The next day, the civil and military officials gathered in the Rising Dragon Hall. Although Jiu Ranling was in the Phoenix Plume Palace, she soon heard the news.
The emperor announced that Taiyin would resign and return to his hometown. The position of Taiyin would be taken by Jiuranqing. Although Jiu Ranqing had not been in the palace for a long time, no one objected because of his outstanding ability and reputation. As for the Emperor placing Jiu Ranxi in the position of Taici, which was second only to Taichang Lanmu, the ministers did not think much of it. Even though he did not dare to make a sound due to the emperor's authority, his eyes lit up in his heart as he watched what Jiu Ranxi would do.
However, the promotion of the two princes made many snobbish people in the court see the uncertainty of the throne. The Crown Prince had not been in power for a long time, and the second, fourth, and seventh princes occupied important positions. For a time, there was an endless stream of people who came to give gifts to Jiu Ranqing and Jiu Ranxi.
In the past two days, when she received news from the Thousand Miles Clan's brocade guards, Jiuran Ling was arranging flowers. She listened quietly and looked at the strangely bright flower bud in her hand. She smiled gently and said, It's starting."
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Jiu Ranxi lowered his head and stood quietly in front of the palace. He saw the maid at the door of the palace bow to him."Seventh Highness, please wait a moment. Let this servant go in and report to the Empress.”
"Thank you." he answered in a low voice. The maid immediately turned around and left.
He was not surprised by the arrival of this day. After returning to the palace, he knew that Mei Luoxian would summon him one day. He must have wanted to see if he still remembered what happened twelve years ago.
Jiu Ranxi sneered. His gaze swept past the Phoenix Rites Palace and landed in the distance, as if he was unwilling to even look at it.
"Seventh Highness, the Empress invites you in.”The maid had arrived at some point and respectfully stepped back with her hand outstretched.
Jiu Ranxi did not hesitate and stepped into the palace that all the women in the harem yearned for.
"Your son pays his respects to mother."
"No need for formalities." The woman's voice was soft and dignified.
Jiu Ranxi's gaze stopped on the floor not far away from her and she heard a clear voice in her ear."Xi 'er has been back in the palace for so long and has received the favor of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.”
Jiu Ranxi smiled and raised her head. Not having the time to pay respects to mother is your son's fault. I hope mother can forgive me.”
"Mother saved it." Mei Luoxian still smiled appropriately." Don't just stand there. Someone, give the Seventh Prince a seat."”
"Yes."
Jiu Ranxi sat to the side and looked up at the woman in the phoenix crown. After so many years, she was still beautiful and calm, but Jiu Ran Xi knew that time had not spared this woman. She was still experiencing the torture of aging, and fine wrinkles appeared on her face.
However, he had to admit that this woman was extremely capable. Twelve years ago, when the four main consorts coexisted, she could defeat Consort Rong and Consort Ying, who were more favored than her, and leave Consort Mei's position to sit on the empress's seat. Even after so long, Consort Li still did not climb above her. Her life of scheming must not have been easy for her.
"How has Xi 'er been all these years?”The Empress asked him with a smile, like a loving mother.
"Thanks to mother's concern, your son has nothing to worry about outside.”Jiu Ran Xi replied faintly.
"That's good." Mei Luoxian seemed relieved." It's good that you didn't suffer." Concubine Ying and bengong had a deep friendship back then, and bengong was also grieving over her and Concubine Rong's death in the fire at Qianying Palace. However, Consort Rong still had two children, Qing 'er and Ling' er, but everyone thought that you had also died in that fire incident. Consort Ying had no descendants since then. Now that you have returned safely, BenGong will take good care of you on behalf of Consort Ying.”
Jiuran hoped for Mei Luoxian, as if she had been kind for more than ten years, but her eyes were cold. He parted his lips but did not say anything.
Mei Luoxian glanced at Jiu Ranxi's reaction. Seeing that he was listening obediently, he continued with satisfaction,""The crown prince has been spoiled by the emperor and bengong since he was young, so much so that he hasn't made any great contributions even at the age of twenty-five. However, Bengong knows very well that Xiao 'er and Mo' er's natures are not bad. You are all brothers, remember to love each other. In the future, when the Crown Prince takes the throne, you will definitely be rich and noble for the rest of your life.”
