The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

The three of them talked as they headed towards the Hall of Heroes. The people inside were also surprised, as this was the first time they had gone to class together. For a moment, they were truly like fairies descending to earth, surrounded by beautiful flowers.

Although the princes were used to seeing beautiful women, they still found the three of them together quite pleasing to the eye. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Xiao Heng only had eyes for Jing Anle, while Qi Zhi kept staring at Jing Rou.

Jing Anle glanced inside and noticed that Jing Fengyao was still absent from class. As she pondered this, she lost her focus and accidentally made eye contact with Xiao Heng. Despite Xiao Heng's eyes being full of love, Jing Anle remained indifferent, revealing nothing. After a moment, Jing Anle looked away.

After everyone was seated, Chi Wenyuan entered from outside with his page. He was still wearing a robe embroidered with green bamboo. The weather was cool and even chilly. He still held the feather fan and said calmly, "No discussion today, just an exam."

As soon as he finished speaking, the two pageboys began distributing test papers.

"take an exam?"

Yelü Yuanxiu was the first to speak up; he hated exams the most.

The others didn't react as strongly; the exam was normal, but they were just a little surprised by it.

"Don't worry, everyone. This exam is not difficult. Just answer it patiently."

The princes exchanged glances but said nothing more.

Jing Anle wasn't surprised. This Chi Wenyuan was quite different from ordinary teachers; he didn't even give advance notice of the exams. She smiled gently and looked at the test paper on the table, which only had four characters written on it: "Convenience for the People's Livelihood."

Jing Rou, who was behind her, was alright; after all, it had been so long, and she had figured things out. But Kou Shuran was dumbfounded, not knowing where to begin.

"The question has been written on the paper. You all have the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn."

Xiao Heng was also taken aback when he saw the question. Usually, the exams were about composing poems or interpreting characters, but this was the first time he had seen a question about civil affairs.

The expressions of the others were similar, but after only a moment, they all picked up their pens and began to answer the questions.

Incense rose slowly from Jiying Hall, but the incense at Rong'en Palace was not burning today.

"Your Majesty, Consort Lin has arrived." Qingyu raised her head slightly, trying to see the displeasure on Consort Li's face, but Consort Li had no expression and simply said, "Please let her in."

Qingyu wanted to say something, but she stopped herself and replied, "Yes."

The weather wasn't great today; even the light coming in through the doorway was dim. A moment later, a woman in a lotus-gold robe appeared at the door. The robe was inlaid with scales and exquisitely embroidered. At that moment, Consort Li felt as if even the doorway had been illuminated.

"Sister is fine."

When Consort Lin finished speaking and looked up, her face was rosy and her attire was not much different from usual. However, Consort Li felt that Consort Lin had changed, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"No need for such formalities, Consort Lin." Consort Li replied with a smile, having composed herself, and then turned to instruct the palace servants to serve tea.

After Consort Lin was seated and the palace servants withdrew, the two began to speak.

"These are a pair of auspicious cloud-patterned jade earrings that His Majesty bestowed upon me yesterday. I thought they would be a perfect match for you, so I'm presenting them to you as a gift. I hope you like them."

After Consort Lin finished speaking, Dong Qing presented the items.

The earrings were exquisite, with auspicious clouds in red gold and sapphire blue on top and crystal-clear jade hanging below. The colors were beautiful and the meaning was auspicious. Consort Li knew at a glance that Consort Lin had come to express her opinion.

"You're so kind, sister. I really like these earrings, but there's no need for such formalities between us." After saying this, Consort Li instructed Qingyu, "Go to the small kitchen and see if the freshly made jujube paste cakes are ready."

Lin Fei smiled and said, "Sister is the most thoughtful person, she still remembers her sister's favorite snacks."

"Since you call me 'elder sister,' isn't it only natural for an elder sister to be kind to her younger sister?"

After Consort Li finished speaking, the two looked at each other and smiled. At that moment, it seemed that they had signed an invisible contract and become allies.

Soon, the jujube paste cake was served, and it was delicious when served with fragrant tea.

"It seems that my sister's belly has grown quite a bit," Consort Lin said.

Consort Li touched her belly with her hand and said affectionately, "It's only been three months." Her motherly love was evident in her words.

"Sister, you have to work hard too. Now that you've received this favor, you should seize the opportunity."

"When it comes to children, it's all about fate. Not everyone is as fortunate as you, sister." Consort Lin's words were polite and flattering, without any intention of competing with Consort Li for favor or mentioning her inability to bear a royal heir.

In truth, Consort Li was only half-joking. How could she possibly want Consort Lin to be pregnant? She was merely testing her. After hearing Consort Lin's words, the smile on her lips became more genuine. "You, as long as you receive more favor, it's only a matter of time."

The two chatted back and forth, making small talk.

……

Ci'an Palace.

The Empress Dowager's injuries at the palace banquet that day were not serious to begin with, and she has recovered considerably after a few days of rest. Today, she was moving around in her room when Emperor Jing happened to come to visit her.

"See Queen Mother."

Emperor Jing was still wearing his black robe with gold trim today, but he had removed his outer robe to make himself more comfortable in the inner palace. Although he was getting on in years, his features were still handsome and he had a certain charm.

The Empress Dowager looked down at him, especially at the way he bowed his head, which resembled that of his birth mother, Consort Wan. She frowned, recalling the punishment of Consort Chen yesterday, and her tone became somewhat indifferent, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. I am fine. Please spend your time in court."

In previous years, the Empress Dowager would only slightly show her displeasure, and Emperor Jing would become even more respectful, showing concern and warmth without fail. But today, Emperor Jing merely stood up, his expression indifferent, and said, "What the Empress Dowager says is true. As the ruler of the country, I naturally have to fulfill my duties."

These words left the Empress Dowager stunned. Normally, Emperor Jing would have already knelt down to beg for forgiveness. The words of Princess Qing from yesterday were still on her mind, and she had wanted to vent her anger. But Emperor Jing's attitude now was something she hadn't expected.