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Queen Meiru felt a twitch in her eyelid and quickly knelt down, respectfully replying, "Your servant thanks the Empress Dowager for your concern. I have just entered the palace and am serving the Emperor alongside my fellow concubines. Although I am the Empress, managing the inner court and attending to every detail with utmost care, there are still areas where I may fall short in my considerations. I hope the Empress Dowager will guide me..."
Empress Dowager Mingxi slightly nodded, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the concubines behind Empress. Although they stood in the back, upon closer inspection, their expressions were clearly different, especially among several higher-ranking consorts who evidently did not think highly of Queen Meiru's words.
This could not be blamed on them; everyone in the palace knew that Empress Dowager Mingxi was not particularly concerned about Mei Manor's illegitimate daughter, Mei Ru. Even though Mei Ru held the title of Empress at this moment, who would care for someone not favored by the Empress Dowager?
A cold smile appeared at the corner of Empress Dowager Mingxi's lips as she handed the soup bowl in her hand to Aunt Yu, saying, "I have summoned you today to help you better understand the rules of the inner court..."
The concubines all felt a shiver run through them and hurriedly replied in unison, "Your servant listens attentively to the teachings of the Empress Dowager."
Empress Dowager Mingxi's expression gradually became serious. "The stability of the inner court ensures peace in the outer court. Now that the Emperor has ascended to the throne, although there are only a few of you present in the inner court, the Palace Regulations have always been hierarchical. The Empress is the master of the inner court, and thus everything must be based on her opinions... Recently, there have been some unpleasant rumors circulating in the palace. Although I am old, I am not deaf; I have heard some things. Today, I want to establish a rule: these rumors are just rumors. Do not let me hear them again; otherwise, anyone who wishes to experience life in the Cold Palace will find their wish fulfilled..."
Except for Mei Ru, all the concubines' faces changed.
"The second matter I want to address is regarding Deposed Empress Mei Shuang. This is likely what you are most concerned about..." Empress Dowager Mingxi paused, observing the uncertain expressions of the concubines before coldly stating, "Today I will tell you that Mei Shuang is innocent... I entered the palace during my ancestors' time and have witnessed many disputes in these decades. However, such a meticulous scheme of false accusations truly opens my eyes. Since the Emperor's decree has been issued, it cannot be retracted; it is indeed a pity for Mei Shuang..."
Upon hearing this, Mei Ru immediately knelt down and cried tears of joy. "My sister has been wronged; I have always felt heavy-hearted. Now that the Empress Dowager is vindicating my sister and restoring honor to Mei Manor, I am immensely grateful."
Empress Dowager Mingxi glanced at kneeling Mei Ru, nodded slightly, and her tone became stern. "I only want to tell you that harmony and peace in the inner court are paramount. If any filthy thoughts or schemes come to my attention again in the future, I will report them to the Emperor for severe punishment..."
After this admonition from the Empress Dowager, everyone understood that today's visit was for two main purposes:
First, to establish authority for the Empress;
Second, to vindicate Deposed Empress Mei Shuang.
At once, various expressions appeared on the faces of the concubines.
Wiping away her tears, Mei Ru once again bowed and pleaded, "Your Majesty, may I go to the Cold Palace immediately to bring my sister back to the palace?"
"Return to the palace?" Empress Dowager Mingxi scolded. "It seems you are confused; there has already been an imperial decree regarding Deposed Empress Mei Shuang. To bring her back now would mean asking for a retraction of that decree?"
After a moment of inner turmoil, Mei Ru felt surprisingly composed and hurriedly said, "It is my foolishness."
"The matter has already been arranged by me. Now, I am tired. Everyone, please return..."
As the concubines exited the Empress Dowager's presence, their expressions varied. When they passed by Queen Mei Ru, they no longer appeared indifferent as before; instead, they showed more caution and respect. Even Consort Chen, who had always looked down on Mei Ru, paused slightly in front of her and stiffly greeted her with a simple "Empress."
Sitting in the palanquin, Queen Mei Ru seemed lost in thought.
The maidservants beside her sat up straight, their faces filled with pride.
Release said, "Today was truly satisfying. Who said the Empress Dowager does not favor the Empress? Today, she spoke entirely on behalf of the Empress. Let's see who in the palace will dare to disobey from now on..."
Lianxin cautiously added, "Empress, did you notice that the Empress Dowager did not mention how that person in the Cold Palace is to be dealt with? If she were to come out of the Cold Palace... I worry—"
Queen Mei Ru waved her hand dismissively and said lightly, "Enough of that. I am the officially recognized Empress of the Great Qin Empire; she is merely a Deposed Empress Mei Shuang. Moreover, according to the Empress Dowager's meaning, this matter is already settled. As long as she cannot re-enter the palace, no one can shake my position as Consort. Why should I fear her?..."
At this point, she glanced sideways at the maidservants with a meaningful look and continued, "Besides, what does this have to do with me?"
The maidservants understood and nodded repeatedly. "Of course."
"You all go check on the situation in the Cold Palace. I am tired and will return to rest. Don't forget; I still have tasks assigned by His Majesty..." Mei Ru lazily adjusted her hood and urged the palanquin to move faster.
---
When Zhao Prince Nanguo Nuo found Mei Shuang along the winding path in the plum grove, night had already fallen.
Mei Shuang was sitting on the steps, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed blankly at the distant lights at Mountain Base.
Nanguo Nuo followed her gaze but saw nothing new except for the hazy outlines of the plum grove. He asked curiously, "Aren't you afraid sitting here alone in this cold weather?"
Mei Shuang lazily said, "What is there to be afraid of? I've walked mountain paths alone at night before..."
This was not an empty boast. Back in the day, as a relatively inexperienced traveler, she had faced many dangers. Once, on a famous mountain in the southwest of her homeland, she lost contact with her fellow travelers and spent an entire day navigating narrow paths and steep cliffs before rejoining her group. Such thrilling experiences were treasures in her life that she loved to share. Now, as she thought about recounting that adventure, she suddenly realized that she was once again the Miss Mei Shuang who had spent so long in seclusion.
Fortunately, the man beside her seemed not to notice the inconsistency in her words. He gazed into the distance and casually remarked, "I never realized that Miss Mei Shuang had so many admirable qualities. Especially that time in the Cold Palace when you kicked a guard and took him down; it truly impressed me... It seems I misjudged you before, thinking you were only good at calligraphy and had a bad temper."
Mei Shuang chuckled awkwardly. "Actually, a person's potential is limitless; we can all perform beyond our usual capabilities in critical moments..."
Nangong Nuo merely smiled, noncommittal.
"Oh, by the way, when are we leaving the capital?" Mei Shuang asked.
"Do you really enjoy traveling with me? The journey is long and quite arduous... With your delicate frame, I'm worried you might not be able to handle it," he replied.
Mei Shuang raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Don't worry; I'm in great health. I can walk as far as needed..."
"Is that so?" Nangong Nuo gazed at Mei Shuang with a half-smile. "Because of that, I'm actually worried you might run away..."
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