“That’s right!”
“Everything has two sides.”
“Don’t always look at the bad side of things.”
Wan Zhenxiang carefully watched the Emperor’s expression before cautiously continuing,
“Your Majesty…”
“Chancellor Gu Hengcang has already arrived at the palace gates.”
“The three princes have also come.”
“What are your orders?”
The Emperor snorted.
“Tell them to get in here.”
He settled back onto his throne, preparing to watch the clowns perform for his amusement.
“Besides them…”
“I’m sure plenty of people are curious about this matter.”
“Go.”
“Summon Grand Tutor Yi, Grand Preceptor Ji, and the rest of the civil and military officials.”
“If there’s entertainment to be had…”
“Why should I enjoy it alone?”
“The more, the merrier.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Wan Zhenxiang twitched at the corner of his eye before quickly leaving to deliver the imperial summons.
Thus…
While Ling Yu was returning home to change into formal attire…
Officials from both the civil and military branches of government hurried toward the imperial palace.
The commotion wasn’t limited to the court.
As soon as the imperial consorts in the harem heard the news, the entire inner palace erupted.
One after another, they sent their trusted attendants to gather information about what was happening in court.
After all…
The possibility of the imperial bloodline being mixed up…
Was an earth-shattering matter.
Tang Wan carefully comforted both Ling Yue and Ling Chen before changing into her attire as a Commandery Princess and accompanying Ling Yu to the palace.
However…
As they stepped outside, they saw a carriage waiting at the entrance.
Jiang Shi, dressed in plain mourning clothes, was being questioned by the Prefect.
Tang Wan frowned and quickened her pace.
Before she could approach, Ling Yu grabbed her arm.
She looked at her handsome husband in confusion.
Only to discover…
He was quietly staring at Jiang Shi’s…
…hands.
Following his gaze, Tang Wan’s eyelid twitched.
Something was very wrong with Jiang Shi’s hands.
The calluses were concentrated around the web between the thumb and index finger.
Without even thinking, Tang Wan knew what that meant.
Those were the hands of someone who regularly gripped a sword.
Jiang Shi?
She was supposed to be a frail, gentle woman.
Even if she had calluses from labor…
They certainly wouldn’t appear there.
At that moment, Jiang Shi noticed the couple.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
“Yu’er, Wan’er, you’re here.”
“I’ve been staying at the National Guardian Temple these past few days.”
“I specifically prayed for peace talismans for the two of you.”
As she spoke, she walked over in small, graceful steps and took two protective amulets from her robe, handing one to each of them.
Because her back was turned toward the Prefect and the others…
She repeatedly winked at them.
Tang Wan: …
Ling Yu: …
The Prefect also walked over.
The moment Jiang Shi noticed him approaching, she immediately restrained herself and put on a timid expression.
“What happened?”
“Why did Lord Prefect just say that I should accompany you into the palace?”
“Let’s get into the carriage first.”
Ling Yu quickly returned to his usual calm demeanor.
He cupped his hands respectfully toward the Prefect.
“My mother is rather timid.”
“I hope Your Excellency won’t take offense.”
“Not at all.”
The Prefect smiled cheerfully.
Apparently, “Jiang Shi” had already said something to him.
His attitude toward her was surprisingly respectful, almost humble.
“It’s getting late.”
“Minister Ling should board the carriage quickly.”
“His Majesty is probably already waiting.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Ling Yu nodded slightly before helping Tang Wan and “Jiang Shi” into the carriage.
Only after they had boarded did the Prefect wipe the sweat from his brow and order the procession to depart.
Inside the carriage…
The timid and weak-looking Jiang Shi immediately changed her demeanor.
She respectfully knelt on one knee before Tang Wan.
When she spoke again…
The voice that came out belonged to Su Xi.
“Master.”
“His Majesty ordered this subordinate to impersonate Madam.”
“He also arranged for someone to disguise me.”
“So…”
“I did not mean any disrespect.”
“Please don’t be angry.”
Tang Wan curiously stared at her face.
She even reached out and touched it.
It felt soft and springy.
But…
It didn’t quite feel like real human skin.
If she had to describe it…
It felt more like silicone.
Tang Wan was puzzled.
“Why did His Majesty have you impersonate Mother?”
“It’s like this…”
Su Xi began explaining.
Since Ling Yu’s true identity had been exposed…
Jiang Shi would inevitably have to appear in court.
However…
The real Jiang Shi was already the Second Prince’s Consort.
She was timid and easily flustered.
There was too great a chance that she would make a mistake.
So the Emperor simply ordered Su Xi to disguise herself as Jiang Shi and accompany the couple into the palace to clarify Ling Yu’s identity.
After finishing her explanation, Su Xi sighed with emotion.
“His Majesty truly put a great deal of thought into this.”
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