Golden Branch

Taking advantage of the interval between the mourning, Wang Heng quietly came to the side of Concubine Jiang.

She whispered to Concubine Jiang about all the rumors going around.

"Mother, this matter can be big or small, and it must not be ignored."

Wang Heng was very worried.

The saint's high regard for the queen can be seen from this funeral alone, not to mention the past.

When the queen passed away, the emperor ordered the highest level of funeral rites.

All officials and female relatives above the fourth rank in the capital had to enter the palace to mourn for the queen.

In the mourning hall, the saint cried out loudly several times, and his grief-stricken appearance was as if he had lost his parents.

Oh no, I'm not afraid to say something taboo, but even if the person in Daming Palace passed away, not even a saint would be this sad.

The value of a young couple is vividly portrayed in the emperor and empress.

Before her death, the queen only hoped that the saint would be well.

She did not seek any benefit for her children or her parents' home.

She is virtuous and virtuous, and can serve as a role model.

How could a saint not be moved and grateful in the face of such pure and surging love?

It can be said that at this moment the saint's feelings for the queen reached their peak.

If someone causes trouble at this critical juncture, the saint will not let him off easily.

"The person behind this is truly vicious. He actually used such despicable means to plot against my mother!"

When Wang Heng thought of the sinister intentions of the person who spread the rumors, she couldn't help but feel angry.

In the subconscious of the world, wives and concubines are destined to be natural enemies.

The dignified and virtuous queen and the imperial concubine who is the most favored in the six palaces are bound to fight to the death.

Now that the queen has passed away, the imperial concubine must want to take the throne.

What those people are betting on is the saint's heart as a man—

In the end, does he value his wife more or is he partial to his concubine?

Judging from the saint's performance during this period, he tends to the former.

Then, the person behind the scenes can take advantage of this and get rid of Concubine Jiang.

Now that the queen is gone and the imperial concubine is deposed, chaos will surely break out in the harem, which will certainly affect the previous dynasty.

The major families can take advantage of the opportunity to do something.

For example, he would send girls from his own family into the palace, take advantage of the opportunity to win the emperor's favor, and then make profits for his family.

There was no way around it. In the past, the harem was firmly under the control of the queen and the imperial concubines. Even if newcomers to the palace happened to be favored, it was difficult for them to hold high positions.

"Kill two birds with one stone! And even if we fail, we won't lose anything."

"A few rumors, the cost is too low!"

Wang Heng quickly sorted out her thoughts and easily guessed the thoughts of the person behind the scenes.

There was a cold light in her eyes as she spoke hatefully.

How could she not hate it?

My mother has always been a decent person and has never acted tyrannically just because she is favored.

My mother has been respectful to the queen for more than ten years.

Now he is being slandered and plotted against.

Wang Heng didn't dare to think that if the saint really believed the rumors and misunderstood that A Niang was ambitious and wanted to seek a high position by replacing his wife with a concubine, he would probably dislike A Niang!

If a woman in the harem is rejected, her fate will be one word: death.

Even if the saint spared A Niang's life for Jiulang's sake, her situation would not be very good.

A Niang has been rich and respectable for half her life. How can she bear it when she suddenly falls into the abyss?

Just thinking about it, Wang Heng couldn't help but feel distressed and worried.

Concubine Jiang looked normal.

There were still traces of tears on her face. "Okay, I understand! Ajiu, don't worry, mother can handle it!"

She has been married to Yang Chong for more than ten years and has experienced countless ups and downs.

This rumor crisis is indeed tricky, but it is not the most difficult one.

When Concubine Jiang looked back on the first half of her life, her most difficult time was actually when she was first given to Yang Chong.

The world was in chaos due to war, and she, a noble lady from a prominent family, became a tool to please the warlords.

Her dignity and her reputation were trampled underfoot.

Her situation at that time was almost the same as that of a courtesan or a Hu girl.

She was indeed beautiful, and she really made Yang Chong lose his mind.

However, beauty is not the most scarce thing. No matter how beautiful a person is, if she is boring and no longer fresh to people, she will just be a withered flower.

However, Concubine Jiang relied on herself to gain a foothold beside Yang Chong step by step, and transformed from a plaything to his "true love".

Of course, all of that happened many years ago.

Concubine Jiang has been favored for many years, and it is easy for her to become lazy after living in a high position for a long time.

The rumors that suddenly emerged in the streets woke up Concubine Jiang: Don’t be lazy!

Her son has not grown up yet, and she has not left the cage of the palace.

She must continue to fight so that she can sit securely on the throne of the imperial concubine, and wait until her son is crowned king and establishes his own mansion, and takes her out of the palace to be the royal concubine!

