Chapter 852: She Must Be an Impostor
Princess Shoukang knew that Princess Huaiqing had been bestowed upon the Left Sage King as a concubine. She even heard in the Laundry Department that Princess Huaiqing had given birth to a son for the Left Sage King!
Princess Shoukang was envious of Princess Huaiqing’s good fortune, not having to entertain guests every day, but also despised her for bearing a child for Jin Country.
At this moment, upon seeing Princess Huaiqing, she simply paid her respects, called out indifferently, "Imperial Sister," and then fell silent.
Who would have thought that Princess Huaiqing would say, "You recognize me, but I do not recognize you."
Her gaze, as sharp as lightning, swept over Princess Shoukang. "A year ago, I heard that Princess Shoukang had died of a sudden illness."
"You dared to impersonate the princess, relying on your appearance, which bears some resemblance to hers. Such audacity is beyond imagination!"
Princess Shoukang looked at Princess Huaiqing in disbelief, "Where did you hear such rumors?"
"I have been living well all along!"
"Have you forgotten, on our way to Huining—"
"Silence!" Princess Huaiqing rebuked, then turned to the emperor, "Your Majesty, she is not Princess Shoukang at all!"
Princess Shoukang shrieked, "You lie!"
Jiang Youzhi then said unhurriedly, "Your Majesty, what Princess Huaiqing says is undoubtedly true."
"I believe we should gag this woman, take her away, and interrogate her slowly."
Princess Huaiqing cast a grateful glance at Jiang Youzhi; the suggestion to gag was exactly to her liking.
What worried her most was Princess Shoukang saying something she shouldn’t in this grand hall.
Princess Shoukang, hearing Jiang Youzhi add fuel to the fire, was furious beyond belief and pointed at Princess Huaiqing, "What gives you the right to say I’m an impostor? Don’t you remember, when we went to Huining—"
At this moment, the emperor on the dragon throne also realized that if the Imperial Sister claimed she was an impostor, then she must indeed be an impostor.
The Imperial Sister had been in Jin Country for many years; her innocence was beyond question.
Princess Shoukang was reckless with her words; who knew what she might say.
"Gag her and drag her away!" He commanded sternly, cutting off Princess Shoukang’s words.
Several eunuchs acted swiftly, rushing over and covering Princess Shoukang’s mouth, dragging her away.
Princess Shoukang struggled while still shouting something.
But with her mouth covered, no one could understand her words.
Seeing Princess Shoukang dragged away, Princess Huaiqing let out a big sigh of relief.
The emperor on the dragon throne also breathed a sigh of relief, waving his hand, "Court dismissed."
"Today, I want to have a good reunion with the Imperial Sister."
The emperor and Princess Huaiqing went to the inner palace together.
The ministers in the hall also gradually dispersed.
Jiang Youzhi, in high spirits, headed towards the Cabinet’s duty room.
Once it was proved that Princess Shoukang was an impostor, no one would, or dare to, believe her words.
He had sent Du Ruo to the posthouse to welcome Princess Huaiqing, with three scripts prepared.
Princess Huaiqing was very clever and, with just the first script and some hints, Du Ruo guided her to develop a murderous intent towards Princess Shoukang.
Moreover, Princess Huaiqing was decisive and acted without hesitation. She had just entered the palace and crushed Princess Shoukang with just a single encounter.
The next day, news of the impostor princess spread throughout the streets and alleys of Xiang City.
It was said that after interrogation, it was discovered that the impostor princess was originally a Daoist nun from a temple in Dingjing.
Because the Emperor Emeritus had a strong belief in Taoism, these Daoist nuns were often allowed to come and go within the palace.
After Dingjing fell, this Daoist nun happened to come across an old palace maid fleeing from the palace, who told her many things about the palace, which she secretly remembered.
The maid also said that she bore a striking resemblance to Princess Shoukang.