Great, it's just a lackey, we're saved!

Chapter 130 The court will convene tomorrow; memorials may be submitted!

The head maid of Zichen Palace was about to get angry when she saw that it was Jiang Yueli who came in.

Terrified, he immediately knelt on the ground!

"This servant...pays respects to Your Highness the Eldest Princess..."

Jiang Yueli said coldly, "I am here to observe the ceremony today. The auspicious time has almost passed. Who gave you the audacity to lock Lord Chen out?"

The palace servants knelt on the ground, trembling, none of them daring to utter a word.

Just as the situation reached a stalemate, Bai Xiaoxiao, dressed in the auspicious robes of an imperial concubine, was slowly helped out.

"Closing the gate is my decision. This Zichen Palace was bestowed upon me by His Majesty for my sole residence. I shouldn't need to report to the Princess when I close or open the gate, should I?"

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to Bai Xiaoxiao.

When they saw her face clearly, they couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

No wonder this woman was able to rise to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort; her appearance is truly outstanding.

She has a pretty and charming appearance, but her facial features also have a touch of heroic spirit, making her unforgettable at first glance.

"This Empress?" Jiang Yueli looked at Bai Xiaoxiao and couldn't help but laugh.

"You have neither performed the investiture ceremony nor paid your respects to the Empress Dowager after the ceremony, yet you dare to presume to call yourself 'this palace'?"

Bai Xiaoxiao was being supported by someone, her expression slightly changing. This was the first time she had faced Jiang Yueli head-on.

I never expected this princess to become so difficult to deal with.

Jiang Yueli, however, stared intently at Bai Xiaoxiao.

"I have heard that you are a commoner woman who has been fortunate enough to be favored by the Emperor and made a Noble Consort. Therefore, you should abide by the etiquette of the palace."

"The investiture ceremony hasn't even been completed yet, and you're already putting on airs. What? Do you look down on the position of Imperial Noble Consort?"

Bai Xiaoxiao's breathing gradually quickened. Outside the palace, she was an all-knowing person; who in the world did not respect her?

Now he's been humiliated by a princess!

This caused her a great psychological letdown.

Jiang Yueli gradually lost patience as Bai Xiaoxiao did not respond for a long time.

"Since you do not intend to complete the investiture ceremony, then Lord Chen may order the officials to disperse!"

"I will report today's events to my father, saying that Miss Bai does not covet the position of Imperial Noble Consort and has kept the envoy outside the palace gates."

The palace maid supporting Bai Xiaoxiao immediately whispered a reminder to her.

"Your Highness, please don't be angry with the princess. Let's complete the investiture ceremony first!"

Bai Xiaoxiao suppressed her anger and put on a gentle smile.

She walked up to Chen Wenyu and said, "It was the people in my palace who were ignorant and neglected the old master. After the investiture ceremony is completed, I will definitely punish them severely."

"Now that the incense table and festival table are ready, please complete the investiture ceremony, Your Excellency."

Bai Xiaoxiao took the initiative to lower her head, and Chen Wenyu had no reason to hold a grudge.

The master of ceremonies began chanting the rites, and the investiture ceremony officially began!

Bai Xiaoxiao took the precious book from Chen Wenyu and handed it to someone nearby, who then placed it on the table.

The master of ceremonies then led Bai Xiaoxiao to kneel and bow to the north. After bowing, she slowly rose.

"Your Majesty, I congratulate you on your honor!"

After congratulating Chen Wenyu, he intended to leave, but Bai Xiaoxiao stopped him.

"My lord, please don't leave. I still have some things to say."

Chen Wenyu was puzzled. The investiture ceremony had already been completed, so what else could it be related to him?

However, since it was the Imperial Noble Consort who spoke, he could only obediently step aside and wait silently.

At this moment, the noblewomen bowed to Bai Xiaoxiao, while only the eldest princess stood tall and solemn.

Although Bai Xiaoxiao was angry, she knew that it was not the right time to clash with Jiang Yueli.

She gestured for the ladies of the court to rise: "Thank you all for attending this ceremony today to congratulate me on my new title."

After speaking, she looked at the Duchess of Qi and said with a kind expression, "I have heard that the Crown Prince wishes to marry the two daughters of the Marquis's family. I wonder if Your Majesty the Empress has approved this marriage?"

