What virtue or ability did Ji Muqing possess to become the nation’s mother?

Such a woman couldn’t even catch Consort Xiao’s eye.

“From the very beginning, this consort never intended to let Ji Muqing become Princess Yi.”

Liang Zongzheng asked, “Then why did Your Ladyship…”

“Liang Zongzheng should know that the Ji family has Ji Li and Ji Huan, two men who command military forces. If we can thus win them over for our use to help Prince Yi ascend to the throne, then what harm is there in marrying her as Princess Yi? But what virtue or ability does that woman possess to become the nation’s mother? She’s not even as good as a common market girl.”

Her harsh words struck home.

That woman had neither virtue nor talent. Consort Xiao was inherently proud and considered herself superior—how could she possibly regard someone like Ji Muqing favorably?

Bah!

She wasn’t even qualified to be a foot-washing maid.

Hearing this, Liang Zongzheng suddenly understood, his voice trembling. “So, Your Ladyship never intended to help my late daughter obtain justice. It was to have Prince Yi marry the Ji family’s daughter, thereby winning over the Ji brothers to secure the throne.”

“Exactly. That’s precisely it.”

Liang Zongzheng’s face creased with deep furrows.

The resentment in his heart burst forth from his eyes, red as fire. His own daughter had died tragically, and not only would the culprit escape justice, but now she had become Princess Yi. Just thinking about it made him want to annihilate the entire Ji family.

Consort Xiao saw his unwillingness and rose, walking over with measured steps while speaking slowly. “Liang Zongzheng, let this consort finish. Though she has indeed become Princess Yi, when Prince Yi uses the Ji brothers to ascend to the throne, she will no longer have any value. She’ll be nothing more than a chess piece that can be discarded at any time. To become the nation’s mother—she shouldn’t even dream of it. When that time comes, she’ll either be confined to the cold palace or die miserably in disgrace. Only such slow torture can truly avenge Xu’er.”

As she spoke, she smiled sinisterly.

“Moreover, after she marries into Prince Yi’s manor, her days won’t be easy. She might not even survive until Prince Yi ascends the throne.” She curved her red lips. “This consort has heard that Liang Zongzheng has a niece who is as beautiful as a flower and bears some resemblance to Xu’er.”

Hm?

“Why would Your Ladyship mention Luoli?”

“Oh? Her name is Luoli? What a lovely name—truly fitting for her. This consort has also heard that she excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, is gentle and virtuous, dignified and graceful, and is currently still unwed.”

This meaning…

Liang Zongzheng seemed to understand somewhat, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

Consort Xiao continued, “Such a woman is rare in this world. A true nation’s mother should be like this. When the time comes, this consort guarantees that your niece Luoli will be the one and only choice this consort selects as the nation’s mother.”

Wow, what a grand promise.

Liang Zongzheng had been furious before, but now his anger had somewhat dissipated.

However, he was still skeptical.

“Does Your Ladyship truly mean this?”

“Every word this consort speaks is true, so Liang Zongzheng can rest assured. Once the Ji family helps Prince Yi ascend to the throne, the Ji family will all be nothing but useless trash that can be discarded at any time. At that moment, this consort will naturally have Prince Yi marry Luoli and ennoble her as Empress. Your Liang family will then become imperial relatives.”

Imperial relatives!

These four grand words, saturated with power, crashed down upon Liang Zongzheng.

They left him dizzy and disoriented.

Consort Xiao struck while the iron was hot. “This is this consort’s promise—I will never go back on my word.”

Liang Zongzheng deliberated internally, then finally gritted his teeth and bowed. “Very well, this subject will trust Your Ladyship.”

“Those who understand the times are outstanding. Liang Zongzheng, you will never be disappointed. In the future, the Liang family will surely soar to great heights.”

What else could he say?

This grand promise had already left him dazed.

Consort Xiao said, “But regarding Gao Bingze’s matter, Liang Zongzheng must absolutely not speak of it, lest… it invite unnecessary trouble.”

He cupped his hands. “This subject will absolutely not leak a single word.”

Consort Xiao smiled and turned to sit back down.

“The day that Miss Ji marries will be the beginning of her nightmare.”

Her sinister laughter echoed through the great hall.

…

The next day, Prince Yi’s grand wedding.

The entire Prince Yi’s manor was filled with festive joy, everywhere hung with red silk, red lanterns, red candlesticks…

Early in the morning, the threshold of Prince Yi’s manor was nearly broken from all the foot traffic. Officials from the court all came, along with many prominent sons of official families from the capital.

Well-wishers came in endless streams, and the sound of firecrackers was continuous.

Even the congratulatory gifts filled several rooms.

The wedding palanquin set out from Prince Yi’s manor early in the morning, heading toward the General’s manor.

At this moment, Ji Muqing was still in her room getting dressed. She wore a crimson wedding dress embroidered with lifelike mandarin ducks, and her gold and silver jewelry was complete, not a single piece missing.

She held red lip paper in her hand. Her lips pressed together slightly, scarlet and vivid, complementing her wedding dress.

Her makeup was exquisite, her almond eyes clear and bright, her delicate brows like willows…

She was a beauty!

The jade pendant on the hairpin in her coiffure was particularly eye-catching, but it didn’t seem ostentatious—rather, it exuded nobility.

She sat quietly at the vanity, waiting for the groom to fetch her.

These past two days, for some unknown reason, Ji Muqing had been especially warm toward Ji Wanxin, giving her many of the items bestowed by His Majesty. Today, on her wedding day, she had even pulled her over to help with her grooming.

Ji Wanxin inserted the final hairpin into Ji Muqing’s hair. Looking at the exquisitely featured person in the mirror, she smiled in praise.

“Elder Sister is truly beautiful today.”

Sister, doesn’t your heart ache?

Ji Muqing smiled shyly, then wrinkled her brow. “Wanxin, I’m feeling a bit nervous now.”

“In a moment, a matchmaker will guide you. Just follow her.”

“Mm.”

Just then—

A voice came from outside: “The auspicious hour has arrived.”

A young servant ran in breathlessly. “Young Miss, Prince Yi’s manor’s palanquin has already reached the gate. The master sent me to tell you that you must quickly board the bridal sedan, lest we miss the auspicious hour.”

With this announcement, the maidservants in the room all became anxious, quickly pulling the bride to her feet, adorning her with various items, and pressing a bright red apple into her hands.

Then—

A veil was placed over her head!

The wedding had begun.

At the main gate, Ji Shuhan and the others all stood there.

When he saw his daughter emerge in her crimson wedding dress, his eyes immediately reddened.

He instructed her, “After you reach Prince Yi’s manor, you must be very careful.”

Ji Muqing nodded.

The bride couldn’t speak.

Ji Shuhan held back his tears and personally escorted his daughter into the palanquin. Watching the palanquin depart, he secretly wiped away tears again.

Ji Li, however, looked deeply troubled, without a trace of joy on his face.

When Ji Shuhan saw this, he immediately scolded him: “Today is your sister’s joyous day, yet you, as her elder brother, wear such a gloomy expression. If people see you like this, they’ll think some terrible calamity has befallen our Ji family.”

The person Ji Li respected most in this life was Ji Shuhan.

He lowered his head. “Your son knows he was wrong.”

“Alright, let’s go inside.”

And they entered the manor.