Chapter 401: Chapter 397: Palace Strife Debut

Tang Xiaobai had never completely heard the story of Zhen Su and Xue Shaoqin, but ever since knowing that “Su Zhenniang” was actually Zhen Su, everything became clear.

She certainly knew how good a person Xue Shaoqin was. Otherwise, how could he have healed the scarred Zhen Su? How could he have made the once panic-stricken Zhen Su set foot into the land of nightmares?

If it’s for revenge on Xue Shaoqin, Tang Xiaobai is willing to lend her a hand.

It’s just that Tang Xiaobai is unsure why Zhen Su is now targeting the Zheng Family. She doesn’t quite believe it’s merely out of hatred for Consort Zheng’s poisoned wine.

Clearly, she has some unknown sources of information, and also undisclosed plans and strategies.

Although the Zheng family is indeed an enemy of the Eastern Palace, without having clarified everything, Tang Xiaobai is still a bit hesitant to join forces with Zhen Su.

However, she didn’t hesitate for long before another incident occurred.

At the end of July, the Zhengzhou government reported that the Crown Prince’s tutor, Xu Lang, had passed away.

Xu Lang was the mentor who enlightened Crown Prince Li Mu.

Five years ago, when the Crown Prince “fell seriously ill,” he was consequently halted from his studies, and shortly after, Xu Lang went traveling far from the capital.

Last year, during the dispute at the Imperial College, Li Mu wanted to push Xu Lang for the position of Imperial College Sacrificial Officer and sent people to Xu Lang’s hometown and other places in Zhengzhou to search for him but couldn’t find him.

It wasn’t until half a month ago that Xu Lang’s body was sent back to his hometown in Zhengzhou, which the Zhengzhou Inspector reported to the capital city.

Xu Lang, who was elderly, died of a natural illness.

Tang Xiaobai had never met him and had nothing to be particularly sad about, just instructed to strive for more consolations and honors for Xu Lang, given that he was the Crown Prince’s initial mentor.

She doesn’t need to worry about these matters, what truly makes her feel troublesome is the dispute over the position of Imperial College Sacrificial Officer after Xu Lang’s death.

…

“Your Majesty has already summoned Yan Yuezong, presumably for the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer—” Tang Xiaobai said.

Yan Yuezong is the third son of Grand Tutor Yan.

Previously, when the emperor reassigned the then Imperial College Sacrificial Officer, Second Uncle Gu, he intended for Yan Yuezong to take over the position, but Li Mu vouched for Xu Lang who was more reputable and thus suppressed Yan Yuezong.

Now that Xu Lang has died, the emperor wishes to elevate Yan Yuezong again.

How can this stand?

“Father, could Third Uncle or Fourth Uncle contend for it?” Tang Xiaobai asked with burning eyes.

The uncles of the Gu family are all highly talented, but whether they are suitable remains for Tang Xiaobai to discuss in detail with her father after returning home.

Tang Shigong seemed unconcerned about the matter and remained calm. When he heard her question, he smiled and said, “Don’t worry, whether someone contends or not, it won’t be the Yan family’s turn.”

Tang Xiaobai: ???

Aren’t you going to elaborate?

But Tang Shigong ended the topic, saying: “Go and talk with your mother, she was still thinking of you yesterday.”

Tang Xiaobai acquiesced with some thought.

…

After giving birth, Gu Ning had become fuller, increasingly radiant and charming than before.

She watched with a bright smile as her two daughters teased the young son for a while, then instructed the nursemaid to carry Xiao Tang Ting out, waved off the attendants, and asked softly, “Is Xiao Bai back for the Imperial College and the Yan family this time?”

Tang Xiaobai nodded.

It seems her parents had already discussed this issue, and her father sent her to mother for inquiry.

Sure enough, Gu Ning gave a gentle smile: “The Yan family hasn’t even straightened their household affairs, how can they be enough for the position of Imperial College Sacrificial Officer?”

Tang Xiaobai’s eyes lighted up: is there dirt on them?

With a gentle smile, Gu Ning softly said a sentence.

Tang Xiaobai’s eyes widened with surprise.

Tang Jiaojiao showed a sudden realization: “I said it was too forgiving for Li Huan back then, turns out…?” Her expression turned scornful.

Tang Xiaobai fell silent.

Back then, Princess Runan Li Huan did not want to marry Tang Ziqian, so she drugged him, intending to push him onto Princess Hengyang.

