Wang Si Niang stood at the entrance of Xuanzheng Hall, watching Yu Ming Yue's figure pass through the covered bridge, turn, and gradually disappear.
The current decline of the aristocratic families was not their final end. The reason these families had stood for centuries was the unyielding fighting spirit and ambitious will of their members.
Now, enduring humiliation and biding their time, she was certain she could lead the Wang family out of their predicament and find a new path for the clan.
"That Yu Liu Niang is so favored by the Empress, she was even bestowed the tribute Shu brocade," a nearby maidservant said with a hint of sourness.
"It's merely an external possession," Wang Si Niang said, unconcerned.
"Yu Liu Niang is still young, how can she compare to the elegance and radiance of an adult wearing haitang red..."
"Silence!" Wang Si Niang interrupted her. "Since you know I am an adult, you should understand the rules of the palace. If you offend again, you need not stay by my side."
Xuan Cao quickly knelt. "Your Ladyship, please calm your anger. This servant will not dare to speak carelessly again."
"Rise!" Wang Si Niang's expression was extremely cold. "If you wish to pursue a path as a female official, conduct yourself properly. Do not entertain any crooked thoughts. If something happens, I will not protect you, nor can I."
This Xuan Cao had been getting restless lately. It seemed someone had set their sights on her.
...
After Empress Wang finished her meditation, Shen Momo, who was by her side, helped her up. "If Your Majesty favors Liu Niang, why not keep her in the palace for a few more days?"
Empress Wang smiled. "I would like to, but I fear some might overthink it. Never mind, this is good enough."
The palace was not a good place. She could not implicate the child.
"Your Majesty's consideration is indeed thorough."
"That child is cherished like a pearl and guarded like a treasure. If she were to be harmed because of me, how could I face him? Seeing her today has put my mind at ease. No wonder he likes her; this child is truly lovable." Empress Wang's smile deepened.
"Children raised by the Cui family are naturally not lacking. How can those self-proclaimed noble ladies in the capital compare to the upbringing of aristocratic families," Shen Bi Yu said with disdain.
Especially that Feng Da Niang Zi. Someone like her was considered a suitable candidate for the Crown Prince's Consort, yet she dared to insult Yu Liu Niang as a mere militia daughter.
It was truly laughable. Tracing back three generations, they wouldn't even know their ancestors' names, yet they had the audacity to mock aristocratic ladies. The Sage's judgment was, as always, poor.
Empress Wang knew who Shen Momo was referring to and found it amusing that on her second day in the palace, she went to Guangren Palace to pay respects to Consort Yao. The Feng family was indeed bold to send such a child into the palace.
"The teachers hired by the Cui family educated her to the standard of a future empress; others naturally cannot compare. However, I see that this child is remarkably clear-headed, and it is this clarity that has saved her and the Cui family." Empress Wang's tone held an indescribable melancholy.
If she had possessed such clarity back then, she wouldn't have ended up in her current predicament, nor would she have implicated that child.
"I believe after Your Majesty summoned Yu Liu Niang today, no one will trouble her. That Feng Liang Di, a few days ago, provoked Mo Liang Di and was confined to her courtyard by the Crown Princess to learn etiquette. She won't be able to cause much trouble. Your Majesty can rest assured."
Empress Wang nodded. "There's no need to be overly deliberate."
"Yes!"
...
Yu Ming Yue returned to her residence and went directly to Cui Shi's courtyard. After her trip to the palace, she feared her mother would be worried sick.
Feng Ying Ying was now a Liang Di in the Eastern Palace, and it was easy for her to find trouble.
Cui Shi had the kitchen prepare a pot of hot lamb soup. Palace rules were numerous, and one had to be extremely careful to avoid any missteps. Female visitors to the palace often returned hungry.
In such cold weather, returning hungry was detrimental to one's health.
"Mother, the Empress is kind and there weren't that many rules. I felt just like I was at home and didn't starve myself at all," Yu Ming Yue said with a carefree demeanor.
"You!" Cui Shi chided her daughter.
She knew her daughter's skill at placating people, but she hadn't expected her to dare to behave so casually with Empress Wang.
"The Empress also asked about the Cui family's affairs. I suppose she was being so courteous to me out of consideration for the old ties between aristocratic families. As for the Shu brocade, I suspect the Empress bestowed it because she feared that at the year-end banquets, someone might use it to embarrass our family, and she wanted to prevent that."
Cui Shi did not see it that way. "Although Mother and Empress Wang have some acquaintance, it stems from the time when the Five Great Clans were united. The friendship between the Wang and Cui families, now that both families have lost their glory, even if this connection remains, it is not enough for her to be so thoughtful of the Yu family."