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Jiang Xi felt as if she could hardly breathe and realized she shouldn't have joked with Fong Yang like that. She hurriedly said, "I was just joking with you. Please let go of me; I'm about to suffocate."
Fong Yang finally loosened his grip a little. Looking down at Jiang Xi's pained expression, he immediately felt guilty and tenderly relaxed his hold.
Jiang Xi's heart tightened, and with an apologetic tone, she said, "I'm sorry, Fong Yang. I shouldn't have said that." She then raised her hand to smooth the furrowed brow of Fong Yang. "I don't want to be an empress, nor do I have any thoughts about the Three Palaces and Six Courts. You don't need to worry; in this life, I am only your wife, belonging solely to you and no one else."
In just one day, her identity had undergone a tremendous transformation, from the Eldest Daughter of the Prime Minister of Great Zhou to the daughter of Princess Tianqi.
The world believed her mother came from a merchant family, unaware that her mother's status could overshadow any woman in the realm.
Fong Yang couldn't help but hold Jiang Xi tighter. He didn't want to think about being an empress or even his own title as Regent of Great Zhou; he just wanted to take Jiang Xi away from the mundane world and live a peaceful life free from disturbances.
Fong Yang softly said, "Jiang Xi, let's get married!"
Jiang Xi immediately agreed.
A few days later was Jiang Xingzhi's birthday banquet.
Dressed in the new attire tailored for her by Fong Yang, Jiang Xi arrived at the entrance of the Prime Minister's Residence in a carriage.
Seeing Fong Yang sitting beside her, she couldn't help but smile lightly. "Your Highness is a war god who commands armies, yet you've been accompanying me in this carriage lately. Others can't see your gallant figure on horseback anymore. Aren't you afraid they'll gossip?"
Fong Yang shook his head slightly and calmly replied, "Not afraid. Who dares to speak ill? I had Han Shuang cut out his tongue."
Jiang Xi paused for a moment before suddenly saying, "Fong Yang, that sounds a bit familiar. Hasn't someone else said something like that before? Oh right! I think I ordered Han Yue to do something similar back at Princess Chang's Residence."
He chuckled softly and continued, "Your Highness doesn't need to be so brutal; I enjoy it when others can't stand me but can't do anything about it. Let them talk."
Hearing this, Fong Yang's eyes were filled with affection as he said, "As you wish." He then personally helped Jiang Xi down from the carriage.
Today's birthday banquet at Jiang Manor was particularly lively because the Emperor would be attending.
The maidservants spotted Fong Yang and Jiang Xi from afar and hurried over to bow, saying, "Greetings, Regent and Miss Jiang. The lady is waiting for you at Listening Rain Pavilion."
Jiang Xi nodded at Fong Yang and said, "Your Highness, I'm going to see my mother. You can head to Ink Splash Pavilion first."
Fong Yang let out a soft "hm." Just as the two had parted ways, a sarcastic voice echoed in their ears: "Sister really is favored by the Regent. Father’s Birthday Banquet is waiting for her to come with the Regent. Those who don’t know might think Sister is already the Regent Consort, but in reality, she doesn’t even have a title yet."
Jiang Xi looked at Jiang Jiao, who had dressed up meticulously for today’s Birthday Banquet, raising an eyebrow with a hint of mockery. "Your sour tone is quite comforting, Sister. Unfortunately, even without a title, I am still the Eldest Daughter of the Prime Minister's Residence. Just this alone, you will never surpass."
Jiang Jiao flicked her hair back and smiled lightly. "Is that so? After today, it might not be the case. I hope Sister doesn’t lose her composure later." With that, she turned and walked away.
Jiang Xi watched her retreating figure thoughtfully, wondering what schemes the Feng mother and daughter were plotting again. With a faint smile, she turned and headed towards the Listening Rain Pavilion.
Madam Jiang had also dressed elegantly today, looking stunning in her finest attire, truly embodying the image of a noble lady.
