Chapter 299: Chapter 242: Was It Shen Ruoxi’s Revenge?

In the Eldest Princess Mansion, a servant hurriedly returned from the nunnery, kneeling swiftly to report to the Eldest Princess.

"Reporting to the Eldest Princess, the items have been delivered to the Commandery Princess, her complexion is good, and she is well. The nuns at the nunnery are taking good care of her."

The Eldest Princess nodded slightly, feeling relieved that the person was fine. With her noble status as the Eldest Princess, providing for her would not be a problem.

She planned to visit in person when she had time.

"Alright, you may leave!" The Eldest Princess said kindly, waving her hand.

However, the servant suddenly hesitated, as if wanting to speak but stopping himself.

The Eldest Princess frowned, showing displeasure, "What else is there? Speak quickly."

The servant cautiously glanced at the people serving around her, and the Eldest Princess immediately understood, gesturing for everyone to leave.

"Alright, they’re all gone, you can speak now." The Eldest Princess said flatly.

The servant then cautiously approached the Eldest Princess, lowered his voice, and said, "Eldest Princess, I heard some rumors after coming back, which are quite troubling, and I don’t know if I should report them."

The Eldest Princess was taken aback, hurriedly frowning and urging, "Speak quickly, don’t dawdle like this."

The person hurriedly lowered his voice even more, "I don’t know if it’s true, but I heard people say that the tragic incident of the Commandery Princess being run over by a carriage was actually done by the Princess Consort Zhan, who intentionally sought revenge on the Commandery Princess."

The Eldest Princess was stunned at the news, "What did you say? Is it not an accident?"

The servant continued in a low voice, "Rumors outside are swirling, saying that if it weren’t for the Princess Consort Zhan’s ruthless actions, how could Prince Zhan be so heartless that even though the Commandery Princess’s leg is broken, he wouldn’t allow her to return home to recover?"

The Eldest Princess felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, her whole body cold.

Although her daughter’s actions indeed had faults, didn’t it all rebound on her in the end?

Shen Ruoxi remained unscathed, yet throwing her out wasn’t enough, did they have to disable her?

Reflecting on Jun Moling’s various actions, truly chilled her to the bone.

His parents passed away early, and she, as his aunt, cared for him with utmost concern and dedication.

How could he hurt her heart like this?

He wasn’t this unfeeling in the past. It’s all because of Shen Ruoxi, who made him forget the gratitude of upbringing once he got married.

"Eldest Princess, please don’t worry too much. After all, the rumors outside are just hearsay. If Princess Consort Zhan is wronged, that wouldn’t be appropriate. It must be carefully investigated to determine the truth." The servant advised in a low voice.

However, as the saying goes, there’s no smoke without fire. The Eldest Princess pondered, most likely this was Shen Ruoxi’s doing.

But for the sake of prudence, she decided to send someone to investigate thoroughly.

"I understand. Don’t publicize this matter, I will have someone check it out." The Eldest Princess said with a cold gaze, a chilling intent in her eyes.

If she found out that Shen Ruoxi did this, daring to treat her daughter this way, she definitely wouldn’t be merciful.

The Eldest Princess had only one daughter, and she doted on her immensely. Now seeing her daughter in such a situation, she was both angry and aware that it was due to her own indulgence.

She had thought of giving her daughter a lesson, but never expected the price to be so high, making her daughter’s life nearly worse than death.

So, she would never let the culprit get away.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chengyi returned to the Xiao Family. Even though the Emperor’s decree had not yet been issued, he couldn’t hide the joy in his heart, a smile involuntarily forming at his lips.

No wonder people say that promotion and riches can drive one crazy. Even he couldn’t suppress the excitement inside him at this moment.

Actually, the root of all this was still Shen Ruoxi.

Ever since their separation, he told himself that he must get her back in his heart.

What value did face or pride have? Life is long, and what meaning does it have if you can’t spend it with the one you love?

Moreover, having once tasted happiness only to lose it, how could he be resigned?

This current situation was a rare opportunity for him. He was well aware that the struggle between the Emperor and Prince Zhan would eventually erupt.

