Chapter 339: Volume 1 Chapter 339 Willingly Give Her Face

Seeing her son still hesitating, the Grand Consort softened her tone and said gently, "I know you have feelings for her; as a mother I do not wish to be a villain, but you must consider that this matter first requires an explanation to your Princess Consort, and second, your younger sister has not yet married and lives in the residence. This time I can cover it up, but if Rong Dai does something else later, wouldn't that corrupt your sister? I am only letting her stay at Zhuangzi until your filial mourning period ends; she will not lack fine clothes or food. At least think of your sister."

Prince Qi finally nodded, "Then I'll follow Mother Consort's wishes."

The Grand Consort breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, though her face showed nothing, and looked at her son, saying, "You also know our mother‑son situation isn't good now; it's best for the household to remain quiet and avoid trouble, otherwise if someone catches us with a big flaw and drags us before His Majesty, who knows what will happen. Mother Consort knows Rong Dai has been wronged, but for what she has done she truly needs to taste some hardship and learn a lesson. Don't be reluctant; this is for her good."

"I understand, Mother. Rest assured."

The Grand Consort was about to speak when Bai Zhuo hurried in, bowing, "Grand Consort, the Princess Consort requests an audience."

The Grand Consort was startled, then said, "Let her in."

After speaking she looked at her son—could it be that the son and daughter‑in‑law are arguing again?

Prince Qi was also a little surprised, not knowing why Yun Shizhuang had chased after this place.

Yun Shizhuang entered quickly, "Daughter‑in‑law pays respects to Mother Consort, and has seen the Prince."

The Grand Consort wore a kindly smile, looked affectionately at Yun Shizhuang, and said, "I was just about to have someone invite you; there is something to discuss. The Prince intends to send Rong Side Consort to Zhuangzi for a short stay and bring her back after his filial mourning period ends. What do you think?"

Yun Shizhuang was startled, her mind racing, and she immediately said, "Mother Consort, Rong Side Consort has never endured hardship; can she manage a stay at Zhuangzi?"

The Grand Consort smiled and said, "I knew you have a kind heart. She deserves a lesson for this, and not letting her rest is already giving her face. It's settled; later have someone pack Rong Side Consort's belongings, and she will be sent off tomorrow."

Yun Shizhuang was shocked; even the time for Rong Dai to recover from injury is denied, showing the Grand Consort truly despises her. If not for consideration of the Prince, the Grand Consort might have wanted to crush Rong Dai outright.

She felt genuinely relieved inside, yet nodded obediently, "Daughter‑in‑law will obey Mother Consort and the Prince."

The Grand Consort liked Yun Shizhuang's cleverness and asked kindly, "What brings you here at this moment?"

Yun Shizhuang replied, "There is indeed something: previously the Prince and daughter‑in‑law discussed it, and the daughter‑in‑law thought of another idea. Unable to sit still, she came to Mother Consort hoping you would also give a suggestion."

The Grand Consort turned to her son, "What did you and your wife discuss?"

Prince Qi, thinking his wife had changed her mind, recounted the matter.

The Grand Consort frowned slightly, also assuming Yun Shizhuang was regretting, since it was a shop in the best district of the capital; if it were sold to the Inner Court, even if the son compensated her with Zhuangzi, Yun Shizhuang would still be at a loss.

She suppressed her thoughts, looked at Yun Shizhuang and smiled, "You said you have another idea; tell me, and Mother Consort will discuss it with you."

Yun Shizhuang immediately said, "You have eaten more salt than we have eaten rice; the daughter‑in‑law cannot make up her mind and fears delaying the Prince's important matters, so she comes to consult Mother Consort."

Yun Shizhuang then explained her idea in detail, and after finishing said, "The daughter‑in‑law thinks that the Empress's position is now stable, and with the younger sister's marriage still undecided, we should not fall out with the Empress. This is a good opportunity; the daughter‑in‑law is willing to offer her family's shop and have her people help the Empress sell cloth, not for profit but to make the Empress and His Majesty more tolerant toward the Prince and the younger sister."

The Grand Consort was truly surprised this time; she examined Yun Shizhuang carefully and saw her expression was solemn, her attitude earnest, clearly not a whim but a genuine intention.

She sighed softly in her heart; despite her son's countless flaws and misfortunes, he finally married a good daughter‑in‑law.

She immediately said, "That is indeed a good idea, but Mother Consort cannot let you suffer a loss. Since you think of the Prince and Zhaoqing, I will compensate your loss."

"Mother Consort, truly no need; we are family, and this is the daughter‑in‑law's willing contribution," Yun Shizhuang said at once. She was not actually losing anything; she could keep her shop and ease relations with the Empress, so a little money mattered little.

The Grand Consort sighed, looked at her son, and said, "Look how your wife thinks of you, and consider what the other has done. With such a good daughter‑in‑law, you must treat her well."

Prince Qi was quite embarrassed; he had previously thought badly of people, and now being scolded by Mother Consort, he said, "I understand, Mother."

The Grand Consort, being clever, looked at Yun Shizhuang and said, "I will immediately send a petition to the palace and await news from the Empress."

Yun Shizhuang felt delighted; she could not request an audience with the Empress on her own, only through her mother‑in‑law. Now that her mother‑in‑law voluntarily mentioned her, she was naturally pleased and said, "The daughter‑in‑law will follow Mother Consort."

The Grand Consort looked at the two and said, "Alright, you couple may return home."

She still needs to write a petition to the Empress.

Rong Luoge returned from the Weaving Workshop, drank a cup of tea and played with her son for a while, then received the Grand Consort's petition; upon opening it she raised a slight eyebrow.

Since the Grand Consort left the palace she has been like an invisible person; now she proactively wants to see me— is it about Zhaoqing's marriage?

She sent someone to convey a message to the Grand Consort, asking her to enter the palace tomorrow.

That night, Han Xinglan returned for dinner and discussed the campaign in Suizhou with Rong Luoge. After talking, they felt the outlook was promising; after all, she had drawn from a small treasury, and as long as supplies and ammunition kept pace, taking Suizhou's city gates was only a matter of time.

The next day, Rong Luoge met the Grand Consort, and was surprised that the Grand Consort also brought Yun Shizhuang.

Rong Luoge hadn't seen Yun Shizhuang in a long time; recalling their past clashes felt like something from a previous life.

"Grand Consort, have you been well?" Rong Luoge watched the Grand Consort enter the hall, and before she could perform the greeting she helped her sit down herself, then looked at the somewhat surprised Yun Shizhuang and smiled, "Princess Consort Qi, long time no see."

Yun Shizhuang dared not sit down directly like her mother‑in‑law; after respectfully bowing to the Empress she finally spoke, "Your servant is well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

"Please sit." After Rong Luoge sat down, she looked at Yun Shizhuang, smiled and spoke, then turned to the Grand Consort, "It's rare for you to enter the palace; have you encountered any difficulty? Speak freely, and I will certainly support you."

The Grand Consort is also something of a half‑ally to her; she has greatly helped suppress the Empress Dowager and knows when to act prudently, so she naturally is willing to give the Grand Consort face.