She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

"Lady Jiang is only just recovering, there's no need for such a grand ceremony." The young emperor took half a step forward, gesturing for her to kneel, and smiled warmly and gently: "The Regent is the pillar of the court. With him around, the court can be stable. Lady Jiang saved the Regent, which is also a meritorious act for the court, and she deserves to be rewarded."

Jiang Ruining stood up and gave a curtsy, her eyes lowered and her words humble, determined not to let anyone find fault with her: "Your Majesty flatters me. Saving people is instinct. No matter who was in danger at the time, I would have saved them. Therefore, I dare not take credit."

The young emperor nodded approvingly: "Madam Jiang is indeed pure and kind. In that case, she deserves even more reward! I hereby bestow upon you the title of County Princess and the honorary title of Funing."

He took a jade pendant.

"This jade pendant has truly been worn since childhood, a reward for the county princess's bravery and fearlessness! While we are away, let's note down the other rewards for now, and give them to the county princess upon our return to the capital."

The eunuch beside her took it and presented it to Jiang Ruining with both hands: "Congratulations, Madam!"

The unexpected investiture left everyone stunned.

They stared at Jiang Ruining with envy, jealousy, or surprise.

Jiang Ruining was unsure whether she should accept the offer and looked at Xiao Che.

Xiao Che nodded: "His Majesty's bestowal of honors cannot be refused."

Jiang Ruining, unsuspecting, accepted the gift and bowed again, saying, "This humble daughter thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

The young emperor smiled, chatted for a few moments, praised Jiang Ruining a few times, and then returned to his royal tent.

The regent's savior, Grand Secretary Jiang's only daughter, was granted a title and became a county princess, adding to her already high status. Many people came forward to congratulate her.

Madam Xu looked at her father-in-law, who held a high position and great power.

He nodded.

He led his children forward to offer their congratulations to Jiang Ruining.

She was a third-rank imperial consort, lower in status than a second-rank county princess. Even though she was older, she still had to bow and greet her: "Congratulations, County Princess! You are brave and intelligent; your title is well-deserved!"

Xu Nianyin's smile was somewhat forced: "The county princess and I are about the same age, so we're sure to have many common interests and topics to discuss. We should visit each other often in the future. If we can get along well, our fathers and brothers can serve the prince wholeheartedly with peace of mind!"

Jiang Ruining smiled, her eyebrows twitching slightly.

This is sending a signal to Xiao Che, demonstrating the Xu family's unwavering loyalty!

It was also a gesture of goodwill and weakness towards her, indicating that Xu Nianyin was willing to accept the position of a concubine, and that as long as she didn't dwell on the past, Xu Nianyin would definitely not dare to provoke her again.

She was flexible and adaptable, not blindly believing that the position of Regent's Consort should belong to the Xu family, but rather looking at long-term benefits.

It remains to be seen whether this gesture of goodwill is intended to lull the opponent into a false sense of security.

One shouldn't hit a smiling face; since the other party was being friendly, she would naturally be polite in public.

As for other things, we'll talk about them later!

Seeing her warm demeanor, the Xu family mother and daughter felt somewhat relieved.

Others also offered their kind words.

"With Grand Tutor Xu and Grand Protector Wan, two veterans who have served three dynasties, by his side, and now with the assistance of the County Princess and Grand Secretary Jiang, he is even more powerful!"

"The county princess possesses extraordinary bearing; she is destined for great things!"

……

All of them are pleasant-sounding words.

Jiang Ruining shed her usual playful and charming demeanor, politely nodded, smiled and thanked him, her speech humble and considerate, displaying impeccable manners.

Zheng Lingyi and Chu Jin stood to the side, their faces beaming with smiles, genuinely happy for her.

Xiao Che turned to her and whispered in her ear, "Everyone's praising you, are you happy?"

Jiang Ruining tilted her head back and smiled brightly: "Of course! I love hearing nice things."

Xiao Che remained aloof.

But when he spoke to Princess Jiang, his eyes were gentle, and it was all too clear who he was hiding his chilling murderous aura for!

Everyone watched the two of them come and go together, but no news came out. They were really curious about what their relationship was. But even if a tiger has folded its claws, it is still a tiger. No one dared to ask, for fear of being roared at by the tiger.

That would be terrifying!

After exchanging pleasantries.

They each spoke.

Many of the women were traveling far from home for the first time, and it was also their first time living in tents next to so many people. They excitedly huddled together, chattering about whose daughter was dressed beautifully, whose husband was more dashing on horseback, and whose family lived close to whose, allowing them to have an advantage...

Jiang Ruining listened intently, observing who they were talking about.

The name I heard most often was Xiao Qing, the second young master of the Prince Ke's mansion, the handsome young man who danced with a sword at the incense appreciation event.

He is loved by his parents and spoiled by his siblings. He is smart, has a good temperament, and always has a cheerful and sunny smile on his face. He can get along well with everyone, but he has no ambition, is not motivated, loves to play and enjoy life. He is a very likable young man.

Although many ambitious young women from wealthy families would not marry a man like him who was destined to have no career and could only live off his family's wealth, Jiang Ruining felt that this kind of person was the most suitable for a life together.

Stay away from all conflicts, have a wealthy family, powerful relatives, and protection from others. As long as you don't cause trouble, life couldn't be more carefree!

Her quiet observation, however, became evidence of her skill in hiding and spying in the eyes of some people.

"I heard that in the past, everyone thought that Jiang woman was stupid."

The Empress Dowager, dressed in a magnificent gown that trailed on the ground, moved with elegant and composed grace. At thirty-eight years old, her face was well-maintained, but the fine lines creeping around her eyes and mouth betrayed her weariness in dealing with the current situation.

At the beginning of the month, her family was still a distinguished royal family, but now they are all prisoners on the road to exile.

Grand Tutor Cui casually glanced at the girl surrounded by admirers, not taking her seriously at all: "She is indeed a good actress. Jingwei has been with her for several years and has never seen through her disguise."

The Empress Dowager's tone held a hint of disgust towards the useless chess piece: "Her birth mother is foolish, and she's useless too. She can't even handle Shao Yunting, and she didn't even notice these eyes lurking around her. What use is she!"

The "she" being referred to is clearly Cui Jingwei.

Her birth mother was Cui Taifu's first wife. Because she could not accept that her husband was devoted to the Empress Dowager, she quarreled with him incessantly and eventually died in depression.

Now, Madam Cui is a second wife, married to secure her position in the family, so she doesn't care who her husband loves or whether her stepdaughter is close to the Empress Dowager.

Upon hearing this, a hint of regret flashed in Cui Taifu's shrewd eyes. He did not say anything about "giving her another chance" for his eldest daughter: "Even a useless piece of chess has its uses."

The Empress Dowager said calmly, "You decide how to make the most of her in the end. I've raised her for several years, and I just can't bring myself to do it."

They collapsed in front of the camp.

The palace maid lifted the curtain and respectfully welcomed the two inside.

The Empress Dowager sat down, washed her hands, and sighed slowly again: "I wonder how many people's subtle secrets this woman Jiang has discovered."