无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

As for the Empress, she was still in the “Cold Palace” and had not been released by the Emperor.

Before the banquet, Concubine Shu had visited the East Palace.

However, Jiang Ning had no time for her.

By custom, she would have a chance to see her family at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.

But that would require the consent of either the Emperor or the Crown Prince.

Fortunately, before the palace banquet, she saw Li Hongyuan.

It had been several months since they last saw each other after Concubine Jin’s funeral.

Upon meeting again, they seemed to have grown much more distant from each other.

The coldness and depth of authority in Li Hongyuan seemed to have deepened a lot.

“I have been busy recently and haven’t been able to attend to the East Palace affairs. The Princess Consort must have had a hard time.” Li Hongyuan held the teacup and blew on the tea leisurely, without taking a sip. “If the Princess Consort is too busy, you can ask Side Concubine Li to help you. She is quite capable.”

Jiang Ning was slightly startled, looking up at him: “Side Concubine Li?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, Li Liangyuan is now promoted to Side Concubine.” Li Hongyuan put down his teacup and smiled, “The promotion ceremony will need the Princess Consort’s hard work.”

Jiang Ning said, “As long as you are happy with the promotion of Side Concubine, Your Highness. However, if there is any such event in the future, please at least inform me in advance, lest people think I am just a display piece as the Princess Consort.”

Li Hongyuan laughed and said, “That won’t happen. You have always been delicate and have to take care of two children. I promoted Li Yuanyuan to help you more. Don’t worry.”

“Of course not, I won’t take it to heart.” Jiang Ning smiled.

She finally understood.

This Li Hongyuan was indeed the seed of the old Emperor, with the same manners as his father.

Just as the old Emperor disliked the Empress, he promoted Concubine Shu to share her power. Now, Li Hongyuan clearly did not trust her and had not seen her for several months. Upon his return, he promoted Li Yuanyuan to Side Concubine.

Although he did not say it explicitly, Jiang Ning knew that soon, Li Yuanyuan would replace her in managing the affairs of the East Palace.

Jiang Ning quietly drank tea.

Li Hongyuan glanced at her: “Don’t you have anything you want to ask?”

“Your Highness has already confined me in the East Palace. What can I ask?” Jiang Ning calmly replied, “If there is anything I need to know, I am sure Your Highness will tell me.”

Li Hongyuan gazed at her for a moment, then slowly shook his head: “Regarding the case of my concubine mother, I have found some clues. At present, keeping you in the East Palace also serves as a protection for you. Do you understand?”

Jiang Ning looked up: “I thought…”

“You thought I suspected you?” Li Hongyuan showed a hint of a smile. “Though we haven’t spent much time together, I have some understanding of your temperament. Moreover, you and my concubine mother have always been close, so I believe you have no reason to harm her. However, some clues are not in your favor, and the people involved in this case are far-reaching. If they could harm my concubine mother without a trace, what about you?”

“They?”

“I can’t be sure of their identities yet.” Li Hongyuan furrowed his brows. “For the time being, please bear with it and stay in the East Palace. Do not go out casually, all right?”

Jiang Ning thought for a moment and replied, “All right.”

“Then, shall I let Side Concubine Li take care of the East Palace affairs during this period?”

“…That’s fine, too.” Jiang Ning obediently nodded.

And just like that, Li Hongyuan casually took away the power in Jiang Ning’s hands once again.

As she watched Li Hongyuan leave, the smile on Jiang Ning’s lips deepened.