NOVGO.NET Chapter 2434: Counterattack
Chapter 2434: Counterattack
Tian Shanshan could no longer hold back and spoke with a smile, “I recall that there was a peony in this imperial garden that the late emperor cherished most. It nearly withered away back then, but thanks to the Empress’s miraculous hands and meticulous care, it was saved! The Empress’s skill in tending to flowers and trees is truly admirable! Seeing how vibrant the garden looks now, I believe it’s all due to the Empress’s care!”
As soon as Tian Shanshan finished speaking, the entire venue fell into silence.
Everyone exchanged stunned glances.
Had Miss Tian lost her mind? How could she mock the Empress so openly?
Many secretly ridiculed the Tian family, thinking they truly couldn’t handle defeat. To be so petty, clinging to such an old grievance—it was astonishing. They clearly didn’t know how to gauge the situation.
Besides, the Tian family had no reason to be proud of what happened back then.
If the Emperor and Empress hadn’t already decided to leave the matter alone, the Tian family should have been grateful. Instead, they were acting as if they still held power.
Thankfully, the crowd was large enough to dilute the awkwardness.
Madam Tian and the two young madams of the Tian family were utterly shocked!
They certainly hadn’t expected Tian Shanshan to act so impulsively!
“Em-Empress, this child loves to joke. Please, forgive her…” Madam Tian forced a smile, attempting to smooth things over and ease the tension.
Seeing this, Tian Shanshan’s heart sank, and her frustration deepened.
The more she saw her family trying to appease the situation, the harder it became for her to control her emotions. She knew there were things she shouldn’t say, but the urge to speak out was overwhelming. Keeping silent made her feel even worse.
With an innocent expression, she smiled and said, “Yes, just a few jokes. Surely the Empress can speak about what she has done, right? After all, there’s nothing shameful about it, correct?”
Qiao Xuan smiled calmly and replied, “Miss Tian, you’re absolutely right. I’ve always had a
knack for farming, and tending to peonies is just a small part of it. When I was in Anze Province and Jiangnan Province, I did a lot of farming and promoted quality seeds. The Emperor often says that food is the foundation of the people, and farming is their livelihood. So, being good at these things is a positive sign. And you’re praising me for bringing good fortune to my husband! Miss Tian, why not continue with your jokes? Do you think I’m bringing good fortune to my husband?”
Tian Shanshan was left speechless.
Ding Xiang covered her mouth, giggling. “The Empress has already helped the Emperor secure his rule over the world, so what else could she be? It’s far better than some who, despite being born into prestigious families, end up with bad reputations and unhappy lives! The Emperor has excellent taste and never strays from the Empress. No matter what schemes or plots are at play, they won’t succeed! I wonder if those who can’t get what they want are driven mad! How dare they keep approaching the Emperor as if he has no taste?”
Ding Xiang hadn’t intended to say these words, and even Qiao Xuan hadn’t meant to mock Tian Shanshan so openly. But when someone pushes too far, it’s hard to hold back.
Who doesn’t know how to throw a barb or two?
Qiao Xuan smiled again. “Ms. Ding, you’re so straightforward!”
Ding Xiang replied, “It’s just the truth. There’s nothing shameful about it. I don’t see the need to be overly cautious!”