Chapter 286 The framing failed, so prepare for the next step.
Chapter 286 The framing failed, so prepare for the next step.
Chapter 286 The Frame-Up Fails, Preparing for the Next Step
Su Yinyin's words were like a bombshell, instantly shocking everyone present.
No one expected Su Yinyin to respond so sharply to Princess Siran, showing no mercy whatsoever.
Princess Siran's face instantly turned bright red, filled with shame and anger, and she trembled slightly with rage.
He shouted, "Su Yinyin, how dare you humiliate me like this! Who do you think you are? You're just some wild girl who popped up out of nowhere."
Su Yinyin sneered, her eyes full of disdain, and said without backing down, "The princess has slandered me and maliciously attacked me. I am merely giving her a taste of her own medicine."
Since the princess questions the origin of my gift but cannot provide any evidence, what else can such behavior be but a lack of talent and virtue?
Furthermore, what gift I give to the Empress Dowager is none of your business, an outsider. You are clearly deliberately provoking trouble and disrupting the birthday banquet.”
Princess Yinhan stomped her foot in anger, put her hands on her hips, and said loudly, "Su Yinyin, don't go too far! Princess Siran only raised a reasonable question, but you responded with such harsh words. You are being too domineering."
Su Yinyin looked at Princess Yinhan with icy eyes, her tone as sharp as an ice blade: "Reasonable questioning? Princess, you probably have other motives."
From the very beginning, you have been hostile towards me, repeatedly provoking me and causing trouble.
Today, at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, you even tried to smear me. What are your true intentions?
Furthermore, how dare a mere princess like you address me by my full name? In the Great Zhou Kingdom, you have no right to act so arrogantly.”
Su Yinyin's powerful aura, like an invisible pressure, instantly enveloped everyone.
Everyone couldn't help but marvel at the majesty and courage of the princess who protected the nation.
Seeing that the situation was becoming increasingly deadlocked, the Empress Dowager worried that things would escalate, and said sternly, "Enough! Today is my birthday. If you two princesses continue to act so unreasonably, I will not be polite."
This is the imperial palace of the Great Zhou Kingdom, not a place for you to run wild.
The emperor's face was also gloomy, and he said in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet is a joyous occasion. As princesses, you should observe etiquette and consider the overall situation."
Do not let your own selfish desires spoil this joyful and peaceful atmosphere. Otherwise, I will not let you off lightly.
Although Princess Siran and Princess Yinhan were filled with resentment, they dared not openly oppose the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, as they did not dare to completely offend the Great Zhou Kingdom.
He had no choice but to swallow his anger for the time being and said reluctantly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, we were rash. We hope Your Majesty will forgive us."
Su Yinyin curtsied slightly and said coquettishly, "Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, they have really gone too far. Yinyin really cannot swallow this insult."
The Empress Dowager nodded and comforted her, "Yinyin, don't be angry. Your Majesty, send a letter of divorce to their emperor and have a good talk with him. Tell them to discipline their princess and not to come to our Great Zhou Kingdom to act recklessly again."
Everyone was amazed to see how much the Empress Dowager and the Emperor doted on the Princess Protector of the Nation.
They couldn't help but re-examine the powerful interests that might exist behind the Princess Protector, and their attitude towards Su Yinyin became even more respectful and cautious.
Su Yinyin obediently replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Yinyin will obey Your Majesty."
The noble ladies of the Great Zhou Kingdom looked at Su Yinyin with eyes full of admiration and envy.
They had never seen such a brave and intelligent woman who could handle difficult situations so calmly and without being at a disadvantage.
Just then, the Empress, with a gentle smile and graceful demeanor, stepped forward with light, lotus-like steps, holding an exquisite brocade box in her hands, and bowed slightly.
She said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I wish you abundant blessings and longevity. This is a birthday gift I have specially prepared for you, and I hope Your Majesty will like it."
The Empress Dowager accepted the brocade box with a smile, her eyes full of anticipation, and said, "The Empress is so thoughtful, always preparing such considerate gifts for me."
