Chapter 360 – Not Holding Grudges

Chapter 360 - Not Holding Grudges

Yun Li smiled. "Since you're here, let's have some tea first and chat slowly."

Seeing her so amiable, Niu Shi felt less nervous at least.

Moreover, being of advanced age, she was intimidated by the Empress's favorite concubine. Besides, the Zhang family currently had no prominent figures to boast about.

"I've always been a straightforward person," Yun Li said with a smile. "Sometimes my words might sound harsh, but I do speak the truth."

Upon hearing her speak, Niu Shi quickly put down her teacup, showing an attentive demeanor.

"In my opinion, it's truly a pity that Princess Hua Ying passed away at such a young age. She and her husband were deeply in love; it's truly lamentable," Yun Li continued.

"You're right, Your Highness. Whenever I think of her these past years, my heart aches terribly," Niu Shi sighed.

"However, the deceased have passed on, and those still living must carry on with their lives, right? Empress Dowager doted on Princess Hua Ying and also adored her children. But in the end, these two children bear the Zhang surname. I don't know how the Zhang family educates their children, but these two kids seem to have grown up quite differently," Yun Li said.

These words struck a chord with Niu Shi, who sighed. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but honestly... I really don't know what to do."

"The Duke has been alone for many years, with only these two children. It hasn't been easy for him. In my opinion, it's fine if the Empress Dowager dotes on them, but the Duke shouldn't have to remain alone forever." Yun Li smiled. "No matter how much she loves them, they still need a mother's guidance. The Princess is young, and the young Marquis is even younger. If the Duke were to remarry and take a virtuous lady as his wife, he could then openly educate his children. The two children are already lonely; wouldn't it be better if there were more?"

Niu was so nervous that her heart felt like it was going to leap out of her chest, but her voice remained steady. "Your Highness speaks wisely, but this matter... The Empress Dowager cherishes Hua Ying so much, I'm afraid it won't be easy."

"The Zhang family has contributed in the past and has never made any mistakes over the years. After the Princess passed away, it was appropriate for the Duke to mourn for a few years, but not indefinitely. The Duke was still young when the Princess died, and now those years have passed. If Madam trusts me, I can mention this to His Majesty. As their uncle, wouldn't His Majesty want to see the children thrive? Having someone guide them would be a good thing."

"You have a point, Your Highness. If you really help, the Zhang family will forever remember your kindness." Niu stood up.

"Kindness aside, such incidents must not happen again in the future. We are both mothers, so imagine if you were in my shoes, wouldn't you have harsh words too?" Yun Li asked with a smile.

Niu hurriedly chuckled. "Not just you, I slapped her yesterday when I saw her. What sort of lowly tactics is that... Best not to dwell on it."

"I happen to need to send a message to His Majesty as well. Since you're here, I'll bring it up. At least let the Princess focus on self-improvement at home for now. For now, outsiders don't know about this incident, but the palace is full of eyes and ears. It's hard to guarantee that news won't spread. When the time comes, whether it's the Second Prince or the Ninth Prince, people might at most say they're wayward. But they are still princes. They can remarry in the future and take ladies from prominent families. As for the Princess, who would dare to speak of marrying her?"

In truth, no one dared even now, given her fated destiny.

Niu sighed. "Your Highness speaks the truth. But I wonder how this child's marriage will fare in the future."

This was also a probe, but Yun Li simply smiled without responding. "Fate will decide."

With these words, the conversation drew to a close.

Madam Niu stayed a while longer, engaging in idle chatter before finally taking her leave. Before doing so, she pressed a large silver ingot into the hands of White Heron, who had seen her off, repeatedly praising Empress Concubine Xia's benevolence.

Yun Li smiled and said, "The Zhangs do have some sense."

Zhi Fu remarked, "If Zhang Zhi gets married and has children, it'll be quite awkward for the princess and young marquis in the future."

Yun Li sneered. "They've been spoiled beyond reason; they deserve whatever comes their way."

"Although there's nothing particularly remarkable about the Zhang family, they are an old and esteemed noble house. While they might not be influential, Zhang Zhi's sister is married to the eldest son of Duke Changning. Rumor has it that they're a loving couple, and her in-laws dote on her. Duke Changning holds a significant position with real power—quite a good match," Zhu Ding observed.

Yun Li chuckled. "You all think too far ahead. I just want to avoid making more enemies. If a fight is necessary, we'll fight, but we should also be willing to make friends. The Zhang siblings, Zhang Yong and Zhang Tong, have been blinded by the allure of palace wealth, but the Zhang family knows better than to rely on the Empress Dowager."

"As they should," Zhi Fu agreed. "The Empress Dowager may dote on those two children, but she won't lift a finger to help the Zhangs if push comes to shove."

Indeed, the Empress Dowager's affection for the two children did not extend to the rest of the Zhang family.

Now, it was clear that these two children no longer cared about the Zhang family.

The Empress Dowager was approaching seventy. At that age, life was rare and treasured. How many more years could she tend to Princess Zhangying?

What would become of the Zhang family in the future?

Yun Li smiled. "I didn't deceive her, though. It would be beneficial for everyone if Zhang Zizhi remarried."

Zhi Fu chuckled. "If you were to request this, the Zhang family would be immensely grateful."

After all, no one dared to bring up such a matter.

Yun Li raised an eyebrow. "Then let's write the letter. I love stirring up trouble."

There was no need for her to beat around the bush; she could be straightforward.

The Emperor knew her well. After such an incident, how could she not be angry? The Emperor must be furious too. Once she brought it up, Zhang Zizhi would surely be allowed to remarry.

The two Zhang children also had to return home for care.

One brings destruction upon oneself; no one can save them.

On the first of June, during the customary visit to Cihang Palace, the Empress Dowager naturally brought up the Zhang family.

"The incident this time was caused by a misunderstanding on the part of Prince Two's people towards the princess. However, Mingzhu herself was also at fault. How could she not know her limits and change clothes just anywhere?" The Empress Dowager frowned.

The Empress truly didn't want to continue the conversation, but if no one spoke, it would be too awkward.

So she reluctantly replied, "You are right."

"Consort Xian, you shouldn't hold a grudge either. She is still young. Besides, she has already been punished," the Empress Dowager said.

Yun Li smiled. "Empress Dowager, your concern is unnecessary. This servant is no longer angry. There is no need to discuss this matter further; it would ultimately harm the princess's reputation if it were to spread."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "You have a point. You always think things through. Then let us not mention this incident in the palace anymore."

Everyone agreed.

But what one truly thinks in their heart is known only to oneself.

Exiting, the Empress Dowager scoffed, "Why does she seem to be taking advantage of her age now that she's getting older? "

Yun Li also spoke coldly, "After all, they're bound by blood. The Lin family betrayed her, and His Majesty isn't her biological child. Her only true daughter is gone, and now that she's old, she's started cherishing her offspring."

The Empress was taken aback, "You too, why did you just come out with it?"

She was referring to the fact that the Emperor wasn't born to the Empress Dowager.

"I would hide it from you, my elder sister? Didn't you already know?" Yun Li smiled.