chapter 11 The Crown Princess whose engagement was broken off (11)

Qinzheng Hall.
The Empress was about to defend herself when she was stopped dead in her tracks by an icy glare from Emperor Jianping.
"Your Majesty, I admit that I may have been thoughtless in this matter, but I had good intentions. I thought the Imperial Hospital was conveniently located, and if anything were to happen to that girl..."
"I think you've truly lost your mind!" Emperor Jianping reprimanded.
Three long and two short? Even he didn't dare say such things lightly.
The Empress, in front of him, had not shown restraint, and she was being so malicious towards a younger generation. What could be going on behind his back?
The Empress looked aggrieved and cried softly, "Perhaps I did something wrong with good intentions, but I didn't mean any harm. It's Princess Chang who disrespected me in front of my face..."
Emperor Jianping stared at the Empress as if she were a fool. "Do you only now realize Princess Chang's temperament? She has never shown any respect, even to an emperor like me."
Indeed, Aying never gave anyone, including the emperor, any preferential treatment. Especially when she had offended the queen of the Gu family.
The Empress tried to explain, "Your Majesty, I..."
"Enough, no need to say more. You may leave!" Emperor Jianping interrupted.
The Empress wanted to continue her defense, but Qi Gonggong quickly stepped forward, persuading her and escorting her out of the hall.
When Qi Gonggong returned, Emperor Jianping looked at the scattered chess pieces on the ground with an unreadable expression.
By forming an alliance with the Gu family, making Lady Lilith Jin the Crown Princess, he could unite the three major forces of the civil officials led by Ethan Gu, the military officials led by Duke Dingguo, and the clans led by Eldest Princess.
However, behind these significant benefits were equally significant risks. Ethan Gu was the current Prime Minister, exceptionally capable, with many talented disciples and a high reputation.
Behind Princess Chang was Eldest Princess and Duke Dingguo. Such a powerful extended family was a dangerous presence for any dynasty.
Now there was no need to worry about the troubles caused by powerful extended families, but the foolish actions of the Crown Prince could lead these three forces to turn against him. If other forces joined in, it could lead to chaos.
"Your Majesty? Your..."
"The Empress has left?"
"Empress Mother has gone to the Eastern Palace," Qi Gonggong replied.
Emperor Jianping fell silent for a moment before calmly giving orders, "Spread the word that the Empress has been disrespectful in front of me. Starting today, she is confined to the palace for reflection, and no one is allowed to disturb her. Palace affairs will be temporarily managed by the four concubines."
"Yes."
"The Crown Prince is obsessed with business and competing with the commoners for profit. Starting today, he is forbidden from entering the palace and must reflect on his mistakes."
"Yes."
"The oldest Lady of the Gu family is virtuous and talented. She will be granted the title of Princess Changning, and..."
"Yes."
...
Eldest Princess was unaware of the events unfolding in the palace as she rushed to the Wanshan Villa with the elderly imperial physician. Even from outside the gate, they could hear her daughter's laughter—a clear and pleasant sound that did not resemble the laughter of someone who was ill.
Eldest Princess: "..."
Imperial Physician Zhang: "..."
Eldest Princess's expression remained unchanged, but she looked worried as she asked, "This child is always like this. Even when she's sick, she pretends to be strong, just so she won't worry me or the Prime Minister. Zhang Lao, what do you think I should do with her?"
Imperial Physician Zhang had served in the palace for many years, witnessing the departure of two emperors. He knew well when and how to choose his words carefully. With heartfelt emotion, he replied, "The young lady's filial piety is truly moving. Even if Princess Chang pretends not to know, she still fulfills the young lady's wishes."
Eldest Princess smiled faintly. "You're right."
As they entered the villa, the closer they got to the inner courtyard, the clearer the cheerful laughter became. However, both Eldest Princess and Imperial Physician Zhang remained unaffected and did not change their expressions.
..