Chapter 98 - 97: The Substitute Eldest Miss 13

Chapter 98: Chapter 97: The Substitute Eldest Miss 13

The Emperor and Empress were undoubtedly taken aback to hear that Ji Xiaosong’s request was for a breakup letter.

They were, of course, well aware of Ji Xiaosong’s family background.

They had assumed she would hesitate due to Prime Minister Ji’s official position. After all, for a Crown Princess Consort, the backing of her maiden family would grant her a certain standing among the court’s elite.

Between being the daughter of the Grand Secretary and being an orphan, anyone would choose the former.

The Emperor and Empress exchanged a glance. The Emperor’s voice was grave as he asked, "Have you thought this through? I am aware the Ji family has neglected you, but the status of being the Grand Secretary’s eldest legitimate daughter is a significant advantage for you."

Ji Xiaosong smiled. "Father Emperor, I have no need for such empty titles. Besides, isn’t the title of Crown Princess Consort of the Royal Family prestigious enough? Even if I were to acknowledge my family, they would not necessarily be a source of support. They might even become a liability."

Chu Qingyun chimed in, "Father Emperor, Mother Empress, Song is absolutely right. I have previously investigated this matter. The Ji family intends to make Second Miss Ji the Princess Consort Wu. We are all well aware of King Wu’s ambitions. Severing these ties is a matter of self-preservation."

"What? As one of my trusted ministers, he harbors such ambitions?"

"Yes, Father Emperor. That is why it is best for Song and the Ji family to sever their ties."

The Emperor fell silent for a moment, finally letting out a sigh.

"In that case, we will wait until after your homecoming visit to find a suitable reason to sever these ties. If you do it without cause, you will face public criticism. Furthermore, severing ties with your maiden family right after marrying into the Royal Family will become a topic of gossip. While we as royals need not fear rumors, I do not wish for your reputation to be tarnished."

Ji Xiaosong knew the Emperor would agree. She bowed. "Thank you, Father Emperor."

"Very well. Today is the day you and Qingyun are to serve tea to me. We mustn’t delay."

The Empress gestured for Ji Xiaosong to rise, quickly changing the subject.

Nanny Gui brought over two cups of tea. Ji Xiaosong moved with light, graceful steps to stand before the Emperor and Empress. She curtsied deeply and said softly, "Your daughter-in-law, Ji Xiaosong, pays her respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. I wish you both long life and good health."

The Emperor smiled. "You may rise."

Ji Xiaosong rose slowly and, with both hands, presented the first cup of tea to the Emperor. Her voice was soft yet clear. "Father Emperor, please have some tea."

The Emperor accepted the cup, took a light sip, and nodded in satisfaction. "Well done. The Crown Princess Consort is very thoughtful."

He took out a token and handed it to Ji Xiaosong.

"This token grants you command over the eight hundred attendants of the Eastern Palace. It is a power you are entitled to as the Crown Princess Consort. Today, I entrust it to you. I hope you will always remain true to yourself."

"Thank you, Father Emperor."

Ji Xiaosong then turned to the Empress. She curtsied once more and presented the second cup of tea, saying respectfully, "Mother Empress, please have some tea."

The Empress, with a kind expression, accepted the teacup. Her gaze was gentle as she looked at Ji Xiaosong. "You may rise. From now on, you must get along well with the Crown Prince and help continue the Royal Family’s line."

Ji Xiaosong lowered her head. "I will heed your teachings, Mother Empress."

The Empress took out a seal and a set of head ornaments, the latter of which was clearly extraordinary at a single glance.

"As the Crown Princess Consort, you will help me manage the Royal Family’s affairs. This seal will serve as your authority. The head ornaments are from my own dowry; there is only one set like it in the world."

Ji Xiaosong accepted them. "Thank you, Mother Empress."

With the tea ceremony finished, the formalities were complete.

"Father Emperor, Mother Empress, I also have gifts for you."

After speaking, Ji Xiaosong turned and gave Zixi a meaningful look. Zixi quickly led the other palace maids into the hall.

