Chapter 362: The Empress Is Just Too Clever

Rong Luoge recalled Princess Chang'an; in fact, her impression of Princess Chang'an had already faded. In her memory, Princess Chang'an was just Princess Zhaoqing's little sidekick, with no presence, like a transparent person.

Who could have thought that one day the little invisible person would have such scheming and courage? She wasn't negotiating terms with Ling Shan; she was merely borrowing Ling Shan's mouth to speak to her.

Otherwise, why choose the two days before the annual banquet?

Isn't it because Rong Ling Shan is about to enter the palace to attend the banquet?

This level of scheming really makes her look at her with admiration.

"Alright, later ask her and tell her you're willing to help, but if the so‑called evidence you produce isn't solid enough, then don't speak up. The evidence I want is something that can bring down the Su family, not some make‑believe game."

Rong Ling Shan hurriedly said, "Okay, when she comes to me again, I'll tell her."

Listening to Rong Ling Shan, Rong Luoge laughed and said, "Exactly, wait for her to approach you on her own. Not bad—now you're actually using strategy."

Rong Ling Shan's face flushed; she had learned from her older sister, and seeing how formidable her older sister was, she also wanted to learn some self‑defense.

"Your Majesty, Concubine Xianfei wishes to see you."

"Let her in," Rong Luoge said.

Concubine Xianfei hurried in. Not hearing anyone in the hall, she waited to see who it was; Chu Ke, with her daughter, had already risen to pay respects, "Your Concubine Majesty, I have seen you."

Concubine Xianfei lightly stepped aside, smiling, "Madam Chu, no need for formalities."

"Please all be seated," Rong Luoge said, looking at Concubine Xianfei, "Is everything arranged?"

"Yes, the concubine has come to tell Your Majesty that the banquet arrangements are all set, just awaiting the start. Additionally, the concubine would like to ask, since the ladies are entering the palace today, where do you think they should be settled first?"

The main hall of Fengyi Palace is the proper place for formal audiences; before that, a temporary lodging for the ladies must be found. She thought for a moment and said, "Let's arrange it at Jingyi Palace beside Guanju Palace; I recall it was cleared out earlier this year."

"Indeed, at that time Your Majesty hadn't decided where, so several vacant palaces were cleared," Concubine Xianfei said with a smile.

"There, then," Rong Luoge decided decisively.

"Then I'll go arrange it right away. Do you have any other instructions, Your Majesty?"

"Nothing else. You may attend to your duties." Rong Luoge nodded.

Concubine Xianfei bowed and took her leave.

After the person left, Chu Ke said, "Your Majesty is quite busy; perhaps I should take Ling Shan with me to Jingyi Palace."

"No need, let's chat. I can't leave the palace either. Madam, tell me how the Protector Duke's residence is doing now?" Rong Luoge was eager to know.

Since Han Xinglan seized an opportunity to bring down the Protector Duke, stripping him of his offices repeatedly, he no longer even qualifies to attend court.

Talking about this, Chu Ke perked up and immediately said, "Your Majesty, you could never have imagined—these two are quarrelling every few days. I once thought their bond was deep, but it turns out it's nothing special."

Rong Luoge laughed and asked, "Is that so? Quarreling every few days—what for?"

"I heard it's over Rong Lang's marriage and also about Rong Dai's being sent to Zhuangzi Shang. Rong Dai was sent to Zhuangzi Shang; Di Yue Nu couldn't bear it, so she wanted the Protector Duke to go to Prince Qi's residence to support her daughter. Yet the Protector Duke went to Prince Qi's residence and didn't even get through the main gate—truly a disgrace."

"He didn't even get through the gate?" Rong Luoge felt a surge of satisfaction. "That certainly isn't something Prince Qi could do—was it the Empress Dowager?"

"Your Majesty is truly wise; indeed it was the Empress Dowager. She said Prince Qi was not in the residence, making it difficult to receive male guests."

Rong Luoge: …

That excuse is truly absurd.

"In the past the Protector Duke and Prince Qi were truly like father‑in‑law and son‑in‑law; now it's hard even to see each other—things are unpredictable." Rong Luoge really felt that Rong Heng was suffering, which made her happy; the original owner was indeed ruined by this father of hers.

"It's still the Empress Dowager who's formidable; she had just returned to the royal residence a short while ago, and Rong Dai was already sent off to Zhuangzi Shang. I specifically sent someone to inquire; that Zhuangzi Shang is guarded extremely tightly—no one can get in or out. I heard Di Yue Nu sent people there but they couldn't enter, which is why she sent Rong Heng to cause a ruckus at Prince Qi's residence." Chu Ke said this with admiration. "If she had the Empress Dowager's tactics and scheming, how could Di Yue Nu have despised her for so many years?"

Rong Luoge nodded and then said, "The Empress Dowager is indeed formidable; it seems Rong Dai won't be able to return from Zhuangzi Shang for the time being."

"Temporarily it sounds pleasant, but with the Empress Dowager's methods, if she sets her mind, Rong Dai could be barred from returning for a lifetime."

Chu Ke showed no sympathy for Rong Dai, saying expressionlessly, "It's better if she never returns; thinking of what she and her mother did, I truly feel I was blind."

After saying that, Chu Ke looked at the Empress, "Come to think of it, it's odd—although Di Yue Nu quarrels with Rong Heng every few days, she never considered having her natal family support her."

"The mountains are high and the waters far; the ruler of Qingxuan Kingdom may not be willing to antagonize Owl Kingdom over a sister. Moreover, they have been separated for decades; even if they claim deep sibling affection, few would truly believe it."

If there truly were deep brother‑sister affection, they wouldn't let Di Yue Nu return to Owl Kingdom.

Even if a concubine becomes a primary wife, she still isn't legitimate; a truly noble clan would disdain dealing with her.

"Back then she returned in glory, and I truly thought she was impressive, only to find she was a paper tiger." Chu Ke recalled that Rong Heng once insisted on divorcing Di Yue Nu to marry her; now watching them, she felt great satisfaction.

Saying that, Que Cai entered again to report, "Your Majesty, Madam Xiao has arrived."

Ming Yuhua?

"Invite her in," Rong Luoge said.

Chu Ke rose with Rong Ling Shan, "Your Majesty, I'll take Ling Shan out for a walk."

Rong Luoge smiled and nodded, "Fine, we'll meet again at the palace banquet."

Chu Ke left with her daughter; although Rong Ling Shan was a bit reluctant, she obediently followed her mother out.

Ming Yuhua entered just as Chu Ke and her daughter were leaving, stopped to greet them, and after the greeting entered the hall.

"Your Majesty, I, your servant, pay my respects."

"Quickly rise, you're becoming more and more proper," Rong Luoge said teasingly to Ming Yuhua.

Ming Yuhua smiled, "I wouldn't dare to be disrespectful; I must not cause trouble for my husband."

"Please sit," Rong Luoge said, smiling at Ming Yuhua, "You look healthy, so life must be treating you well."

Ming Yuhua looked at the Empress, "Thanks to Your Majesty pulling me up back then, I have the good days I enjoy now. I've come to bring you good news."

"Good news?" Rong Luoge was initially startled, then her eyes lit up, "News from Suzhou?"

Ming Yuhua truly couldn't help but be impressed—the Empress is just too clever.