The summer heat was scorching, not a breath of wind, making everyone sweat profusely.
But no one in the prince's manor felt the heat or paid attention to the weather. Their thoughts and attention were entirely focused on Grand Consort Zheng, Huangfu Yue, and Jiang Shangyun, all eager to see how Grand Consort Zheng and Huangfu Yue would deal with Jiang Shangyun.
Everyone in the prince's manor believed that even if Jiang Shangyun spoke righteously, Grand Consort Zheng and Huangfu Yue would still punish him. However, to everyone's surprise…
"You may rise," Grand Consort Zheng suddenly gestured for Jiang Shangyun to stand.
Jiang Shangyun's face lit up with joy, and he quickly kowtowed to Grand Consort Zheng. "Thank you, Old Madam."
Everyone, except Huangfu Yue, wore expressions of surprise, not understanding why Grand Consort Zheng had allowed Jiang Shangyun to rise. It seemed she had no intention of punishing him.
What Grand Consort Zheng said next further astonished everyone except Huangfu Yue…
"You did very well!" Grand Consort Zheng praised Jiang Shangyun.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, unable to comprehend why Grand Consort Zheng not only didn't blame Jiang Shangyun but was also praising him.
"Thank you for your praise, Old Madam. I was merely doing my duty," Jiang Shangyun bowed to Grand Consort Zheng.
"Yue'er, give him a reward of one hundred taels of silver," Grand Consort Zheng looked at her granddaughter.
Huangfu Yue did not object to Grand Consort Zheng's intention to reward Jiang Shangyun. Without a word of doubt, she immediately took out one hundred taels and handed it to Jiang Shangyun.
Everyone was stunned, their faces full of question marks, unable to fathom why Grand Consort Zheng was rewarding Jiang Shangyun, and such a large sum of one hundred taels.
Zhu Jiayi and her household staff knitted their brows, clearly displeased with Grand Consort Zheng's actions. Many, including Zhu Jiayi, wore wronged expressions.
Zhu Jiayi strongly felt like speaking out, complaining to Grand Consort Zheng, asking her why she had handled the situation this way. It was unfair; not only was Jiang Shangyun not punished for hurting her people, but he was also rewarded. Wasn't this slapping her face and deliberately bullying her?
But Zhu Jiayi knew that Grand Consort Zheng had always been fair. She would not intentionally favor Xu Yuqing and Jiang Shangyun. She must have her reasons for acting this way.
Zhu Jiayi bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and then swallowed back her complaints.
Jiang Shangyun's eyes flickered with surprise as he looked at the reward money handed to him by Huangfu Yue.
He had truly not expected Grand Consort Zheng not only not to punish him as he had hoped but also to praise him and reward him with a hundred taels. It was an unexpected delight!
It seemed his words had resonated with Grand Consort Zheng. Grand Consort Zheng's thoughts were…
Then…
"Thank you, Old Madam, thank you, Young Miss!" Jiang Shangyun respectfully extended his hands to receive the silver notes from Huangfu Yue, tucked them into his sleeve, and then turned to face Zhu Jiayi.
Seeing this, everyone's eyes widened with surprise and confusion, their gazes filled with bewilderment. They couldn't understand what Jiang Shangyun intended to do by approaching Zhu Jiayi, nor could Huangfu Yue and Grand Consort Zheng.
"Eldest Young Madam, although I had my reasons for striking your servant earlier, it was still disrespectful to you. I offer my apologies here,"
Jiang Shangyun bowed to Zhu Jiayi and said with an apologetic expression. After speaking, he raised his hand and slapped himself twice. He struck himself forcefully, and his face instantly turned red.
Everyone looked utterly dumbfounded; some were completely mesmerized.
Zhu Jiayi looked at Jiang Shangyun, somewhat bewildered. She had never expected Jiang Shangyun to apologize to her proactively, let alone slap himself twice as an apology.
Xu Yuqing furrowed her delicate brows. What was this Jiang Shangyun doing? Was he crazy?
