Chapter 60: The Regent’s Princess Consort?

Shen Ning set up a pharmacy in the Golden Courtyard and had Ling Feng search for several poisonous substances in the outskirts.

Preparing medicinal ingredients was a meticulous and labor-intensive task. It might not look tiring, but it required exceptional focus as the dosage had to be precise.

Meanwhile, Shen Ning started taking her own medicine, a concoction of ginseng and snow lotus brewed as a tonic, consumed every morning.

Ling Feng brought the required poisonous substances, which Shen Ning fed with blood obtained from the snow lotus and ginseng, allowing them to engage in mutual destruction within the container.

The Gu insect was the most expensive and easiest to raise among all insects due to its abundant nourishment, growing rapidly.

However, rearing Gu insects was strictly prohibited in Yong Kingdom. If discovered, the punishment could extend to the entire family. Therefore, very few people raised Gu insects in Yong, and those who did kept it hidden within secluded and obscure tribes, away from prying eyes.

After a busy morning, as Shen Ning went out to rest, she noticed Yan Zheng sitting in the garden.

She was slightly surprised, “When did Miss Yan arrive?”

“Princess Consort.” Yan Zheng stood up, smiling shyly. “I came with my brother. He’s discussing matters with the Regent in the front study.”

Understanding, Shen Ning said, “I was planning to send you an invitation to come for tea tomorrow.”

“No need, Princess Consort. If you wish to see me, simply send a message. No need for a formal invitation.” Yan Zheng quickly waved her hand. “My brother is always available at a moment’s notice, and so am I.”

Shen Ning smiled, “After the incident in your residence while admiring flowers, I wanted to apologize to you for the unpleasant outcome.”

“That wasn’t your fault, Princess Consort.” Yan Zheng hurriedly reassured her. “I was worried that you might face difficulties after entering the palace, but you managed to leave unscathed.”

Shen Ning nodded and instructed Lan Zhi to prepare tea. She sat with Yan Zheng in the garden pavilion for a while.

“If you wish to visit in the future, feel free to come anytime.” Shen Ning said, then turned to her attendant, “Later, inform the servants that Miss Yan is welcome at the Regent’s residence without hindrance.”

“Yes.”

“What are the Princess Consort’s usual interests?” Yan Zheng inquired.

Shen Ning shook her head, “I don’t have any particular hobbies. I usually practice martial arts to keep fit.”

Yan Zheng nodded, hesitantly adding, “Um… I think Princess Consort should pay attention to Shen Yan. Although she’s your sister, she doesn’t seem well-disposed towards you.”

Shen Ning agreed, “I’m aware.”

“After you entered the palace, Young Master Qin seemed utterly lost, while Miss Shen stood by making derogatory remarks, implying you weren’t worth his attention. He deserved someone better…” Yan Zheng furrowed her brow, sounding rather disdainful, “While I also feel Young Master Qin isn’t suitable for Princess Consort, Miss Shen’s comments were quite inappropriate. Moreover, with the recent decree appointing her as the Emperor’s Consort at the Duke’s residence, I worry she might use her position to undermine you in the future.”

Shen Ning chuckled lightly. With the decree already issued, Shen Yan’s status as a consort was practically set in stone.

However, they all assumed that being appointed a consort automatically meant elevated status.

Given Shen Yan’s nature, once she smoothly entered the palace, causing trouble was a certainty, and attempting to suppress Shen Ning was inevitable.

Whether she had the ability to do so was not hers to decide.

Their conversation was brief. Soon after, an elderly maid from the front courtyard relayed a message that Princess Pingyao had arrived, and the Regent requested the Princess Consort’s presence.

Shen Ning arched an eyebrow, “Why did Princess Pingyao come?”

“I am not aware.” The maid replied calmly.

She gestured for Yan Zheng to remain seated and proceeded to the main hall of the front courtyard. Entering, she saw Ji Yucang seated at the main position, the two Prime Ministers on his left, and Princess Pingyao on the right. Standing beside her was a courteous and refined man.

Shen Ning’s gaze lingered on Princess Pingyao’s face for a moment before silently taking her seat at the main position.

The Prime Ministers stood up and bowed, “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

Princess Pingyao slightly bowed, “Greetings, Imperial Aunt.”

“No need for formalities.” Shen Ning’s voice was calm. “Princess Pingyao is an esteemed guest. It’s almost lunchtime, would you like to stay for the meal?”

Princess Pingyao fixed her gaze on Shen Ning, her eyes showing some contemplation. “You seem different from before.”

As Shen Ning was about to lift her teacup, she paused at the words, then gazed leisurely at Princess Pingyao, “How so?”

“You used to be a proper young lady, suitable for managing a household.” Princess Pingyao’s lips curled slightly, “Now, you seem somewhat like me.”

It had to be admitted, Princess Pingyao had sharp eyes.

Shen Ning indeed found it challenging to fit the role of a household lady, which reflected in her tone when inviting Princess Pingyao for the meal, differing from the usual hostess.

However, Princess Pingyao’s keen observation skills could easily detect the changes within her, showcasing her sharp insight.

Shen Ning couldn’t help but hold a newfound respect for this woman.

“Similar to Princess Pingyao?” Shen Ning smiled lightly, “Does Princess Pingyao mean to suggest that I am unsuitable to be the Regent’s consort and should be a Princess instead?”

“Unless Uncle recognizes you as a foster daughter or sister, you won’t be a Princess.” Princess Pingyao’s unexpected words shook the room. “However, since Uncle values you so highly, why not become the Regent’s consort?”

Shen Ning calmly stated, “I am already the Regent’s consort.”

“You should understand my meaning.” Princess Pingyao seemed entirely unconcerned about the presence of other men, speaking without hesitation, “The current Regent’s consort is the consort of the Regent. When I refer to the Regent’s consort, I mean a consort who can exercise regency. The titles may sound similar, but the actual power differs.”

The Prime Ministers, taken aback, expressed their surprise, “Princess Pingyao, this… this might not be appropriate, right?”

“Whether it’s appropriate or not, why not ask Uncle?” Princess Pingyao replied nonchalantly.

Yan Qingchen turned to Ji Yucang, expecting him to reprimand Princess Pingyao, but to their surprise, he responded, “I do have such intentions.”

Yan Qingchen: “…”

Xie Tinglan: “…”

Even Shen Ning was somewhat taken aback, silently turning to look at him.

“However, there are currently no women in power in the court, so we need to set a precedent.” Ji Yucang said calmly. “I will officiate your marriage, and you will oversee the Ministry of War on my behalf.”

Princess Pingyao paused, her brows furrowing slightly, “Allowing me to enter the court?”