The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Princess Consort Min knelt, leaving Empress Dowager Wang completely bewildered.

”Look at you, we were just talking nicely, why did you kneel? Stand up, Lian Qiao, help the Princess Consort up.”

Lian Qiao, upon hearing this, bent down to assist the Princess Consort Min, advising, ”Lady Princess, if there’s anything to discuss, let’s do it seated, there’s no need to kneel, the ground is cold.”

The Princess Consort Min sat down again, looking at Empress Dowager Wang, and said apologetically, ”This daughter-in-law is guilty and does not deserve such kindness from Mother. If it weren’t for the insidious nature of the people from the former Xia faction, Mother wouldn’t have suffered this misfortune. Thankfully, it was discovered in time...This daughter-in-law truly has no excuse for her mistakes.”

Having understood the cause and effect of the longevity ceremony, it was indeed Prince Min who committed the sin. The identity of the Commandery Prince was false, but the identity of the remnant was true; all bore the surname Xia, so how could she escape guilt?

Empress Dowager Wang sighed upon hearing these words: ”Silly child, what does this have to do with you? You’re just a woman, and have been living with Xin Wang for all these years. How could you know about those filthy affairs? You are innocent.”

The Princess Consort Min gave a bitter smile.

With the surname Xia, how could she be called innocent?

”Don’t think about those things anymore. If you were guilty, would the Emperor tolerate you? If you had any intention of rebellion, neither would I tolerate you. But you are dutiful, the Emperor and I have eyes, we’re not blind. Whether you have any connection, we are aware.” Empress Dowager Wang looked at her and said, ”Otherwise, how could I allow you to sit here and speak with me?”

The Princess Consort Min felt increasingly ashamed, saying, ”Lady, you are truly magnanimous.”

Empress Dowager Wang waved her hand, sighed, ”You too were born under the wrong star, just a poor soul in this earthly world.”

The Princess Consort Min sank into silence, yet a trace of warmth crossed her heart.

”Let’s not speak of it, regardless of who Prince Min is, since you are betrothed to Prince Min, and are listed on the Imperial Family’s jade dishware, you are officially the daughter-in-law of the Chu Family. No matter who he is, you are always the Princess Consort Min.”

The Princess Consort Min’s heart settled; this affirmed her identity.

”Tell me, did you come to the palace this time for the Imperial Concubine? How is she?”

The Princess Consort Min composed herself and said, ”Mother Consort was so shocked upon hearing about the Prince that she fainted. The Imperial Physician was called to examine her, but she suffered a stroke.”

Empress Dowager Wang widened her eyes, ”What, suffered a stroke?”

”Yes.”

The Princess Consort Min relayed the Imperial Physician’s diagnosis.

Empress Dowager Wang was a bit astonished, unable to describe her feelings. She did not feel schadenfreude, nor did she wish for her outright demise, but instead felt deeply surprised, accompanied by countless sighs.

The late years of Princess Consort Ji will likely not be pleasant; it is said that the real Chu Ze is physically weak, and the scenario of the white-haired sending off the black-haired will likely occur with her.

”Lian Qiao, have Doctor Lu call several Imperial Physicians to go and examine and treat the Imperial Concubine together.” Empress Dowager Wang issued the decree and turned to the Princess Consort Min saying, ”Such things happening are fate; given her current state, you, as a daughter-in-law, should also serve at the front.”

”I understand as the daughter-in-law, and in entering the palace now, I actually hoped Mother might show compassion. I heard that Doctor Lin from the Song Minister’s Mansion is excellent at acupuncture technique; could Lady please issue a decree to invite them to the Prince Mansion to treat my Mother Consort?”

”Lin Qing? Her medical skills are indeed good. I can issue a decree, but as for doctors, they have their tempers, and I don’t wish to force it. I can only connect you with them; you’ll need to seek help from Madam Song and Doctor Lin at the Song Prime Minister’s Mansion.”