Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage - Chapter 518
Chapter 518: Chapter 518: “Mother-in-law” Seeks Refuge with “Daughter-in-law”
The Emperor was furious, not only scolding the Empress but also taking away some of her power and giving it to Concubine Shu, asking her to help manage the Harem.
Concubine Shu had a daughter, who was well-behaved and had a steady temperament. Although not favored, she was capable of managing affairs in the Harem.
It wasn’t originally her turn to take up these responsibilities, but with the death of Concubine Jin and Concubine Xian’s foolish past actions related to the former Crown Prince and the current Princess Consort, she couldn’t take up the duties.
She was now hiding in her chamber with no intention of showing her face.
It was thus that Concubine Shu had to step forward.
Concubine Shu was terrified.
She didn’t feel happy at all.
Although the Empress didn’t have a son, her family had a strong background, and Concubine Shu couldn’t afford to provoke her.
This time, after gaining the power of the Empress, she didn’t view Concubine Shu as a thorn in her side.
After deliberating, Concubine Shu made a surprising decision.
She went to the East Palace to visit the Princess Consort.
This was an open show of submission.
As one of the top four concubines, Concubine Shu sought to submit to the Princess Consort, who was of a lower generation.
It was absurd.
But it truly happened.
Jiang Ning found it amusing when she learned about Concubine Shu’s intentions.
In the hearts of the concubines in the Harem, she was perhaps like a demon now?
After Huang Ying served tea, Jiang Ning laughed, “Your Highness Concubine Shu, you are my elder, I should be the one to visit you first.”
Concubine Shu hurriedly replied, “Princess Consort, it’s not a big deal that I came due to your discomfort. We’re all a family after all, so we don’t have to worry about formalities. It’s better for us to get closer.”
Her intentions were clear.
Jiang Ning saw Huang Ying dismissing all the young eunuchs and maids in the room and then said directly, “Your Highness Concubine Shu, there is no need for hidden words between people who understand each other. I understand your intentions, but I am currently struggling with my own difficulties and may not be able to help you.”
The funeral rites for Concubine Jin had been completed, but her suspicions of poisoning her hadn’t been cleared yet.
If it were proven, it would be a crime punishable by death and confiscation of property.
At this time, Concubine Shu’s submission was not very wise.
But Concubine Shu had her own strategy.
As the saying goes, adding flowers to brocade is easy, but sending charcoal in the snowstorm is rare.
Now was the most difficult time for the Princess Consort. Concubine Shu’s demonstration of goodwill was a true show of sincerity.
Jiang Ning didn’t express any position on this.
Since the death of Concubine Jin, she had always felt that there was an unseen hand manipulating everything behind her back, and she had not yet found any clues.
She appeared calm on the surface, but deep inside, she was anxious.
At the moment, she had no interest in the power struggle between Concubine Shu and the Empress.
She wanted to go home and talk to Jiang Ruobai and her brother Jiang Yi about her current difficulties. However, since lying about her leg injury last time, Li Hongyuan had become more strict with her, even assigning a personal Imperial Physician to the East Palace.
Thus, she couldn’t find any excuse to leave.
How could she investigate if she didn’t go out?
Now, she could hardly even see Li Hongyuan.
After Lin Zizi’s visit, the Emperor’s health showed no improvement. He was still weak and listless, needing medicine and rest.
With the Emperor losing interest in governing, the burden fell on the Crown Prince.
As a result, Li Hongyuan was very busy.
He was so busy that he didn’t have time to return to the East Palace for half a month.
It wasn’t until summer passed, autumn arrived, and the palace was preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival that Jiang Ning met Li Hongyuan again.
The Emperor hadn’t attended court for a long time.
There were many speculations, but the court wasn’t too worried.
The recent events had shown that the Crown Prince was quite capable, enough to inherit the Imperial Throne and take on the responsibility of managing the country.