Jiang Xi approached and asked with a smile, "Mother, you’re dressed so grandly today. Is there a special reason? If it’s just for Father’s birthday, it shouldn’t require this much effort from you."
Madam Jiang chuckled and replied, "Your father is celebrating his birthday today. I heard he plans to ask the Emperor for a favor in front of all the guests."
Jiang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly. "I’ve heard that Father wants to request the Emperor to allow him to take Liu as a concubine during the Birthday Banquet, so that Jiang Yue can acknowledge her ancestry and become Feng Yang's second daughter. But surely he wouldn’t still be thinking about bringing Jiang Yue and her mother into the residence after what happened at Qingyin Pavilion?"
Madam Jiang spoke calmly, "Your father values his reputation too much to bring up the scandal involving Jiang Yue and Liu. Today he intends to legitimize Feng as his Secondary Wife."
Jiang Xi immediately understood. "No wonder Jiang Jiao looked so excited earlier. Father wants to publicly recognize Feng in front of so many people; it’s practically slapping you in the face as his legitimate wife. I will not let him have his way."
Madam Jiang remained calm and composed. "You don’t need to get involved; I have my own ways to deal with his schemes. Today, I will present your father with an unforgettable gift!"
Jiang Xi was intrigued by her mother’s plan to teach her father a lesson and wondered if there was anything she could do to help.
Madam Jiang patted her hand and said, "Just sit back and enjoy the show. If I don’t give your father a proper response for his meticulous plotting, how can I justify it? Originally, I thought today being his Birthday Banquet would warrant some leniency since he’s turning forty and should be given some face. But it seems he doesn’t care about that little bit of face I’m willing to give him. Since that’s the case, why should I be polite?"
Jiang Xi held Madam Jiang's hand back with a gentle smile. "Whatever you decide to do, I support you."
Madam Jiang smiled back and said, "Good daughter, let’s go; it’s time for us to make our entrance. Today we are not the main characters; we are merely supporting roles and spectators."
Jiang Xi replied with a light smile, "Fong Yang is here today as well."
Madam Jiang nodded and said, "I expected him to come. Today I’m planning something big; perhaps we’ll need the Regent's assistance."
The mother and daughter made their way to the Lotus Garden, where they could hear a lively chatter from afar.
"Madam Feng comes from a prestigious family. Compared to the vulgar Madam Yuan, you should be Chancellor Jiang's virtuous wife."
"Indeed, if Chancellor Jiang weren't so reluctant to part with his lowly wife, Madam Feng would have long been the lady of the house. It's clear as day who is noble and who is base—a merchant's daughter versus a legitimate daughter from a noble family."
The Feng mother and daughter sat in the hall, their eyes betraying their delight and pride, while they feigned understanding and reasonableness.
Nearby, Princess Rui sneered and said, "It's a pity that Chancellor Jiang has feelings for her, yet his lowly wife is ungrateful and gave birth to a daughter who opposes him at every turn. Isn't she just relying on the Regent's favor? If you ask me, the Regent's affection for her isn't genuine either. If he doesn't truly love me, how could he possibly love you?"
Jiang Xi walked in casually, glancing at everyone before speaking. "Should I go talk to the Regent and see whether his feelings for me are real or just pretense?" At this sudden remark, the hall fell silent.
Qin Qin turned to look at the mother and daughter who had come with her. In an instant, Princess Rui mockingly spoke up: "Lady Jiang hasn't even entered the door yet and isn't already the Regent Consort. Now she dares to be so rude in front of me and all the ladies. It's indeed too much to expect a merchant's daughter to compare in manners with us noblewomen."
However, when their eyes met, Madam Jiang's luxurious attire caused Princess Rui's expression to stiffen slightly, jealousy flickering in her gaze.
"Coming from a merchant family certainly means wealth, but soon she'll be a Divorced Wife."
"Are you envious of our wealth?"
Jiang Xi casually raised an eyebrow with a smirk.
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