Chapter 10: The Greatest Winner

"Mother, you misunderstand. It's just that my health is poor, and I am to blame."

Nangong Jin's illness had been with him since birth. Normally, with careful maintenance, he could live like a regular person, but in recent years, Jiang Mingzhu had been consumed with political struggles and had no time to care for the children of Concubine Zhen. She hadn't even bothered to check on them.

With the Empress Dowager's clear attitude, the palace servants naturally grew careless.

"Please, Empress Dowager, calm your anger. Ah Shuo and Ah Jin are just children and didn't mean to upset Princess Anle. They are still of royal blood, so please show mercy!"

Concubine Ping, having learned of the incident in the Imperial Garden, hurried over with her maidservants and, with a thud, knelt before Jiang Mingzhu, pleading on behalf of the children.

In her past life, Concubine Ping had also come to plead.

Jiang Mingzhu had always disliked Concubine Ping. Though the entire palace spoke highly of her, claiming she was a good person who appeared plain and honest, Jiang Mingzhu could see through her as a schemer. Why would she heed Concubine Ping's pleas?

Concubine Ping's pleading was, of course, ineffective and only served to inflame Jiang Mingzhu's anger further. However, Nangong Shuo and his sister remembered this favor.

After she was killed by her own children, the most powerful woman in the harem would be Concubine Ping, who had once raised Nangong Qing and was later honored as Empress Dowager by him.

When you think about it, Concubine Ping was the true "greatest winner."

Jiang Mingzhu reflected on many things from the past. For instance, today's situation, where Concubine Ping seemed to have a knack for acting humble, was something she did often. While Jiang Mingzhu's reputation had long since fallen, Concubine Ping maintained a consistently good reputation.

The more she thought about it, the more Jiang Mingzhu realized.

In her past life, she never truly regarded Concubine Ping as a threat. Although Concubine Ping's ability to disguise herself and her close relationship with Nangong Qing had irked her, Jiang Mingzhu had never taken her seriously. Even after her rebirth, she didn't view Concubine Ping as a rival until today, when the woman suddenly caught her attention.

How could such a woman become the final winner?

Jiang Mingzhu didn't know who was behind it, but considering Concubine Ping's role as the greatest beneficiary, it was highly suspicious.

"Concubine Ping is really quite kind-hearted."

Jiang Mingzhu's words were filled with meaning, as if she had never truly understood Concubine Ping. She sized her up carefully, her eyes narrowing.

Concubine Ping, feeling uncomfortable under Jiang Mingzhu's gaze, lowered her head. "Your Majesty, I know that Princess Anle's injuries have made you angry, but in this world, things have their reasons. Even though you are the mighty Empress Dowager, this matter isn't entirely the children's fault."

Concubine Ping was bold enough to speak her mind. It was hard to tell whether she was confident in the Emperor's protection or simply unafraid.

Had Jiang Mingzhu been like in her previous life, the siblings would have lost all sense of reason and been grateful that someone spoke on their behalf. But now, it was clear that Jiang Mingzhu wasn't planning to do anything to them. Concubine Ping's words seemed more like an attempt to provoke Jiang Mingzhu's anger.

The siblings exchanged a glance, and it was evident they had the same thought.

They were both intelligent.

"Thank you, Concubine Ping. Mother is fair in her actions and hasn't punished us. You must have misunderstood from the rumors."

Nangong Jin spoke first, worried that Concubine Ping's provocations would turn Jiang Mingzhu's temper against them, even though the Empress Dowager hadn't planned to do anything to them.

Jiang Mingzhu, seeing Nangong Jin's response, gave a slight smile. How come other people's daughters are so clever, far surpassing her own foolish child?

"Concubine Ping, do you understand now? If you wish to be a good person, you should first understand the full context of things before you speak. If you blindly provoke, others might think you hold a grudge against them and hope for the Empress Dowager to punish them."

Concubine Ping turned pale at these words.

"I didn't mean it like that. I pity these two children. When their mother was still alive, we were very close, so I wished to look after them."

Concubine Ping hurriedly explained, afraid that the siblings might misunderstand.

"Concubine Ping, don't tell such jokes. The so-called sisterly bond among women in the harem is more poisonous than any venom. It's all good in front of others, but who knows what happens behind the scenes? Otherwise, why did Concubine Zhen entrust her children to me and not to you? Clearly, your so-called sisterly bond was never considered sisterly by Concubine Zhen!"

Jiang Mingzhu, tired of pretending, exposed Concubine Ping's true nature.

Concubine Ping's face went white.

"At that time, Concubine Zhen must have misunderstood me, but my feelings for her have always been sincere."

Jiang Mingzhu sneered. "You don't need to confess to me. I'm not interested in your so-called sisterhood. Why don't you offer some incense to Concubine Zhen and ask her to come back and continue the conversation in the afterlife?"

Concubine Ping, stunned by Jiang Mingzhu's words, knelt there silently, feeling wronged.

For so many years, Concubine Ping had always behaved this way, even when the late Emperor was still alive. The late Emperor had been easily swayed by her, so how had she managed to gain such favor and even bear a son?

Speaking of Concubine Ping's son, who, like her, had no significant presence, Jiang Mingzhu noted it and thought to investigate him thoroughly later.

"Enough, the late Emperor is no longer here. Who are you putting on this act for now?"

Jiang Mingzhu spoke coldly, and Nangong Shuo's expression changed slightly, though no one noticed the subtle shift.

Having finished speaking, Jiang Mingzhu didn't glance at Concubine Ping again. Her contempt was clear as she turned to the siblings. "You two, follow me back to Cining Palace. I have more questions to ask you."

Under the scorching heat of the sun, Jiang Mingzhu's forehead had a fine sheen of sweat. She was helped into the sedan chair and reclined comfortably.

Nangong Shuo and his sister had no idea why the Empress Dowager wanted to take them to Cining Palace, or what awaited them there.

But their status in the palace left them with no freedom of choice. Even if the Empress Dowager wished to do something to them, they could not resist.

As they entered the main hall of Cining Palace, a refreshing chill greeted them.

Jiang Mingzhu sighed with relief, settled into her seat, and then cast a dismissive glance at Nangong Shuo and his sister. But her words weren't for them.

"Fang Ruo, I remember that after Concubine Zhen's death, their share of the inheritance was allocated from my side. Though I haven't paid much attention to it in recent years, I never revoked their share. So, tell me, why do they look so destitute now? Who are they trying to shame?"

Jiang Mingzhu didn't ask Nangong Shuo and his sister. Even if she did, they wouldn't have an answer. Since she rarely did good deeds, she couldn't let this matter go unresolved.

Fang Ruo, surprised that her mistress was concerned about such matters, called someone over to clarify.

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, the twelfth prince and the sixth princess's shares have been delivered regularly every month, without any deductions," the servant answered.