no one to prove her innocence...

Mrs. Zhen's words left the assembled dignitaries looking at each other, unsure of what to think.

After all, those people that this woman mentioned in just a few words, although they were all from a long time ago, were none of them someone that anyone would dare to underestimate.

On second thought, if this old lady of the Zhen family really was a county princess at the age of eight and had been a princess for over seventy years, then according to seniority, she was indeed higher than almost everyone present, so it wouldn't be surprising if she knew those people.

In the eyes of those who held this view, the behavior of a Crown Princess, whose seniority was unknown, who was making veiled attacks on the Zhen family matriarch seemed extremely nonsensical!

Even Consort Wu couldn't help but take another look at Mrs. Zhen, thinking to herself that she hadn't realized Mrs. Zhen was so cunning.

When questioned by Mrs. Zhen in public, the Crown Princess replied, "Who knows whether what you're saying is true or false..."

"That's enough!"

The Empress finally couldn't hold back any longer and shouted in a deep voice. At this moment, her dissatisfaction with the Crown Princess had reached its peak.

First, she outwardly obeyed the Crown Princess but inwardly defied her and bullied Zhen Yuhuan. Second, she dared to question the relationship between the Zhen family matriarch and Empress Xiaowen, that is, to question what she and the Empress Dowager had said before.

It's important to understand that before Emperor Ningkang ascended the throne, she wasn't his most favored woman. The reason she ultimately became the Crown Princess was almost entirely due to Empress Xiaowen's support. Therefore, she respected Empress Xiaowen as a close elder, and it was precisely because of this relationship that the Zhen family matriarch sought her help, and she agreed to facilitate this good thing.

Who would have thought that the Crown Princess would not only dare to outwardly comply with her but also dare to contradict her elders! For these royal women, contradicting their elders was to disregard human ethics and morality, and was one of the most intolerable behaviors.

"Kneel down!" the Empress commanded.

The Crown Princess was somewhat bewildered, "Mother..."

Seeing that the Empress seemed to understand her true anger, the Crown Princess had no choice but to kneel down, looking aggrieved.

"Look what you've done! You'd better hope that Yu Huan is alright. If anything happens to that girl, I will not let you off easily."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I was just joking with Sister Zhen. I didn't expect her to be so timid and fall down so easily. I really didn't mean to. Please forgive me for my momentary oversight."

Yes, even now the Crown Princess doesn't think she did anything seriously wrong. All she did was push the daughter of a fourth-rank official into the water.

She only admitted to the matter lightly, under the pretext of "joking," because she saw that the Empress and others clearly did not believe her previous statement.

Seeing that she had finally behaved herself, the Empress took a deep breath, looked at the Empress Dowager who had been watching the show from the sidelines, and said, "The Crown Princess has injured someone and behaved inappropriately. I beg the Empress Dowager to punish her fairly."

The Empress Dowager was actually not concerned about the marriage alliance between the Crown Prince and the Zhen family.

She only intervened to mediate because of the Empress. As for how the youngest daughter of the Zhen family would get along with the Crown Princess after marrying into the Crown Prince's residence, that was not within her consideration.

However… the Empress Dowager gave Princess Zhaoyang a slight glare. This girl, she hesitated for only a moment, then tugged at her sleeve a few times, as if afraid she might let her off easily.

So she straightened her posture and said seriously, "I am used to a life of leisure and am not good at official duties. The Empress has always been fair and just in handling palace affairs and is praised by all. Therefore, this matter should be left to the Empress to handle herself."

"Yes."

"Furthermore, the Crown Princess dared to commit violence and injure people on the Emperor Emeritus's birthday, fortunately without causing any serious harm. However, she is no longer suitable to continue celebrating the Emperor Emeritus's birthday, so the Crown Princess need not come to Chonghua Palace for the next two days."

The Crown Princess was initially relieved to hear the Empress Dowager tell the Empress to handle the matter herself. She knew the Empress's character best and thought that as long as she returned to Kunning Palace, apologized to the Empress, and said some kind words, the Empress might calm down.

