Chapter 101 The Queen Mother Returns to the Palace
Chapter 101 The Queen Mother Returns to the Palace
As the two walked back, Jiang Qingyue remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking.
"Qin Xuanyu, I suspect that I was switched during that period." As for who switched me, she really couldn't guess.
Or perhaps it was Lu who did it, but Lu's attitude when I went back made it seem like she had just found out, not like she was faking it.
Moreover, if she really wanted to get rid of herself, she wouldn't have gone through such a roundabout way. Therefore, Jiang Qingyue is more convinced that there is someone else pulling the strings behind the scenes, and that her replacement was his doing.
She shared her guess with Qin Xuanyu, and they reached a consensus.
Just then, a gust of wind swept by, and a familiar figure appeared before them—it was the assassin.
He removed the black cloth covering his face, revealing himself to be nameless.
It turned out that Jiang Qingyue's plan was to have Wuming pretend to be an assassin in order to "silence" her.
Although they left, they had people keep a close watch on them, and just when she and Qin Xuanyu were ready, they "coincidentally" rescued them.
Although the idea was a bit underhanded, it was undeniably effective. It successfully broke through their defenses and uncovered the secret they wanted.
Since we've already suffered losses, let's go all the way. After all, to deal with extraordinary people, we should use extraordinary measures.
Thinking of this, Jiang Qingyue sneered.
Seeing Jiang Qingyue's smile, Wuming had a bad feeling, as if someone was about to be in big trouble.
Jiang Qingyue turned to Qin Xuanyu with a fawning smile, "Your Highness, could you please do me a favor?"
Qin Xuanyu was amused and said, "You're always so casual, calling yourself 'Your Highness' when there's nothing wrong."
"There's no other way; the only person I can turn to for help is Your Highness."
"Alright, speak properly." Qin Xuanyu said sternly, looking disdainful.
However, only he knew how attractive Jiang Qingyue was, with his clenched fists and rapid heartbeat.
He feigned composure and said, "Speak, what do you want me to help you with?"
Jiang Qingyue leaned closer and whispered a few words in Qin Xuanyu's ear.
Qin Xuanyu's expression gradually became indescribable. Finally, he looked at Jiang Qingyue with a mixture of helplessness and amusement, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You can't use this trick on me anymore. It seems I can't easily offend you in the future."
Qin Xuanyu couldn't help but tease Jiang Qingyue, leaving the three people following behind, Yingren, Yingyu, and Wuming, filled with curiosity and looking at each other in bewilderment.
Early the next morning, Qin Xuanyu bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and left.
Although the Empress Dowager was extremely reluctant, she also knew that he had things to do, so she finally agreed.
Considering that Qin Xuanyu had already announced his return to the court, and that his situation was probably not good, the Empress Dowager finally decided to return to the palace. At least with her in the palace keeping an eye on things, the Emperor should be more restrained.
Therefore, she informed Jiang Qingyue.
Jiang Qingyue wasn't surprised, because the trajectory of this life had changed. Qin Xuanyu had returned to the court, and the Empress Dowager would eventually have to go back as well.
However, the Empress Dowager was very satisfied with Jiang Qingyue's reaction. She remained calm and composed, not swayed by her emotions, which was truly rare.
The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction again. "Don't worry, if you don't want to, I can help you."
These words finally made Jiang Qingyue glance at them, but she was only slightly surprised and didn't react much. After all, she didn't know what the Empress Dowager wanted to do.
"Is what the Empress Dowager said... what I think she meant?" Jiang Qingyue asked again, seemingly to confirm.
"Of course, I am not joking. Since you say you don't want to, I will naturally find a way to help you."
Jiang Qingyue knew that the Empress Dowager had a problem with this emperor son, but it shouldn't be to that extent...
Seeing Jiang Qingyue's questioning look and recalling Qin Xuanyu's instructions before leaving, the Empress Dowager did not tell the truth, but only said perfunctorily: "You are quite pleasing to my eye, and you are honest. Since you are unwilling, I will naturally help you, so as not to create a lovesick man or woman and waste your life."
"Your Majesty, I thank you!" Jiang Qingyue bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager in gratitude.
When the emperor received the news that the Empress Dowager was about to return to court, he was extremely shocked.
He had long been prepared for it to be futile, but Jiang Qingyue actually managed to do it? How did she do it?
The emperor was extremely curious.
Regardless, he was still happy, as everything would be fine once the Empress Dowager returned.
Otherwise, how would future generations portray him as an emperor?
How could the Empress Dowager not see through his intentions? That's why she wasn't cooperating.
But thinking of her youngest son, she ultimately gave in.
Qin Jinghao was also extremely surprised, never expecting that Jiang Qingyue was truly capable, and he couldn't help but look at her with new respect.
Some people are happy, while others will naturally be unhappy.
When Jiang Chuchu learned of this in the Eastern Palace, she flew into a rage and became even more jealous of Jiang Qingyue.
But remembering Lady Lu's admonition before she entered the Eastern Palace, she ultimately held back.
These days, she has been losing to Jiang Qingyue in every way, which is also because she has been too hasty.
Therefore, after being repeatedly instructed by Madam Lu, she decided that she must restrain herself and be more self-controlled.
At least, during Jiang Qingyue's absence, she managed to win back Qin Jinghao's heart.
Therefore, Jiang Qingyue was uneasy about persuading the Empress Dowager to return.
No, if Jiang Qingyue can win over the Empress Dowager's heart, then there's no reason why Jiang Chuchu can't do the same.
If she can win the Empress Dowager's favor, with the Empress Dowager's help, she will definitely be able to stop the marriage between the Crown Prince and Jiang Qingyue.
Thinking of this, Jiang Chuchu quickly tidied herself up and, after finding out the Empress Dowager's preferences, followed her to the palace gate to greet the Empress Dowager's palanquin.
The moment Jiang Qingyue gently helped the Empress Dowager out of the sedan chair, Jiang Chuchu was so jealous she almost ground her teeth to powder.
She told herself to stay calm and followed Qin Jinghao to bow to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Jiang Chuchu, who was dressed simply, and recalled what Qin Xuanyu had said. Because she loved Jiang Chuchu so much, she found fault with everything she did.
Especially considering that her outfit was entirely based on her own preferences and was certainly not unintentional, her ulterior motives became quite clear.
Thinking of this, the Empress Dowager stared at Jiang Chuchu, her face grim and her authority evident. "Who are you? Dressed so plainly, are you cursing me, or are you going to send me to my death?"
Jiang Chuchu was smiling politely, waiting for the Empress Dowager's praise, but unexpectedly, she was met with a barrage of scolding, which left her completely stunned.
What did she do?
"Grandmother, please calm down!" Qin Jinghao's expression changed drastically. He quickly pulled Jiang Chuchu, who hadn't yet reacted, and pressed her down. "Hurry up and apologize to Grandmother!"
The moment her legs slammed heavily onto the ground, Jiang Chuchu was in so much pain that tears almost welled up in her eyes. At the same time, she realized what was happening and cried out, "Your Majesty... no, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, please spare me! This humble woman... oh no, I meant no offense, please spare me, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
Jiang Chuchu didn't have time to think about the Empress Dowager's sudden reprimand, and quickly kowtowed to apologize.
GBP