How could the Emperor allow another to sleep soundly beside his couch?

The Emperor would never allow Jun Moling to surpass him.

Especially, it was well-known that the previous Emperor once considered making Jun Moling the Imperial Grandson. If the previous Emperor hadn’t died early, and Jun Moling hadn’t been too young, there wouldn’t have been a chance for the current Emperor to ascend the throne.

Now, he was simply waiting for the Emperor and Prince Zhan to fight, willing to pay any price to regain Shen Ruoxi.

His family, seeing him return from the Imperial Palace in good spirits, all asked what happened. He refused to say a word, only stating that they would know in time.

Finally, the Empress Dowager’s grand banquet arrived.

Shen Ruoxi and Jun Moling both made meticulous preparations for this.

The Empress Dowager had always been low-key, forbidding extravagant celebrations for her previous grand banquets, but this time the Emperor insisted on a grand affair.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager was gentle and elegant by nature and treated Jun Moling especially well, so their prepared gifts were exceedingly generous.

Besides bestowing precious gifts, Shen Ruoxi also prepared calming incense, having heard that the Empress Dowager had trouble sleeping, to help her rest well.

By the time they arrived, the palace gates were already crowded with carriages, attesting to the extraordinary bustle of this grand banquet.

Soon, they entered the main hall and sat in their assigned seats one by one.

The Empress Dowager sat dignifiedly on the central throne, receiving congratulatory wishes from the ministers of the court.

Gifts continuously flowed into the palace like a stream, accumulating like mountains, with officials busy recording each meticulously.

Below the Empress Dowager, the Eldest Princess sat gracefully; as sisters-in-law, she conversed warmly with the Empress Dowager, both wearing smiles of harmony.

Soon, the melodious music started, followed by beautiful singing and dancing, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

"On such a rare occasion today, why not let the ladies from the ministers’ families perform, adding brilliance to the grand banquet?" The Eldest Princess proposed, her gaze shifting meaningfully.

The Empress Dowager, being a lover of the arts, gracefully enjoyed music, games, and painting.

Upon hearing the proposal, she delightedly said, "This is a good suggestion. Which lady would like to perform and entertain me first?"

As soon as the Empress Dowager’s words fell, the ladies all prepared eagerly.

Everyone knew that the Emperor’s harem was not numerous, and the annual selection of consorts had been postponed to once every five years by the Emperor.

Many women, reaching marriageable age without the opportunity to enter the palace, found themselves eliminated.

If they could win the Emperor’s favor at this banquet or be chosen by a noble family’s gentleman, they could find a perfect match.

"How about letting Miss Yun perform first? She is considered one of the twin beauties of the Capital City, with Miss Lin married to Prince Lan, leaving Miss Yun as the remaining one."

The Eldest Princess said with a smile, though the smile did not reach her eyes, instead casting a fleeting glance towards Shen Ruoxi and Jun Moling.

She saw Jun Moling attentively peeling grapes for Shen Ruoxi, feeding them to her with a doting smile.

The Eldest Princess couldn’t help but silently curse him for being useless, thoroughly disgracing the Royal Family’s reputation.

Yet, thinking of her intelligent and talented nephew, she directed all her anger towards Shen Ruoxi.

If it weren’t for her seductive allure, how could her nephew become who he is now!

So, she secretly resolved never to spare Shen Ruoxi, determined to ensure she was divorced and no longer a member of the Jun Family.

The Empress Dowager, pleased by the Eldest Princess’s proposal, courteously inquired about Yun Yan’s intentions, "Miss Yun, what do you think?"

"It would be my great honor to perform at your grand banquet, Empress Dowager." Yun Yan stood gracefully, bowing in reply, her eyes gleaming with confidence and anticipation.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Xiao Chengyu slightly leaned back, filled with anxiety.

She eagerly anticipated her chance to perform on stage, hoping to capture Jun Moling’s heart with her talent.

Unfortunately, due to her low status, she could only stand by and watch as prominent ladies from noble families were chosen to perform, feeling as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

Yun Yan moved gracefully to the center, where a servant placed a Yaoqin. She casually tested a few notes, then sat upright, plucking the strings to play...