无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

“You think I won’t dare to punish you?”

“This humble son is willing to accept punishment. Please, Your Majesty, punish me severely!” Jiang Ning rubbed her leg.

The Emperor ignored her little action, sneering coldly, “Go kneel for half a month!”

“Emperor Father,” Li Hongyuan spoke, “Jiang Ning’s leg still hasn’t fully healed,”

“If I don’t punish her, others won’t be appeased.”

“I beseech Emperor Father’s forgiveness. This humble son is willing to bear the punishment in place of the Princess Consort.” Li Hongyuan bowed his body.

The Emperor looked at him for a moment and said, “Then, as you wish. Jiang Ning, you won’t need to take the punishment, but you must go and apologize to Concubine Xian.”

“I have to apologize to her?”

“Hm?” The Emperor’s cold gaze swept over her.

“…This humble daughter obeys.”

“You all may leave.” The Emperor waved his hand.

The matter was settled like this.

The Crown Prince took the punishment in place of the Princess Consort, kneeling half a month at the Ancestral Temple. Jiang Ning, as the “mastermind,” needed to go to Prosperity Palace to apologize to Concubine Xian in person.

As they came out of the Crystal Frost Hall, the warm sunlight of spring was shining on their bodies, making them feel warm and cozy.

Li Hongyuan looked at Jiang Ning, and Jiang Ning grinned at him.

“As such, I’m afraid this will be hard on Your Highness the Crown Prince.” Her tone was cheerful, waving her hand as she intended to leave.

Li Hongyuan casually pulled her back and said calmly, “You seem carefree. You’re not even slightly grateful or apologetic. You have the thickest face I’ve ever seen.”

Jiang Ning moved closer and held onto his arm, “I’ll bring you food every day. I’ll cook it myself.”

“I’m not Concubine Mother. I won’t be tempted by your treats.” Although Li Hongyuan’s tone was light, he didn’t pull his arm away and let her hold it. “What would you like me to do then?”

“I hope that next time, try not to let others catch you in the act. Otherwise, even if you vented your anger, you’ll still have to pay the price in the end.”

Jiang Ning said, “I thought you would blame me or scold me.”

“If I were there, Concubine Xian might have been hurt worse.” Li Hongyuan raised his hand and gently patted her shoulder, “For this half month, I’ll leave the East Palace in your care. Also, watch out for Concubine Xian’s retaliation. She won’t let it go this easily after suffering such a big loss. Although Emperor Father doesn’t really like her, Concubine Xian’s family still has some power. If you have any difficulties, come find me.”

With that, he walked towards the Ancestral Temple.

Sanli and Ding Sanjin hurried to catch up.

Jiang Ning watched his retreating figure, thinking that he had just returned and hadn’t even had time to rest before being punished again.

Truth be told, these past two years, every time he was punished, it was because of her.

“Let’s go back to the East Palace.” Jiang Ning said.

Huang Ying followed, “Are you going to Prosperity Palace to apologize?”

“Who would dare to defy His Majesty’s decree?”

“Are you going now?” Huang Ying asked, “I can tell that Concubine Xian won’t let this matter rest even if we go to apologize. She’ll be troublesome in the future.”

Jiang Ning thought for a moment, “I wonder how the Prince of Huai and his Princess Consort are doing.”

Last time she said she would deal with them, but she had been too busy to accomplish it.

“Huang Ying, you go back to the East Palace and let Xiaoman guard the gate. Before I return, don’t let anyone in or out.”

“What about you, Princess Consort?”

“I’m going to leave the palace for a while.”

“This slave will go with you.”

“Gucheng will be enough to accompany me.” Jiang Ning waved her hand, “Huang Ying, you go back first. I’ll be back before nightfall.”

Huang Ying looked around and knew that Gucheng would follow her.

Jiang Ning left the palace alone, unimpeded and unhindered all the way.

She had become a familiar face in the palace now.

From top to bottom, there was no one who didn’t recognize her..