"Father Emperor, this is a golden ruyi, forged from pure gold, that I present to you."

The Emperor’s expression flickered with surprise for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.

"You are very thoughtful. This golden ruyi could feed many people. Would it be acceptable if I were to have it melted down and used as death benefits for our soldiers?"

"Since I have already presented it to you, Father Emperor, you may do with it as you please."

Next, Ji Xiaosong had ten bolts of Soft Light Brocade brought forward.

"Mother Empress, this is the Soft Light Brocade I present to you. It is a new fabric developed by my own workshop. It took ten years to produce just these ten bolts. When made into a gown, it drapes the body like flowing light. To walk in it is to be like a fairy descended to the mortal realm, every step a vision of splendor."

Everyone appreciates beauty. Even the Empress, who had seen countless treasures, could not help but marvel at the extraordinary fabric.

"I will have the Clothing Bureau fashion this into a gown today. You must come and see it when it is finished. I had thought you must have faced many hardships living on your own, but I never expected you to have accomplished so much."

"I have been on my own for many years. Fortunately, I became a disciple of Master Xuan Yuan and studied under several other masters as well. That is how I was able to build my own enterprises."

"Master Xuan Yuan? Do you mean the same Master Xuan Yuan who summoned clouds and rain with a wave of his hand during the drought?"

"The very same. However, Master has already ascended and left this mortal realm. I learned his skills, which is how I was able to cure Qingyun’s legs."

Ji Xiaosong’s demeanor was serene as she spoke of these matters. She showed no arrogance for having studied under such a master, a fact that made the Emperor and Empress look at her with new respect.

"For the Ji family to neglect someone of your immense talent... they are truly foolish!"

The Emperor was deeply vexed. ’If my trusted minister is this foolish in his own family matters, can he still be trusted with great responsibilities in the future?’

"The Ji family is unaware of my abilities. They simply regard me as an ill-tempered village woman."

"No wonder. You must have lost all hope in them, which is why you hid your talents. Child, now that you are married to Qingyun, the Empress and I are your parents. You need not envy anyone."

"Thank you, Father Emperor, Mother Empress. I understand."

After serving the tea and receiving their gifts, Ji Xiaosong and Chu Qingyun returned to the Eastern Palace.

It was getting late, and Ji Xiaosong was about to arrange for dinner when she was informed that the Eastern Palace only served two meals a day.

No food was eaten after midday.

Back at the Ji residence, Ji Xiaosong had used the small kitchen in her own courtyard, so she had been unaware of the family’s customs.

But now, in the Eastern Palace, she realized that the entire Royal Family ate only twice a day.

"Absolutely not. I’ll get hungry. From this day forward, the Eastern Palace will serve three meals a day. As long as nothing is wasted, there’s no harm in eating more. You don’t need to worry about the Eastern Palace’s future expenses. The seal I gave you wasn’t just for supporting the army and appeasing the people; it’s also for us to live a little more comfortably."

Chu Qingyun knew his place perfectly. He was now a kept man.

Aside from his absolute authority, he was flat broke.

If he were one for extravagance and debauchery, he certainly wouldn’t lack for silver.

However, the Royal Family were not the types to spend recklessly. Their family values dictated that they didn’t have much money to spend on themselves.

"Song, you are the Crown Princess Consort, the mistress of the Eastern Palace. Do as you wish. I will support you completely!"

’It’s a joke to think a kept man has any say in the matter.’ Chu Qingyun understood this perfectly.

That night, everyone in the Eastern Palace, from the highest to the lowest, understood: the new Crown Princess Consort was not only wealthy, she also held absolute authority.

She didn’t even have to do anything. The servants all began to obey Ji Xiaosong’s orders of their own accord.

With money, you could make a ghost turn a millstone; without it, not even a ghost would open its door for you.

This principle applied no matter where you were.

On the day of the traditional homecoming visit, Chun Cui arrived at the Eastern Palace bright and early, under the pretext of helping Ji Xiaosong take inventory of her homecoming gifts.