Chapter 1342: Chapter 1342: Sharp Tongue, Never Relenting

Lin Qing applied acupuncture to Princess Consort Ji for three consecutive days, barely improving her speech from the stammering after the stroke to being able to utter consecutive words, showing some signs of recovery.

Princess Consort Ji, noticing her speech had become more fluent, disregarded the numbness and lack of sensation in half of her body, insisting on sending a message to the palace as she resolved to visit even at the cost of her life.

The Princess Consort of Min County wanted her to recuperate further, but Princess Consort Ji was unwilling; such a significant incident as her son’s being switched could not allow her peace for rest.

"You aren’t a mother; you don’t understand a mother’s heart. Carry me there," Princess Consort Ji vehemently pounded the bed with her functioning hand.

The Princess Consort of Min County remained silent.

"If you don’t let me go, I won’t take the medicine, might as well let me die," Princess Consort Ji issued another stern threat.

The Princess Consort of Min County, hearing this, reluctantly sought permission from Empress Dowager Wang and only proceeded to arrange a carriage for Princess Consort Ji to enter the palace upon receiving approval.

Even with Princess Consort Ji in such a condition, entering the palace necessitated a change of transport; half-paralyzed? Then have someone carry her inside.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair didn’t expect Song Ci to be summoned into the palace by Empress Dowager Wang at the same time, causing an encounter between the two parties.

Princess Consort Ji, upon seeing Song Ci, averted her gaze and curled her fingers slightly.

However, the Princess Consort of Min County stepped forward and saluted Song Ci.

Song Ci quickly sidestepped, saying, "Princess, please spare your ceremony; such excessive courtesy pains this old body."

"It’s only right; if it weren’t for your word, we might not have been able to invite Doctor Lin to provide acupuncture to Consort," said the Princess Consort of Min County gratefully.

"Is the Dowager feeling better?" Song Ci came before Princess Consort Ji’s carriage, gave a shallow bow, and glanced at her. Her mouth was still crooked; she appeared devoid of energy, silver strands adorned her temples, and she seemed to have aged more than ten years.

Princess Consort Ji glanced over and remarked, due to her crooked mouth, "Thanks to you, still alive."

It seemed a bit like a forced smile, with a hint of sarcasm.

Song Ci didn’t hold her to account and said to the Princess Consort of Min County, "As one ages, the body cannot compare to its youthful state; it’s important to remain calm, or serious illness might ensue. I speak from experience, so serve the Dowager well."

These words "speak from experience" reminded the Princess Consort of Min County of a few years back when Prime Minister Song was newly appointed as Right Minister, leading to him fainting in celebration for an entire day and night, with rumors saying his health had deteriorated since then.

Princess Consort Ji, hearing the first part of Song Ci’s words, felt upset; she thought to herself that she was already this miserable, yet Song Ci’s sharp tongue wouldn’t relent—too much!

But upon hearing the words "speak from experience," knowing Song Ci had once suffered a major illness, she involuntarily pursed her lips, tasting bitter.

Song Ci’s circumstances were bittersweet, seemingly more acceptable compared to her own plight; what kind of situation had she gotten herself into?

Princess Consort Ji felt overwhelmed by grief as tears rolled from the corners of her eyes.

Song Ci continued, "Not sure where you are headed, but if you are venturing to Cining Palace next, why not proceed together? Though it’s February now, warmer than January, the melting snow is still ice-cold, piercing the bones. The Dowager isn’t in good health, so better not expose her to the cold wind and freezing weather."

Princess Consort Ji, eager to continue, insistently called to depart.

They set off, proceeding toward Cining Palace.

Meanwhile, in Chaoyang Palace, Chu Ze looked at Shang Mei Niang, clothed in palace attire and kneeling on the ground, saying, "Stand up; I have told you before, you needn’t follow."

Shang Mei Niang lowered her head and replied, "Where the Lord is, Mei Niang will be also."

Chu Ze responded indifferently, "Why go through such trouble."

Shang Mei Niang remained silent, head bowed.

A young eunuch entered from outside, bowing as he reported, "Your Grace, Princess Consort Ji has entered Cining Palace and will soon arrive at Chaoyang Palace."

Chu Ze’s fingertips slightly stiffened.

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