Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 194 Entering the Palace in Place of the Princess

When Eunuch Li arrived at the Prince's residence, he was received by Chief Secretary Song and the steward.

Yu Heyuan led the way back to Yunyi Palace with a message: Consort Hui, mindful of the Princess's pregnancy, specially dispatched Eunuch Li to convey that tomorrow, ladies of the third rank and above will pray for blessings at Baohua Palace, and the Princess need not attend.

Consort Zhen and Hua Yan exchanged a smile, feeling somewhat relieved.

Since the princess doesn't need to participate, there's no need to rush to copy the Lotus Sutra.

Yu Heyuan continued to report: "Eunuch Li will be coming to Yunyi Palace soon. Consort Hui has ordered you, the concubine, to enter the palace. She also said that after the chanting and blessing ceremony is over, the Empress wants to see you."

The Empress is cold-hearted by nature and rarely summons people to the palace for conversation. Consort Zhen and Hua Yan both know this, presumably because their father (the head of the family) has rendered meritorious service to the country.

Sure enough, led by Granny Gong, Eunuch Li arrived at Yunyi Palace after leaving the Princess's residence.

"Her Highness Consort Hui has bestowed a palace token. Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), the concubine must enter the palace in place of the princess and go to Baohua Hall to pray for His Majesty's well-being," Eunuch Li announced, bowing.

Mengzhu stepped forward and took the palace token. With the palace token, the concubine could enter the palace at any time.

Consort Zhen said, "I'll trouble Eunuch Li to make the trip."

With a respectful expression, Eunuch Li said, "This servant would also like to offer my congratulations in advance to the Consort. Her Majesty the Empress has bestowed many rewards upon hearing that your father has mobilized his business to fully support the Northwest Army's provisions. I presume that the people in the palace have already arrived at the front street of the mansion by now."

Consort Zhen's voice was soft and melodious, "We dare not take credit for sharing the burdens of His Majesty and the Prince."

Hua Yan was also delighted for Madam Yun. With the Empress's support, the Tang family's position would be even more secure.

In the Ruyi Hall, after Eunuch Li left, the atmosphere inside became tense and cold.

Granny Gui looked astonished, but felt indignant at her mistress's behavior.

"Your Highness, Consort Hui... is of humble birth, yet you completely disregard etiquette and rules, allowing Consort Zhen to represent you. What is the reason for this...?"

The princess stared at the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine sent by Consort Hui on the octagonal table, remained silent for a long time, and then gave a bitter smile:

"Tang Qingwan... has both the merits of the Tang family and the favor of the Prince, so she is naturally qualified to surpass me, the Princess Consort. Just like the people of the capital all know that Consort Min is favored and the Empress exists in name only."

“Even though Consort Min was favored back then, she could never surpass the Empress.” Granny Gui murmured.

"Granny, have you forgotten that Prince Heng has the support of the entire Chen family? Why did he fail to even reach the capital when he rebelled?"

Granny Gui's face was solemn as she recalled the secret letter the general had sent two months ago.

Ever since Prince Jin personally requested His Majesty to bestow a marriage upon the second daughter of the Tang family, Jiang Wei has been diligently investigating the Tang household. Until two months ago, he inadvertently discovered a secret by observing the movements of Commander Xiao of Prince Jin's residence.

In the heart of the Yinshan Mountains in Pingzhou, there is an iron ore vein that has been mined and smelted for several years, producing weapons and armor of exceptional quality.

Worst of all, this mine is connected to the Tang family's trading company.

Jiang Wei was horrified upon closer examination. He vaguely realized that this mine was probably the reason why Tang Xian was able to get close to Prince Jin, and at the same time, it had become Prince Jin's most important reliance.

If it weren't for the death of the Crown Prince, the coup of Prince Yu, and the involvement of Prince Heng, the one who would have rebelled might have been the already unfavored Prince Jin...

It was precisely because Jiang Wei realized that the Tang family was not to be underestimated that he anticipated that Consort Zhen would become the biggest threat to Jiang Jie's ascension to the position of empress. Therefore, he sent a secret letter instructing Jiang Jie to take the opportunity to poison Consort Zhen in the palace.

The matter of the viper arose from this, but unfortunately, Banu was not up to the task...

Thinking of this, Granny Gui felt a sense of helplessness, and then cautiously asked, "Then tomorrow, will the Princess still go to Guangci Temple to pray for the Great General and the Young General?"

"Go, why not go?"

The princess gently stroked her flat belly. "The imperial physician has checked my pulse. This pregnancy is very stable. There's no need for you to worry, nanny."

“My father and brother fought for the Great Zhou. If I, the princess, do not mention it to the prince, I am afraid that the Tang family will take credit for my father and brother’s achievements.”

The next day.

When Consort Zhen entered the palace with Hua Yan at the morning greeting, she heard Consort Shen speaking in a sweet, coquettish voice.

"I also miss my father and brothers who are in the Northwest. Today, the Princess is going to Guangci Temple to offer incense. I wonder if I can accompany her so that I can fulfill my filial duty and also pray for the soldiers who are going to war."

The princess said gently, "Of course it's possible. Song Chenghui can also come along."

Song Chenghui's father was stationed in the Northwest for many years. As daughters of military families, the princess would always give her some face in order to win people's hearts.

Song Chenghui stood up and thanked him.

Hua Yan's gaze lingered briefly on Granny Gui, who was dressed in brand-new summer clothes. When she heard that Song Chenghui was also going, she couldn't help but frown slightly.

The princess gazed intently at Consort Zhen and said in a deep voice:

“Consort Zhen, on behalf of the Princess, will go to the Baohua Hall to pray for blessings. She must be careful in her words and actions and must not break the rules.”