Chapter 340: A Place That Eats People Without Spitting Out the Bones

"We’re going to the Imperial Palace."

"Her master is going to give the Crown Prince his lesson," Dean Chen said with a smile.

"In that case, after I’ve met with all the consorts, I’ll go find you and Master," Ye Qianning said. Seeing the unhappy look on her dad’s face, she knew he was worried.

"Once you’re in the palace, remember to eat more and talk less," Xiang Minghou couldn’t help but remind her again.

"I know."

’Dad lectured me for half the night yesterday. All it took was one night’s sleep for him to get worried all over again.’

"General Xiang, you can rest assured with me here. Once we’re in the palace, I won’t leave Pangtuan’s side for a second," Mrs. Zhan said. She knew exactly what kind of place the rear palaces were, and she knew what the Empress and Consort Yuan were like.

"Thank you, Mrs. Zhan."

"We’re all family, no need for such politeness. From now on, if you don’t mind, I’ll treat you like my own son." Because of her connection to Ye Qianning, Mrs. Zhan looked at Xiang Minghou with even more warmth.

"Mm," Xiang Minghou, a man of few words, replied with a slight nod.

Mrs. Zhan was also aware of Xiang Minghou’s temperament. For him, a nod was as good as a full agreement.

Once on the carriage, Mrs. Zhan sat right next to Ye Qianning, her eyes fixed on the little girl, unable to get enough of the sight.

"Grandma, did Dad often go to the Zhan family’s home to play when he was little?" Ye Qianning asked, leaning half her body into Mrs. Zhan’s embrace.

"Yes, he did. Your dad loved to play with swords and spears, and Zhan Chi was especially mischievous. When those two got together, the trouble they caused was a real headache." When Mrs. Zhan was younger, she had certainly disciplined them more than a few times.

’I can just imagine it. Even now, with their personalities, putting Dad and Zhan Chi together would be a recipe for disaster.’

"Zhan Chi often got beaten up by your dad, but he still insisted on playing with him," Mrs. Zhan said with a laugh.

"..."

’No wonder he still dared to sneak over the wall of the General’s residence, even after Dad had hit him so many times before. He must have been so used to getting hit that he didn’t take it to heart at all.’

The carriage passed through the streets and entered Qionghua Street.

Qionghua Street was a necessary route to the Imperial Palace. From the end of the street, it was only a few more minutes by carriage to the palace gates.

Ye Qianning lifted the curtain and looked behind them. Several carriages were following, apparently belonging to the Zhan family and Minister Qian’s family.

She then looked toward the palace entrance. Not far from the gates, two other carriages were parked—one from the Helian Royal Mansion and one from the Changyang Prince Mansion.

The carriage stopped. Mrs. Zhan got out first and turned to help Ye Qianning down.

Knowing she was heavy, Ye Qianning didn’t let Mrs. Zhan carry her and instead jumped down from the carriage herself.

Behind them, the carriage carrying Xiang Minghou and Dean Chen stopped, and the two men disembarked. Further back, Zhan Yi got out of the Zhan family carriage, followed closely by the Qian family’s carriage, from which Qian Fu and Qian Fanji alighted.

"Brother Qian, what a coincidence. You’re also going to the palace," Zhan Yi said, looking at Qian Fu.

"Indeed. The abbot sent a letter yesterday with specific instructions for it to be delivered to the Emperor. I didn’t expect to run into you, Brother Zhan." Qian Fu then asked, "And what brings you to the palace, Brother Zhan?"

"I have some matters to attend to," Zhan Yi replied with a smile.

Qian Fu gave a faint smile and walked forward to greet Dean Chen. "Dean Chen, and General Xiang. You’re heading to the palace as well?"

"I have some lessons to explain to His Highness, the Crown Prince," Dean Chen replied.

Xiang Minghou, his face cold, did not respond.

"It’s been many years since I’ve heard one of your lessons, Dean Chen. I hope you don’t mind if I listen in."

"Of course not."

"Speaking of which, I’m quite nostalgic for the days when the Dean was teaching. I’ll come listen too and try to recapture that old feeling," Zhan Yi said.

Dean Chen smiled faintly and nodded.

Mrs. Zhan merely glanced back before taking the little girl by the hand and walking toward the palace gate.

"Mrs. Zhan." Princess Changyang disembarked from her carriage, leading Nanxiang.

"Your Highness," Mrs. Zhan said, curtsying.

