Chapter 78: But I am not actually a Cao family member

Jiang Yunchu went to a very small courtyard; this courtyard was quite ordinary in the manor, and most families had courtyards like this.

"Princess Consort." Zi Su bowed her head slightly.

Jiang Yunchu glanced at the spot behind her; no one was there, but she sensed that An San was there.

"Just stay outside."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Zi Su and Bai Zhi bowed and saluted, then took their posts in the courtyard.

"You've come."

It had been more than half a year since their marriage, yet this was only the second time the mother‑in‑law and daughter‑in‑law had met.

"I have paid my respects to the Imperial Consort."

Jiang Yunchu bent slightly and performed a salute.

The Imperial Consort smiled warmly at Jiang Yunchu; this girl had given her many surprises.

"Yun Chu, come sit here." She patted the spot beside her.

Then she turned her head to look at the people nearby and said, "Everyone, go out; I want to have a heart‑to‑heart talk with Yun Chu."

For a moment, only the mother‑in‑law and daughter‑in‑law remained in the room.

"You invited me over—what's the matter?" the Imperial Consort laughed, wearing coarse hemp clothes that could not hide her noble bearing.

"You don't ask about Ning Hanmo, nor about Ning Yue Xue, nor even about affairs in the Wang Fu."

After saying that, Jiang Yunchu suddenly lifted her head and said, "Imperial Consort, how many of your people are still in the Wang Fu?"

Her face bore a smile, her eyes glimmered with light, every frown and smile showing a touch of composure.

Yet over the past several months, her words and actions could not be what they seemed on the surface.

"This is the list." The Imperial Consort pushed a sheet of paper toward her.

Having come here today, she had already prepared these.

But the girl opposite didn't even glance at it; she simply tore the paper, lit it, and watched it turn to ash.

"Imperial Consort, I only have one question: are we on the same boat?" This was a question she had wanted to ask since the day she married into the Wang Fu.

But the attitudes of the Cao family and the Imperial Consort, one thing after another, left her uncertain.

The Imperial Consort sighed, then smiled and said, "Let me tell you a story."

"It was a rainy day; a young lady was on her way back from a lotus banquet when her carriage sank into a mud pit."

"When the horse bolted, reared high, and the carriage was about to overturn, a man descended from the heavens, slashed the tethering rope with a single sword, and the carriage steadied."

"Later, as they spent time together, feelings gradually grew between them—but…"

"The lady's station was not worthy of him."

When the Imperial Consort said this, she looked at Jiang Yunchu and said, "I am that lady."

"The man was the former emperor."

"And I am by no means a member of the Cao family."

A piece of news, a story—like a thunderclap that shook the heavens—struck directly at Jiang Yunchu's heart.

So that's how it was……

This is also why, over the years, the Imperial Consort has been continually exploited by the Cao family; the former emperor has passed, she now has white hair, and who knows how long she can live?

Yet all these matters are in the Cao family's grip; she has no choice but to take this step.

For the Wang Fu, for her grandson and granddaughter, she must take this step.

Entrusting the children to her is true, but cutting ties with the Cao family is also true.

"The Cao family suddenly has an extra daughter?" Jiang Yunchu's fingers unconsciously tapped the tabletop; the steady sound helped her think.

"No, the reason it's the Cao family is because the Cao family's daughter died."

"The former emperor bestowed favor upon the Cao family, letting me stand in for their daughter and enter the palace."

Now that she has spoken, she sees no need to hide it; before, it could not be said, nor should it be said, as it concerns the former emperor.

But now, Yun Chu has done more than enough; what could this old lady possibly still be unwilling to let go of?

"So that's how it is."

This is the Cao family's reliance!

This is why the Cao family has been able to hold sway over the Wang Fu for over ten years.

"Does this story resolve the doubts in your heart?" the Imperial Consort smiled and took a sip of tea.

Jiang Yunchu asked, "Would you like to see Ning Hanmo and Ning Yue Xue?"

The Imperial Consort shook her head. "I've already seen them."

While they were eating kebabs, she had already seen them; the two children had grown taller and plumper.

Especially their gaze, which had become more resolute.

Their interactions all showed that Yun Chu was doing well.

"Yun Chu, from today onward, the Wang Fu is entirely yours." The Imperial Consort produced a seal bearing the four large characters "Regent Prince's Manor."

The holder of the seal is the true master of the Wang Fu.

By this day, the Wang Fu—she can finally let go.

Jiang Yunchu looked at the Imperial Consort and asked, "Why?"

The Imperial Consort laughed heartily; her voice carried both relaxation and a hint of regret.

"I am old; I can help you little more; from now on, the Wang Fu is yours to manage."

"This seal represents my stance; if I do not let go, it will create many obstacles for you."

From now on, you don't need to consider me for anything you do.

Having said this, the Imperial Consort waved her hand, "I'm tired; I won't rest at the manor anymore—I still have to accompany the late Emperor."

Go back.

Jiang Yunchu's heart felt heavy; this time, the Imperial Noble Consort seemed to have made some decision, and even each of her words carried a sense of farewell.

On the way back, her heart felt heavy, as if she already knew the outcome, yet she could not stop it.

That night, she slept in a daze, tossing and turning.

Although the puzzling question had been resolved, her heart still wasn't any lighter.

Dawn broke.

Yue Yue rubbed her eyes, lifted her head, kissed her on the face, and then in a soft voice called, "Mother."

Unusually, she did not do morning training today.

Brother has already trained, you little rascal, hurry up and get up.

Jiang Yunchu had dressed; today she was still in coarse hemp clothing, and shortly she would go to the fields to check the crops.

Yue Yue is still small; this is the time for her to grow, she can't get up so early!

The little girl blinked her big eyes; her words were clear and orderly, making it impossible to refuse.

Jiang Yunchu tapped her forehead, "Little lazybones, still making excuses for yourself, hurry up."

"Mother, Yue Yue knows, tomorrow she will go to school; Yue Yue will definitely work hard."

While speaking, the little girl lifted her chubby little arms.

Her little manner directly melted Jiang Yunchu's heart.

They tied a bell-adorned hairband for her, then dressed her in coarse cloth clothing, and only then led her out of the courtyard.

"Mother, good morning~" Over there, Ning Hanmo was holding a horse stance; the other three also imitated him, but having never practiced, they were drenched in sweat and promptly sat down on the ground.

"Princess Consort, good morning~"

The three of them spoke in unison.

Jia Chuan was somewhat better; Zhang Cunwen couldn't even stand at this moment, being naturally tall and thin with an unstable stance, making the horse stance difficult for him.

Ning Qiancheng, due to his frail body, had become pitifully thin over the years with little flesh; suddenly engaging in strenuous exercise posed some difficulty for him.