Yan Wan is reborn as a legitimate wife: Curing Ruyi's Douyi syndrome

(To make it easier for readers to understand, the concubines in this side story will refer to themselves as "Concubine" and will not use terms like "Imperial Concubine" or "Noble Imperial Concubine".)

Jingwan was only released by Meiruo after Jingqin ascended the throne and the retired emperor moved to the Yuanmingyuan.

Mei Ruo was truly afraid that Jing Wan would provoke Wei Yanwan again. Wei Yanwan was now a female official in the palace, and she had to give her some respect. How could she let Jing Wan offend her so badly?

Mei Ruo didn't dare let Jing Wan stay in the palace, so she took Jing Wan with her to the Yuanmingyuan. After arriving at the Yuanmingyuan, Jing Wan stopped making a fuss about finding Wei Yanwan.

Jingwan had another dream. She dreamt that she had spoken ill of Wei Yanwan and refused to return to the palace with her. Meiruo also came to protect her, saying that Wei Yanwan was a "woman who rose to power through despicable means".

Jingwan also dreamed that Meiruo earnestly told her, "Mother, this is for your own good," urging Jingwan to listen to her.

But what exactly was she supposed to do? Jingwan couldn't remember. She only knew that she was extremely unwilling to do it, yet had no choice. As for Wei Yanwan, ever since she dreamt of verbally abusing her, she had never appeared in her dreams again…

Although Jingwan didn't make a fuss about finding Wei Yanwan, Meiruo didn't let her guard down. Every time Jingqin came to Yuanmingyuan, Meiruo had to use the same trick to confine Jingwan to her quarters.

Jingwan is already twelve years old, a fun-loving age, how could she tolerate Meiruo's repeated "cold" treatment? When Meiruo once again planned to put Jingwan in solitary confinement, Jingwan exploded.

Jingwan: "Mother! Am I that shameful? Every time my elder sister comes to the Yuanmingyuan, you have to lock me up!"

Mei Ruo simply said, "Jing Wan, your mother is doing this for your own good."

Jingwan became even angrier and suddenly blurted out, "What do you mean by 'for my own good'? You're only doing it for yourself! You're just afraid that if I run away, I'll upset my elder sister and implicate your family!"

Jingwan was stunned after she finished speaking, not understanding why she would say such a thing, as if she had spoken her true feelings.

Meiruo was shocked by Jingwan's words and felt a sharp pain in her heart. She angrily retorted, "Jingwan, how could you think of your mother like that? If you hadn't always been running around and provoking Wei Yanwan, would your mother have locked you up every time?"

Jingwan exploded upon hearing this, angrily saying, "You always have so many excuses! How do you know Wei Yanwan would dislike me? Why do you always like to make malicious assumptions about others?"

Mei Ruo was shocked that Jing Wan would accuse her like that, and said indignantly, "I'm making malicious assumptions about others? When did I ever make malicious assumptions about others?"

Jingwan sneered, "If it weren't for you, Mother, blindly listening to the treacherous servant Qing Shuren and constantly treating the other concubines with disdain, we wouldn't have suffered such neglect in the Yuanmingyuan Garden."

"Have you never offended me, Mother? Yet I still treat you coldly. Even though you treat me this way, I still greet you with a smile. So you see, she's not as bad as I think."

Before Hongli suffered a stroke, Meiruo, though unpopular, still had Ruyi and Hanxiangjian to visit and chat with. After Hongli's stroke, Ruyi was punished, and Hanxiangjian did not come to Yuanmingyuan, leaving Meiruo with only Consort Ke for company.

Although Jingqin did not restrain the concubines, and Fucha Langhua was as tolerant and kind as rumored, Meiruo and Kepin had long since offended the concubines.

The concubines were unwilling to pay attention to Mei and Ruo, and never invited them to their daily gatherings. Only Fucha Langhua treated them all the same, often hosting family banquets for the concubines to get together.

But Mei Ruo's pride wouldn't allow her to bow down to the concubines. Although Fucha Langhua held a family banquet to try to mediate, she was helpless, since it was the concubines' freedom to befriend whomever they wanted.

Mei Ruo was already unpopular, and she stubbornly refused to make friends with the concubines, so her presence became weaker and weaker. Even when Consort Ke was on the same side as Mei Ruo, she didn't have much presence either.

Fortunately, with Consort Fucha Langhua in charge of the Yuanmingyuan, and Jingqin not deducting from the Empress Dowager's allowance, Meiruo, Jingwan, and Consort Ke were doing quite well, though not as well as when they were concubines in the palace.

Mei Ruo used to be busy serving Ruyi, but now, after being neglected for several years, she hates Ruyi. If Ruyi hadn't poisoned the Emperor, how could she have fallen to such a state?

Mei Ruo already had a thorn in her side, and after hearing Jing Wan's accusations, she became even more furious. After Jing Wan brought up Lin Ruoyao, Mei Ruo was so angry that she was practically fuming.

Mei Ruo gritted her teeth and said, "I am not wrong. Consort Xian is nothing but a woman who rose to power through despicable means. Why are you speaking up for her, Jing Wan?"

