Chapter 12: Jiang Empress

I said, can't you restrain yourself a bit?

Madam Yin looked helplessly at Ao Yifan, while behind them stood maidservants in a row.

These maidservants all share a trait: their lower abdomens are slightly swollen, obviously indicating they are pregnant.

Madam Yin never expected that, while she was busy handling affairs at Chentang Pass, her prince consort would never have a moment of rest.

This, haha, it's not that I blame you, Madam, for being too busy with your duties to keep me company?

Ao Yifan, supporting the already big-bellied Madam Yin, said somewhat embarrassedly: 'If you, Madam, spent more time with me, I couldn't possibly have gotten them all pregnant.'

You say that, and yet it's all my fault?

Madam Yin gave Ao Yifan a sideways glance, then shook her head and said: 'Forget it, I don't want to manage you anymore. However, since they all carry your child, their daily food, clothing, and necessities should all be upgraded one level; we cannot shortchange the fetuses in their wombs.'

Thank you, Princess!

The originally somewhat nervous maidservants all bowed and expressed their thanks.

After sighing, Madam Yin said: 'When we see the imperial sister-in-law later, you must absolutely not speak nonsense; otherwise, my elder brother will definitely cause trouble for you.'

Don't worry, am I that kind of irresponsible person?

Ao Yifan patted his chest and said.

The next moment, his expression shifted and he said: 'Here they come!'

At the same time, everyone saw a huge banner first appear in their view.

Coiled dragon!

Not far away, Li Jing, who led the troops guarding the princess and prince consort, instantly recognized that the totem appearing on the banner was precisely the tribal totem of the Earl of Dongbo!

Immediately after, accompanied by a strain of celestial music, several birds swiftly flew across the sky, as if scouting ahead for safety.

Chirp, chirp!

After two clear bird calls, a large convoy slowly approached.

What a majestic sight for the empress's outing!

Ao Yifan exclaimed admiringly.

That's natural; my elder brother greatly loves the imperial sister-in-law, and gives her nothing but the best.

Madam Yin said.

Oh? Is that so?

Ao Yifan narrowed his eyes slightly, smiling as he said: 'From this, it seems your elder brother and the imperial sister-in-law have a very good relationship.'

That's natural!

Madam Yin said: 'Therefore, this time we must certainly satisfy the imperial sister-in-law; with her speaking well of us when she returns, my elder brother will definitely not make things difficult for us.'

Hehe, got it, I will definitely satisfy your imperial sister-in-law!

Ao Yifan said with a smile.

Su Zhi!

A gentle female voice came from the palanquin, like moonlight sprinkling on a clear spring, giving a feeling of tranquility and harmony.

At the same time, the bead curtain of the palanquin was drawn aside by the maidservants on either side, and a dignified, noble figure stepped down from the palanquin with their support.

The woman before them was extremely beautiful!

Unlike Madam Yin's delicate beauty with a hint of playfulness and cuteness, this Jiang Empress was like a peony of a flourishing era that can only be admired from afar.

Imperial sister-in-law!

Upon seeing the Jiang Empress, Madam Yin immediately hurried forward to greet her.

Careful!

The Jiang Empress stepped forward a few steps and supported Madam Yin, who was holding her large belly.

You're both about to become mothers—how can you still be so fidgety, not afraid of hurting the fetus in your womb?

The Jiang Empress softly scolded.

Ah, hehe!

Faced with the Jiang Empress's scolding, Madam Yin also laughed embarrassedly.

Although she is only two years younger than the other, for some reason, when in the presence of the Jiang Empress, Madam Yin always feels a motherly affection.

Therefore, in Chaoge, Madam Yin sometimes does not even listen to the king's words, but only listens to the Jiang Empress's words.

Looking at Madam Yin, who seemed like a child who never grew up, the Jiang Empress couldn't help but sigh.

Immediately after, her phoenix eyes turned and fell upon Ao Yifan.

You, are you the prince consort of Su Zhi? Do you know you have committed a grave mistake?

The Jiang Empress spoke, her voice still gentle, yet unconsciously gaining a hint of the majesty of a mother of the world.

Imperial sister-in-law, we……

Upon hearing the Jiang Empress's words, Madam Yin suddenly became anxious, preparing to explain, but was cut off by the Jiang Empress raising her head.

Su Zhi, in this matter you had better not speak further.

Oh!

Sure enough, one thing subdues another; Madam Yin, who completely subdues Ao Yifan, behaves like a little child before the Jiang Empress.

Faced with the Jiang Empress's gaze carrying a hint of majesty, Ao Yifan smiled, clasped his hands, and said: 'Greetings, Jiang Empress; I and my lady are truly in love, and moreover, the Empress would not want Su Zhi's child to be born without a father's companionship, would she?'

You……

The Jiang Empress had not expected that, in her presence, the other party would not only show no remorse, but even use Su Zhi's child as a threat.

Jiang Empress, we have already prepared a banquet at our mansion; please honor us by moving your phoenix carriage!

Ao Yifan gave the other party no chance to continue speaking, making an inviting gesture.

「Li Jing, clear the way for the Queen! 」

「Yes, Prince Consort! 」

Li Jing received the order, waved his hand in the room, directing his subordinates to part the onlookers and open a wide road.

「This person! 」

Queen Jiang narrowed her eyes slightly, gazing at Ao Yifan's back, a thoughtful expression flickering across her face.

She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she sensed a trace of indifference toward the royal authority emanating from him.

You must know that the Human Emperor's sovereignty still prevails; even an immortal would have to show respect upon seeing the Human Emperor.

Although she was only the queen, in a sense she also represented her husband's majesty.

Yet in their first encounter, she felt not a trace of awe.

「Imperial Sister-in-law! 」

At this moment, Lady Yin tugged at Queen Jiang's sleeve.

Turning her head, she met Lady Yin's pitiful gaze, and Queen Jiang let out a helpless sigh.

「This matter, I'll help you, but once your imperial brother finds out, he'll surely fly into a rage! 」

Queen Jiang stroked Lady Yin's head and said, "I never imagined that just going out once would cause such a huge disaster!"

「Imperial Sister-in-law, I too am doing this for the people of the Great Shang; the Prince Consort's abilities are extraordinary—without his aid, the chaos at Chen Tang Pass could not have been quelled so quickly! 」

Lady Yin said.

「You! 」

Queen Jiang laughed and said, "You really were born in the wrong gender; even your imperial brother often says that if you were a man, you might even have a chance to succeed Grand Tutor Wen."

「Hmph, what's wrong with being a woman? 」

Lady Yin said somewhat stubbornly, "The Prince Consort said he would help me become the marshal who commands ten thousand troops; by then, I will be no inferior to the Grand Tutor!"

「He really said that? 」

Queen Jiang hesitated before speaking.

At the same time, she also understood why her foolish royal sister-in-law had been so easily taken by that man, even bearing his child.

It was obvious that the man also valued Su Zhi's loyalty to the Great Shang, using it as a breakthrough to quickly win her heart.

「He's a master! 」

Seated in the carriage, gazing at Ao Yifan's back, Queen Jiang felt some worry: "Such a man, Su Zhi might not be able to handle him—what should we do?"

She truly dotes on this royal sister-in-law, which is why she worries so much about Lady Yin's future.