jdhmnovel Chapter 332 The Empress's Protection
Chapter 332 The Empress's Protection
"The Queen has arrived——"
Just as Consort De was about to order the palace maids to teach Yu Wan a lesson, an announcement came from outside.
Consort De's expression changed slightly.
Why did the Empress suddenly arrive?
Empress Su stepped into the palace with a faint smile on her lips. Her voice was gentle yet dignified: "It has been a long time since I have been to Dexin Palace. I did not know that it was so lively here."
Consort De's previously upturned lips instantly fell, and she reluctantly stood up to curtsy, "Your Majesty, this concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress."
Yu Wan also bowed.
Empress Su's gaze fell on Yu Wan. She walked over and personally helped her up. "You are the daughter that the Duchess of Anguo recently found?"
Yu Wan was somewhat surprised that the Empress knew her, and replied with a smile, "Yes."
The Empress's smile was very gentle. "Changning has been mentioning you to me before. Today, I see that you are a good child."
Not long ago, Consort De also said the same thing.
At that moment, Yu Wan could immediately sense that Consort De was feigning kindness, but Empress Su made her feel that she was genuinely kind.
Moreover, the Empress's arrival at such a coincidence might be related to Princess Changning.
Otherwise, the Empress would not have specifically mentioned Princess Changning.
Empress Su smiled and patted Yu Wan's hand, then walked straight to the main seat and sat down. Only then did she look at Consort De and say indifferently, "You may also rise."
When Consort De saw the Empress talking to Yu Wan, she had a bad feeling.
The Empress rarely leaves the palace, yet this time she actually came to her Dexin Palace…
Consort De's mind raced for a moment, then a smile appeared on her face. "What brings Your Majesty the Empress to my humble abode today?"
Empress Su smiled gently, but did not answer directly.
Instead, they turned their attention to Yu Wan.
He then asked unhurriedly, "How come you have time to summon Miss Yu to the palace?"
Consort De's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly put on a friendly expression again: "Your Majesty, I have long admired Miss Yu's virtuous reputation, and I learned that she saved my niece in the plum garden. I am truly grateful and thought of inviting her to the palace to express my gratitude in person."
As Consort De spoke, she secretly observed Empress Su's expression.
Empress Su nodded slightly, gently turning the jade thumb ring on her hand, and said thoughtfully, "I see. I have also heard about Miss Yu's act of saving people. It was indeed a kind-hearted act."
"However, judging from the atmosphere between the two of you just now, it didn't seem like you were expressing your gratitude."
Empress Su's gaze swept back and forth between Consort De and Yu Wan, her eyes revealing a sharp insight that seemed to see through everything.
Consort De smiled and said, "This must be Your Majesty's misperception. I get along very well with Miss Yu, don't you think, Miss Yu?"
She looked at Yu Wan as she spoke, a warning glint in her eyes.
Yu Wan noticed the look in Consort De's eyes, but she pretended not to see it, carefully lowered her head, and said softly, "Reporting to Your Majesty the Empress... Consort De did not make things difficult for me..."
This expression clearly shows that he was being deliberately made difficult, but he dared not show it.
Yu Wan subtly curled the corners of her lips.
Isn't it just acting?
Who can't do it anymore?
Seeing this, Empress Su smiled slightly, but then her face darkened as she looked at Consort De. "It seems you've been too idle in the palace. Coincidentally, the Empress Dowager's birthday is approaching. You should stay in the palace these days copying Buddhist scriptures to pray for the Empress Dowager. Don't leave the palace unless you have something to do."
Upon hearing this, Consort De's face turned pale and then red.
She bit her lower lip so hard that her nails dug into her palms, but she still forced herself to remain calm, managed a weak smile, and bowed: "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress's decree."
This bitch!
By invoking the Empress Dowager, she had no reason to refuse!
If the Emperor hadn't occasionally visited the Empress's palace, she wouldn't have needed to worry about offending that vile woman!
Empress Su seemed oblivious to Consort De's emotions. She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said leisurely, "Consort De, the Empress Dowager values sincere prayers the most. You must copy this carefully."
"If you are unwilling..."
Consort De immediately smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I only hope that the Empress Dowager will live long and I will certainly copy it carefully."
The Empress nodded slightly, put down her teacup, and looked calmly at Consort De: "That's good. The Empress Dowager's good health and longevity are a blessing to our dynasty. I am relieved that you are so filial."
After she finished speaking, she stood up and glanced at Yu Wan as she passed by. "Miss Yu must be entering the palace for the first time and is not familiar with the way out. I will have Granny Liu give you a ride along the way."
This means he wants to take her away.
Yu Wan turned to the side and curtsied to Consort De, "Your Highness Consort De, this humble woman takes her leave."
Even if Consort De was furious, she could only watch helplessly as the Empress took her people out.
Once the Empress and Yu Wan had walked away, she overturned the tea set on the table, especially the one the Empress had used.
"So what if she's the Empress?!" Consort De's brows furrowed, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes. "She doesn't even have a son. I'd like to see how long she can be so arrogant!"
On the palace path, Yu Wan once again sincerely thanked the Empress, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for helping me out of this predicament."
Empress Su smiled gently, "There's no need to be so polite. Changning has met a friend she likes, and she asked me to come and visit, so of course I came."
"You're a good kid, Changning's judgment is right."
Yu Wan smiled, pursing her lips.
Empress Su said, "Consort De is the most vengeful. She probably summoned you to the palace today to make things difficult for you. Unexpectedly, she failed to make things difficult for you and instead swallowed a bellyful of unhappiness herself. She probably already holds a grudge against you now."
Yu Wan didn't care and said in a relaxed tone, "Even if I submit to my fate today, Consort De will still hate me. So why should I endure it?"
Empress Su looked at her upon hearing this, her gaze showing more appreciation. "That's well said."
"No wonder Changning likes you. I also like you very much today."
"If you have time in the future, you can come to the palace more often to chat with me. I'm sure you've seen many beautiful landscapes of the Great Zhao since you were young, so your perspective must be different from that of the noble ladies of Shengjing. I enjoy hearing about these things."
Empress Su's words were very comforting.
Everyone said that Yu Wan had been living away from home since childhood and might not be clean herself, but Empress Su praised her for having seen the beautiful scenery of the Great Zhao and for her broad vision.
Yu Wan felt a surge of warmth in her heart and curtsied in response, "It is my honor to be favored by Her Majesty the Empress."
Empress Su instructed Granny Liu to escort Yu Wan out of the palace.
After Yu Wan's figure disappeared outside the palace gate, Granny Liu returned to Fengkun Palace.
"Your Majesty, this old servant has safely escorted Miss Yu out of the palace."
Empress Su smiled as she looked at Princess Changning opposite her. "Are you relieved now?"
Princess Changning nodded with a smile.
Empress Su smiled helplessly and tapped her forehead. "Now that you're relieved, go and learn etiquette and manners properly."
Princess Changning didn't renege this time and readily agreed.
After Changning went to the side hall next door, Empress Su sighed, "That Miss Yu does seem quite clever, but what about Consort De..."
Empress Su narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone tinged with coldness, "Consort De is ruthless and has become increasingly arrogant in recent years. I'm afraid she won't let Miss Yu off easily."