Upon hearing the familiar words, Jingwan sneered, "Whether I'm speaking up for Consort Xian or whether Consort Xian isn't the kind of person you maliciously speculate about, Mother knows the answer in her heart!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Mei Ruo slapped Jing Wan hard across the face and angrily rebuked her, "Did Consort Xian teach you to say these things? I am your own mother! You don't believe me but believe Consort Xian?"

Jingwan took a slap from Meiruo, covered her face and stubbornly said, "Empress Xian never said these things to me, but you, Mother, always speak ill of Empress Xian. Isn't it you, Mother, who has always taught me to distinguish right from wrong?"

When the servants saw that Mei Ruo had actually started fighting, they quickly ran to Consort Ke for help.

Mei Ruo was speechless after being silenced by Jing Wan's words, and laughed angrily, "Fine, fine, I can't control you anymore. If you like Consort Xian so much, why don't you become her daughter? Anyway, you've never liked being close to me, so I'll just pretend I never gave birth to you."

Jingwan was also stubborn. She covered her face and said coldly, "Fine, you said it yourself." Then she turned and ran out.

This terrified Jingwan's wet nurses, who quickly followed after her.

As soon as Consort Ke entered the palace, she saw Jingwan dart out. Before she could react, she saw Jingwan's attendants follow her out, bowing to Consort Ke as they chased after Jingwan.

When Consort Ke entered the palace and saw the sullen Mei Ruo, she asked, "Consort Ying, what's wrong? Why did you and Jing Wan start arguing?"

Mei Ruo said angrily, "I don't know what kind of bewitching potion Consort Xian gave Jing Wan. I originally planned to confine Jing Wan before the Emperor arrived, so that she wouldn't run out and annoy the Emperor. But Jing Wan didn't appreciate it and kept saying that I was not as good as Consort Xian."

Consort Ke was taken aback before replying, "How could this be? Did Consort Xian and Consort Jingwan say something?"

Mei Ruo nodded and said, "That's what I think too. If it weren't for Consort Xian's behind-the-scenes machinations, why would Jing Wan suddenly compare me to her?"

Consort Ke said angrily, "We've always kept to ourselves, but I never expected her to do such a despicable thing behind our backs. Consort Ying, let's go to Her Majesty the Empress and demand an explanation."

Mei Ruo nodded, and the two of them headed straight for the Empress's residence, determined to confront Lin Ruoyao, completely forgetting about Jing Wan who had run away.

Jingwan mentioned Lin Ruoyao only because Lin Ruoyao's experience was too similar to Wei Yanwan's experience in her dream. Both of them were targeted and hated by Meiruo and Kepin. However, in her dream, she did not speak up for Wei Yanwan but instead helped her to do evil...

Jingwan ran out and stood alone by the lotus pond. Her wet nurse and the others were terrified and hurriedly chased after her, trying to persuade her to return to the palace.

Jingwan stubbornly replied, "I'm not going back."

The attendants had tried to persuade her until their throats were dry, but Jingwan remained unmoved. The wet nurse was both anxious and angry. They had been trying to persuade her for so long, why hadn't Consort Ying and Consort Ke arrived yet? Didn't they care about their own daughter?

Jingwan waited for a long time, but Meiruo didn't come up. She felt more and more aggrieved, and her stubborn temper flared up. She refused to return to the palace.

Empress's Residence in Yuanmingyuan

Mei Ruo and Consort Ke complained back and forth about how Consort Xian had corrupted Jing Wan and taught her to disrespect her birth mother.

Fucha Langhua was completely confused. She was aware of the rift between Mei Ruo and Lin Ruoyao, but she knew that Lin Ruoyao wasn't stupid. Why would she want to sow discord between Jingwan?

Fucha Langhua glanced at Suxin, who shook her head helplessly. Clearly, Suxin didn't think Lin Ruoyao would do that either. Wasn't this just asking for trouble?

Seeing that Mei Ruo and Consort Ke were still insistent, Fucha Langhua said gently, "Since that's the case, then let Consort Xian come over. Oh, and Consort Ying, have your people bring Jing Wan over as well."

Mei Ruo then remembered Jing Wan who had run away, and said awkwardly, "Because of Consort Xian's instigation, Jing Wan had a big fight with me and ran away."

Fucha Langhua asked in surprise, "She ran away? Consort Ying, didn't you have anyone follow her?"

Mei Ruo stammered, and Consort Ke tried to cover it up by saying, "Your Majesty, I saw Jing Wan's attendants follow her out."

Fucha Langhua frowned and said, "Suxin, go and arrange for people to search immediately. How can the royal offspring be treated so lightly?"

Although Fucha Langhua did not name names, she had already revealed her dissatisfaction with Meiruo's actions. However, Fucha Langhua was kind and did not speak out directly.

Mei Ruo felt as if she had been slapped hard across the face, and she lowered her head, not daring to look directly at Fucha Langhua.

Before long, Lin Ruoyao was led in by Su Xin.

