Chapter 139: The Game Begins

y had slipped in just now, they had indeed spotted suspicious figures. However, they were so eager to confirm whether Ripple could come back alive that they bypassed those people."You are the bait tha...The Great Princess, in order to show respect and support for her mother, and also to gain favor in front of her own mother, did not dare to sit directly on the empress's throne. Instead, she placed a chair to the right of the throne as her current position as regent princess. This earned her praise from the courtiers.

The courtiers on the imperial court weren't just backed by supporters of the eldest princess, there were also those who supported the second princess. However, the Empress had already spoken; if anyone dared to play games against each other, they would be eliminated early.

They certainly wouldn't dare to challenge the empress who had ruled for thirty-five years, so they remained passive. Perhaps there wasn't a better opportunity either.

As the eldest princess, her first day as Empress was exhilarating. The feeling of power was intoxicating. However, when she returned to her palace with a spring in her step, she was met by the forced smiles of her husband and two concubines.

The Princess Consort Zhao, accompanied by her two concubines, bowed respectfully and offered auspicious greetings. The three of them served the eldest princess as she changed out of her morning attire, offering tea afterward before speaking in hushed tones:

"Big Princess, after you went to court today, the Empress's close female attendant, Lanxin Auntie, took all three of your children away. She said that the Empress misses her grandchildren and wants them to stay with her in Zhuoxiu Garden for a few days before sending them back."

The Great Princess's face clearly flashed with displeasure upon hearing this, she then curved her lips into a sarcastic smile and said in a low voice:

"Hehehe, Empress Dowager truly lives up to her title. I said how could she so readily hand over the government affairs, it turns out she was waiting for us here!"

If I had done even one thing that displeased her, my child might have stayed with her forever. This is tearing at my heart!

As they spoke, their fists clenched.

"Princess, be careful with your words!"

Princess consort Zhao was a model royal wife. Hearing the eldest princess's words, she immediately stepped forward and covered her mouth with her hand, afraid that someone might be eavesdropping through the wall.

The Great Princess also realized she had spoken out of turn. Although her face was frighteningly gloomy, she didn't say another word. The two consorts glanced at each other and dared not approach her.

When they left, did you give the three children any instructions Are there people around them who can help

The great princess continued to ask, her face composed.

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I have explained everything in detail to them. The eldest daughter is sensible, and she will be bringing along her younger siblings. They have all brought their three most commonly used items. However, as Zhu Xiu Yuan is after all a royal garden, each person is only allowed to bring two personal attendants."

"And it was only when we were about to leave that Aunt Lanxin said this, and she let the three of them choose who they would follow themselves. She wouldn't allow us to interfere. Do you think this was the Empress's intention"

The princess and her husband couldn't figure out what was wrong, but they couldn't put their finger on it.

Who are all the people they can choose from

The Crown Princess cares about this more.

The eldest daughter chose two people who were alright, the second daughter chose her usual playmate, a little attendant, and the youngest daughter chose the wet nurse and the wet nurse's daughter.

The princess and her husband spoke truthfully.

The Great Princess only thought about it for a moment, then said to the Crown Prince:

"After they came back, everyone around Xiao Er and Xiao San had changed."

There was also no explanation given.

"Yes, I understand."

Because her three beloved children were sent to Zhuoxiu Garden, the eldest princess's good mood on her first day in court vanished. She realized that the Empress Dowager's assessment had begun, and the throne was not as easy to sit on as she thought.

Because of this, the Crown Princess became even more cautious when handling state affairs. She couldn't afford to make any mistakes, as they would all affect the Empress Dowager's judgment.

After the Empress Dowager's month-long regency, Lan Xin, a female officer, personally returned the three children of the Empress to the palace. Along with them came gifts for the three children.

Lán Xīn, the female officer, had a gentle countenance. With a smile, she bowed to the eldest princess, her lips curving into a playful grin as she spoke:

The Empress knew that the Grand Princess must also miss her children, so she ordered the officials to bring them back. She said that children are still better off with their parents, and she didn't want to delay the education of three children.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. However, my children rarely get to see you. This time they are here on my behalf, so it's fine if they stay a few more days."

The Grand Princess immediately said.

The Empress’s face brightened with the arrival of many children at Zhu Xi Yuan, and her spirit improved greatly. However, six little rascals running around together, chattering incessantly, were quite a handful.

"The attendant said that Your Majesty should be worried about disturbing the Empress's rest, so he suggested that the three little ones return first. He promised that next year, You would personally bring them to serve the Empress. The attendant added that even with three mischievous monkeys, they could be managed by you, Your Highness, and the Empress agreed."

Lan Xin's smile remained unchanged, her reply hinted at something, yet it also seemed to say nothing.

"In that case, I'm relieved. Please, Lanxin Aunty, convey my regards to the Empress Dowager and also offer greetings to Lord Rong."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I will certainly relay your message."

Lan Xin immediately offered her farewells. Zhao Shi personally sent her off, handing her a plump, plain silk pouch. After watching the other person receive it, she then returned to the courtyard.

At this time, the eldest princess had already sent her two consorts down with her second son and youngest daughter. These two were younger, so she only left her eight-year-old eldest daughter to ask questions.

"Nannan, how was your trip to Zhuoxiu Garden this time"

The eight-year-old girl was as delicate and beautiful as a porcelain doll. If you looked closely, there was a hint of the queen in her features. She said in a serious tone:

"Mother, Nuan Nuan is doing well with her younger siblings at Zhu Xiu Yuan this time. However, she had a fight with the little sisters of Second Aunt."

When she got to the end, her own voice dropped to a whisper.

The Great Princess raised an eyebrow and asked directly:

"For what What did your grandmother say Did she punish you"

"Nannan scratched her cheek and frowned, saying:"

"The three sisters of Auntie Two said that the second brother was a money loser and that his only use in the future was to be sent out as a marriage. I don't understand what 'marriage' means, but Nuan Nuan felt it definitely wasn't a good thing! So she argued with them."

Nana said, our family, both brother and sister are mother's treasure, mother would not send her brother away.

They said it was our mother lying to us, and the second brother started crying. The third sister saw the second brother crying, and she cried too. I got angry, so I rushed over and beat all three of them up!

When Nuan Nuan spoke, she also clenched her fists.

The Great Princess's teeth chattered, but she didn't want to frighten the child. She still encouraged Nannan to continue speaking in a gentle voice:

And then what

Because we were fighting, we alarmed the female attendants. They were so skilled, they separated us in a few moves. Then they took us before the imperial grandmother. After she heard what happened, she ordered me to stand at attention for half an hour.

Then, the three sisters who had scolded their second brother stood by the lotus pond and shouted for half an hour, "I was wrong! Second Brother is not a money loser! When Fengqi Nation is in trouble, we will go to help!" Their voices were hoarse from shouting.

Even my great-grandmother sent someone over with soothing tea so they could keep yelling! I was so relieved to see this! I felt like I could still hold the squat for another half hour.nbearable and finally erupt. Forget a year, even a month was a distant hope."Stop talking, I'll use my inner energy to keep you alive for now. When your condition stabilizes, I will personally take yo...