Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Consort Mei is now the most favored concubine in the harem besides the Imperial Noble Consort. Upon hearing about this former favored concubine, she merely gave a casual "oh".

"...Jiang Wange? Is that the one who was so arrogant before, and ended up getting herself imprisoned?"

Xuefu nodded: "The Jiang family are traitors, yet His Majesty spared their lives. He is truly magnanimous."

"That kind of troublemaker is too lenient to be locked up. How could she be let out to roam around? Doesn't she care about bringing bad luck and offending some master?"

Consort Mei scoffed, "So what if they're released? They're released."

"His Majesty is kind-hearted; perhaps he feels sorry for her being imprisoned for so long. It's only been ten days; what's there to worry about?"

Consort Mei is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor and is riding high, her mind preoccupied with how to secure his affections. She has no time to care about a deposed concubine who is already past her prime and poses no threat.

……

Yongshou Palace.

After hearing Xiaomingzi's report, a hint of surprise flashed in Shen Zhinian's eyes.

As a veteran who had been in the palace for many years, she had witnessed Jiang Wange's entry into the palace, her rise to favor, and her eventual downfall, and she had long known that this woman was extraordinary.

Jiang Wange always has a plethora of quirky ideas, as if her mind contains things from another world.

At that time, Shen Zhinian wondered how a young lady from an official family, raised in seclusion since childhood, could have so many imaginative and extraordinary ideas.

Nangong Xuanyu's treatment of this woman further convinced Shen Zhinian that there must be something fishy going on.

Based on her understanding of Nangong Xuanyu, she knew he was ruthless and decisive. His style was to eliminate the families of rebels completely, preventing any future trouble.

Logically, Jiang Wange should have been given a cup of poisoned wine, or a white silk ribbon and a dagger.

However, Nangong Xuanyu only imprisoned her in Yawen Garden, keeping her there for so many years, ultimately sparing her life.

This could never be because of a soft heart, much less because of nostalgia.

The only explanation is that Jiang Wange still has value that Nangong Xuanyu values.

Long ago, Shen Zhinian developed a strong interest in the secrets surrounding Jiang Wange. She even considered taking control of her and studying her slowly.

Unfortunately, there was no chance.

Coveting Jiang Wange's secret might arouse Nangong Xuanyu's suspicion, and Shen Zhinian would not take that risk.

……

For the past few days, Jiang Wange has been very well-behaved.

A person who had been imprisoned for a long time was finally released and wandered around, enjoying his rare freedom.

On the seventh day, she went to the Imperial Garden.

As she turned past a wisteria trellis, Jiang Wange saw a slender figure.

The other person was wearing a moon-white dress, and was slightly bending over, getting close to a flower that was in full bloom, and smelling it carefully.

She had a slender figure, and her profile looked fresh and delicate in the sunlight, with natural red lips.

Jiang Wange stopped in her tracks and asked casually, "Who is that?"

The guard dutifully followed behind her, glanced in the direction of her gaze, and said, "It's Consort Jiang, who entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection last year."

The rank of the "Changzai" is not high.

After all, Nangong Xuanyu was the person Jiang Wange once deeply loved. Seeing his concubines now, she couldn't help but feel a little sour and uncomfortable.

Jiang Wange carefully examined the other person.

The dress worn by Consort Jiang was made of ordinary palace satin. She wore only two velvet flowers in her hair and small seed-bead earrings.

There wasn't a single valuable item on his body.

It seems that Consort Jiang is not very favored.

Also.

The imperial harem was filled with beauties, and it wasn't enough to simply have a bit of looks to win the emperor's favor.

Jiang Changzai seemed to notice Jiang Wange's gaze, straightened up and turned around.

Seeing that the other party was being guarded by guards, she knew that this must be the deposed concubine who had recently been released.

Jiang Changzai did not want to get involved and intended to take his leave.

Jiang Wange suddenly said, "Stop!"

Jiang Changzai hesitated for a moment, then turned around again.

Jiang Wange strode over.

She was just a deposed concubine, yet she didn't bow when she saw Consort Jiang.

Jiang Changzai didn't say anything, only asking, "...What is it?"

"It's rather boring to admire the flowers here all by myself."

Jiang Wange raised an eyebrow: "If Consort Jiang has nothing else to do, why don't you come for a walk with me?"

A hint of embarrassment flashed in Jiang Changzai's eyes as he glanced at the guards behind Jiang Wange: "This..."

A guard stepped forward and said to Jiang Wange, "Madam Jiang, His Majesty's decree is for you to come out for a stroll to clear your mind. It is not appropriate..."

"What is not advisable?"

Jiang Wange interrupted the guard, her tone full of resentment: "His Majesty only said I was not allowed to cause trouble, but did he say I was not allowed to see anyone?"

"I've been locked up for so many years, and I haven't even had a single person to talk to. I finally got out, and I just wanted to run into a living person and say a few words to relieve my boredom, but I can't even do that?!"

The guard was speechless at Jiang Wange's words.

This woman is still useful; as long as she doesn't do anything outrageous, minor matters can be tolerated.

The two guards exchanged a glance and silently retreated, which was considered tacit approval.

Jiang Changzai witnessed all of this, his heart filled with surprise and uncertainty.

His Majesty's attitude towards this deposed concubine is truly ambiguous and difficult to understand.

She dared not refuse again, and could only lower her head and reply meekly, "If you don't mind my dullness, I will accompany you."

Jiang Wange gave a light snort: "Let's go."

The two then slowly began to walk along the pebbly path.

The guards followed at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

Jiang Wange casually asked a few questions, such as where Consort Jiang was from and whether she was used to being in the palace.

Jiang Changzai answered cautiously and politely, leaving no room for error.

Gradually, Jiang Wange seemed to lose interest, speaking less and less, her eyes wandering. She only occasionally hummed in agreement, appearing absent-minded.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Jiang Wange waved her hand listlessly: "That's enough, it's no fun. Consort Jiang, please do as you please."

Jiang Changzai paused for a moment, then readily took a step back and said, "Then I'll be going now."

After speaking, she turned and left, her steps still steady. Only her hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched slightly.

The guard watched Jiang Changzai's departing figure, then glanced at Jiang Wange, who looked annoyed, but didn't think much of it.

After all, they all knew that the longer she was imprisoned, the more eccentric her personality became.

That evening, Jiang Wange returned to Yawen Garden to rest.

All sounds are silent.

She finally carefully pulled out a finely rolled-up piece of paper from her sleeve.

Jiang Wange did not know Jiang Changzai.

But today in the Imperial Garden, the moment her eyes met Jiang Changzai's, she clearly saw a meaningful look in his eyes, as if he had something to say to her.

Jiang Wange guessed that Jiang Changzai might have heard the news of her release and was waiting for her there on purpose.

Although Jiang Wange didn't know what Jiang Changzai's purpose was.

But there's nothing she can do right now, and if new changes occur, it might just be an opportunity.

So she called out to Jiang Changzai to accompany her for a walk.

In everyone's eyes, she was already a woman driven half-mad by long-term imprisonment, so it was no surprise that she would do anything.