As Jiang Lian'er found herself at a loss, surrounded by the guards with their long spears, the gasps of palace maids and eunuchs echoing around her, the Emperor happened to pass by. Dressed in his dragon robe, he exuded an imposing presence, flanked by a group of attendants. Hearing the commotion, he furrowed his brow slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of confusion and displeasure.
Jiang Lian'er quickly broke free from the grasp of the palace maids and eunuchs, hastening to kneel before the Emperor. With a thud, she performed a deep bow, her voice trembling yet resolute as she declared, "Your Majesty, I am Jiang Lian'er, here to pay my respects."
The Emperor looked down at her with an authoritative tone. "Jiang Lian'er? What brings you here? Do you not know this is a forbidden garden?"
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Jiang Lian'er raised her head to meet the Emperor's gaze, earnestly explaining her intentions. "Your Majesty, I only wish to uphold my duties within the Jiang family, yet I have been maliciously slandered by Consort Li. I am truly wronged. I have heard of Your Majesty's wisdom and fairness, that you are a pillar for the people of this realm. Thus, I took the risk to enter the palace to present my grievances and seek your discernment."
The Emperor regarded Jiang Lian'er with a scrutinizing look but did not immediately respond.
Continuing with her wit, Jiang Lian'er cleverly addressed the Emperor's inquiry about her presence in the forbidden garden. "Your Majesty," she said, "I heard outside the palace of a wondrous flower known as the Ice Spirit Snow Lotus, which only grows in this forbidden garden. It is said to bloom with a pure light in darkness and possesses the ability to discern good from evil. I thought that if I could find this flower to present to Your Majesty, you would be able to uncover all schemes and ensure peace for our nation. My intentions are sincere; I mean no offense to Your Majesty or this sacred place."
Upon hearing her explanation, curiosity and admiration began to stir within the Emperor. He nodded slightly. "Oh? You harbor such thoughts? However, this Ice Spirit Snow Lotus is merely a legendary flower; no one has ever truly seen it."
Jiang Lian'er felt a surge of joy in her heart, realizing that the Emperor was starting to believe her. She continued, "Your Majesty, although I have not seen this flower myself, I believe that as long as one holds onto justice and hope, miracles can happen. Just as you govern this realm—despite numerous challenges—you steadfastly uphold righteousness, which has brought peace and prosperity to our nation. I wish to contribute even in a small way for Your Majesty’s sake, even if it is just in search of a legendary flower."
At that moment, Consort Li arrived upon hearing the commotion. Seeing Jiang Lian'er conversing with the Emperor startled her for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
Approaching the Emperor's side gracefully, she curtsied delicately. "Your Majesty, this Jiang Lian'er has trespassed into the forbidden garden with ulterior motives; do not be deceived by her flowery words."
Unfazed, Jiang Lian'er responded calmly, "Consort Li, my loyalty to Your Majesty is as clear as day. Why are you so eager to slander me? Are you afraid that I might reveal your schemes to His Majesty?"
The Emperor watched the confrontation between Consort Li and Jiang Lian'er, feeling an increasing sense of doubt in his heart.
He was well aware of the complexities of palace intrigues, but Jiang Lian'er's demeanor suggested that this matter was not as simple as it appeared. He raised his hand to signal for silence from both women and said, "I will investigate this matter myself. Jiang Lian'er, come with me to the study; I need to ask you some detailed questions."
Jiang Lian'er felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing she finally had a chance to defend herself and to make the Emperor begin to suspect Consort Li and Father Jiang's conspiracy.
She stood up respectfully and followed the Emperor, while Consort Li remained rooted in place, her expression dark and her eyes glinting with a hint of malice. She realized that her plans might be about to take an unexpected turn.
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