How could he apologize to Zhu Jiayi and slap himself twice as atonement?
Huangfu Yue stared at Jiang Shangyun, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly.
This person… had something about him.
"This Jiang Shangyun is not ordinary!" Grand Consort Zheng also narrowed her eyes slightly as she stared at Jiang Shangyun, a hint of admiration in her gaze.
Listening to his words and observing his actions, it was clear he was perceptive and a sensible person.
She hadn't expected Feng Maoyuan's subordinate to be like this. Perhaps he was a useful talent.
Huangfu Yue nodded gently, agreeing with Grand Consort Zheng's assessment.
She wondered about Jiang Shangyun's background and origins. Judging by his words and actions just now, he didn't seem like an ordinary person.
"Yue'er, reward Jiang Shangyun with another hundred taels," Grand Consort Zheng instructed her granddaughter.
As before, Huangfu Yue immediately took out a hundred taels without hesitation and went to Jiang Shangyun, handing it to him.
"Thank you, Old Madam, Young Miss." Jiang Shangyun accepted the money and gratefully thanked Grand Consort Zheng and Huangfu Yue again, his heart soaring.
His elation wasn't because he had received another hundred taels, but because his actions had earned Grand Consort Zheng's appreciation and commendation. He felt he was beginning to understand Grand Consort Zheng's thoughts more and more.
As long as he could grasp Grand Consort Zheng's intentions, do what she wished, and put in his utmost effort, he was sure to succeed.
"Yue'er, go and tend to the injured maids," Grand Consort Zheng commanded her granddaughter.
"Yes," Huangfu Yue agreed immediately.
"Nanny Song, I see you have medicine in your hand. Apply it to your mistress; a little medicine will help her wound," Grand Consort Zheng then looked at Nanny Song and instructed her.
Nanny Song quickly responded affirmatively and then proceeded to apply medicine to Xu Yuqing.
"All the servants, disperse. Go back to your duties. Kitchen staff, hurry and prepare lunch. It's already noon; it's time to eat," Grand Consort Zheng waved to the assembled servants.
The servants immediately scattered, returning to their tasks. The kitchen staff, led by Steward Xu, quickly lit the fires and began cooking.
Grand Consort Zheng noticed Zhu Jiayi still standing motionless, staring directly at her, and her brows twitched slightly.
"Do you have something to say?" Grand Consort Zheng asked her eldest granddaughter-in-law. "Are you unhappy with my decision? Do you feel wronged?"
Zhu Jiayi dared not nod and quickly shook her head. "No. I… I wanted to apologize to Grandmother. I didn't do well, and I've let you and Yue'er down."
Hearing this, a hint of a smile flickered in Grand Consort Zheng's eyes, and her gaze softened.
This child still has hope! She's much better than that woman Xu Yuqing!
Grand Consort Zheng looked at Xu Yuqing, only to see her frowning and complaining of pain. She was chiding Nanny Song for being rough while applying the medicine, cursing her.
A faint, dark glint appeared in Grand Consort Zheng's eyes. She sighed inwardly with helplessness.
She felt that Xu Yuqing was truly beyond saving!
Grand Consort Zheng's gaze returned to Zhu Jiayi, and she uttered, "You have indeed disappointed me somewhat."
Seeing Zhu Jiayi's expression change, a hint of desolation flashing in her eyes, Grand Consort Zheng added, "I hope you will perform better in the future and not disappoint me again."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Jiayi's face brightened, and joy flashed in her eyes. Her grandmother's words clearly indicated she was still willing to give her another chance.
"After Yue'er finishes treating your maids, I have something to discuss with you sisters-in-law," Grand Consort Zheng said, glancing around at all her daughters-in-law.
Zhu Jiayi nodded eagerly, very keen to know what Grand Consort Zheng wanted to say to them, the granddaughters-in-law. Was it about the conflict between her and Xu Yuqing earlier?
Zhu Jiayi really wanted to ask, but after a moment of hesitation, she decided against it, choosing instead to wait for Grand Consort Zheng to tell them herself.