She paused, as if she was considering it, and then said,"As the empress, BenGong shouldn't say these words, but Consort Ying's child is like BenGong's child. BenGong also hopes that Xi 'er will live a life without worry.”
Jiu Ranxi never expressed her opinion. He looked at the woman with the same smile on his face. A long time ago, she had also carried such a kind smile and ruthlessly harmed those who had a chance to make a name for themselves in this palace. Some of them were even her good sisters.
After going around in circles for so long, she finally got to the point. She seemed to be certain that he had forgotten what had happened back then, or perhaps she was certain that he was docile and easy to manipulate. After so many lies, her expression did not change at all.
That's right. Mei Luo had been lying for so many years, so her ability was already perfect.
At the thought of this, Jiu Ranxi finally reacted. He removed the fake smile on his face and his eyes were sharp.
He laughed out loud." Your Majesty, you don't have to use your pretense on me. Do you really think that I don't remember what you did to Consort Rong and my mother in the past? The Crown Prince wants to rope me in to deal with Jiuranqing and Jiuranyou. How do you know that I'm not the next Jiuranqing and Jiuranyou? I really want to know, after you join forces with me to overthrow the most promising person in the imperial family to seize the throne, how are you going to get rid of me next?”
The smile on Mei Luoxian's face disappeared in an instant. She gripped the phoenix chair tightly and raised her voice." Jiu Ranxi, don't be so ungrateful. You're saying such disgraceful words!"”
Jiu Ranxi did not take the Empress 'threat to heart. He snorted softly,""Even if we ignore the current situation, do you think I would want to have anything to do with you just based on the grudges of the previous generation? Moreover, Imperial Father was wise for a lifetime. He must have some idea about the Crown Prince's matters. He would not allow a woman like you to interfere!”
With just one sentence, Jiu Ranxi cast herself aside.
Mei Luoxian could barely catch up. Jiu Ranxi stood up and said goodbye. Before he left, his last words resounded throughout the hall,""Has the Empress not considered that if one of the princes wanted to fight with the Crown Prince for the throne, then the situation would not be like this. Instead of scheming every day to harm people, it would be better for the Empress to properly teach the Crown Prince the way to govern the country. Your son has said all he has to say. I will take my leave."
As soon as Jiu Ranxi stepped out of the Phoenix Rites Palace, Mei Luoxian changed his previous dignified appearance and threw everything he could get at the place where Jiu Ranxi had sat before. She gritted her teeth, her face flushed red, and her pretty face twisted."Rebel! All of them were rebelling! The child of the Thousand Miles Rain Banyan and Nalan Xinying dares to put on airs in front of bengong! BenGong wants to see, your mother consort can't even beat BenGong, who will be the final winner!”
"Empress, please calm down." Nanny Su, who was serving at the side, immediately went forward to help Mei Luo relax." This servant heard that Princess Ling had been with the Seventh Prince for a long time before returning to the palace. I believe that the two of them had already exchanged pleasantries." In that case, the Empress should pull herself together and properly punish those who challenged the Empress for the sake of the Crown Prince's future!”
Mei Luoxian finally calmed down after being comforted by Nanny Su. She panted and her eyes were filled with hatred."You're right! I can't fall, I can't lose! Back then, the Thousand Miles Rain Banyan and Nalan Xinying took away my love. Now, I definitely can't let their children take away my son's future!”
When they walked out of the Phoenix Rites Palace, Jiu Ranxi recalled her actions and shook her head helplessly.
In fact, he could have pretended to be polite and promised the Crown Prince loyally. After obtaining the Empress 'trust, the following matters would be smoother. However, for some reason, she hated pretending in front of him even for a moment. She would rather shed all pretense of cordiality than play the role of a loving mother and filial son with Mei Luoxian.
However, the group of people who shouted just now was somewhat similar to Jiu Ran Ling's arrogant style. Thinking of this, Jiu Ranxi immediately laughed.
However, he thought about it again. Mei Luoxian and Lan Feili would not tolerate the existence that threatened them. It was the same for Concubine Rong and Concubine Ying back then, and it was the same for Jiu Ranqing and himself now.
Then, after Concubine Rong and Concubine Ying passed away, after he and Jiu Ranqing left the palace, how did Jiu Ranling survive alone in this deep palace surrounded by tigers and wolves?
Jiu Ranxi had never thought about this problem before. Now, just a casual contact made him feel like he was in an ice cellar!
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