Chapter 13: Just Like That?

“Your subject’s daughter, Jiang Jin, pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Jiang Jin knelt on both knees, touching her forehead to the ground in greeting.

“Rise,” the Empress Dowager said, slightly raising her hand. Jiang Jin stood up.

Her eyes remained lowered to avoid offense, not daring to look directly at the Empress Dowager.

Only after being granted a seat did Jiang Jin slowly lift her gaze.

She looked toward the Empress Dowager seated above. The Empress Dowager was dressed in a dark gold informal robe, sitting upright. She wore a golden crown, her hair neatly combed without a single stray strand.

Though advanced in years, the Empress Dowager held her back straight, appearing full of vigor.

Her face was dignified and composed, with a slight upward curve at the corners of her mouth. At first glance, she seemed like an amiable elderly lady.

Yet the commanding presence she exuded was impossible to ignore. No matter how kindly she appeared, Jiang Jin dared not take it lightly.

“Do you know why I summoned you?” the Empress Dowager asked slowly.

Jiang Jin instinctively shook her head, but quickly recalled the Empress Dowager’s known temperament.

The Empress Dowager favored those who understood propriety and tact. Excessive modesty would only provoke her displeasure.

Jiang Jin nodded slightly and replied, “Could it be related to His Highness Ning Wang?”

The Empress Dowager smiled and gestured for a palace maid to serve Jiang Jin tea.

“Indeed, it is for his sake!”

The Empress Dowager picked up the teacup beside her, casually lifting the lid and letting it slide against the rim, producing a few crisp, clear sounds.

Jiang Jin held her breath, unsure whether the Empress Dowager sought her over the matter of Ning Wang’s gifts or the “antidote” incident.

If it were the former, she could still remain composed. But if it were the latter…

Jiang Jin dared not imagine!

After all, she had suddenly gone up the mountain and was unexpectedly encountered by Prince Ning’s Mansion attendants… Upon closer examination, she bore significant suspicion in this matter!

Ning Wang might overlook it lightly due to the “life-saving” favor, but the Empress Dowager might not…

Having lived within the palace walls for decades, there was no tale the Empress Dowager had not heard, no scheme she had not witnessed.

Attempting to lie under her watchful eye was nearly impossible!

“Try it. This tea was presented as tribute from Jiangnan,” the Empress Dowager said casually after taking a sip and setting down her cup.

Jiang Jin did not dare hesitate and picked up the tea beside her to drink.

The moment the tea touched her throat, Jiang Jin’s pupils widened slightly.

This taste…

“What do you think?” the Empress Dowager asked, looking at her.

Jiang Jin replied, “This White Crane tea is sweet, mellow, fresh, and brisk, with a hint of honey fragrance. Although I have tasted White Crane tea before, it could never compare to what Your Majesty has here. It is only through Your Majesty’s generosity that I have satisfied my own palate.”

“You certainly know how to speak,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile, turning to Auntie Meng. “Go, fetch a canister of tea.”

Auntie Meng smiled and complied, casting a meaningful, cheerful glance at Jiang Jin before leaving.

Jiang Jin understood—she had pleased the Empress Dowager.

Auntie Meng soon returned, placing a sandalwood box on the small table beside Jiang Jin.

“Third Miss Jiang, this is from Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. This tea arrived at the palace just a few days ago. Even Her Majesty received only three canisters.”

Hearing this, Jiang Jin was astonished but quickly regained her composure.

She stood up and bowed to the Empress Dowager in thanks.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s generous gift.”

The Empress Dowager said, “There is no need for formality. You are Ning Wang’s benefactor. A canister of tea is nothing—even if it were more, I would gladly give it!”

“However… there is one matter I do not understand. You must explain it clearly to me.”

Jiang Jin replied, “Your subject’s daughter obeys.”

“Tell me, what exactly happened when you saved Prince Ning?” The Empress Dowager looked at Jiang Jin with a gentle gaze.

Jiang Jin lightly bit her lip. Indeed… this was the worst possible scenario.

She dared not conceal the truth, yet she also remembered her agreement with Prince Ning.

At this moment, she was truly in a difficult position.

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Jin suddenly spoke up: “Your Majesty, may this humble subject ask you a question?”

The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting Jiang Jin to respond this way.

She nodded in agreement.

“Go ahead.”

“Your Majesty, may I ask where you heard that I encountered His Highness Prince Ning?”

The Empress Dowager replied, “What, was it not in the outskirts of the capital?”

Jiang Jin shook her head. “No, I have only been in the capital for six years and seldom go out, so I am not very familiar with many locations in the city. I was just afraid I might have remembered incorrectly.”

“At that time, I had heard some news about myself at home and was feeling troubled, with a heavy heart. I thought of going up the mountain to visit my elder sister’s grave and pour out my sorrows. On the way, the weather suddenly changed, and heavy rain began to fall.”

“It was then that I unexpectedly encountered people from Prince Ning’s Mansion. Out of kindness, the Zhangshi invited me to take shelter from the rain. After arriving at the Bieyuan, I got lost while trying to borrow an umbrella.”

“I was taking shelter from the rain under a pavilion when I unexpectedly saw Prince Ning collapsed by the roadside. I had never seen Prince Ning before, so at that time…”

At this point, Jiang Jin gently clenched her hands, gathering her courage.

“At that time, I wanted to find someone else to help him, but the rain was pouring heavily, and I dared not delay any longer. So, I ran out from the pavilion and helped Prince Ning inside.”

“Not long after, the Zhangshi came looking for me, and only then did I learn that the person I had helped was His Highness Prince Ning.”

She spoke half-truths, not expecting to completely deceive the Empress Dowager, but hoping to earn a trace of pity and sympathy.

Even if the Empress Dowager later sent someone to investigate, she would learn of her parents’ and brother-in-law’s schemes.

Under such conspiracies and calculations, even if she had hidden her own intentions in the subsequent events, there would still be traces to follow—it was not a matter of being manipulated by others.

Everyone has their own selfish motives, especially since what she did had actually helped Prince Ning.

Jiang Jin understood very well that reputation was of great importance to women, but to the men of this world, it was nothing more than a fleeting affair.

At most, given her status, she might be granted the title of a concubine.

She did not seek such wealth and glory; she only wanted to live a good life!

Thus, keeping this matter under control without affecting either party was the best solution she could think of.

“Is that all?” The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with doubt.

Jiang Jin pinched her palm. “Yes, that is all.”

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled.

“I thought—”

The Empress Dowager seemed about to say something, but just as she began, Song Ren suddenly burst into the hall.

“Woof! Woof!” he barked, running over to rub against the Empress Dowager’s feet.

When they had first entered the hall, Auntie Meng had someone take Song Ren away.

Jiang Jin had thought that, given the palace rules, Song Ren would be properly looked after.

She had not expected the Empress Dowager to want to restrain him.

Otherwise, how could such a small dog suddenly burst into the hall?

“Alright, stop acting spoiled!” The Empress Dowager lowered her head and scooped Song Ren up.

She held the little dog in her arms and took a pastry from the side to feed him.

After going through this series of actions, it seemed as though she had completely forgotten that Jiang Jin was still present, and even forgot what she had intended to say moments ago.

Jiang Jin did not mind being overlooked; in fact, she even hoped to be forgotten by the Empress Dowager.

After all… she no longer had the confidence to say “I’m sure” once more!