无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Perhaps her fate had been decided since she was a child.

To become a pawn, sent to a foreign land, sacrificing her own destiny for the sake of her country and its people.

Now, she had finally begun her mission, successfully entered the East Palace, and was about to become a consort of the Crown Prince.

It is said to be imminent, as she isn’t considered one yet until the Emperor’s Imperial Edict for her establishment arrives.

However, Jiang Ning believed that the Emperor’s Imperial Edict would arrive soon.

She walked over with a smile, accepted Jin Man’s kneeling salute, raised her hand, and gently said, “Miss Jin Man, you may dispense with the formalities.”

Jin Man stood up, lowered her eyes, and respectfully said, “Now that I am in the East Palace, I am a servant of the palace. Princess Consort, you can call me by my name.”

Jiang Ning smiled, “It’s cold outside, and it’s uncomfortable to have drunk and then be in the wind. Let’s all go inside and sit and talk.”

Li Yuanyuan, who was not eligible to attend the palace feast, didn’t know what had happened there. At this moment, she was still a bit confused. She followed Jiang Ning, supporting her, and asked softly, “Princess Consort, what’s going on? Earlier, the eunuch from the Bureau of Rites sent her over, and it scared me. I’ve never seen a woman with green eyes.”

“She is a beauty offered by the Silla Kingdom to the Crown Prince. From now on, she will be a part of our East Palace. The only thing left is the granting of her title.”

“I see,” Li Yuanyuan whispered, “She is beautiful, but she’s different from us. It feels strange to look at her.”

“Men seem to like her a lot.”

“His Highness may not like her that much?”

“If His Highness didn’t like her, he wouldn’t have accepted her.” Jiang Ning said with a smile as she walked into the room.

Li Tingqian was sitting on a carpet with two children, eating snacks.

Each of them had their mouths full.

Huang Ying scolded upon seeing them, “During the holidays, everyone is slacking off, leaving no one to look after the young masters! There are candles everywhere, inside and outside the house. If something happens, you’ll all be in trouble!”

Chunlai and Xiaoman hurried in, smiling and saluting, “Master has returned. We only stepped away for a moment.”

“You are not allowed to leave for even a moment!”

“Sister Huang Ying, don’t scold them,” Li Tingqian stood up and said, “It was me who found them noisy and thought they would disturb my playtime with Lingzi and Wenzan, so I sent them away. It’s fine with me looking over things.”

Huang Ying said, “Your Highness, you are still a child yourself.”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Ning interjected, “Xiaoqian has grown up, become responsible, and has his own opinions. This is a good thing.”

A smile appeared on Li Tingqian’s face.

Jiang Ning took out a handkerchief and wiped the crumbs from Li Tingqian’s mouth, smiling, “Although it’s the New Year, you can’t overindulge in snacks. It’s getting late, go with Nanny to sleep.”

“Yes, Aunt.”

“Remember to brush your teeth before bed.”

“Okay!”

“Off you go.”

Li Tingqian bowed and walked out with his back straight.

He had already changed from a babbling child to a refined and noble young man.

From beginning to end, he didn’t even glance at Li Yuanyuan and Jin Man.

In his eyes, aside from the Emperor, his grandparents, and Aunt and Uncle Crown Prince and Princess Consort, the side concubines and consorts were no different from ordinary palace maids.

After taking her seat, Jiang Ning asked Huang Ying, then arranged for Jin Man to stay at the Plum Blossom Cottage.