Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: The Ninth Prince Has Arrived at the Palace
Chapter 45: The Ninth Prince Has Arrived at the Palace
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Qian lowered her eyes and listened to the conversation between the mother and daughter. She thought to herself that the Empress Dowager was even softer than she had imagined. Furthermore, with a scourge like Princess Xuehua by her side, she feared that trouble would arise in the future.
However, Su Qian had no close ties with the Empress Dowager, so she felt no need to involve herself in the Empress Dowager’s future affairs.
“Su Qian, tell me the truth, what was that rat just now all about?” Suddenly, the Empress Dowager’s cold and stern voice sounded.
Su Qian’s expression flickered slightly as she looked up at the Empress Dowager, understanding the situation in her heart.
The Empress Dowager was indeed softhearted, but as someone of her status, it was impossible for her to have no sense of strategy. Su Qian wondered if the Empress Dowager had seen through something and began to suspect herself.
Nanny Jin was a bit nervous. She knew very well that Su Qian had been obediently copying scriptures all along, without a single word of complaint. This alone made her far better than Princess Xuehua who had just left, and Nanny Jin felt pity for Su Qian’s predicament. She quickly gestured with her eyes, urging Su Qian to say something nice and pleasing.
Su Qian smiled faintly and calmly replied, “Empress Dowager, I would never harm anyone on my own accord.”
…..
Upon hearing these words, a glint of shrewdness appeared in the Empress Dowager’s eyes, but she quickly turned her gaze back to Su Qian and said, “You have worked hard today, you may go back now.”
“Yes, I will take my leave now,” Su Qian replied and then left without looking back.
After Su Qian walked away, the Empress Dowager finally glanced at Nanny Jin beside her and asked, “Nanny Jin, have you finished what 1 assigned you to do?”
Nanny Jin replied, “Rest assured, Empress Dowager. 1 have already arranged for a carriage to send Miss Su back to the inn according to your instructions. When Miss Su arrives at the inn, the meal you rewarded her should also be there. Moreover, as per your instructions, 1 have specially prepared some snacks that children like in the imperial kitchen.” When Nanny Jin said this, she couldn’t help but laugh, “It seems that Miss Su has pleased you, Empress Dowager.”
“She’s a fine young lady, but unfortunately, she’s the mother of two children. I cannot let Xiao Jiu suffer such injustice,” sighed the Empress Dowager. “Make the necessary arrangements. Even if the engagement is called off in the future, find a way to take care of that girl. She showed concern for me today, and I will reward her for it.”
Upon hearing this, Nanny Jin gave a helpless smile and nodded in agreement.
The Empress Dowager is a person who speaks bluntly but actually has a kind heart. Clearly, she sympathizes with Miss Su’s difficult situation as a widow with children and wants to help her a bit, but she doesn’t say it outright as if afraid that others will think she’s doing it for her own benefit.
While the master and servant were talking, a eunuch walked quickly into the room and said, “Report to the Empress Dowager, the Ninth Prince has entered the palace and is now waiting for you in the main hall.”
“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Nanny Jin, help me over there,” said the Empress Dowager upon hearing that her precious grandson had arrived, hastening her steps with the assistance of Nanny Jin towards the main hall.
In the main hall, Xiao Yan sat with a cold expression in his wheelchair and didn’t even touch the tea beside him. Only when he saw the Empress Dowager coming from afar did he go up to greet her, saying, “Grandson pays respects to Imperial Grandmother. May Imperial Grandmother be blessed with peace.”
“Don’t need for greetings, Xiao Jiu. Let Imperial Grandmother take a look at you,” said the Empress Dowager, extremely pleased and smiling at Xiao Yan. She seemed delighted beyond words. “Your people said that you went to the ice pond today. I thought I wouldn’t see you, but you came so suddenly without letting me know beforehand. I could have had my people prepare your favorite tea.”
Xiao Yan claimed that he was physically weak and often had to practice in the ice pond inside the mansion, and each time he practiced, it would take a whole day. The Empress Dowager was already accustomed to this, but she did not expect that today Xiao Yan would come to the palace halfway through his practice..