The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 225 Take Good Care of Me

Jing Anle knew it must be because of Princess Laili's visit to the palace. She glanced at Jing Rou, who had no expression, suggesting she already knew.

“Princess, since it is the Empress Dowager’s wish, let’s go together.”

Jing Rou nodded. "Okay." Her expression was calm, and she seemed to have become much more composed.

As night deepened, moonlight spilled onto the glazed tiles of the palace, casting a cool glow. Inside Cixi Palace, lights shone brightly, and palace servants bustled about in the corridors, preparing for tonight's banquet.

The Empress Dowager sat alone on the high seat, while Jing Anle stood respectfully to her right, her posture upright and her expression composed. Jing Rou sat opposite her, her head slightly bowed, while Princess Lai Li sat on the couch next to Jing Rou, her expression curious.

"I heard that Anle met with Laili yesterday afternoon?" The Empress Dowager asked Jing Anle with a smile.

Jing Anle knew that the old woman wouldn't have called her over for no reason; there must be something she wanted to say. She smiled and said coquettishly, "Grandmother, if Anle hadn't seen this, I wouldn't have known that I have such a beautiful cousin."

The Empress Dowager nodded. "You're right, girl. Riley is just like her mother; they're both beauties."

“Grandmother always talks about others. In my opinion, Grandmother is now elegant and kind, but she was a great beauty when she was young!” Jingrou said.

These words made the Empress Dowager laugh heartily, "Rou'er's mouth is so good at making me happy."

This is the difference: the Empress Dowager disliked Emperor Jing, and naturally, she didn't like Jing Anle much either. The Empress Dowager liked Prince Qing, and by extension, she also genuinely cared for Jing Rou.

“Sister Rou is absolutely right,” Lai Li suddenly spoke up. She had been sitting quietly in her seat. “Although this is the first time I’ve met the Empress Dowager, her demeanor is so graceful that it’s not hard to imagine how stunningly beautiful she must have been in her youth!”

No woman dislikes flattery, and even knowing it was just empty praise, the Empress Dowager's smile only widened. Jing Anle picked up a cup of tea and watched silently, knowing in her heart that these three were in cahoots, and that this was nothing more than an act for her benefit.

However... although the Empress Dowager is colluding with Prince Qing and Yongping, Jing Rou and Lai Li are probably meeting for the first time. These two must know that the other is an ally, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they can get along harmoniously.

Sure enough, after finishing her sentence, Lai Li turned to Jing Rou and said, "I've heard my mother mention two outstanding beauties in the capital. Seeing them today is truly a feast for the eyes."

Jing Rou smiled, "Today, Princess Laili's attire is truly a sight to behold."

"These are the clothes of women from the Southern Frontier. Laili specially prepared a set of clothes for each of you, and hopes you will like them." As soon as Laili finished speaking, two maids came over, each carrying a set of clothes.

The clothes were brightly colored, and the jewels inlaid on them sparkled in the candlelight.

"It's really beautiful." Even though Jing Anle was far away, she could still see that the clothes were indeed luxurious and beautiful.

Jing Rou stood up and touched the clothes, praising, "What comfortable fabric! Princess Laili is so thoughtful."

It seems that no matter what Jing Anle does, Jing Rou always appears to be more sincere than her.

Jing Anle didn't care at all, letting Jing Rou perform as she pleased. As she drank her tea, she took a light sniff and noticed a faint scent of face powder in the air. Her eyes glanced at the clothes, assuming it was the scent from them, but she didn't say anything, thinking it might be a characteristic of southern Xinjiang.

"Very good, very good. Seeing how well you sisters get along, I am relieved," the Empress Dowager said with a smile.

Sisters? Jing Anle found it amusing, thinking to herself, this old hag is really putting on an act. If you really want to be serious, she is actually their master!

The Empress Dowager smiled and waved her hand, then looked at Jing Anle and said slowly, "Anle, Rou'er, you must take good care of Laili during this autumn hunt."

Autumn hunt? Jing Anle suddenly realized that this Lai Li might have deliberately entered the palace early for this autumn hunt.

"Yes, Grandmother." Jing Anle and Jing Rou replied in unison.

At this moment, Riley stood up and said, "In that case, thank you both in advance."

Although Lai Li was only a princess, the Southern Frontier was located in a strategically important and dangerous area, and her father was the king of the Southern Frontier, so naturally he took good care of her.

"It's getting late, you should all go back and rest. Laili can stay in Cining Palace and keep me company." The Empress Dowager rubbed her temples.

"Granddaughter takes her leave." Jing Anle and Jing Rou curtsied and turned to leave.

Once they left the Cining Palace, the two stopped pretending to be sisters. Jing Rou already hated Jing Anle, but she was helpless against her. She could only say in a low voice, "Princess, it seems that this Princess Lai Li is quite favored by the Empress Dowager!"

"Oh? That's perfect. As long as Grandmother is happy, it doesn't matter who comes to keep her company. As her granddaughters, we naturally put Grandmother first in everything." Jing Anle couldn't wait to get as far away from that old hag as possible.

Jing Rou thought Jing Anle was just putting on a brave face, and said, "Rou'er is not as good as the princess. She can't always go to the palace to accompany her grandmother. Now it's all good."

This is to say that Jing Anle is not pleased with the Empress Dowager. Afang pursed her lips. Ever since she learned about Prince Qing, she has been on high alert for anyone related to Prince Qing.

"Princess, you should spend more time with the Empress Dowager when you have time. You're right, after all, you're not like me, and it's rare for you to enter the palace!" Jing Anle said with a smile, then turned and left.

Jing Rou's eyes turned sinister as she gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, "What are you so smug about! It won't be long before you're not so smug anymore!"