Chapter 122 A Change In The Empress (Part One)

Though Yun Shang promised to think it over, she wasn't prepared to give Prince Jing an answer. After considering for a while, she decided to visit Lady Jin first. She mounted her horse and rode to Laifeng City. As per an Imperial Decree, Fenglai Palace had been renamed to Laifeng to reflect his Majesty's love and affection for Lady Jin, who was now residing in the temporary imperial palace. It was late morning when Yun Shang arrived at the City.

The security at Laifeng Palace was very strict. It was challenging for Yun Shang to get in even with Madam Zheng's help.

Lady Jin was taking a nap in the begonia garden. She had been pregnant for many months, and now, her belly bulged. Yun Shang felt peaceful as she approached Lady Jin.

After a while, Lady Jin woke and was surprised to see Yun Shang. She smiled pleasantly. "Shang'er, why are you here?"

Yun Shang blinked and chuckled. "I haven't seen you in a long time, mother. I missed you, so I came to see if you were all right."

Lady Jin nodded. "It's very quiet here. I'm having a good time."

"Have you seen grandfather?" Yun Shang thought of Xiao Yuanshan, who lived in a nearby town.

"Yes. He is well." Lady Jin looked pleasantly calm.

Yun Shang didn't tell her about Prince Jing. Instead, she stayed in the temporary imperial palace with Lady Jin and took care of her for two days. After that, she decided to leave for the Imperial City. The delegation from the State of Yelang would arrive in a few days. She had to be there to witness Hua Jing lose her reputation.

On the last day of her stay in Laifeng Palace, Lady Jin talked with Yun Shang. "Although you said you are here to visit me, I can see that something is on your mind. Would you like to talk to me about it? I know you have had a tough time all these years, and there was no one for you to have a heart-to-heart talk with, but I don't want you to hide your feelings or worries all the time."

Yun Shang hesitated for a moment before she told Lady Jin everything about Prince Jing, from their encounter to the conversation they had several days ago.

After a short silence, Lady Jin said. "To be honest, I have known Qingyan since he was a child, so I kind of know his character. He might seem indifferent sometimes, but he is faith

at she had snuck out of the Imperial Palace. If she were found out, it would be troublesome. Yun Shang pulled Prince Jing's arm and asked worriedly, "Does father know I'm here? Oh no! I didn't tell him in advance."

Prince Jing froze at her touch, but managed to answer. "I told him that I took you to Ning'guo Temple to pray."

Yun Shang withdrew her hand and sighed with relief. It wouldn't hurt if father knew, but if the Empress used this information against her, it would be bothersome. Praying at Ning'guo Temple with Prince Jing sounded convincing.

Lost in thought, Yun Shang didn't notice the disappointment on Prince Jing's face when her hand left his arm.

"Any updates from the Imperial City?" Yun Shang asked.

Prince Jing controlled his feelings and answered, "His Majesty appointed Grand Councilor Li as the emissary to receive delegations from the State of Yelang and the State of Xia. The Empress is no longer grounded, and a new Lady with the title of Zhaoyi joined the imperial household."

Yun Shang's mouth twitched slightly. It was as she expected. Since the Grand Councilor came into power, he was in charge of the reception for foreign envoys. So, when she knew that the State of Yelang and the State of Xia were sending delegations to Ning, she didn't expect to ruin the Empress and Hua Jing at once. She planned to ensure that her father would not trust them anymore, and then she would gradually take over Li Clan's power. At that time, neither the Empress nor Hua Jing would be a threat.