Upon suddenly hearing that the Empress Dowager was forbidding her from attending the upcoming birthday banquet, she was immediately startled and hurriedly called out, "Empress Dowager..."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, interrupting the Crown Princess, and said, "I am also tired. Please make yourselves at home."

After speaking, the Empress Dowager stood up and, supported by Princess Zhaoyang, entered the inner palace.

After seeing her off, the many noblewomen in the hall dispersed. Quite a few glanced at the gloomy-faced Crown Princess, some with a hint of schadenfreude.

The Crown Princess has been arrogant and domineering for quite some time now, but as the Crown Princess, and coming from a prestigious family—her grandfather being a veteran of three reigns and a cabinet minister—everyone respects her.

Who would have thought that we would be defeated by such a small family as the Zhen family?

The Empress Dowager's punishment, though seemingly minor, had an immeasurable impact on people like them.

As the Crown Princess, she was even stripped of the right to offer birthday greetings to the Emperor Emeritus; the loss of face she suffered was unimaginable.

Some people were thinking that the Empress Dowager clearly disliked the Crown Princess, and if the Crown Princess couldn't quell the Empress's anger this time, she might not be able to hold her position as Crown Princess in the future.

……

Jia Lian followed the eunuch into Weiyang Palace.

It's said that you can tell a lot about the owner's personality and preferences by looking at the layout and style of their surroundings. Unfortunately, Weiyang Palace didn't seem to be very large, and before Jia Lian could figure things out, they arrived at their destination.

"These are clothes that the Empress Dowager bestowed upon me in previous years. I couldn't bear to wear them and have kept them all this time. If Marquis Zhenyuan doesn't mind, please make do with them for now."

The eunuch, whom the Empress Dowager called Su Quan, brought in a stack of folded robes and smiled at Jia Lian.

Jia Lian glanced at it and nodded, saying, "Thank you, Eunuch Su."

"Hehe, then this old servant will be waiting outside the door. If Your Excellency has any orders, just call this old servant."

Su Quan put down the clothes, bowed to Jia Lian, and left the room, leaving Jia Lian alone.

He did not arrange for anyone to serve Jia Lian. After all, Jia Lian was an official outside the capital, and it was clearly inappropriate to have palace maids from Weiyang Palace serve him without the Empress Dowager's instructions.

Arranging two eunuchs wouldn't be a problem, but he could tell that Jia Lian probably wouldn't like having eunuchs help him change his clothes.

Before long, Jia Lian, dressed in the everyday clothes of a grand eunuch, came out.

Upon seeing this, Su Quan laughed and said, "Your Excellency is indeed a person of high status. The clothes worn by us lowly people look noble and handsome on you."

Jia Lian smiled slightly. He had originally thought that wearing the blue clothes of a eunuch and a little red hat would damage his image as the Second Master Lian.

But at this moment, such concerns no longer exist.

Su Quan was clearly the powerful eunuch in charge of Weiyang Palace, and he was given a brand new set of everyday clothes. In fact, the everyday clothes of this eunuch were not much different from those of wealthy people outside, only simpler.

Therefore, Jia Lian was quite satisfied and also wanted to chat with Su Quan for a bit, so he said, "Eunuch Su is joking. There are no inherently lowly people in the world, nor are there clothes for lowly people. A person's position does not represent his worth. What truly represents a person's worth is only his own cultivation and whether he can bring value to the court and the country."

"Eunuch Su serves the Empress Dowager in the inner palace, while I, Marquis, serve His Majesty in the outer court. It is as if Eunuch Su's robes fit me perfectly."

Su Quan was taken aback; he didn't quite understand Jia Lian's words.

However, he could still understand the general meaning, and he found it somewhat unbelievable.