……

The sage held a national funeral for the queen, and everyone had a time to cry.

At night, the mourning hall, which had been noisy all day, seemed a little deserted.

Except for the palace maids who were on night watch, the prince, princess, concubines, etc., were all exhausted and went to rest.

The sage was also persuaded by the prince and court officials to return to his bedroom.

But the saint could never sleep peacefully.

The moment the queen passed away, his heart felt as if a big hole had been dug out.

Empty and dull, although not to the point of excruciating pain, it is also difficult to feel at peace.

The saint dared not close his eyes at all. Once he closed his eyes, many scenes from the past would flash through his mind.

The deep love between siblings when they were young, the love between husband and wife when they grew up... and the little things before the sister passed away.

"Sister! Why did you leave me?"

"Don't you care about my brother anymore? What should I do if you leave?"

"And the children, you always said they would be safe and secure as long as I was here. But, but they have lost their mother after all."

"Especially Ji Nu, she hasn't reached marriageable age yet, and hasn't chosen a consort yet..."

The saint thought sadly in his heart.

From his wife, he thought of his children, and then of his youngest, Changning.

Before the queen died, she was thinking about asking for the title of Crown Prince and arranging a marriage for Xiao Dalang, but she did not make any arrangements for Changning.

It wasn't that Queen Li didn't want to, but she was worried that it was too hasty and she wouldn't be able to choose the best husband for her daughter.

She placed her hopes on the saint and entrusted him with the important task of taking care of her daughter, so that he could think more about her daughter when he was not busy with his official duties.

"That's right! Ji Nu!"

The saint was indeed more concerned about his youngest daughter.

Alas, Changning is pitiful. She is the youngest and the most caring, but she is...

The more the saint thought about it, the more distressed he felt. He would not blame the queen for neglecting her sister since she was so seriously ill, and she believed that he would take good care of his children, so she did not repeatedly remind him.

"What about Changning? Can she bear it these days?"

The saint turned over, got off the couch, and went straight to Changning's palace.

As soon as he arrived outside the palace, the saint saw the candlelight still burning inside.

He glanced at the sky and frowned slightly: "It's so late, and Ji Nu hasn't rested yet. Could it be that she is too sad to sleep?"

"Or is it because my sister passed away, leaving no one in charge of the palace, and the palace servants have become lazy?"

Thinking of this possibility, the saint's face turned slightly cold.

Just as he was about to step into the palace, he heard soft voices.

"...Ji Nu, you can't do this! The Queen is most worried about you, don't hurt yourself just for the sake of empty courtesy."

"Rules are important, but your well-being is more important!"

The saint pricked up his ears and listened attentively.

As a martial artist, the sage has sharp senses.

Moreover, the person who was talking in the room was the one he was most familiar with—

Ajahn!

She actually came to visit and comfort Ji Nu!

"...Auntie, I miss my mother!"

Changning's voice, still tender, had become hoarse.

She spoke in a low voice with tears in her eyes.

Hearing Changning calling "Auntie", the saint couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

If strictly following the rules, Changning should respectfully address Ajahn as "Noble Concubine Niangniang" or "Concubine Mother".

"Auntie" or something like that is definitely against the rules.

However, Changning's "Auntie" suddenly reminded the Saint:

Ajahn and Ajie have always been close.

This pair of wives and concubines, who should have been natural enemies, have lived in harmony for more than ten years and are as close as sisters.

When he was about to start a rebellion, his elder sister wanted to send her youngest daughter and grandson out of the capital to be on the safe side.

The person she entrusted her orphan to was Ajahn!

As expected, A Jiang lived up to his sister's trust. After leaving the capital, he was hunted down. He would rather sacrifice his own life than protect Chang Ning and Xiao San Lang.

It must have been during their escape that Changning and Ajahn became close.

I got used to calling her "Auntie" from then on.

However, over the years, as Changning grew up and learned the rules and etiquette, she gradually became "unfamiliar" with Concubine Jiang.

Now that her elder sister is gone, Changning is worried and anxious. Concubine Jiang comes to comfort her in person, and only then does Changning reveal her true feelings.

Children's eyes are the brightest, and they know best who is sincere and who is fake.

So, A Jiang really loves Changning?

"Good boy, the queen is thinking of you too."

"Close your eyes first and have a good sleep. Tomorrow, we will go and guard the Empress!"

Concubine Jiang spoke softly and gently, like a loving mother.

After a long while of coaxing and caressing, Changning finally fell asleep with tears on her face.

"Take good care of the princess! If she feels unwell at all, just come to Baifu Palace to find me!"

