无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

From the beginning, when Jiang Ruobai allowed Jiang Ning to marry Li Hongyuan, who was still the Prince of Yu, he was betting on him. And for Li Hongyuan to marry Jiang Ning and gain the powerful support of the Jiang Family was also part of the Emperor’s own calculations.

This was a mutual decision made by the two old foxes, without ever speaking of it.

It had to be said that these two master and servant were quite a match.

They had the same vision when they were young, and they had the same thoughts on choosing in-laws for their children.

Poor Jiang Ning and Li Hongyuan had become mere chess pieces in the hands of the two old men, each trying to outmaneuver the other.

Jiang Ning was worried for Jiang Ruobai.

A minister who went against the Emperor usually had no good outcome.

Jiang Ruobai was smart, but there were many instances where his intelligence had led to his own undoing.

At this thought, Jiang Ning couldn’t help feeling a chill on her back.

She whispered to her brother, “Do you think the old Emperor would do something like killing the donkey when the grinding is done, or preparing the dog stew when the hare is dead?”

“Hey, you, don’t be so blunt,” Jiang Yi really couldn’t handle his sister’s sharp tongue and whispered even lower, “Of course the Emperor wants to use the power of the Jiang Family to secure the Crown Prince’s position. But you are the Princess Consort too.”

Jiang Ning replied, “Brother, don’t hold too much hope for me. Li Hongyuan may seem like a gentle and refined person, but he’s actually very cold at heart. Nowadays, he’s investigating things outside and doesn’t tell me anything. He even confines me to the East Palace, not allowing me to leave.”

Jiang Yi laughed and said, “Do you really think our family is counting on you to become an Empress and help us out? Father arranged for you to become the Princess Consort so that you could enjoy the highest status and all the wealth and power that comes with it. As for your concerns, don’t worry, father and uncle have everything under control.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Jiang Ning breathed a sigh of relief, “I will also try to investigate the matter of Denghua in the palace. After all, I have some convenience here.”

Jiang Yi laughed and said, “The Emperor and the Crown Prince both want to control you, how can you investigate?”

“If they could really keep me confined, I wouldn’t have met you outside today.”

“Sister, this matter is dangerous; don’t act rashly. The family will handle everything. You should just focus on taking care of your children in the East Palace, eat and drink as you please. I’ll inform you of any news in time.”

Jiang Ning had no choice but to agree.

“It’s getting late, I should go,” Jiang Yi said, then added, “Oh, almost forgot about this.”

He took out a cloth parcel from his pocket, opened it, inside there was wax paper, and inside that were two mooncakes.

Even accustomed to delicate pastries, Jiang Ning could hardly recognize these as mooncakes.

But Jiang Yi carefully placed the two mooncakes on the table, pointing at the twisted one and saying, “This cake was made by father, and that one was made by mother. They both wanted you to feel at ease and take good care of yourself since our family couldn’t reunite tonight.”

Jiang Ning was deeply touched.

Jiang Ruobai was a powerful Prime Minister of the country, with considerable influence.

Lin Zizi, too, was a highly regarded young lady from a prominent family. Her beauty and charm had mesmerized countless young men, including the Emperor, and she was like a goddess who was not tainted by the mundane.

But now, in order to show their care for her, they had both prepared these mooncakes with their own hands.

Immediately, she took a bite of one mooncake, then picked up the other one and took another big bite, saying, “I may not enjoy the taste that much, but I will finish them both to honor our parents’ love.”

Jiang Yi chuckled, “It’s not that bad. I’ve tasted them too, they’re really quite horrible. I took a bite and spat it out. It’s quite impressive that you can swallow them, worthy of being my little sister. I admire, admire.”