Concubine Ya began to sob quietly.
Her sobbing got louder, finally escalating into full-blown wailing.
The few palace maids outside shared worried glances, not understanding what was happening inside.
However, for them, as long as the Princess Consort wasnât the one crying, they didnât need to worry.
Jiang Ning let her cry for a while, seeing her tears flow more fiercely, her expression more aggrieved, and with no intention of stopping, she sighed, passed her a handkerchief, and said, âAlright, stop crying.â
Concubine Ya grabbed the handkerchief, clumsily wiped at her face, and when she looked up again, her face was tear-streaked and pitiful.
âI understand it all now.â Concubine Ya braced herself against the table, slowly standing up. Her frail body seemed as though it would shatter in a gust of wind.
She wiped her tears and said in a low voice, âI misunderstood the Princess Consort, my apologies.â
âYou havenât misunderstood me. Although your loss of favor isnât entirely my fault, it indeed involves me.â Jiang Ning gently smiled, âYou wronged me, and I got back at you. Between us, nothing is left unsaid. As for regaining favor, thatâs up to you. As long as you donât provoke me again in the future, I wonât interfere.â@@novelbin@@
Concubine Ya looked up, âSo, can we call our debts even, owing nothing to each other?â
âWe can call it even.â Before Concubine Yaâs face could light up with joy, Jiang Ning added, âBut if you wish for us to return to our previous relationship, thatâs impossible.â
Concubine Ya stared at her, puzzled.
Jiang Ning patiently explained, âActually, the loyalty between women is not different from that of a woman and a man. Just like some people canât tolerate a manâs disloyalty, I canât tolerate a womanâs betrayal.â
Concubine Ya stared blankly for a moment, her expression falling, âI suppose Iâm just unlucky.â
âYou may leave now,â Jiang Ning put down her bowl.
This episode had taken her appetite away. She barely ate half a bowl of rice and some of the fish before she could no longer continue.
Concubine Ya remained standing, seemingly conflicted.
Jiang Ning was patient, serving herself a bowl of soup and drinking it leisurely.
After much hesitation, Concubine Ya finally seemed to make up her mind. Gazing steadfastly at Jiang Ning, she said, âPrincess Consort, I wish to cooperate with you. We canât be friends, thatâs fine. After all, friendship isnât always stable. But Iâve heard your people say there are no eternal foes, only eternal interests.â
Jiang Ning laughed, âWell said. But, what could we possibly cooperate about?â
âYou help reinstating my favor, and I can help you in many things.â
âI canât think of any way you could be of help to me.â Jiang Ningâs response was indifferent, clearly uninterested.
After some thought, Concubine Ya said, âI heard the cause of Concubine Jinâs death hasnât been cleared up yet. The Princess Consort was also wrongly accused once. Donât you want to know the truth?â
âDo you know the truth?â
âI can help you investigate,â Concubine Ya spoke softly, âAs a concubine, I can be close to the Empress.â
Jiang Ning raised an eyebrow, âAre you sure?â
âWith the Princess Consortâs capabilities, if I dared to deceive you, you would find plenty of ways to punish me.â Concubine Yaâs expression was steadfast.
Jiang Ning looked at her for a moment, then laughed, âHow should I help you?â
Biting her lip, Concubine Ya whispered, âI heard that the Emperor will be going to the Elegance Palace this afternoonâ¦â
Jiang Ning raised an eyebrow, âElegance Palace? Why is the Emperor going there?â