Imperial Concubine Jiang left the bedroom and went to the outer room, calling the mother-in-law and palace maids who served Princess Changning, reminding them with a warning.

Her voice was soft, but her tone was firm.

The aura cultivated from being in a high position for many years is quite intimidating to everyone.

Mother Fu and the others hurriedly bowed and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. We will never dare to disrespect Your Highness!"

Only then did Concubine Jiang nod in satisfaction.

She walked slowly out of the main hall, looked up at the sky, hesitated for a moment, and then headed towards the mourning hall.

The saint quickly hid in the corner just before Concubine Jiang left.

He hid in the dark and watched Concubine Jiang bring her eunuchs, palace maids and others all the way to the mourning hall.

The saint followed quietly behind.

"Miss!"

Kneeling in front of the queen's coffin again, Concubine Jiang called out softly.

She was not addressed as "Empress" respectfully, but was called by her old name when she was in the palace.

She did not cry out in grief or get hysterical. She just stood there quietly, her pair of clear autumn eyes filled with tears.

Tears rolled down silently, and she didn't bother to wipe them away.

"My lady, don't worry, Ji Nu is fine. She has gone to bed and will come to see you again tomorrow!"

"My lady, my husband is too sad. I am worried that he might get hurt, but I dare not try to dissuade him."

"...If you leave, who can persuade my husband to stay?"

"Madam! Madam!"

Concubine Jiang's whispers were filled with endless longing and sadness.

She really couldn't bear to part with such a good mistress like Queen Li.

She also made her identity clear: she was just a concubine, not a mistress who could influence her husband.

In this world, the only woman who can sit next to the saint is Queen Li!

The emotions expressed by Concubine Jiang are not that strong, but they are damn touching.

The saint stood silently under the corridor, listening to the faint crying sounds coming from the huge mourning hall.

Various scenes from before he ascended the throne seemed to flash before his eyes.

When A Jiang first entered the Yang family, her status was awkward and she was isolated and helpless. She did not rush to please him as the master, but instead stayed by her sister's side to serve her.

The elder sister told him more than once: Poor A Jiang!

She was young, had experienced her husband's betrayal, and was forced to separate from her daughter.

With such an embarrassing identity, he is the most humble person in the Yang family.

A Jiang was well-mannered and A Jie was generous, and as time went by, the two of them became closer.

Many times, Ajahn respected and loved her sister more than her husband.

For this reason, he once joked with his sister: Sister, is this concubine A Jiang mine or yours?

The elder sister burst into laughter, took A Jiang's hand, and said proudly: "Of course you are mine! Not only A Jiang, but you too are my good brother!"

At that time, he and his sister sat side by side in the main seat, and A Jiang was like a little follower, snuggling up to his sister.

The teenage girl was obviously more beautiful than an ordinary person, and had a cold and arrogant temperament, but she was the most respectful to her elder sister.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten years have passed.

The once frightened little girl has become a beautiful, noble and dignified imperial concubine.

His elder sister also went there.

The saint's heart was half empty, and he thought that no one in the world could be as sad as he was.

But at this moment, looking at Concubine Jiang who was sobbing softly in the mourning hall like a child, the saint inexplicably felt that although A Jiang might not be as sad as him, she also missed her sister sincerely.

As for the latest news sent by the Hundred Cavalry Division and the unbearable rumors in the streets, the saint just found them funny.

Would A Jiang be jealous of A Jie?

Even going so far as to seek to succeed him and take the opportunity to replace him?

Haha, it’s such a huge joke.

In Ajahn's heart, sister has always been an extremely important person.

She was the delicate beauty he and his elder sister raised together. Although she was nominally his concubine and his elder sister's rival in love, in fact, the relationship between them was absolutely beyond the imagination of outsiders.

They won't understand even more.

Well, never mind. After all, A Jiang has served my sister for many years, and my sister also likes A Jiang. This time, A Jiang must have been tricked!

who is it?

How dare you use my sister to plot against A Jiang?

A saint is the wisest and can naturally smell a conspiracy.

He couldn't help but feel a little angry: My sister is gone, the whole world is mourning, but some people are taking the opportunity to stir up trouble, which is really unbearable!

"Investigate! Have someone investigate thoroughly."

"I want to see who has such courage!"

He used his sister to plot against the woman he loved most... Oh, did they really think that he, a saint, had the compassion of a saint?

There was a chill emanating from the saint's entire body.

He emerged from his sorrow and became the decisive king again.

Concubine Jiang didn’t know that the saint was just outside the door. She didn’t have a God’s perspective, but she knew that sincerity was the ultimate weapon!

During this time, she will remain like this until——