AWB Chapter 330 Summoning
Chapter 330 Summoning
Consort De was persuaded by Prince Yong's words, but she still harbored a grudge.
Upon learning that Yun Shang and Yu Wan had sent the people she had sent to kill Su Qingchan to the Dali Temple, her face immediately darkened.
After dismissing the minor official from the Court of Judicial Review who came to report, Consort De said to Ruyi, "Issue my order to summon the wife of the Left Minister of Rites to the palace."
Ruyi's mind raced for a moment before she realized that Consort De was referring to the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Anguo's mansion.
She hesitated for a moment, "Your Majesty, what if Madam Yun doesn't agree..."
Consort De sneered, "If she dares not comply, she will be punished for disobeying the imperial decree!"
Thinking of something, Consort De's cold smile turned into a gentle one, but it was even more chilling than her previous cold smile.
"She saved my niece, so isn't it only right that I personally thank her?"
Ruyi caught a glimpse of Consort De's gaze, her heart skipped a beat, and she dared not say another word, hurriedly accepting her orders and leaving.
Just as Yu Wan finished breakfast, the gatekeeper came to report that someone from the palace had arrived.
Hearing this from the side, Madam Shen frowned immediately, "How did people from the palace find their way to our residence?"
The words "Consort De" immediately popped into Yu Wan's mind. Without changing her expression, she asked the gatekeeper, "What is it?"
The gatekeeper said respectfully, "The person who came is from Consort De. She said that Consort De summoned you to the palace for a talk."
Yunxi frowned upon hearing this, "Even if one is to pay respects at the palace, one should kowtow to the Empress, sister-in-law. Why does this Consort De want to see you?"
Yunxi's expression instantly turned grim as she realized something. "Consort De is Prince Yong's birth mother. Could it be because of the Su family..."
She reached out and grabbed Yu Wan's arm. "Sister-in-law, you can't go!"
Yu Wan felt a slight unease, but her face remained calm and composed.
She raised her hand and gently patted Yunxi's shoulder, reassuring her, "Don't be afraid, it's alright."
"If Consort De sends someone to summon me to the palace and I refuse, wouldn't that just give her an opportunity to cause trouble?"
"If I really go, she might not do anything to me."
Yu Wan said calmly, "I'll go take a look first. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it as it comes."
Looking at her sister-in-law's calm and composed demeanor, Yunxi had a fleeting illusion that she saw a shadow of her brother in her.
The worry in her eyes faded a little.
My sister-in-law is so calm; she must already have a plan in mind. There's no need for her to panic.
With a worried expression, Madam Shen held Yu Wan's hand and repeatedly warned her, "Wan'er, be careful in everything you do when you go to the palace. If Consort De deliberately makes things difficult for you, never confront her head-on."
Yu Wan nodded slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry, Mother-in-law, I know what I'm doing."
After getting ready, Yu Wan followed Consort De's people into the carriage and headed towards the palace.
Inside the car, she closed her eyes and pondered, her mind racing with thoughts.
The reason Consort De summoned her to the palace was probably because of the assassins who came to the plum garden last night.
She had anticipated that Consort De would not let the matter rest, but she hadn't expected Consort De to summon her to the palace. She wondered what Consort De was really up to.
The carriage soon stopped at the palace gate. Given Yu Wan's status, she could not enter the inner palace by carriage and had to walk.
After walking for a short while, they finally arrived at Consort De's palace, Dexin Hall.
Yu Wan expected to see Consort De with a grim expression, but to her surprise, Consort De had a smile on her face and looked at her as if she were seeing a junior she greatly admired.
Yu Wan became even more suspicious, but she bowed without showing any emotion. "Your subject Yu Wan greets Consort De and wishes Your Highness good health."
Consort De's smile remained unchanged as she rose and personally helped Yu Wan up.
Their enthusiastic manner made it seem as if they had met before and had never had any disagreements.
"Get up, good child."
"I had heard long ago that Lady Yun was gentle, virtuous, talented and beautiful. Seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved."
Consort De held Yu Wan's hand and patted it gently. The intimacy was so great that an uninformed person would think it was an elder meeting their most beloved junior.
Yu Wan's heart was filled with alarm bells, but she put on a perfectly gentle smile. "Your Majesty flatters me. I am just an ordinary woman and do not deserve such praise."
Consort De smiled kindly and pulled her to sit down beside her.
Ruyi quickly served tea.
Consort De picked up her teacup, took a sip, and gestured for Yu Wan to drink as well. "This is the best tea in my palace. Try it and see if the taste suits your palate."
Yu Wan became even more wary after Consort De's actions. She smiled as she took the teacup, gently blew on it to cool it down, took a small sip, and then put the teacup down.
In a gentle tone, she said, "Thank you for the tea, Your Majesty. It is fragrant and sweet. I have never tasted such good tea before. I am truly flattered."
Consort De looked at Yu Wan, a hint of scrutiny flashing in her eyes, and said with a smile, "If you like it, then so be it."
Yu Wan lowered her eyes and did not ask any questions.
Consort De seemed surprised by her composure and finally smiled as she spoke, "Actually, there's nothing else I wanted to discuss with you today."
"His Majesty has repeatedly praised Minister Yun, so I would like to see for myself what kind of woman is worthy of Minister Yun."
"Upon meeting you today, you are much as I imagined—gentle, graceful, and very likable."
Yu Wan didn't think Consort De would really like her.
But she didn't show anything on her face, only a look of being flattered and surprised. "Your Majesty is too kind. I am just doing my duty as a wife and assisting my husband. It is a great honor for my husband to receive praise from the Emperor and Your Majesty."
Yu Wan had a perfectly timed smile on her lips, which Consort De could not find fault with at all.
A hint of displeasure flashed in Consort De's eyes.
She smiled and said in the tone of an elder, "Minister Yun is young and promising. He will surely become a pillar of the court in the future. As his wife, you should also take good care of him and help him out."
Yu Wan nodded slightly and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my heart."
"My husband often says that serving the emperor is his lifelong wish, and I will always urge him on and dare not slack off in the slightest."
While saying these words, Yu Wan rolled her eyes inwardly.
What exactly is Consort De trying to say in such a roundabout way?
Consort De seemed quite pleased with Yu Wan's words.
She picked up her teacup, took another sip, and then changed the subject: "I heard that the plum garden was quite lively yesterday. My niece, Miss Xiao, almost drowned. If you hadn't rescued her in time, that girl would probably have been in trouble."
"Therefore, the reason I summoned you to the palace this time is also to express my gratitude to you."
Upon hearing this, Yu Wan did not relax at all; on the contrary, she became even more vigilant.
Consort De would summon her to the palace to express her gratitude.
how is this possible.
With a humble smile, Yu Wan said softly, "Your Majesty is too kind. The situation was critical at the time, and anyone would have helped. I was just there by chance. Even if I hadn't jumped, Miss Xiao would have been blessed with good fortune and would have been safe and sound."
Consort De put down her teacup and sighed softly, "You're too modest, child."
Yu Wan smiled but did not reply.
She lowered her eyes and picked up her teacup, pondering what Consort De was trying to do today, when she heard Consort De suddenly speak, "I also heard that when you rescued Miss Xiao yesterday, Minister Yun was also there."