无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Li Yuanyuan quickly replied, “Because the Princess Consort is unwell, I am only here to help for a few days. Once the Princess Consort is better, I will have more free time.”

She humbly conceded in every aspect and showed no arrogance or pride from her promotion.

Even the palace maids like Chunlai became more fond of her.

Jiang Ning said, “As for your inauguration ceremony, the Ministry of Rites and the Internal Affairs Bureau will handle the preparations. Everything will be done according to the rules, so I won’t say much about it.”

“I understand,” Li Yuanyuan replied.

“You look great today; where are you headed?” Jiang Ning asked casually.

“I am going to attend the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet and came to invite the Princess Consort to join me,” Li Yuanyuan replied.

“Me? Never mind,” Jiang Ning sighed. “The Crown Prince forbids me from going out.”

Li Yuanyuan was puzzled, “Why?”

“Isn’t it related to Concubine Jin’s case?” Jiang Ning gestured, “You go ahead and represent the East Palace; I won’t join the fuss.”

“If the Princess Consort does not go, I will not go either,” Li Yuanyuan replied.

“If neither of us goes, others might think there’s no discipline in our East Palace,” Jiang Ning said.

“…Fine then, I will go and fulfill my duty for a while,” Li Yuanyuan agreed.

In the end, Li Yuanyuan went to the banquet.

Chunlai scoffed, “How pretentious! She must be eager to show her face. Look at her arrogant stride; one might think she’s about to replace the Princess Consort.”

“Chunlai, stop talking nonsense,” Xiachu glared at her. “Go watch the two young princes wash their hands and have some snacks; don’t stand here and be an eyesore.”

Huang Ying asked, “Master, shall we celebrate the festival on our own? I can prepare for it.”

“What’s the fun of celebrating alone?” Jiang Ning replied.

“What then?”

“On this day of family reunions, since I can’t visit my parents, why not go and accompany the old Eunuch?” Jiang Ning suggested.

“What…?”

“I wonder if the Emperor has had any mooncakes by now,” Jiang Ning sighed. “He’s an old man, and as his daughter-in-law, shouldn’t I pay him a visit on this reunion day?”

Huang Ying finally understood, “You want to go see the Emperor?”

“Yes. The old man must be gazing at the moon and thinking about the past, feeling vulnerable. If I don’t take advantage of this, am I still me?” Jiang Ning rolled up her sleeves as she walked, “Prepare some ingredients; I’ll make a few mooncakes.”

Jiang Ning quickly made a few mooncakes, placed them in a small basket, and headed out.

As expected, she was stopped.

This time, it was General Mu Jian of the Right Imperial Guards who stopped her.

“Princess Consort, please go back,” Mu Jian said with an emotionless face. “I know you have a skilled person named Gucheng by your side, and ordinary Imperial Guards are no match for him. That’s why I am here. If you don’t want casualties between me and Gucheng, please go back.”

Jiang Ning smiled, “General Mu, you worry too much. I’m not going out. It’s a festive day, and I made some mooncakes to pay tribute to the late Concubine Jin at the Splendid Palace. Is that not allowed?”

Mu Jian replied, “I can send someone to deliver them for you.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble General Mu!” Jiang Ning cheerfully handed the basket to him.

Huang Ying asked in puzzlement, “Master, you just gave him the mooncakes. How can we go out? Should we go back and make some more?”

“The mooncakes are not the point,” Jiang Ning replied with a mysterious smile. “Just wait patiently; soon enough, the Emperor will personally summon me for an audience.”