"Mrs. Zhan, there’s no need for such formalities." Princess Changyang made a gesture to help her up.

Nanxiang ran over with a smile. "Pangtuan!"

"Xiang’er, are you and the Princess Consort going to the palace too?" Ye Qianning asked, looking up.

"Mother heard you were coming to the palace and she was worried," Nanxiang blurted out, holding nothing back.

"You silly girl, spouting nonsense." Princess Changyang gave a helpless, soft laugh, her gaze falling on Mrs. Zhan. "The Empress has been mentioning Xiang’er for a while now. We didn’t get a chance to speak at the banquet the day before yesterday, so I decided to bring her to the palace today."

"The young Commandery Princess is so loveable. I often hear the Noble Princess Consort mention her as well," Mrs. Zhan said.

"Noble Princess Consort Zhan is good-natured. Whenever Xiang’er comes to the palace, she loves to pester her the most. Since she was little, Xiang’er has also loved playing with the Fifth Princess."

"Because Fifth Sister is the nicest to me," Nanxiang said proudly, pouting her little lips.

"Heh heh," Mrs. Zhan laughed. "The young Commandery Princess truly takes after the Princess Consort—so sweet and kind."

"Mrs. Zhan, please don’t praise her too much. You have no idea what a little rascal she is at the Prince Mansion." Princess Changyang’s tone shifted slightly. "I didn’t expect that you and Pangtuan were so close."

Mrs. Zhan looked down at the child, a hint of pride on her face. "The little girl is a sweet-talker and easy to love."

"Grandma Zhan is very nice."

"Heh heh, sweet indeed," Princess Changyang teased, feeling much more at ease.

’Pangtuan had suddenly been betrothed to the Crown Prince. Knowing Consort Yuan’s personality, she would surely look down on the girl and would certainly make things difficult for her in the palace. The Prince had specifically asked me to bring Nanxiang and wait at the palace gates precisely so we could look out for Pangtuan. Now, seeing that Mrs. Zhan is personally escorting her and that they seem to have a very good relationship, I figure things will probably be fine.’

Princess Heliang disembarked from a nearby carriage. "My, the palace gates are certainly lively today."

"Sister Heliang," Princess Changyang said, walking over.

"Your Highness," Mrs. Zhan said with a curtsy.

Princess Heliang glanced around. "Everyone’s going in? Let’s go together."

Princess Changyang nodded, taking Nanxiang’s hand and walking alongside her.

Mrs. Zhan and Ye Qianning fell back a few steps.

’A group of people in front of me, another group behind me... and their reason for coming to the palace is surprisingly unified. Thinking about it, I feel pretty darn lucky. Princess Changyang and the Prince are very fond of me. Fearing I would be mistreated in the palace, they specifically brought Nanxiang to wait at the gates to give me courage. The Helian Royal Mansion owes me a favor because of what happened with the old Prince. Princess Heliang waiting to enter the palace with me is likely her way of repaying that debt. As for Dad, Master, and the other two families behind me, there’s no need to guess their intentions. If I suffered even the slightest grievance, they would probably all swarm forward.’

’Master also briefly told me about Consort Yuan yesterday. She was the chief disciple of the Medicine King and is skilled in medicine. Years ago, when the Emperor was injured and fell into a coma, she was the one who saved him. The Beili Emperor was smitten with her at first sight. Not long after bringing her back to the Imperial Palace, he directly appointed her a Noble Consort. Her methods were extremely shrewd. Within a year of entering the palace, she became pregnant and gave birth. When Sang Qi was just a month old, the Emperor named him Crown Prince. At the time, the Empress knelt outside the Imperial Study for two days, so angry she coughed up blood. A hundred officials objected, but the Beili Emperor ignored ancestral rules and pushed through all opposition to place Sang Qi on the throne of the Crown Prince.’

Ye Qianning’s conclusion was simple: ’What a schemer.’

"Pangtuan, when you meet the consorts later, don’t be scared. I’ll protect you," Nanxiang whispered, slowing her steps to walk beside her.

"Alright, I’ll be counting on you today," Ye Qianning said, letting go of Mrs. Zhan’s hand to reach out and pinch the girl’s small cheek.

’So chubby and soft. It feels nice.’

Nanxiang didn’t shy away. Her eyes darted around, and she lowered her voice even more. "Don’t worry, the Empress, Noble Princess Consort Zhan, and the other consorts are all very nice. Just whatever you do, don’t provoke Consort Yuan. She’s terrifying when she gets angry."