Wencheng Chang Gongzhu looked toward her husband and noticed the bewilderment in his eyes as well. This unexpected announcement had caught them completely off guard.
Taking a deep breath, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu forced a polite smile. "Your Majesty, could it be that you have been overworking yourself lately, leading to these dreams? Perhaps this is just a result of exhaustion?"
It was a carefully framed question, designed to give the Emperor an opportunity to reconsider his position. However, in her heart, she knew she couldn't let her daughter fall into the treacherous world of the Eastern Palace.
The Emperor's expression immediately darkened as he glared at his younger sister. "I am not so old that I'm seeing things! And it's not just me—the Empress has had the same dream repeatedly in recent days. Are you suggesting her visions are also a product of exhaustion?"
This was his only sister, a person he deeply cared for. Anyone else daring to question him in this way would have faced serious repercussions for their disrespect.
Seeing his unwavering resolve, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu and General Jiang felt a chill run down their spines.
Realizing that the Emperor's sharp gaze was fixed on them, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu finally managed a stiff smile, maintaining her composure. "Your Majesty, may I ask what you intend to do in light of this revelation?"
The Emperor hesitated briefly before speaking again, his expression unusually solemn. For a moment, there was even a trace of regret on his face. Seeing this, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu and her husband grew increasingly uneasy.
The Emperor, unaccustomed to moments like this, looked directly at his sister and spoke carefully. "There is something about this matter that I haven't told you yet. Please understand that every decision I make is for the good of the family and the realm."
Wencheng Chang Gongzhu's unease deepened. She took a step closer and addressed him directly, slipping into the familiar tone of their youth. "Brother, what exactly are you referring to? Please, tell me plainly."
The Emperor took a deep breath before responding. "In my vision, the moonlight didn't fall upon your eldest daughter, Zhen's courtyard. Instead, it illuminated Haitang Courtyard. I have decided that, at the beginning of next month, your younger daughter will enter the palace as the Crown Prince's consort."
The Emperor's words were carefully chosen, but they landed like a thunderclap. The married couple stared at him in stunned silence.
The Emperor sighed, his voice softening as he continued. "I understand that this decision may seem unfair to Zhen. I have always cared for her deeply and hoped to see her marry into the royal family. However, this is the best course of action for everyone involved. To honor her, I will confer upon her the title of Qingyang Junzhu, along with lands of her own near your estate."
This additional announcement left Wencheng Chang Gongzhu reeling. Bestowing land upon a Junzhu was an exceptional honor, usually reserved only for high-ranking royals. While she had always enjoyed privilege as the sister of the Emperor and daughter of the late ruler, this unexpected elevation for her daughter was beyond anything she had imagined.
Her shock quickly gave way to relief and joy. Just moments ago, she had been agonizing over her daughter's fate, and now the situation had completely turned in their favor. Even the engagement with the Crown Prince, which had been a source of concern, was resolved in a way that left their family's reputation intact.
When she finally regained her composure, she addressed the Emperor. "Your Majesty, your consideration for Zhen's future is deeply appreciated. Her father and I are profoundly grateful for your generosity and fairness."
General Jiang, standing resolutely at his wife's side, added, "Your Majesty's wisdom and care for our family will not be forgotten. We will ensure that Zhen understands the honor and privilege she has been granted."
The Emperor nodded, visibly pleased with their response. "Very well. I trust that you will guide her wisely. This matter will be formally announced tomorrow. Rest assured that your family's loyalty and contributions are well recognized."
As they left the palace, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu and her husband exchanged a look of mutual relief. Not only had their daughter been spared the indignity of a troubled marriage, but she had also been elevated to a position of great respect.
That evening, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu entered her daughter's chambers and found Jiang Lingzhen sitting quietly, her expression calm but introspective. Lingzhen looked up as her mother entered, sensing that something important had happened.
"Zhen," her mother began gently, sitting beside her. "The Emperor has made a decision about your future."
Lingzhen tilted her head slightly, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "What decision, Mother?"
Taking her daughter's hand, Wencheng Chang Gongzhu explained, her voice warm with relief. "The engagement with the Crown Prince has been dissolved. Instead, the Emperor has conferred upon you the title of Qingyang Junzhu, along with your own lands. This is an extraordinary honor, Zhen. It secures your independence and ensures your future status."
Lingzhen's expression remained calm, though inwardly, she felt a sense of satisfaction. This development not only resolved her immediate predicament but also granted her the freedom and authority to pursue her own goals. "I see. Thank you for telling me, Mother. Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty as well."
Wencheng Chang Gongzhu smiled, stroking her daughter's hand affectionately. "Remember, Zhen, you are worthy of the highest respect. This is a new chapter for you. Make the most of it."
Lingzhen nodded, determination shining in her eyes. A new chapter indeed. She vowed to use this opportunity to protect her family, maintain her dignity, and ensure that no one dared to threaten her or those she cared for again.
The next day, the Emperor's decree spread throughout the capital, leaving many astonished. Jiang Lingzhen, now Qingyang Junzhu, was no longer tied to the Crown Prince and had been elevated to a status of independence and power. In contrast, her younger sister, Jiang Yunshan, would soon enter the palace as the Crown Prince's consort—a significant position, but one that paled in comparison to Lingzhen's.
For Jiang Yunshan, the news was bittersweet. While she was entering the palace, her elder sister's new title overshadowed her, leaving her to contend with the whispers and judgments of the court.
As for Lingzhen, she began making plans. With her newfound authority, she intended to ensure her family's safety, navigate the court's treacherous waters, and hold her own against those who sought to undermine her.
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