NOVGO.NET Chapter 2435: Settlement
Chapter 2435: Settlement
Tian Shanshan glared at Ding Xiang, trembling with anger.
Ding Xiang glanced at her and smiled lightly. “Miss Tian, what’s the matter? You seem very upset. But wasn’t I just stating the truth? It’s important to recognize and accept reality. Don’t be so indignant!”
“Not everyone has the ability or confidence to be dissatisfied. Those who aren’t worthy are just a joke!”
“You!”
“Am I wrong?”
Tian Shanshan staggered, feeling as though she was about to faint from anger—just as she had laughed at the helpless Princess Consort earlier.
Ding Xiang cast a disdainful look at her before turning away. She bowed to Qiao Xuan. “Empress, the garden is full of beautiful flowers, and the scenery is lovely. I would like to take a walk and enjoy it, with your permission.”
Qiao Xuan smiled. “I invited you all here today to enjoy the flowers. Please, feel free to explore the garden. We’ll hold a banquet later and have a wonderful time.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to escape the awkward situation. “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!”
Soon, they were wandering the garden in groups of three to five.
With so many guests invited today, not everyone had originally been qualified to attend. For many, this was their first time at the imperial court, and they were acutely aware that it was due to the Empress’s grace. This was the first Flower Appreciation Feast of the new dynasty, and in an effort to make the event lively, more people had been specially invited. They knew it might be their only opportunity, as future invitations would be far more exclusive.
Eager to explore the imperial garden, they couldn’t wait to stroll through it!
The garden quickly buzzed with activity.
The Tian family’s mother-in-law and daughters-in-law, however, were left feeling embarrassed. Even those who hadn’t severed ties with the family began to distance themselves, intentionally or not. No one wanted to risk being associated with bad luck or get caught up in unnecessary trouble.
Tian Shanshan seemed almost unhinged, speaking carelessly without regard for the consequences. What if she said something indiscreet while with them? They could be dragged into a scandal for no reason.
In the past, everyone in the capital had praised her as a prodigy and a noblewoman. Who would have imagined she’d end up like this? It was truly a pity…
Qiao Xuan, however, chose not to join in admiring the flowers. Instead, she stayed in the pavilion, sipping tea and listening to the maids’ chatter and laughter. Ding Xiang soon returned and joined her for conversation.
What Ding Xiang didn’t know was that Qiao Xuan had activated her superpower, overhearing the ladies’ conversations from afar…
Despite the various disturbances, the Flower Appreciation Feast continued as planned, largely unaffected. By around four in the afternoon, the madams and young ladies bowed, took their leave, and left the palace in small groups.
Everyone felt a sense of relief.
At first, some were uneasy about the Empress, who had previously been the wife of a low-ranking official. But as the day went on, they grew accustomed to her grace and dignity.
The Empress was kind and well-mannered, not arrogant at all—unless someone, like Tian Shanshan, recklessly provoked her. This was reassuring. If the Empress maintained this demeanor, the Emperor would likely be more lenient, allowing everyone to feel completely at ease.
As for the Princess Consort, she had been sent to North Park Palace under house arrest. Her role in luring out hidden threats had been fulfilled, and there was no need for her to appear in public anymore.
If the Empress hadn’t deliberately gone easy on her, she wouldn’t have been brought into the palace so easily. But now, that purpose had been served, and there was no further need.