Upon opening the brocade box, one finds a statue of the God of Longevity carved from the finest mutton-fat jade. The jade is warm and delicate, as white and flawless as sheep's milk.
The statue of the God of Longevity is exquisitely carved and lifelike. Every wrinkle and every beard of the God of Longevity seems to be given life, as if he is telling the Empress Dowager a blessing for longevity.
The Empress Dowager couldn't help but praise, "This statue of the God of Longevity is exquisitely carved. I am very pleased with the Empress's thoughtfulness. It shows how much the Empress cares for me."
The Empress smiled and said humbly, "It is my honor to win the Empress Dowager's favor and make her happy."
The Empress Dowager usually showed great care for her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law only offered a small token of her appreciation.
At this moment, a prince also hurriedly stood up, straightened his clothes, and respectfully presented the gift he had prepared.
He said, "Your Majesty, I have also prepared a small gift for you. May Your Majesty enjoy good health and longevity."
The prince presented a priceless ancient painting. As the scroll was unfurled, one could see mountains and rivers intertwined, shrouded in mist, creating a profound and evocative scene.
It is said that this painting was created by a famous artist and has been well preserved after hundreds of years, making it a rare treasure in the world.
The Empress Dowager looked at the prince with satisfaction and said, "It is rare that you are all so thoughtful. I am very pleased. With your company and blessings, I am especially happy to celebrate my birthday."
As the princes presented their gifts, the atmosphere of the birthday banquet became lively again, with laughter echoing throughout the palace.
However, Su Yinyin knew in her heart that Princess Siran and Princess Yinhan would definitely not let this go so easily; they must still be secretly plotting an even more insidious conspiracy.
After the gifts were presented, the musicians of the birthday banquet's song and dance troupe played a beautiful melody, which flowed like a clear spring in everyone's hearts.
The palace maids, with their light and graceful steps, brought out wine and various exquisite delicacies, and for a moment, the air was filled with the aroma of fine wine and delicious food.
While pretending to enjoy the song and dance, Su Yinyin secretly kept an eye on Princess Siran and Princess Yinhan's every move, not daring to let her guard down for a moment.
After several rounds of drinks, everyone was somewhat tipsy.
Princess Siran's eyes flickered as she quietly left her seat and walked towards a secluded corner.
Biyu, who was standing next to Su Yinyin, had been keeping an eye on Princess Siran's movements. Seeing this, she followed her without making a sound.
Princess Siran arrived at a secluded corner and encountered a dark figure. The figure was hidden in the darkness, and its face could not be seen.
Biyu carefully hid in the shadows, straining her ears, and heard Princess Siran complain in a low voice, "The plan has failed. That Su Yinyin is very cunning. She handled herself with ease in front of everyone today, and now the Emperor and Empress Dowager are even more protective of her. What should we do?"
The shadowy figure snorted coldly, his voice low and sinister: "It's alright, I already had a backup plan. Su Yinyin is just lucky. Let's see how long she can be so smug."
After saying that, the dark figure took out a packet of medicine powder from his pocket and handed it to Princess Siran.
Biyu was startled, realizing that the two might be plotting to poison the birthday banquet.
She dared not delay for a moment, and quickly and quietly returned to the banquet. She quietly walked to Su Yinyin's side, leaned close to her ear, and told Su Yinyin everything she had heard.
After hearing this, Su Yinyin pondered to herself, but her face remained expressionless.
She knew that she couldn't act rashly at this time, lest she alert the enemy.
So they decided to remain still and observe the situation to see what Princess Siran and the mysterious figure were up to before looking for an opportunity to thwart their conspiracy.
Princess Siran returned to the banquet, feeling uneasy. She waited and waited, but Su Yinyin did not report her in any way.
She couldn't help but feel a little doubtful, but she was also secretly relieved, thinking that Su Yinyin hadn't discovered her conspiracy. So she began to plan how to find an opportunity to carry out the next step of her plan.
PFC