Chapter 63: Departing from Tradition

On the second day of October, the Emperor welcomed his new consort into the palace, granting her residence at Changle Palace. She was attended by two principal ladies-in-waiting, two personal maids, two inner court maids, four outer court maids, one chief eunuch, and two eunuchs for the outer court. Additionally, she was bestowed with ten pieces of brocade and satin, along with two sets of exquisite head ornaments.

Simultaneously, Princess Pingyao arrived at the Ministry of Justice for an inspection, causing a stir among the officials of the Ministry of War. They were bewildered and sternly rebuked her, “The Ministry of War is not a place for women to frolic. Please, Your Highness, show some restraint!”

“Women have never set foot in the court. Although Princess Pingyao has been granted special privileges by the late Emperor, she still cannot… cannot…”

“I am just here for a leisurely stroll.” Princess Pingyao, holding a jade-crafted folding fan, appeared nonchalant. “Gentlemen, there is no need to be tense.”

The Minister of War, along with the Left and Right Assistant Ministers, and other officials, all turned pale, focusing on the fan in her hand.

They were aware that when the fan was unfolded, it displayed the words “As if I were here personally,” so despite their stern words, they dared not truly oppose Princess Pingyao.

“Starting today, I will hold a nominal position at the Ministry of War.” Princess Pingyao smiled faintly. “You need not worry about my intentions. I have no interest in your positions, only hoping for smoother operations. Do not entertain inappropriate ideas, or this fan in my hand might cost lives.”

With that said, she calmly walked away, seemingly unconcerned about the impact her words might have on the officials of the Ministry of War.

However, upon leaving the Ministry of Justice, Princess Pingyao was intercepted by an elderly woman.

“Your Highness, the Empress Dowager requests your presence.”

Princess Pingyao, with a serene expression, silently followed the woman to meet the Empress Dowager.

“Mingxi.” The Empress Dowager, composed yet displeased, gazed at the defiant princess before her. “What business did you have at the Ministry of War?”

Entering the grand hall, Princess Pingyao nonchalantly took a seat. “I go where I please. Does the Empress Dowager have authority over me?”

“Impudent!” The Empress Dowager’s expression darkened. “Do you have no sense of propriety left?”

Princess Pingyao raised an eyebrow slightly, “If the Empress Dowager’s intentions are only to say these words, please excuse my absence.”

With that remark, she made a move to leave.

“Stop.” The Empress Dowager’s voice turned cold, “Have you seen Yanshu’s injuries? Have you visited him?”

Princess Pingyao nonchalantly nodded, “I did visit him once.”

The Empress Dowager continued coldly, “Your own husband has been so insulted, don’t you want to seek justice for him?”

Husband? Justice?

Looking at the Empress Dowager’s feigned severity, Princess Pingyao smiled faintly, “Qin Yanshu brought the injury upon himself. What does it have to do with me? In my household, with so many beautiful and obedient individuals, I can’t even lavish attention on one per day. How would I have time to care for a foolish and irresponsible person who hasn’t proven his worth?”

Her words were merciless, almost trampling her own kin in front of the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager’s face turned ashen, her anger palpable, “Ji Mingxi!”

“Not to mention Qin Yanshu’s actions at the Regent’s place, you know, and I know.” Princess Pingyao sneered, “Such a shameless creature, I refuse to acknowledge him as my husband.”

Standing up, she declared, “Empress Dowager, dismiss those thoughts. I am twenty-three years old this year, still unmarried. You should know by now that I am a rebellious soul by nature, not bound by anyone’s rules. Don’t try to suppress me with status. If you truly upset me, I will wipe out Qin’s entire family!”

Leaving behind this outrageous threat, Princess Pingyao walked out, adhering to the saying “came in haste, left in haste.”

The Empress Dowager trembled with anger, and the palace attendants fell to their knees in shock, almost shattered by the princess’s audacious words.