Teaming up with her mother to take revenge on the scumbags! The Crown Princess becomes the darling o

Chapter 128 Consort Qin Invites You

But who is it?

He was at a loss for a moment, but those who could lie in wait were certainly not young people. After thinking for a while, he gave instructions to Xia Jing beside him.

"Investigate everyone in the palace, especially those who entered the palace ten years ago, whether they are maids, guards, eunuchs, or concubines. No one should be let go."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Once we have a lead, the investigation won't be difficult.

"So, what does Your Highness intend to do with this letter?"

"Release them intact. I want to see how many people will try to take advantage of the chaos this time."

Last time, by purging the Prince Jin's mansion, most of the dissident forces in the capital were eliminated. Therefore, those who remained were deeply hidden spies. If they couldn't be removed in one go, then another would be arranged. Taking advantage of the death of the sixth prince and the old emperor's predicament, who knows how many people are eager to make a move!

Thinking of this, He Lingyi suddenly understood why the Crown Prince was so calm about the old emperor letting go of the sacrificial ceremony to heaven; it seemed he had long been preparing to reel in the big net.

The couple were talking when someone else came in.

Xia Jingcai went out and then came back in. After bowing to the Crown Prince, he spoke to He Lingyi.

"Your Highness, someone from the palace has come. It's Eunuch He, the chief eunuch of Consort Qin. He says he wants to invite Your Highness to the palace to discuss matters concerning New Year's Eve. This concerns the face of the imperial family, so please do not refuse."

Consort Qin.

She is currently the highest-ranking concubine in the palace. She once gave birth to the second and third princes, but both died young. Now, only the third princess is by her side. Therefore, although she wields immense power, she is said to be very kind.

"Consort Qin has been in the palace for over twenty years. She had a good relationship with the Empress Dowager when she was still alive. She wouldn't easily bother people with trivial matters. Do you want to go?"

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's explanation, He Lingyi thought for a moment and then decided to agree.

"I'll have to see the ladies of the palace sooner or later. Since Consort Qin has sent someone to invite me, how can I refuse? Eunuch Xia, have the carriage prepared. I'll head out now."

"Yes, Princess."

The Crown Prince did not object much, since all the affairs of the palace would be handed over to her in the future, so it was not a bad thing for her to gain some experience early on.

Outside, the wind and snow continued.

As the year draws to a close, the country should be decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. However, with no prince in the palace, the court officials cannot be too extravagant in their celebrations. Therefore, in contrast, the homes of ordinary people are much more lively.

He Lingyi didn't take the road to the palace very often.

But this time, it seemed even more desolate, as if it were a man-eating den of demons that would sweep away the very breath of the living. It wasn't until they entered Consort Qin's palace that they felt some warmth.

After getting off the carriage, he tightened his cloak.

He Lingyi led Xingluo and the others into the West Warm Pavilion. After winter arrived, Consort Qin liked to stay here. The space was not large, but the decoration was elegant, which suited her mood.

This was the first time He Lingyi had ever met Consort Qin.

Just as the rumors said, she appeared to be an extremely kind woman, with a rounded and gentle demeanor, like a piece of flowing white jade, inspiring one to want to get closer to her.

With her hands folded and placed flat in front of her chest, He Lingyi respectfully greeted Consort Qin in accordance with the etiquette of the Great Long Dynasty.

"Lingyi greets the Imperial Concubine."

"Get up, get up. I feel bad for making you come all this way in this cold weather. Please don't stand on ceremony."

"Thank you, empress."

Consort Qin was not a person who liked to stand on ceremony, otherwise she would not have met He Lingyi in the West Warm Pavilion. Therefore, she pointed to the soft couch next to her with her slender hand, and He Lingyi got up and sat down.

The palace maids served tea and snacks, all of which were He Lingyi's favorites. It seemed that her preferences had been thoroughly understood by the elder in front of her. But then again, it made sense. Without some ability, how could she gain a foothold in the harem and become the number one person after Empress Wen?

Consort Qin looked at He Lingyi with a loving expression, and then spoke.

"Judging from your appearance, I know you're a straightforward girl, so I'll cut to the chase. I've invited you to the palace today to discuss the New Year's Eve banquet because I'm truly in a dilemma. Your first New Year's Eve banquet after your wedding to the Crown Prince should have been a grand affair, but unfortunately, the Sixth Prince passed away, and now His Majesty is bedridden and unable to attend. If it's too extravagant, I'm afraid Consort Tong might feel uncomfortable, but if it's too simple, I'm afraid you and the Crown Prince might lose face. That's why I sent someone to invite you here, to ask for your opinion."

Consort Qin's words were exactly what He Lingyi had expected. If it were a simple matter, she wouldn't have needed to come to the palace to discuss it.

After thinking it over, he gave a reply.

"The wedding with His Highness was already quite extravagant. If we were to hold another grand celebration during the New Year, I'm afraid the inner court would be unable to bear it. Consort Qin is kind and understanding of Consort Tong's grief over the loss of her son. As a junior, I share the same thought as Your Highness: let's keep it simple. Since I've married His Highness, I should share his burdens. If my actions cause His Highness any difficulty or bring trouble to the Eastern Palace, then it is my fault."

Upon hearing this, Consort Qin smiled with satisfaction.

"No wonder the Crown Prince canceled the autumn election. If I were him, I would also be willing to spend my life with only you."

These words sounded natural, but He Lingyi didn't know how to respond.

Who knows if Consort Qin's family members are on the list for the autumn election? If they are, wouldn't it be unpleasant for her to rush to answer? Therefore, she just smiled and put on an easy-going appearance.

At the opportune moment, a palace maid beside Consort Qin took out a booklet containing the old palace rules for night banquets. She respectfully handed it to the Consort, who then gestured for it to be passed on to He Lingyi.

Seeing this, He Lingyi did not refuse too much and took it to examine it carefully.

The document details everything that needs to be prepared for a banquet. If arranged according to this standard, tens of thousands of taels of silver could be gone in an instant.

It was truly a royal banquet; whether the food was good or not didn't matter, the important thing was to save face.

So he picked a few harmless but expensive places and told them to Consort Qin. After Consort Qin read them, she thought they made a lot of sense and gave the order.

"Do as the Crown Princess says."

"Yes, ma'am."

Consort Qin didn't need to say these words, since she was the one organizing the palace banquet anyway. But saying them was a huge gesture of goodwill towards He Lingyi. Since she had just married into the Eastern Palace, she was already practicing frugality and avoiding extravagance. Naturally, she would be praised by outsiders.

Having received a great favor from Consort Qin, He Lingyi was still wondering how to repay it.

The next moment, I heard a voice saying, "Mother, your son has come to pay his respects." Oh, so this is a trap.