NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 44
The palace could not tolerate those who betrayed their master, but if the master was already dead, those things would no longer matter.
At Concubine Su's unwillingness to hand over the calligraphy and paintings, she could only let out a sigh.
Concubine Su saw that Jiang Xinyue did not speak, and she raised her chin triumphantly, admiring the pale apricot-colored embroidered jade hairpin and magnificent robes on herself, unable to let go.
No wonder everyone in the palace wanted to climb higher - the higher the position, the more beautiful the clothes and the more luxurious the jewelry, which woman could resist such temptation?
During the day, banquets were held in the palace, attended by ministers from the court, who dined with the emperor in Taihe Hall, sharing the same joy between monarch and subjects.
Fortunately, it was sunny today, not too cold, and fire pits were lit in Taihe Hall, so the arriving ministers could take off their cloaks.
Envoys from the four nations had also brought their families, but this was the battlefield for men, engaging in verbal warfare, with no one daring to bring their families inside.
Only when night fell did luxurious carriages from various households gradually appear at the palace gates.
Jiang Yulin secretly lifted a carriage curtain, marveling at the majestic palace in awe.
"Slap!"
Soon, the back of her hand was struck, as the noblewoman in a silver-gray patterned robe glared coldly at her: "Uncouth behavior, have you forgotten what I told you before entering the palace?"
Only then did Jiang Yulin's excited expression subside: "Your daughter remembers, Mother said for me to serve the Emperor in the palace, to replace Jiang Xinyue."
Lady Zhou nodded: "Although your father said your sister wasn't killed by her, but why should your sister die while she gains imperial favor? Since she didn't save your sister, you will avenge your sister's death."
Hmm...
To be honest, when Jiang Yulin thought of Jiang Xinyue's beauty that made all things in the world pale in comparison, she felt a lack of confidence.
But in front of her stern mother, she dared not voice her doubts, or else she would be scolded again.
Things like "sapping others' ambition and diminishing one's own authority" and "relying on beauty to receive favors, which cannot last forever"...
More importantly, Jiang Xinyue was so cunning!
In the past at home, her sister would bully her, but looking back, the one scolded most harshly by their father was the one who bullied her the worst.
She was adept at feigning innocence in front of their father.
Lost in thought, eunuchs had already arrived to invite them to disembark, and after passing through Taihua Gate, they would walk to Baohe Hall.
There were exceptions, such as Lady Wang, the Empress's mother, and Lady Pei, the mother of Consort Li - they had special sedan chairs to be carried in, earning envious glances as they were carried through Taihua Gate, heading to Yikun Palace and Changxin Palace respectively.
Jiang Yulin rolled her eyes: "Wasn't it said that Jiang Xinyue was also highly favored? Why didn't she send a sedan chair for you, Mother?"
Lady Zhou sneered: "No matter how favored she is, she's just a lowly Guirong, without the status to ride in a sedan chair. How could she send one for us?"
"So she's not that impressive!"
Jiang Yulin pursed her lips. Once she entered the palace, she would definitely win the Emperor's heart, making him love only her from then on.
"You are different from her," Lady Zhou patted her head. "You are the legitimate daughter, while her lowly birth means she cannot be compared to you."
If it weren't for Aunt Ruan's beauty, she would have died on some corrupt official's bed long ago, let alone have the fortune to marry into their family as the lady?
A plaything's daughter could only be a plaything.
Inside Baohe Hall, a golden carpet was laid on the main hall, with red couplets and lanterns hung all around, exuding a festive New Year atmosphere.
The pillars were round, with a carved dragon connecting each pair, its head protruding from the eaves and its tail extending into the hall, perfectly combining functionality and decoration to enhance the emperor's majestic aura.
As it was the grandest and most joyous festival of the year, everyone was dressed up, with beauties and scholars everywhere, an unprecedented scene.
The emperor would certainly not be the first to arrive, but at this hour, all officials and their families had already gathered.
Jiang Xinyue checked her attire again to ensure there were no flaws, then put on her fox fur cloak and walked out with Xi Que's help.
"My lady! My lady!"
The little eunuch Xuan hurried in from outside, his joy barely contained: "Wang Dequan has arrived."
And he didn't come alone, bringing a great reward.
Jiang Xinyue quickened her steps and saw an ornate palanquin waiting outside the gates of Hexi Palace.
Five and a quarter feet high, with a seat two and a quarter feet high. Four shafts, painted red. Two middle shafts, two side shafts. The canopy towered three and three-quarter feet, with four pillars five and a quarter feet long, and four red curtains.
Each curtain was intricately carved with gold flowers and figures of deities and immortals.
"Wang Dequan, what is this...?"
Jiang Xinyue was puzzled, as her rank and status did not entitle her to ride in a palanquin.
Wang Dequan bowed humbly with a smile: "Today, Cining Palace rewarded Consort Rong with a palanquin. The Emperor, mindful that you were previously poisoned and might still be unwell, instructed this servant to retrieve another palanquin from the Internal Affairs Department and deliver it to Hexi Palace. The hour is late, so please allow yourself to be carried, Lady Jiang."
Excellent!
Very good!
Even before she had a chance to cause trouble for Cining Palace and Consort Rong, the Emperor had decided to make her a target.
How should I put this?
If used well, it would be entirely beneficial for her without any harm. If used poorly, it could be a double-edged sword, potentially harming the Empress Dowager or herself.
From another perspective, Emperor Xuanwu was giving her a choice!
She might even get promoted again.
Excellent!
I can work with this!
Jiang Xinyue gave Wang Dequan a sweet smile, an innocent look, as four eunuchs carried her towards Baohe Hall.
Along the way, the palace ladies and maids they encountered all lowered their heads, not daring to gaze directly at Jiang Xinyue's exquisite, unparalleled beauty.
"Could that be Consort Li?"
"It must be! I've heard Consort Li is the most beautiful in the harem, just now that lady's divine looks were unmatched, if not Consort Li then who else?"
"Ah? My father wanted me to attend the selection in three years, and hired an instructor to teach me palace etiquette at home. But seeing how youthful and gorgeous Consort Li is, she could remain favored for at least twenty more years. Maybe I should persuade my father against sending me to the palace after all."
"Same for me, how could a small jade like me possibly outshine the sun and moon?"
Xi Que and Shuang Jiang both looked up: "My lady, should we go tell them you are not Consort Li?"
Jiang Xinyue shook her head nonchalantly, half-leaning against the sedan chair, exuding a lazy and sensual demeanor. "No need. Once we reach Baohe Hall, who won't know my identity?"
It was better to let them mistake her identity first, so that when they learned the truth, they would be utterly shocked.
Wouldn't it be more credible for them to learn about her from others than from her own mouth?
"Precious beauty arrives—"
As the small eunuch finished singing, Jiang Xinyue's sedan chair stopped outside the archway. She was assisted in alighting by Xi Que and Shuang Jiang, her snow-white attire causing a commotion among the crowd.