Chapter 860 - 765: Flowery Words (Part 3)
Luo Jia also said, "The Seventeenth Princess is rejecting the effects of the medicine. I’ve never seen such a situation. I’ve been painstakingly researching these past days, but still have no clue. We dare not delay the Seventeenth Princess’s condition due to our shallow knowledge. I personally witnessed Miss Xia curing an epidemic, I’m certain she can cure the Seventeenth Princess’s illness as well!"
The two of them praised Xia Wenjin to the heavens, almost portraying her as an unparalleled divine healer. On Consort Li’s somewhat haggard face, due to her daughter’s condition, a glimmer of hope reignited. She asked half-believingly, "If we find her, can she definitely cure the Seventeenth Princess?"
At this moment, Meng Luo and the other, seeing that Consort Li was finally relenting, naturally intensified their effort, saying, "If even she can’t cure it, I really can’t think of anyone else who can."
Consort Li’s entire focus was suddenly revitalized. She inquired in detail, and Meng Luo and his companion assured her. Consort Li initially planned to send them back so she could request the Emperor’s audience. However, just as she called someone, she changed her mind and asked, "Where is the Emperor at this time?"
The chief eunuch by her side replied with the gathered information, "Replying to Your Ladyship, the Emperor left Longyu Hall a moment ago and went to the Purple Light Pavilion, he should still be there now!"
If he were in Longyu Hall, which is where state affairs are handled, consorts cannot go without a decree, but there is no such restriction for the Purple Light Pavilion.
Consort Li was overjoyed in her heart and immediately stood up, determined to see the Emperor herself.
The distance from Liqing Palace to the Purple Light Pavilion was somewhat far. She boarded the palanquin and had the palace servants carry her to the Purple Light Pavilion.
Consort Li, concerned and in a rush, unexpectedly encountered Princess Consort Lan halfway there.
This Princess Consort Lan was ten years younger than Consort Li and had been in the palace for only six or seven years. She gained favor three years ago and is now in the limelight, adorned with jewels and pearls, with a finely arranged hairstyle and eye-catching accessories. Her beautiful eyes landed on Consort Li’s face, and she chuckled lightly.
Consort Li, worried about the Seventeenth Princess’s illness these days, had dark circles from exhaustion, and her appearance was haggard, indeed looking somewhat dull compared to Princess Consort Lan.
Consort Li had no interest in her, intending to reach the Purple Light Pavilion as quickly as possible, but to her surprise, Princess Consort Lan had also heard the news and intended to go to the Purple Light Pavilion.
The issue with the Seventeenth Princess’s severe sore had previously worried them about contagion. The Emperor even intended to send her out of the palace, but once the Imperial Physician confirmed it wasn’t contagious, and Consort Li wanted to care for her personally, the Emperor allowed it.
The Empress, as the master of the Central Palace, naturally knew about this. Consort Li begged the Empress not to disclose it, as the Seventeenth Princess is the only adult princess by the Emperor’s side and is greatly cherished. Moreover, there were specific instructions.
Consort Li, residing in a palace of her own, meant that aside from the Empress, no one in the harem was aware of the Seventeenth Princess’s affairs.
Both being consorts of the palace, although differing greatly in age, their ranks were equal. Princess Consort Lan was intent on outshining Consort Li, especially with Consort Li looking so haggard today. Princess Consort Lan remarked with a smile, "Why haven’t you freshened up before coming out, sister? This is the palace; aren’t you afraid the Emperor will be displeased?"
Before Consort Li could respond, Princess Consort Lan covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed softly, "I nearly forgot, sister, you have the Seventeenth Princess. Now that she’s to be married off, I suppose you’re busy preparing her dowry and wearing yourself out. Even if you’re overjoyed, you must take care of yourself too!"
Consort Li was taken aback, frowning, "Married off? Dowry? Ying’er hasn’t had her marriage arranged yet; what nonsense are you speaking?"
Princess Consort Lan’s beautiful eyes wandered over Consort Li’s face, noticing the aversion and impatience there. She laughed amusingly, "The Seventeenth Princess is soon to become a Prince Consort of another country and might even become an Empress in the future. I genuinely care about your health, sister, why accuse me of speaking nonsense?"
Consort Li was no fool; initially bewildered by Princess Consort Lan’s words, she gradually sensed something was off. She coldly demanded, "What do you mean?"
Princess Consort Lan said with a sly smile, "On the Emperor’s birthday, the East Tang Envoy proposed on behalf of the Third Prince of East Tang to marry the Seventeenth Princess, and the Emperor is inclined to agree. Could it be that sister was unaware of this? The sisters all know and envy you greatly; how come you still need to ask? Is it that you don’t wish for us to share in the joy?"
Consort Li’s pupils contracted. More than a year ago, she had pleaded by the Emperor’s side, as she had only one daughter and didn’t want the Seventeenth Princess to be married off far away. The Emperor had also promised to select a suitable young talent for the Seventeenth Princess in the Capital. Why was the decision suddenly made for a marriage alliance, especially to be wedded so far to East Tang?