Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey

Chapter 834: Prince Ping — Extra Story (Part 2)

What kind of person is Prince Ping? All the young ladies attending the banquet in the palace had heard of him. However, hearsay did not provide any deep feelings. Witnessing him in person at this moment, almost all were startled.

Everyone subconsciously turned to Li Fanghua.

At home, Li Fanghua had been repeatedly instructed by her elders not to lose composure upon entering the palace and to maintain the poise expected of a future Princess Ping.

She was merely a young girl who had just come of age, filled with dreams of marrying a good man. Yet she had been told that she was to marry the intellectually challenged Prince Ping. This was a favor granted by Empress Dowager Li to her family, who were elated and selected her, the most outstanding in appearance and talent among several eligible Li Family girls.

No one asked her whether she was willing or not.

No one knew she already had someone in her heart.

No one cared about her feelings.

She was like a marionette today, waking up in the morning to be washed and dressed by her maids, escorted by her elders into Ning An Palace to play the qin and perform in front of everyone. She was scrutinized by Empress Dowager Li and observed by the Empress.

The loose skirts concealed her trembling legs, the delicate makeup hid her panic and distress.

She was like a fish out of water, placed on an exquisite chopping board, resignedly closing her eyes. However, Prince Ping’s sudden actions shattered the emotional walls she had built for herself.

Her eyes suddenly became moist.

The accompanying Mrs. Li noticed her discomfort, her smile froze abruptly, and she quickly stood up to cover for her: "Fanghua is a bit unwell, allow me to take her to rest for a while."

No one present was foolish. Furthermore, the pitiful image of Li Fanghua biting her lip, eyes red and tears continuously falling, was impossible to ignore.

Empress Dowager Li was filled with a burning rage, glaring fiercely at Mrs. Li, she said indifferently, "If that’s the case, you may withdraw for now."

Among the many options, how could they choose such an unsuitable troublemaker?

In front of so many people, such embarrassment and disgrace. More importantly, Jiang Shaohua was also present today. Li Fanghua’s appearance could not possibly catch the Emperor’s eye. How could she be fit to be Princess Ping?

Jiang Shaohua glanced at the tear-streaked and silently weeping Miss Li, thinking that this matchmaking banquet had been utterly ruined.

This Miss Li clearly had no desire to become Princess Ping. Empress Dowager Li was focused on her family, and the Li Family was eager to climb the social ladder, without ever asking whether Miss Li wished to be the sacrificial offering.

Jiang Shaohua remained silent to avoid embarrassing Empress Dowager Li.

Mrs. Li hurriedly stepped forward, pulling up the distressed Li Fanghua, using an awkward smile to mask the panic and unease inside her.

Li Fanghua lowered her head and walked a few steps with Mrs. Li. Suddenly, she heard Prince Ping shouting loudly behind her, her heart pounded, and her blood surged through her temples.

With courage from an unknown source, Li Fanghua suddenly broke free from Mrs. Li’s grasp and turned to kneel before the Empress and Empress Dowager Li.

Mrs. Li’s head buzzed, her heart skipped a beat.

The crowd was shocked, all holding their breath and craning their necks to catch every bit of the impending drama.

Empress Dowager Li looked displeased, staring at Li Fanghua.

Jiang Shaohua raised an eyebrow slightly, remaining expressionless.

"Emperor, Empress Dowager, Fanghua has lost her composure today." Li Fanghua choked with emotion, her voice trembling like a little flower swaying in the gale: "Fanghua is not fit for palace life, I wish to return home now. I beg the Emperor and Empress Dowager for permission."

Silence fell.

The concubines averted their gaze, pretending to be nonexistent.

The women attending the banquet, seeing the dark expression on Empress Dowager Li’s face, quickly looked away as if scorched by fire.

Mrs. Li’s mind buzzed, two desperate words flashed through her heart.

It’s over!

Forget about being Princess Ping! Causing such a shameful spectacle, in the future, it will be difficult for the Li Family women to even enter the palace. This Li Fanghua! How could she make such a fuss in public!

Being Miss Li, marrying into the palace as Princess Ping, she could bring decades of honor and dignity to the Li Family. It was her glory and pride! How dare she do this!

Mrs. Li gritted her teeth angrily but had to put on a brave face to kneel together and cautiously intercede for Li Fanghua: "Fanghua is young and inexperienced, she hasn’t seen such grand occasions in the palace. Losing decorum in front of the Emperor today is due to the Li Family’s poor guidance. Please, Emperor, quell your anger, and Empress Dowager too. I will take her back and teach her properly, and we will return to apologize later."

Empress Dowager Li said coldly, "Go!"

Mrs. Li once again seized Li Fanghua’s sleeve.

Li Fanghua trembled, seemingly anticipating the miserable fate awaiting her. As a young lady who caused such trouble, there would be no good outcome awaiting her back at the Li Family. She would either be hastily arranged to marry off or succumb to illness, never appearing in public again, slowly fading away over the years.

Li Fanghua raised her head, her eyes filled with tears looking pleadingly at the Empress.

Empress, save me.

Jiang Shaohua’s brow moved slightly, a long-forgotten scene flashed in her mind from many years ago. Long ago, she too had been a sacrifice to a political marriage. The difference was, she was persuaded by Grand Empress Dowager Zheng and willingly entered the fire pit.

The Li Fanghua before her showed courage and determination in rebellion, causing such a tumult in public; her courage was commendable.

"Mrs. Li," Jiang Shaohua smiled and spoke, "wait a moment."

Mrs. Li felt like killing Li Fanghua. However, since the Emperor had spoken, she had to obediently respond and comply: "Yes, please instruct, Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Today is the Empress Dowager’s birthday, a good day. Li Fanghua’s momentary loss of decorum is not a grave mistake, there’s no need for harsh reprimands. If we stir up any fuss, it would only mar the Empress Dowager’s good intentions."

Mrs. Li felt a tightness in her heart and repeatedly agreed.

These words from the Empress were enough to spare her life.

Li Fanghua cried again. This time, it was tears of joy and gratitude. She dared not say much, only bowing three times heavily. When she looked up, her forehead was red: "Thank you, Emperor."

Jiang Shaohua gently smiled and said, "No need to thank me. When you return, speak clearly with your elders about what’s in your heart. The elders are kind and generous, and they will surely cherish and care for the younger generation. Go."

This "go" was much warmer than Empress Dowager Li’s cold two words.

Li Fanghua felt a warm current in her heart, nodded with red eyes, and left with Mrs. Li.

The women who watched the drama internally breathed a sigh of relief. Their Empress, though mighty, also had a benevolent and merciful side. With just a few words, she had altered Li Fanghua’s fate.

Mrs. Li took Li Fanghua away, yet the birthday banquet did not grow cold.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said to Empress Dowager Li, "Don’t be upset over this little matter, Mother. So many people have entered the palace today to celebrate your birthday—Mother likes to watch young girls; let them all come forward to talk."