Eunuchs are physically disabled and considered lowly, a fact widely acknowledged and even among themselves. It's unexpected to hear such a different standard of judgment today, especially since these words come from the noble Marquis of Zhenyuan, who is highly regarded by His Majesty. This makes it all the more novel and precious.

This was the second time Su Quan had seen Jia Lian. The first time was when Jia Lian resisted the arranged marriage at Weiyang Palace, but he hadn't managed to speak to Jia Lian then.

This was the second time today, and he had only briefly interacted with Jia Lian, yet he suddenly understood what a true born benefactor was!

Based solely on those two sentences spoken by the Marquis of Zhenyuan, he felt that it was only natural for someone like Jia Lian to hold a high position and be admired and loved by the masses.

……

Weiyang Palace, Zhaoyang Hall.

Following Princess Zhaoyang's instructions, the maids brought two basins of fire into the room and placed them next to Zhen Yuhuan.

The heat emanating from the high-quality charcoal fire finally dispelled some of the chill, and Zhen Yuhuan's shivering body gradually calmed down. However, the sadness on her face had not diminished, her tear stains were still wet, and her small lips were a little pale, making her look both pitiful and heartbreaking.

Suddenly she heard hurried footsteps outside the door. She turned around and saw her mother rushing in. She was immediately excited, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"mother……"

"Huan'er, how are you?"

When Mrs. Zhen entered the house, she saw her daughter's pitiful appearance and felt heartbroken. She immediately rushed forward and hugged her daughter to comfort her.

Zhen Yuhuan, who was already feeling very wronged, could no longer hold back and immediately threw herself into her mother's arms, sobbing.

Seeing her daughter crying so heartbrokenly, Mrs. Zhen couldn't help but shed tears herself. The sight of the mother and daughter embracing and weeping was too much for Yuan Chun, Madam Wang, and the others who had followed behind to bear, and they all turned their heads away to wipe the tears from the corners of their eyes.

"How are you? Are you injured?"

Mrs. Zhen helped her daughter up a little and began to examine her body. Her daughter was naturally delicate and had never suffered such torment. When she heard the news, her heart ached as if it had been ripped out.

"Mother... Waaah, I'm alright. It was Brother Lian who saved me. Otherwise, Huan'er might never have seen you again."

Hearing her daughter's cries, she touched her daughter's body and found it icy cold, knowing it was from falling into the water. She didn't know what to say, but simply hugged her tightly and comforted her, "Mother knows everything. My poor child, you've suffered so much..."

At times like these, the concern from loved ones is the most heartbreaking.

Zhen Yuhuan called out "Mother" again, suppressing her bitterness, and pleaded in a low voice, "Mother, I don't want to get married, I don't want to marry the Crown Prince. Mother, please don't marry me into the Crown Prince's residence, okay?"

Zhen Yuhuan's words startled Mrs. Zhen.

The daughter learned about her marriage relatively late, only after they were both quite certain of the outcome.

My daughter had said before that she didn't want to get married, but at that time she was mostly just shy. But when she said with a smile, "Daughter, when you grow up, you will eventually get married. Do you want to stay by your mother's side forever?"

Back then, my daughter would either run away shyly or cling to me and act coquettishly, saying she wanted to stay by my side forever.

Although the words are the same now, the daughter's expression is completely different.

She didn't know how to answer her daughter's question for a moment.

To be honest, she was naturally reluctant to see her most well-behaved and beloved daughter grow up and get married.

However, from the very beginning until today, she, like everyone else in the family, believed that it was very lucky for her daughter to marry into the Crown Prince's mansion, and that it would bring glory to the family.

But at this moment, seeing the apple of her family's eye, who had always been cherished, crying in her arms and saying she didn't want to marry into the Crown Prince's mansion, no one was more heartbroken than her.

Because she knew in her heart that, let alone Zhen Yuhuan, even she, as the mother, could not make the decision on this matter.

Everything is fate.

Despite this, Mrs. Zhen still hugged her daughter and comforted her, "Alright, alright, we won't marry her, we just won't marry her..."

……