Wasn't he supposed to be beaten to death? Why did this powerful cousin love him so much?

Just as I rounded the screen, I saw Consort Hui come out from the inner room to greet me.

"Se Se!" Consort Hui's voice was filled with obvious joy as she looked at the girl in front of her, dressed in a princess's robe and surrounded by pearls and jade, her eyes momentarily dazed.

The Jiang Sese before her was no longer the little sister who needed her constant protection.

She was bestowed the title of Princess Chenjia by imperial decree, a noble status that was even subtly higher than my own rank as a concubine.

Consort Hui paused for a moment, smiled with pursed lips, and then warmly pulled Jiang Sese to sit down: "The last time I saw you was before autumn. How have you been these days?"

Upon seeing Consort Hui, Jiang Sese's tension, which had been building up all day in Wenhua Palace, immediately eased. She smiled and replied, "I'm fine. How is Your Highness? It's getting cold these days, how is Your Highness's health?"

Consort Hui looked at her with a smile and said, "I'm perfectly fine. But you, you look a bit thinner than last time? Is the food at the Princess's residence not to your liking? Or have you been so busy with your pharmacy that you forgot to eat?"

Jiang Sese smiled sheepishly; she had been right. She had indeed been busy testing a new batch of culture media these past few days and had forgotten to eat twice.

Seeing her expression, Consort Hui knew she had guessed correctly. She shook her head helplessly, muttering that even young people shouldn't be so reckless. She would have someone write down some closely guarded palace recipes for her to take back with her.

After the palace maids served tea and snacks, Consort Hui dismissed everyone except for one personal maid who stayed by her side.

Consort Hui lowered her voice, hesitatingly asking, "Are you... Consort Chen's daughter?"

When Consort Hui entered the palace, Consort Chen had already died.

But even before entering the palace, Consort Hui had heard of Consort Chen.

The common people, unaware of the inside story, only thought that Jiang Sese was lucky, probably because she was eloquent and managed to persuade the emperor to bestow upon her the title of princess.

Such things didn't happen in previous dynasties either.

In the previous dynasty, there was a daughter of a low-ranking official who, due to her loyalty and bravery in saving her lord during a crisis and her exemplary character, was exceptionally granted the title of County Princess by the emperor. Since ancient times, there have been instances of women being granted titles due to virtue, opportunity, or special treatment; this is not an isolated case.

Of course, in Dayong, Jiang Sese is the first one.

However, the fact that Jiang Sese was the daughter of Consort Chen was not a secret to powerful and influential people with connections and information channels, and Emperor Jingyuan had no intention of hiding it from them.

Because they knew Jiang Sese was Consort Chen's daughter, the Ministry of Rites only offered a token protest before giving in. After all, Emperor Jingyuan had already killed many people because of Consort Chen's affair.

Why risk your life?

The ministers of the Great Yong Dynasty were certainly loyal, but even if they were to die for their cause, their remonstrances should have been worthwhile. Fighting the emperor to the death for the position of a princess was unnecessary, utterly unnecessary.

So when Consort Hui asked, Jiang Sese nodded obediently, "Yes."

Consort Hui couldn't help but gasp, looked Jiang Sese over again, and said sadly, "That's not surprising."

Once you're associated with Consort Chen, even the strangest things become normal.

Consort Hui sighed softly, her gaze towards Jiang Sese filled with pity. "His Majesty—you don't know, after you were granted the title of Princess, His Majesty mentioned you to me several times. I said, why don't you just issue an edict to summon her in? But he would just say with a stern face, 'I'm not free.' But today, he finally couldn't resist and called you here."

Jiang Sese listened in a daze and replied, "Actually, I don't know what to say to His Majesty either. I feel that the more I say, the more mistakes I will make."

"You're just fine as you are," Consort Hui said gently. "His Majesty has seen countless people, and he can see through anyone who tries to be clever in front of him. The more honest you are, the more he will treat you differently."

Jiang Sese raised her head and looked at Consort Hui's gentle and smiling face. She couldn't help but say, "Now that Your Highness mentions it, I do remember—did the Fifth Prince like the chocolate I sent last time? It was a new recipe with less sugar."

Consort Hui smiled and said, "He likes it very much, thank you so much."

Jiang Sese smiled slightly upon hearing this, and then asked, "And what about the perfume I personally blended? I wonder if Your Majesty finds it agreeable?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Hui raised her hand and gently brushed her sleeve. A faint, elegant fragrance lingered around her nose, and her eyes were full of joy: "This fragrance is clear and gentle, unlike the strong and gaudy incense offered in the palace. It is also long-lasting. I have been using it every day these days."

Jiang Sese smiled and said that she brought the Fifth Prince a newly published picture book, which was full of pictures and text, and that children would definitely like it.

As Jiang Sese spoke, she took the brocade box from Hongdou's hand, placed it on the table, and opened it for Consort Hui to see.

Consort Hui turned a few pages, her eyes flickering slightly.

Relationships between people are beautifully crafted, based on mutual sincerity.

At first, Consort Hui only had a slight liking for her adopted sister because of Xie Jue. However, when Jiang Sese entered the palace last time, Consort Hui felt even more guilty because of her negligence that led to Jiang Sese's danger.

Then, seeing that Jiang Sese was safe and sound, and never mentioned or complained about what happened when she entered the palace last time, Consort Hui already had a six-point goodwill towards her.

Now that Jiang Sese often sends things in, they are all novelties that are not available in the palace, which makes Consort Hui even more favorable.

Putting everything else aside, Jiang Sese's appearance alone is exceptionally pleasing, not to mention her clever and insightful personality, which doesn't seem like that of a girl from a humble background at all.

One's background determines one's perspective and knowledge. While this statement is not absolute, it is certainly an objective fact.

At first, Consort Hui thought she and Jiang Sese wouldn't be able to connect, but after spending time together, she completely dispelled her initial concerns.

Consort Hui raised her eyes to look at her, her gaze gentle yet earnest: "Regarding matters outside the palace—though I can't offer much help, if you suffer any injustice, feel free to have someone pass a message to me."

Jiang Sese nodded and said sincerely, "I understand, Your Majesty. Please take good care of yourself."

Consort Hui couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to tap her forehead: "The way you speak now really sounds like a younger sister."

Jiang Sese then belatedly realized what she had said and pursed her lips in embarrassment.

The two chatted about everyday things, and there were still quite a few local products from Yangzhou. She would have someone send some pickles and dried tofu over for Consort Hui to try another day.

A new storybook is being written, and once it's finished, someone will send it to the palace for Consort Hui to see.

As they were talking, a young palace maid suddenly peeked out from outside the warm pavilion. Yueya, the palace maid waiting nearby, quickly went out to ask what was wrong. The young maid whispered a few words in her ear, and Yueya's expression changed slightly. She nodded and told the young maid to wait outside, then turned and quickly went into the warm pavilion.

Yueya hurried in, glanced at Jiang Sese sitting next to Consort Hui, and pursed her lips as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Jiang Sese immediately understood and was about to get up to say that she would go to the side hall to sit first, but Consort Hui waved her hand and said to Yueya, "Speak freely, Sese is not an outsider."

Yueya then said urgently, "Your Majesty, something has happened to Consort Liu!"