The Challenge of a Farmhouse Son-in-Law

ƒreewebɳovel.com "What else is there?" the Empress’s anger slowly subsided, yet her tone remained harsh, "Don’t tell me you’re unaware of the Emperor suddenly acknowledging an elder Prince."

This matter?

How did they manage to pin the ’ungrateful wretch’ on her head? What did it have to do with her?

Madam Lin said indifferently, "This consort only found out today. This matter... indeed, it was unexpected."

"Unexpected, indeed." the Empress slammed her palm on the armrest and angrily said, "What’s the deal with that niece of Lin Xingyi? Who is she? I think she’s long been aware of Jin Zijin’s identity. You live with her in the same courtyard every day and yet you also helped to keep it a secret."

Madam Lin was startled, how could Gu Youyou have known this early? She replied, "I do not know of this matter, and as for Youyou, I have recently noticed she indeed has some relationship with Jin Zijin. However, when I asked her today, she told me it wasn’t convenient to tell me now. Besides, the Empress summoned me urgently, so naturally, I prioritized coming to the Imperial Palace to see you."

The Empress scoffed coldly and said, "Of course, she wouldn’t find it convenient to speak. A woman of over twenty years who has never been betrothed—it’s because she’s already engaged in a secret affair with a man. Jin Zijin’s hasty entry into the palace yesterday was for her sake. Everyone else’s attention might be fixed on the Jade Pendant, but I see everything clearly.

So, your niece, she had a secret affair with Jin Zijin, and you, managing the household, were completely oblivious. I really want to ask you, are you truly unaware, or have you developed a disloyal heart towards the Ducal Residence and are colluding with Lin Xingyi to deceive me?"

Madam Lin took a deep breath. To her, this was quite unexpected. Jin Zijin was Tianzong’s eldest senior brother, wasn’t he the favorite candidate for the next State Preceptor? How could such a person fall for a woman?