In Bianjing, the Grand Princess wore a look of utter despair. She numbly handled various court affairs.
"Second sister, why are we helping Xiao Man with these matters?" the Grand Princess finally couldn't help but erupt. Xiao Man had disappeared somewhere, yet they had to remain in Bianjing, helping Xiao Man stabilize the officials and handle all sorts of affairs. Xiao Man actually dared to just walk away!
The Second Princess, while sorting out important memorials and sending them to Xiao Man via express courier, handed less important memorials to the Grand Princess for her perusal.
"It is the duty of a subject."
"Xiao Man is not here."
"To address the Empress by her given name is a great disrespect," the Second Princess said calmly. "Eldest sister, you should also learn to be patient, otherwise, Northern Rong will be a cautionary tale for Blue Moon."
The Grand Princess choked. Northern Rong had always been barbaric and skilled in warfare, yet in a short period, they were defeated and routed by Yusheng, losing half their territory and now struggling for survival.
"Among the four nations, they are as inseparable as lips and teeth. If Northern Rong perishes, aren't you afraid Blue Moon will be next?" the Grand Princess asked with a frown. The four nations had originally kept each other in check, but now Yusheng had shattered this balance. Once Yusheng became the sole dominant power, Blue Moon would find it difficult to move.
"This is not a problem we should be concerned about," the Second Princess placed the sorted memorials beside the Grand Princess. "This is something His Majesty should be worrying about."
"She's worried? She doesn't even know where she is frolicking merrily right now. She is the Emperor now, but what is she doing? No memorials are approved, no morning court is attended. The five of us are being ordered around by her. We are princesses, after all!"
"And what of being princesses? Can princesses disobey imperial orders?" the Second Princess asked in a low voice. "If Eldest sister is unhappy, you are welcome to abandon these matters and leave."
"You think I dare not?"
"I know Eldest sister dares," the Second Princess said calmly. "But Eldest sister, do you believe you can walk out of the palace gates?"
The Grand Princess narrowed her eyes, looking at the Second Princess suspiciously. She had been summoned to the palace by Xiao Man to handle court affairs and was temporarily residing within. Thinking carefully, it had been quite some time since she had returned to her estate.
"Are we under house arrest?"
"Not exactly," the Second Princess returned to her seat and picked up a memorial to review. "You can leave the palace if you wish, but no one can guarantee what will happen after you leave."
"So, you are threatening me?" The Grand Princess now understood. The Second Princess had no intention of rebelling against Xiao Man since returning to the imperial capital, but had been supporting her all along. "Second sister, when did you start pledging allegiance to Xiao Man?"
"Pledge allegiance?" The Second Princess thought carefully. "I have not yet pledged allegiance to her."
"Lies! If you had not pledged allegiance to her, why are you helping her?" the Grand Princess raised her voice. "From the very beginning, you never intended to be her enemy, did you?"
The Second Princess slowly nodded. Yes, she had never intended to be Xiao Man's enemy.
"Why Xiao Man?" the Grand Princess was very confused. "You know, our affection for each other far surpasses that for Xiao Man."
The Second Princess looked up at the Grand Princess. "Eldest sister, it has nothing to do with affection. The reason I do not oppose the Empress is because I know I am not her match. One must know their own limitations. I do not like to do things like a moth flying into a flame." Sudian Novel Network
"If we sisters join forces, we can surely defeat her!"
The Second Princess smiled with amusement. It seemed the Grand Princess was still unwilling to give up. After all, she had planned for years for the throne, only for it to fall into someone else's hands. Not only that, but she was also brought here to do menial labor. It was understandable that she was unwilling.
"Eldest sister, you are too naive," the Second Princess said unhurriedly. "Why do you think the Empress dares to leave Bianjing so brazenly? Why does she dare to leave you and me behind in the palace to handle court affairs?"
"Why?"
"We are in the palace, Fourth sister and Fifth sister are outside the palace. With four of us guarding Bianjing, have you never considered the reason?"
The Grand Princess's brows furrowed like a mountain. All four of them were in Bianjing; this was their opportunity. However, the Second Princess was too timid. Normally, she was known for her caution, but now, her excessive caution made her seem hesitant and fearful.
"She is doing this to deter us, to keep us in check," the Grand Princess said indifferently.
The Second Princess glanced at the Grand Princess, knowing that despite her words, she was still unconvinced. If she could see clearly and dutifully do what she was supposed to do, without harboring any other thoughts, she could live a life of comfort. However, if she harbored other thoughts, then things might not be so good.
However, she had said what she could, and advised what she could. If the Grand Princess still refused to listen, then there was nothing she could do.
In the Cold Palace, Lan Ruoyu sat listlessly in the courtyard, gazing at the banyan tree. Ye Fei placed a cup of freshly brewed tea into Lan Ruoyu's hands. Lan Ruoyu mechanically accepted it but did not drink.
"Your Majesty, it is cold. Please have a cup of hot tea."
Lan Ruoyu's gaze remained fixed on the leaves falling from the banyan tree. She asked, "Why is this banyan tree shedding leaves at this time of year?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, banyan trees are special. They shed leaves in the same month they were planted, regardless of the weather. If planted in spring, they shed leaves in spring. If planted in summer, they shed leaves in summer."
"That is indeed novel," Lan Ruoyu replied. "The banyan trees in the palace used to shed leaves in spring. I thought all banyan trees shed leaves in spring. I never expected this banyan tree to shed leaves in autumn."
"I heard this banyan tree was planted by a gentleman at the founding of Blue Moon. That gentleman liked to have a banyan tree in his courtyard, so he planted this tree in early winter. Every early winter, this banyan tree sheds its leaves, which is quite a scenic sight."
"It is indeed a sight, making this already desolate Cold Palace appear even more desolate."
Upon hearing this, Ye Fei thought Lan Ruoyu disliked the banyan tree shedding leaves and said, "If Your Majesty dislikes it, this servant will have the fallen leaves cleaned up later. The shedding of leaves is for new growth. Within a few days, lush green leaves will sprout. Then, even in deep winter, new green leaves will be visible."
Lan Ruoyu nodded slowly. "I wonder if I will live to see it grow new leaves."
Ye Fei's face showed anxiety. "Your Majesty, do not speak such nonsense. Let alone seeing new leaves grow, you will even see it shed leaves again."
A pale smile appeared on Lan Ruoyu's face. A cold wind blew, causing her to cough. She knew her own body well. In her life, for men, she had betrayed everyone, and in the end, she had ended up with nothing. It could be considered retribution.