Chapter 841: Confirming Her Identity
Jiang Youzhi smiled and said, "She said she had always been serving the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor in Yilan."
"She said the nun took pity on her and hid her in the temple, and later she wore a Taoist robe and followed the nuns to collect alms, finally returning all the way from Yilan."
Jiang Youzhi chuckled softly, "It’s clear that this story is made up."
"According to the information I have, Princess Shoukang had always been at the laundry courtyard and disappeared suddenly a few months ago."
"If it is really her, perhaps she said this just to cover up the fact that she was receiving guests at the laundry courtyard."
Yun Jiao sighed, "She, as a woman, managed to escape back from thousands of miles away, must have gone through countless hardships. If this matter can be hidden, it should be."
Jiang Youzhi lowered his head and gave her a kiss, "Jiao Jiao, you have the heart of a Bodhisattva."
"Naturally, I won’t expose it. Revealing this matter would not look good for His Majesty either."
The next morning, at court, His Majesty indeed summoned the woman to the Golden Throne Hall.
Jiang Youzhi observed the woman intently. She walked with a dignified manner, somewhat resembling a princess.
Looking closely at her appearance, if she is truly Princess Shoukang, then she should be just over twenty this year. But this woman looked haggard, not at all like a woman in her early twenties.
The woman entered and knelt down slowly, then raised her head, tears streaming down her face as she said to His Majesty, "Brother Tie, I almost thought I would never see you again in this life."
His Majesty, sitting on the dragon throne, was startled. He was born weak, and Princess Consort Yun was worried he wouldn’t grow up healthily, thus heed the advice of an old nanny in the palace and gave him the nickname Ah Tie, hoping he would be as sturdy as an iron block.
This nickname, if not known by those old in the palace, was impossible to know.
His Majesty carefully examined the woman’s features, after a long while, vaguely recognizing a hint of what Shoukang looked like as a child.
Then His Majesty summoned some old palace staff who had fled from Dingjing Palace and asked them to carefully identify her.
The eunuchs and nannies all said, she indeed resembled Princess Shoukang.
His Majesty further inquired about some past court affairs, to which the woman responded fluently.
Only then did His Majesty believe, tears streaming down his face, "It truly is my own sister."
"Huan Huan has suffered. I will immediately proclaim it to the world, restore your identity, and grant you the princess title."
Princess Shoukang, kneeling on the ground, continued to cry, "Thank you, Royal Brother."
Now, all of His Majesty’s siblings are in Jin Country, therefore he has much compassion for this sister who poses no threat to his throne.
He said gently, "I bestow upon you a Princess Mansion."
"Once you have recovered, I will choose a suitable Prince Consort for you."
Princess Shoukang thanked His Majesty repeatedly.
His Majesty seemed overly excited and rewarded her with lots of gold, silver, and silk on the spot.
He also ordered the eunuch to lead Princess Shoukang to the inner palace to see the Empress Dowager.
A few days later, Yun Jiao received an invitation from the Empress in the palace.
The Empress was hosting a banquet in the palace, inviting noble ladies and young misses from the capital to welcome Princess Shoukang.
Early that morning, Yun Jiao got ready and said to the mischievous children at home, "I’m going to the palace for a banquet today."
"You all behave at home and listen to the teacher’s instructions."
Now, the family had hired a martial arts teacher for Qi Er and Ruru.
You Er, barely over three years old, would watch them practice martial arts and follow along.
Yun Jiao didn’t mind him, just instructed the teacher not to let You Er practice for too long, as he is still young and his bones are not fully developed.
After Yun Jiao spoke, Ruru quickly said, "Sister-in-law, I will behave."
Qi Er and You Er also rushed to say, "Mother, I will listen to the teacher."