Harem Daily Life

Princess Ding arrived quickly. As soon as she saw the orchid, she praised it, "Isn't this the exquisite 'Red Divine Lotus' orchid? The flowers are gorgeous, the leaves are thick, and the edges are golden. The Queen Mother truly understands flowers. Where did you find such a beautiful orchid?"

The Queen Mother took a look at it and smiled, "Someone gave it to me as a gift. I originally thought it was pretty, but after hearing what you said, it seems even more beautiful. By the way, are you getting used to it in the capital these days?"

It has been more than ten years since Prince Ding left the capital. Coming back again, everything has to start all over again. It would be untrue to say that they are very used to it.

Princess Ding smiled and said, "I've never been from the capital, and I've been away for over ten years, so I don't recognize many people. Luckily, my prince still has some connections, and he's able to socialize with a few families, so the mansion isn't so deserted. However, our child has never been enrolled in school, and we've hired a tutor to teach him while he's at home, but that won't last long."

The Queen Mother smiled and said, "Princess Ding never comes to visit you for no reason. Isn't she going to reveal her true purpose now?"

"There are many academies in Beijing, and some are quite famous. Do you have any that you're interested in?"

When the Queen Mother asked, Princess Ding took the opportunity to say, "Feng'er wants to study at the Imperial College, but unfortunately, it's not the exam period right now. To get in, you need to pass the exam first. I wonder if the Queen Mother has any way to allow Feng'er to take the exam individually and become a transfer student?"

This was not a difficult task, so the Queen Mother naturally agreed directly.

"I asked His Majesty to say hello and I'll let you know when the time is right."

Princess Ding quickly expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your help. Feng'er will definitely do her best to live up to your expectations."

The Queen Mother invited Princess Ding to have dinner with her, but Princess Ding did not stay, as she was still terrified of meeting the Queen.

On the way out of the palace, Princess Ding met Concubine Shu.

Princess Ding naturally recognized Concubine Shu. The Shu family was a first-class and famous family in the capital, but Concubine Shu's current position was low, so Princess Ding looked down on her.

She said calmly, "I wonder what Shu Cairen wants to talk to me about?"

Consort Shu was somewhat displeased by the lack of enthusiasm shown by Princess Ding, but she didn't show it. She smiled and said, "I heard that Prince Ding had returned to the capital, and I've always wanted to visit him, but I've never had the time. Now that you're in the palace today, I'm happy to see you."

Out of consideration for the Empress Dowager, Princess Ding had to give Concubine Shu some face. Seeing a pavilion nearby, the two of them walked into the pavilion and talked.

"I remember that when we left the capital, Shu Cairen was already a concubine, right? Why has her status declined instead of rising over the years?" asked Princess Ding.

Shu Cairen's face showed a hint of displeasure. She said, "How can my methods compare to those of some people? They have risen from the lowest rank of Liangyi to the top of the empress, and even serve as regent for Your Majesty. Their methods are so clever and their minds are so deep that no ordinary person can compare."

Shu Cairen had inquired before and learned that Princess Ding had specifically spoken to He Xuan at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet. She guessed that Princess Ding might have some connection with the former Imperial Concubine Wen, otherwise how could she have such a pleasant conversation with the eldest princess when they first met?

So she deliberately spoke ill of Queen Tao just to see Princess Ding's reaction.

Princess Ding heard it and realized that Concubine Shu also disliked the Queen.

She smiled and said, "Things and people have really changed a lot in the past few years. I heard that the late Queen also passed away due to illness? Oh, it's really unpredictable. The Wang family was once a duke's mansion, but it declined so quickly. It's really sad."

The topic of attacking Queen Tao was brought up, and the two women talked in the pavilion for a long time. They had become close friends who could talk about anything, regardless of age.

"Your Highness, you may not know this, but Empress Tao took over the care of the princesses born to Concubine Wen and Empress Wang, and she acted like a loving mother to Your Majesty, earning His Majesty even more doting on her. Furthermore, she also took over the imperial estate. With proximity to the royal family, I wonder how much she's profited from it!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Ding's curiosity was instantly ignited: "Even a small amount of this imperial property is no small sum. Empress Tao... ahem, it's just His Majesty's private property. She's the Empress, so as long as His Majesty doesn't say anything, no one else can say anything either."

Shu Cairen sneered, "Only the emperor cousin trusts her. If he were to leave the imperial estate to me, I would not profit from it and would safeguard the family fortune for him."

Princess Ding raised her eyebrows and said with a smile, "It's kind of me to want to help Your Majesty. Why not just talk to Your Majesty and see if you can agree?"

Shu Cairen's face tightened. She had mentioned it before, but His Majesty had directly refused.

The Shu family can no longer be relied upon. They had previously collected three thousand taels of silver and sent it to her, but they have since refused to come forward to make plans for her. The Queen Mother's side is also blocked. She now urgently needs to find an elder to talk to. His Majesty will still consider the elder's words.

She turned her gaze towards Princess Ding and directly expressed her feelings: "To be honest, I did mention it, but Your Majesty favors Queen Tao and never agreed."

She sighed and said, "Prince Ding is the late emperor's elder brother. Your Majesty holds him in high esteem. I wonder if Princess could find an opportunity to speak in his favor? Don't worry, I will reward him handsomely once the matter is resolved."

Princess Ding was not a dull person, and she would not rush to greet someone who was trying to play the victim. She declined, "My prince has been unwell recently and has been bedridden for over half a month. Even if he wanted to speak a fair word for me, he would be powerless."

After saying this, Princess Ding stood up and said goodbye: "It's getting late, I have to go back. Don't worry, if there is a chance, our Ding Palace will definitely help you get something in front of His Majesty."

Princess Ding did not say anything final and did not completely cut off Shu Cairen's relationship.

Shu Cairen didn't expect to be on the same page with the other person on their first conversation, so she stood up to see him off and said, "Thank you, Princess, for your understanding. We'll talk again next time."

After everyone left, Xiao Tang asked in confusion, "Talented Lady, why are you trying to be nice to Princess Ding? The Ding Palace just returned to the capital and doesn't have much power."

Shu Cairen's eyes darkened. "Do you think I can find anyone else? Most of the court has already sided with the Queen, and most of the clan members have close ties to her. Who would stand on my side? This Dingwang Mansion is my only choice."

Shu Cairen's tone revealed deep helplessness. Xiao Tang didn't dare to speak anymore. The two sat for a while before leaving.

Chang Tai reported to the Queen about Princess Ding's encounter and conversation with Shu Cairen. Tao Yanyan frowned: "They had a pleasant conversation? Oh, how could anyone who could have such a pleasant conversation with Shu Cairen be a good person?"

"By the way, how's the investigation going at Prince Ding's Mansion?"