CHAPTER 288: CHAPTER 288: WHO IS THE TORTOISE? WHO IS THE MUNG BEAN?

"The son of the Le’an County Princess and the Princely Heir of the Duke’s Mansion are fellow disciples," said Emperor Jing.

"Lady Yun got angry and, disregarding the friendship between the two houses, took it out on Sister Meng?" snorted Noble Consort An. "How tasteless! What does this have to do with Sister Meng? My mother always said that Lady Yun was an extraordinary woman."

She wanted her to learn more from Lady Yun.

Such narrow-mindedness and confusion of right and wrong, she had no interest in learning that.

"No major trouble has happened, so let’s not mention this matter again," Emperor Jing said.

As an emperor, it felt somewhat guilty to him to talk about a minister’s wife behind her back with his favored concubine.

Although, he hadn’t said anything bad either.

"Anyway, if she doesn’t provoke Sister Meng, then everyone will be happy. If she does, I will surely stand up for Sister Meng," said Noble Consort An.

"Changle, tell me, why do you like the Le’an County Princess so much?" Emperor Jing asked. "Don’t say it’s because I am on good terms with General Zhao. I’m on good terms with many ministers, yet you don’t seem to get along well with their wives at all!"

"Have you ever heard a saying among the common folk, ’when the turtle looks at the green bean, they see eye-to-eye?’" Noble Consort An thought for a moment and said.

Emperor Jing was silent for a moment, then asked, "Who’s the turtle? Who’s the green bean?"

"Your Majesty, you did that on purpose, didn’t you? I’m just using a metaphor; neither is a turtle or a green bean. Besides, if I were the turtle, what would that make you? The turtle husband or the green bean husband?"

Neither is a very elegant title.

Emperor Jing laughed, "Alright, I still have memorials to review. You should return to your own palace, and remember to keep the door open for me tonight."

In front of Changle, he always found himself in a pleasant mood.

Moonlight Palace.

The palace staff knelt in fear, while the beautiful woman on the Arhat bed bore a face of cold sternness.

This woman was none other than Concubine Jing.

Concubine Jing in a fit of rage.

She had heard of the Le’an County Princess.

The story of noble families finding daughters who had been lost is uncommon, but not unheard of.

When they first find them, they’re cherished as treasures, but who knows what will happen after some time?

So this Le’an County Princess, who now seemed to shine brightly, it’s hard to say what her future would be.

As for her other identity, she didn’t believe any man could remain constant.

Zhao Ting might seem deeply affectionate now, but who knows what he’ll be like in the future?

Therefore, as far as Concubine Jing was concerned, Meng Yao was of little significance.

What angered her was that Noble Consort An used the Le’an County Princess as a means to deliberately target her.

Though An Changle held a higher rank, Concubine Jing felt that she wasn’t less favored. Besides, her family was evidently held in higher regard by the emperor compared to the An Family.

Her mother had said, as long as she gave birth to a prince, the whole family would support her ascension to the empress’ position.

Currently, there were several princesses, but not a single prince yet.

Whosoever gives birth to a prince would certainly rise in rank by virtue of her son.

Concubine Jing gently stroked her belly; she was pregnant, already two months along, and her mother had a monk predict that there was an 80-90% chance it was a prince.

Just wait a bit longer, seven or eight more months, and she would certainly trample An Changle beneath her feet.

For the sake of her child, what’s the harm in enduring for now?

Concubine Jing let out a long breath, "What are you still kneeling for? Get up. I won’t make a fuss over a piece of clothing. It’s just a peach blossom dress."

In the future, she could have as many as she wanted.

Let An Changle jump for joy now, the more joy now, the more dismal it would be when she could no longer jump.

She has always been patient.

Weiyang Palace.

Noble Consort An lazily lay on the Arhat bed, with a small palace maid gently massaging her back.

"Not long after you left the palace, Moonlight Palace was in turmoil; the whole palace didn’t dare to breathe," reported Wanxing, who had not left the palace, with a moderate voice to Noble Consort An.

"One could imagine such a scene," Noble Consort An said in a low voice, "Concubine Jing loves to spar with me on everything; it would be odd if she kept quiet. Never mind, let her be. As long as she’s not excessive, there’s no need to bother."

"Your Ladyship, since His Majesty will be here tonight, will you take the medicine? Even having a princess would be good," suggested Wan Yue carefully.

"Why take that thing?" Noble Consort An’s voice was somewhat low, "I am still a child myself; how could I take on the responsibility of being a mother? Moreover, affection in the palace is as ephemeral as a mirage. Having you with me is quite enough."

The medicine her mother specially sought from an expert was said to be taken before and after for a high chance of keeping the fetus.

They all wanted her to have a child.

Saying it was for her own good.

But since losing her first child, she hadn’t the heart to have another.

Even though she became a Noble Consort.

Wan Yue sighed lightly. She had said what could be said many times, but her lady was unwavering.

Just hoped that someday, her lady would understand.

Princess Mansion.

The Grand Princess gave her order with a sullen face to her attendants, "You know what to do with the task I’ve instructed, yes? Do not rush it; make sure to proceed step by step. Once it’s done, you will be rewarded generously."

For those who offended her, how could she let them go?

Meng Yao thinks she’s so popular, does she?

She will slowly destroy everything Meng Yao cares about until she sees how glorious Meng Yao can be then.

As for Zhao Ting, there was nothing she wanted that she ever failed to get.

He’s infatuated with some countrywoman now, but there will come a time when he regrets it. By then, she would like to see Zhao Ting grovel before her.

The very thought made the Grand Princess laugh heartily.

As if much of the anger in her heart had dissipated.

——

After returning to the mansion, Lady Yun smashed quite a few things before her anger gradually subsided.

Magpie was used to it and directed the little maids to quickly clean up the mess, placing new items on the shelves.

They were exactly the same as the ones Lady Yun had smashed before, as if the mess had never existed.

"Madam, the Duke has returned and is heading to the main courtyard," Magpie spoke cautiously.

"Say that my head is troubling me, and I’m already resting," Lady Yun said expressionlessly.

"Yes," Magpie replied softly.

"Forget it, help me tidy my hair," Lady Yun said, knowing that some matters couldn’t be avoided just because one hid away.

Not long after, the Duke of Zhen Guo arrived.

"Madam, how was the banquet today? Was it smooth?" the Duke of Zhen Guo asked Lady Yun.

"Noble Consort An was also there; how could it be smooth?" Lady Yun replied, "Each madam was craftier than the last. Noble Consort An backed the Le’an County Princess; regardless of what they think, they showed respect and flattery on the surface to the Le’an County Princess."

"Our two families are on good terms; there’s no need for you to flatter, just maintain normal contact. Being overly enthusiastic might cause others to speculate," said the Duke of Zhen Guo.

"You are right," Lady Yun said without emotion, "I will remember what you said."

"I have always trusted you to handle things," said the Duke of Zhen Guo, "But I wonder, have you given thought to what I mentioned before?"