The Duchess of Qi was somewhat flattered.

Why did the new Imperial Noble Consort bring this up?

"In response to the Imperial Noble Consort, Her Majesty the Empress is very busy with matters of the inner palace, and this matter also concerns the marriage alliance between the two families, so it is necessary to consult His Majesty before making a decision."

Bai Xiaoxiao smiled and nodded.

"Your Majesty is indeed cautious, but I have heard that His Majesty has not attended court for a long time. If His Majesty were to make the decision on this matter, it would probably take some more time."

Lady Qi lowered her head, her mind weighing Bai Xiaoxiao's intentions.

When a nobleman reaches the rank of Duke, the matter of a marriage alliance must be reported to the palace.

If the emperor and empress have objections, then the marriage cannot proceed.

Now that the Empress is trying to smooth things over and the Emperor isn't attending court, could it be that Bai Xiaoxiao is trying to take control of the Duke's mansion by bringing this up?

Thinking of this, the Duchess of Qi felt it was impossible!

If even the Empress cannot make a decision, how can Bai Xiaoxiao, a mere Imperial Noble Consort, presume to interfere? Isn't that overstepping her bounds?

She could only reply perfunctorily, "Your Majesty and the Empress are both very busy, so it is only right that I wait a little longer."

Bai Xiaoxiao patted the hand of the Duchess of Qi affectionately.

"That's true, but I've heard that the heir of the Duke of Qi's health... alas..."

"I think it would be good to have a lucky break if there is a happy occasion."

Qiu Fangyun stood among the noblewomen, her handkerchief nearly torn to shreds.

Does Bai Xiaoxiao mean to use her daughter to bring good luck to Qi Jingming?

What kind of lowly person is my daughter, the daughter of the Shen family?

Qiu Fangyun made up her mind that if Bai Xiaoxiao dared to agree to the marriage, she would definitely stop her.

Bai Xiaoxiao is only an Imperial Noble Consort, not the Empress. This matter is not up to her to decide!

Jiang Yueli stood at a distance from Zhou Wei and the others, not wanting to get involved in the matter.

However, Jiang Yueli was also curious about how Bai Xiaoxiao planned to end the conversation after she had started it.

Then Bai Xiaoxiao said, "I am concerned about the Crown Prince's health and think it is best to settle this matter as soon as possible."

"Madam, please go back and tell the Duke that he may submit a memorial at court tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Bai Xiaoxiao in shock.

The Great Zhou Emperor has not held court for several days, and the memorials in Hexi Palace are piled up like a mountain.

Ministers like Chen Wenyu knelt and begged, and the Empress also remonstrated outside Hexi Palace, but the Emperor of Great Zhou showed no intention of attending court.

Now Bai Xiaoxiao says that the Duke of Qi should submit a memorial at the morning court tomorrow.

Is this confirmation that the Great Zhou Emperor will hold court tomorrow?

Ziyu exclaimed in shock, "Could it be that the Imperial Noble Consort is so favored? Even His Majesty has to listen to her when it comes to matters of court?"

Bai Xiaoxiao took in everyone's expressions and couldn't help but show a look of disdain on her face.

She was an Imperial Noble Consort, whose status was lower than that of Empress Jian Xiyan.

That doesn't mean she's as useless as the women in the harem!

Since I can't escape the fate of entering the palace, I must take control of things myself.

Chen Wenyu was trembling with excitement!

He knelt in the wind and snow for two days, begging the Great Zhou Emperor to attend court, but received no response.

Unexpectedly, Bai Xiaoxiao said that the memorial could be submitted tomorrow?

Chen Wenyu couldn't help but ask, "Is the Imperial Noble Consort telling the truth? Will she really attend court tomorrow?"

Bai Xiaoxiao smiled and nodded, looking confident.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I have no reason to lie. If Your Majesty has anything to report, I will do so tomorrow."

Chen Wenyu repeatedly cupped his hands in greeting to Bai Xiaoxiao, overjoyed.

The capital was hit by a snow disaster, and the people were suffering. The court had long been piling up with countless government affairs that needed to be handled by the Great Zhou Emperor.

The court is finally about to begin!

Heaven has not forsaken my Great Zhou!

His Majesty still cares about the people.

Chen Wenyu was so moved that her eyes welled up with tears.