In the end, although it didn’t happen, it led to the exposure of Xin Yi’s background, causing Tang Ziqian to be grievously injured in an outburst.

The punishment Li Huan received was being demoted to Commandery Princess and hastily married to the Yan family.

She was naively thinking the revenge on Princess Runan was just letting her lose love?

Was the romantic delusion of their family actually her own?

“This matter can’t simply be spread around,” as Tang Xiaobai was reflecting, the eldest sister’s eyes gleamed viciously, “it must cause them an uproar!”

That’s…

Tang Xiaobai touched her chin.

Indeed, it has to be smothered with praise.

…

“What do you mean?” In Lizheng Hall, Empress Yuan changed her expression before Tang Xiaobai finished speaking.

Tang Xiaobai smiled faintly: “To seize their possessions, one must first strengthen them.”

Reputable families value dignity, and the high-rankers emphasize equilibrium.

Even with a trigger, it may not necessarily cause the Yan and Zheng families to fight each other.

Unless the Zheng family gets carried away.

“What if we give something that can’t be taken back?” Empress Yuan’s face did not relax.

“If we give it away and can’t take it back, it means it couldn’t be safeguarded even if we don’t give it.”

Empress Yuan stared at her silently without replying.

Tang Xiaobai, somewhat helpless: “If we can’t take it back, what benefit does that bring to the Eastern Palace?”

Empress Yuan’s lips moved, as if she wanted to say something, but restrained herself. Her expression changed several times before she spoke again: “How should we give it? How much should we give?”

“Your Highness can retreat for rest and recuperation for a while.”

“If I rest, does the Eastern Palace have other ears and eyes?”

Tang Xiaobai smiled, didn’t answer.

Just like Empress Yuan not fully trusting her, she also felt Empress Yuan was not a trustworthy ally.

How could she let others hold the reins in her debut palace intrigue?

Tang Xiaobai picked up the last piece of dessert on the lotus-shaped porcelain plate before her, chewed it slowly, then swallowed it leisurely, and then bent her eyes: “May I have another plate?”

Her brows curved, seemingly dyed by the rosy light of the setting sun.

Empress Yuan blinked, smilingly: “Bring another plate for the Crown Princess Consort.”

…

August 15th was a promised day.

During the Mid-Autumn Palace Feast, Beauty Shu suddenly fainted, starting a rather mediocre palace drama.

Tang Xiaobai did not stay to watch the show, adjusted her cloak, and amidst the chaos returned to the Eastern Palace.

The emperor was busy accompanying his beauties, and no one dared to stop the Crown Princess Consort who had little to do with the Taiji Palace.

Consort Zheng glanced at Tang Xiaobai but said nothing.

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, a small feast was already set in Guangtian Hall awaiting.

Exchanging cups with the girls she grew up with briefly, Tang Xiaobai put down her wine goblet, took out the letter she had already read from her sleeve, and unfolded it by the light of the lamp and moon.

The boy’s handwriting was sharp, like iron drawing silver hooks, each stroke and each line pulling wisps of thoughts from her slightly inebriated mood.

“… I am well in Liangzhou, only yearn for the day of return…”

This is their first Mid-Autumn after marriage, yet unable to reunite.

Tang Xiaobai suddenly felt a bit sad, rubbed her eyes, and continued reading.

“… Regarding the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer matter… don’t be worried… losing at the Eastern gate, gaining at the mulberry field…”

How can that be?

If she only followed the course of nature, why stay in the Capital City? Wouldn’t it be more exhilarating to ride the battlefield with the little ancestor?

The wind came, alongside the rustle of treetops, mixed with Mo Ji’s voice: “The emperor has entered Lizheng Hall…”

Tang Xiaobai’s lips curled upwards, poured herself half a goblet more wine.

The emperor went to demand accountability.

She still wasn’t sure if Empress Yuan had acted as planned…

…

“… I shall thoroughly investigate and handle the matter, giving Your Majesty and Beauty Shu an explanation!” In Lizheng Hall, Empress Yuan’s expression was resolute.

The emperor stared deeply at her: “Is the Empress saying you were not aware?”

“Does Your Majesty doubt me?” Empress Yuan, under a seemingly humiliated expression, showed a faint trace of anxiety, “I am the Empress, why would I have a grudge against a mere beauty? Your Majesty comes to ask me like this, is there any evidence?”

With the word “evidence” spoken, Empress Yuan promptly calmed down completely, her gaze unwaveringly meeting the emperor’s.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep