Feng Jin’s expression tensed, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart. She hadn’t forgotten the incident where she had severely beaten Wang Qin.
After a few days, Wang Qin’s injuries should have mostly healed, giving her enough strength to personally complain to the Empress.
It seemed the Empress had summoned her this time specifically to reprimand her.
“I’ll accompany you to the palace.”
Ling Mo Han held Feng Jin’s hand, his heart filled with worry for her safety. He knew the Empress too well and was certain she wouldn’t let Feng Jin off easily this time.
“I’ll be fine. You go take care of your business. Cai Qing, prepare the carriage, we’re going to the palace.”
Feng Jin couldn’t refuse Ling Mo Han and agreed to let him accompany her.
The carriage was stopped by guards just as it reached the palace gate.
Ling Mo Han lifted the curtain, his cold gaze sweeping over the guards, and said with displeasure, “How dare you stop even me.”
Emperor Xuanwen, grateful for the Ling family’s contributions, had long since decreed that the Ling family could enter and exit the palace freely without adhering to unnecessary formalities.
“Please excuse us, young general. Open the gate quickly!”
The guards hurriedly opened the palace gate and let the carriage pass.
“Young general is quite imposing.” It was the first time Feng Jin had seen Ling Mo Han display such authority, commanding respect without question.
“My dear wife, you truly don’t know me well. It seems I need to help you understand me more deeply…”
“Get away from me. Stay further back.”
Feng Jin pushed him away. Why was he standing so close when they were just talking?
“Greetings to the young general and the young madam!” a eunuch’s shrill voice announced.
“Greetings, Eunuch Wang.”
Eunuch Wang had served the Empress for a long time, so Ling Mo Han’s tone was slightly softer towards him.
“This servant dares not accept such courtesy. Young madam, the Empress is waiting for you inside. Please follow this servant.”
Ling Mo Han took Feng Jin’s hand and started to walk forward, but Eunuch Wang blocked their path. “Young general, this is the inner palace, and there are other female guests in the Empress’s chambers. It would be inappropriate for you, an external official, to enter. Please wait in the outer hall for a moment.”
“My wife is frail, and I must attend to her. If external officials are not permitted in the inner palace, then my wife and I will not enter.”
Ling Mo Han dropped his words, and pulling Feng Jin, turned to leave.
Eunuch Wang immediately panicked and rushed forward to block them. “Young general, please forgive me. These are the palace rules, and I am merely following orders. The Empress is waiting for the young madam. Please do not make things difficult for this servant.”
Eunuch Wang was sweating profusely, almost begging Ling Mo Han.
“Alright, didn’t you say you had important matters to report to His Majesty? Go see His Majesty first. When you’re done, you can come back and pick me up.”
Feng Jin spoke gently to Ling Mo Han, reasoning with him. Having lived together for some time, she understood his temperament and personality perfectly. Her soft words instantly extinguished his anger.
“Very well. Cai Qing, if anything happens to my wife, come find me immediately.”
“Your servant understands.”
“Be careful with everything. If anyone bullies you, fight back. I’ll stand up for you in all matters. Don’t let anyone mistreat you.”
Feng Jin felt a surge of warmth. It felt wonderful to have someone unconditionally protect her.
“I’ve got it all. Go attend to your business.”
Ling Mo Han left reluctantly, looking back at her multiple times.
Only after Ling Mo Han’s receding figure disappeared did Feng Jin’s smile fade. She turned to Eunuch Wang and said sternly, “Please lead the way, Eunuch. Don’t keep the Empress waiting.”
“Yes… yes… Madam is absolutely right. This way, please, Madam.”
Eunuch Wang smiled and led Feng Jin forward.
One had to admit, the Empress’s residence was indeed opulent. After several winding turns, they finally arrived.
“Young madam, please wait here a moment. This servant will announce your arrival first.”
Eunuch Wang bowed and walked into the hall.
Feng Jin, with nothing else to do, looked around. Her previous visit to the palace had been too dangerous, and she hadn’t had a chance to truly appreciate the grandeur of the royal palace.
Looking closely now, she marveled at the exquisite and luxurious details, truly astonishing. No wonder countless women vied to enter the palace, desperately seeking the Emperor’s favor.
This life of being served and living in luxury was indeed enviable.
To live such a life for a lifetime would truly be an unregretted existence.
“Young madam, this place is so beautiful. I used to think our Ling Manor was quite magnificent, but today I realize there’s always someone better and higher.”
Cai Qing’s eyes were almost blinded by the dazzling world. Everywhere she looked, it was a scene of prosperity.
“Naturally. Within the imperial palace, everything used is naturally the best.”
“Young madam, look how fine the fabric is on those palace maids’ clothes. Wouldn’t the concubines and princesses wear even finer ones…”
“How dare you! How can you speak so carelessly about your superiors within the palace? What kind of maid are you, so ignorant of etiquette?”
A young woman in a pale pink palace gown embroidered with peonies spoke with a furious expression.
Cai Qing was startled and her legs went weak. Instinctively, she started to kneel, but Feng Jin grabbed her and pulled her behind her.
“Please forgive us, Princess. This is my maid. She’s never been to the palace before and doesn’t understand the rules. I apologize to you on her behalf.”
Feng Jin stepped forward, her tone gentle. After all, they were in the wrong, and this was the imperial palace, not the Ling Manor. It was better to yield for now.
“Hmph… You’re quite perceptive to recognize this princess’s identity!” the Sixth Princess said, walking up to Feng Jin and scrutinizing her. “No wonder your maid is so ill-mannered. It turns out the master is crude first, and then the servants follow suit. It’s no surprise you teach your servants to be so base.”
Feng Jin’s eyes narrowed, and her expression turned displeased. “Of course, it’s not as strict as the palace rules. As the princess, you are a role model for the palace and should not lower yourself to argue with a servant.”
“You’re quite sharp-tongued. Do you really think this princess wouldn’t dare punish you?”
The Sixth Princess, accustomed to her arrogance and domineering nature, could not tolerate any disrespect. “Guards, seize them! Give them both ten lashes!”
“Who dares!” Feng Jin shouted angrily, instantly startling the maids who were about to step forward.
“Princess, you certainly have a lofty air. I am an official’s wife. Even if I have made a mistake, it is for the Empress to punish me, not for you, Princess.”
“You dare talk back to me? Today, I will represent my mother and punish you properly!”
The Sixth Princess strode forward, reaching out to grab Feng Jin. Her raised hand did not fall as expected; instead, Feng Jin directly grasped her wrist.
“Let go! How dare you disrespect this princess? I’ll have my mother kill you, my father depose your husband, and your entire family executed!”
Feng Jin smiled coldly. Another arrogant, overbearing, and simple-minded person.
Did she not stop to think that someone granted an audience with the Empress could not be the wife of an ordinary minor official? She must be the wife of a high-ranking official, or perhaps a marquis or duke.