Lin Ruoyao knew the reason the Empress had summoned her on her way here, and she was furious. How could she blame the Empress for failing to discipline her own child?

As soon as Lin Ruoyao bowed and sat down, Mei Ruo questioned, "Consort Xian, if you want to vent your anger, just do it to me. Aren't you ashamed to use these petty tricks in private?"

Lin Ruoyao was not to be outdone and retorted, "So Consort Ying knows you've offended me? You're blaming me for your poor teaching, how shameless!"

Mei Ruo: "You..."

Ignoring Mei Ruo, Lin Ruoyao said to Fucha Langhua, "Your Majesty, please judge for me. I have never met the Seventh Princess in private, and I do not know why I have suffered this undeserved calamity."

Seeing that Mei Ruo couldn't win the argument with Lin Ruoyao, Consort Ke chimed in, "Whether you've seen it or not, does it mean that Consort Xian can just say it and it's true?"

Lin Ruoyao said coldly, "I was so busy talking about Consort Ying that I didn't mention you, was I? Whether I stirred up trouble or not is not something you can just say and believe. Instead of properly instructing the princess, you're acting like gossipy old women in front of the Empress, which is annoying!"

Consort Ke and Mei Ruo were stunned. They clearly hadn't expected that Lin Ruoyao, who was always so meek and virtuous in front of the Emperor Emeritus, would have such a sharp tongue and dare to argue with them...

Mei Ruo retorted, "It was clearly you..."

Su Xin led Jing Wan in, and Jing Wan bowed and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty the Empress."

When Mei Ruo saw Jing Wan enter and bow with a cold expression, she awkwardly shut her mouth and did not say anything bad in front of Jing Wan.

However, Jingwan did not appreciate Meiruo's maternal love.

When Empress Fucha Langhua saw Jingwan arrive, she asked gently, "Jingwan, have you spoken with Consort Xian in private?"

When Jingwan heard Fucha Langhua ask this question, she understood perfectly and said directly, "Your subject has never spoken to Your Majesty in private."

Lin Ruoyao chuckled upon hearing this, looking at Mei Ruo and Consort Ke with a half-smile.

Consort Ke looked at Mei Ruo with surprise. Mei Ruo blushed, whether from embarrassment or anger, it was hard to tell.

Fucha Langhua understood and waved her hand, saying, "Alright, since Jingwan said this matter has nothing to do with Consort Xian, then Consort Xian, you may go back now."

Although Lin Ruoyao was somewhat indignant, she still obediently stood up and bowed, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave."

Seeing that Lin Ruoyao had left, Fucha Langhua no longer held back and scolded, "Consort Ying, instead of teaching the princess, you come here to slander Consort Xian."

If you cannot properly educate the princess, it would be better to choose a day to send her back to the palace so that the palace matrons can properly instruct her!

Mei Ruo turned pale with fright and cried, "Your Majesty, I was just being petty and judging you by my own standards. I will apologize to Consort Xian and beg Your Majesty not to send Jing Wan away."

Consort Ke also pleaded on Jingwan's behalf, desperately trying to signal her with her eyes, hoping that Jingwan would take the initiative to express her desire to be with Meiruo. But Jingwan just stood there with a cold face, not saying a word.

Fucha Langhua sighed and asked, "Jingwan, what do you think?"

Jingwan still remembered Meiruo's words about sending her away, and thought of Meiruo's attempt to confine her this morning. After hesitating for a moment, she bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to return to the palace."

Mei Ruo exclaimed in disbelief, "Jing Wan!"

Jingwan didn't look at Meiruo, but only at Fucha Langhua.

Empress Fucha sighed, "Since that's the case, I will go and report to the Emperor. Jingwan, go back and prepare. Tomorrow I will send someone to escort you back to the palace."

Jingwan bowed and said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty!"

Seeing that Jingwan was determined, Meiruo was so angry that she clutched her chest and cursed, "Fine, fine, I can't control you anymore, then go with me! Consort Ke, let's go!"

Consort Ke was caught in a dilemma, but in the end, she helped the swaying Mei Ruo away. Jing Wan bowed to Fucha Langhua and also left.

……

Main hall

Mei Ruo was so angry she could hardly breathe. She sat on the couch and drank milk tea to calm herself down, while Consort Ke sat beside her to comfort her.

Mei Ruo said angrily, "Sister Ke Pin, you can see for yourself, I've given birth to an ungrateful child."

Consort Ke comforted her, "Don't be angry, sister. Jingwan may have just misunderstood something and was being stubborn. Once she goes to the palace and is treated coldly, she will naturally realize how good you are to her."

Mei Ruo gritted her teeth and said, "I've raised her like a precious jewel for so many years, and she doesn't appreciate it at all. She'll have a hard time once she goes to the palace! How much does the Emperor value his half-sister?"

……

Jingwan listened to the main hall's words but paid no attention, only directing the wet nurses and others to pack her luggage.

Mei Ruo's attendants were all in the main hall coaxing her, while only Jing Wan's wet nurse and a few others were busy taking care of Jing Wan.