Chapter 976: Chapter 976: Chatting Over Tea with the Empress_1 Chapter 976: Chapter 976: Chatting Over Tea with the Empress_1 Jiang Ning went to see the Empress.

Although the Empress was confined to the Serene Phoenix Palace, she was still the Empress, and her treatment remained unchanged.

Now, the power of the Harem is in the hands of Concubine Shu and Concubine Yu, among others. They may not be vicious or harsh by nature. Despite the inevitable suspicion of schadenfreude, they have not mistreated the Empress in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities.

Emperor Li Changgeng had hundreds of concubines in his harem, and other than the unfortunate death of Concubine Jin, it was relatively stable.

By virtue of Jiang Ning’s arrival as Princess Consort, in the past two years, the harem has been so harmonious that it was almost like a family. Even the newly favored Concubine Zhu, Concubine Ya, and Concubine Ye didn’t face any difficulties.

Concubine Yu was a loyal fan of the Princess Consort. Concubine Zhu, Concubine Ya, and others also flocked around Jiang Ning, trying to curry favor with her. If any concubine caused trouble in the harem, the next day, the Princess Consort would visit her and talk to her about life and values.

Then, that concubine would join the ranks of Concubine Ya and others, racking their brains each day to send gifts to the East Palace, in order to foster a closer relationship with the Princess Consort.

The movements of the Princess Consort became a daily point of interest for all the concubines in the harem.

When the news spread across the harem that the Princess Consort was going to have tea and chat with the Empress in the Serene Phoenix Palace, Concubine Yu even rushed over to accompany Jiang Ning.

After some thought, Jiang Ning agreed.

So, in the afternoon, the two went to the Serene Phoenix Palace together.

There was no sign of the Serene Phoenix Palace turning into a Cold Palace. It was still bustling. Upon entering, they found two maids playing the pipa and singing.

The Empress, however, was reclining under the corridor, wrapped in a thick blanket, appearing to be half-asleep as she listened.

“Your Highness the Empress is in high spirits today,” said Concubine Yu while holding a little servant girl’s hand and treading through the snow to approach, “If you have so much leisure time, I wonder why you don’t sweep the snow in the courtyard.”

The Empress lifted her eyelids, ignored Concubine Yu. But upon seeing Jiang Ning behind her, she sat up.

“My Serene Phoenix Palace has not been this lively in a long time.” The Empress’s gaze passed over Concubine Yu and focused on Jiang Ning. “What brings the Princess Consort here?”

“I came to see Your Highness the Empress.”

Jiang Ning, holding a small stove, approached the Empress. “Your Highness looks much better.”

“With no one to bother me, naturally I’m in a good mood.”

“Empress, should we talk inside?”

“I don’t wish to move. If you have something to say, say it. If not, please do as you wish.” The Empress replied, before reclining once more.

Concubine Yu looked at the surrounding maids and eunuchs.

The maids and eunuchs understood and retreated.

Realizing this, the Empress let out a snort. “Concubine Yu, you’ve really grown into your role. Daring to give orders in my palace.”

“Your Highness the Empress is frail, hence this concubine helps in managing these servants. There’s no need for your gratitude,” said Concubine Yu, who’d been around Jiang Ning long enough to adopt a sarcastic tone in her speech.

The Empress frowned.

With no outsiders around, Jiang Ning asked directly, “Empress, did you harm Concubine Jin?”

Her sudden question surprised even Concubine Yu, who regretted following. Was she supposed to be privy to secrets of this level?

The Empress said coldly, “Princess Consort, I advise you not to spread rumors without evidence.”

“So, you deny it.”

“Given my current situation, there’s nothing I can’t admit. But you’re trying to pin something on me that I didn’t do, I won’t agree to it, even if it kills me!”

Jiang Ning nodded, and then asked, “Does the Emperor’s practice of Taoism have anything to do with you?”