The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 151 Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet

Although it was still early, the sky was already dark, especially with the heavy rain adding to the somber atmosphere. Jing Anle had no intention of going to bed either. Under the lit palace lanterns and candles, she was flipping through the medical books that Consort Lin had sent her earlier, which she had almost finished grinding over the past few days.

"Princess."

Epang dismissed the palace servants behind her and called out in a low voice.

After finishing the last page of the medical book, Jing Anle looked up and asked, "What's wrong?"

After Afang finished speaking, Jing Anle smiled, as if everything was under her control.

"Doesn't the princess find it strange? Yesterday, Consort Lin was like a forgotten concubine in the cold palace, but today she has suddenly become the emperor's favorite, and the news has spread throughout the six palaces. It's as if she has flown up to the top and become a phoenix." Afang asked in confusion.

Since the incident where Consort Rong framed Consort Lin, it must have completely changed Consort Lin. Life is unpredictable, and Consort Lin still has a chance to turn things around, unlike her previous life.

“Afang, if you were not following me, but following Consort Lin, or one of those unfavored nobles, you would know how unbearable it is to be without the emperor’s favor.”

These words startled Afang. Although Jing Anle was willful and unruly before, it was no exaggeration to say that she was the most noble woman in the palace. Therefore, her life was naturally much better, and the other palace servants had to fawn over her with smiles.

“The princess is right,” Afang said, lowering her head timidly.

Jing Anle shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself: This Afang Palace.

"By the way, Princess, I heard that Consort Chen was also punished for this. Judging from her arrogant appearance, I never thought she would suffer such a fate today." When she mentioned this, Afang's eyes lit up again, and she had a look of watching a show.

"Consort Chen?"

"Yes, what happened to the princess?"

Jing Anle waved his hand, stood up, walked to the window to watch the rain, and pondered the events of the afternoon. In the afternoon, Consort Chen complained about Princess Qing in the Imperial Garden. It seems that the two of them had used some underhanded tactics.

The rain outside was pouring down, making those watching the rain anxious, but Jing Anle remained calm.

"As long as the Empress Dowager is still alive, no matter how domineering Consort Chen is, Father Emperor will only punish her slightly for now and will not really touch her."

Afang understood Jing Anle's meaning, and with a hint of dissatisfaction, she muttered under her breath, "That's too lenient on her."

"You've become far too bold these days." Seeing Afang's reaction, Jing Anle couldn't help but scare her.

Afang, however, was also frightened and hurriedly tried to appease her, saying, "Princess, I was wrong, I will never dare to do it again."

Jing Anle then stopped, turned around and said seriously, "Some things are better left unsaid in front of me. There are eyes and ears everywhere in this palace, and you should understand that."

"The servant knows."

“However, Consort Chen’s good days will not last long.” Jing Anle’s gaze suddenly turned deep.

……

The long night stretched on, and an autumn rain fell, scattering fallen petals and leaves all over the ground. In particular, the golden osmanthus blossoms, their fragrance carried on the cold wind, were a sight to behold. Palace servants moved about, people came and went, but no one went to appreciate them, for the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching and the whole palace was busy preparing for the grand celebration.

Jing Anle stood under the osmanthus tree, looking up at the few remaining osmanthus blossoms on the tree, and unconsciously murmured, "The cold dew silently wets the osmanthus blossoms."

"Princess, it's almost time for class."

Afang couldn't help but remind her, and as soon as she finished speaking, a woman's voice came from behind.

"See Princess."

When Jing Anle heard the familiar voice, he felt his heart turn cold instantly; this voice still managed to make him hate it from the bottom of his heart.

Jing Rou wore a royal blue dress today, paired with a matching hairpin. She was usually gentle, but today she had a touch of cool elegance, making her even more beautiful.

"Get up," Jing Anle said calmly.

The two have completely exposed each other, and they both know what's going on. On the surface, they appear calm, but in reality, they are locked in a fierce battle.

Coincidentally, just as the two were looking at each other, Kou Shuran walked over from a distance. Kou Shuran thought to herself that something was wrong, but she put on a smile.

"Greetings, Princess, Lady."

As Kou Shuran approached, she realized that she and Jing Rou were wearing the same clothes, only in different colors; Jing Rou's was blue, and hers was pink. One was cool and elegant, the other cute and adorable.

"Oh, Sister Shuran, you and the princess are truly of one mind! It's such a coincidence that you're wearing the same clothes." Jing Anle noticed it at a glance and pretended to be surprised.

Actually, even without Jing Anle saying anything, Jing Rou, with her sharp eyes, noticed it from the very beginning, especially the lotus flowers embroidered on it, which were very eye-catching.

Jing Rou and Kou Shuran exchanged a glance, both feeling displeased, but they could only suppress it.

"Oh, that's right! Princess, you are so intelligent and kind-hearted. You really have a lucky day." She then smiled at Kou Shuran and said, "I was in a hurry to go out today, and I just wore this one because it looked comfortable and suitable. Sister Shuran always pays attention to her appearance, and I didn't expect you to choose this one as well."

Although Jing Rou said this with a smile, the coldness in her eyes betrayed her. Kou Shuran was also secretly resentful. This was clearly saying that the clothes she had carefully selected were the same as the ones Jing Rou had picked out casually. The belittling in her words was obvious.

Jing Anle stood by, smiling without saying a word, while Kou Shuran's smile appeared forced.

“What the princess says is true. It was just a coincidence today. But this blue really suits the princess. If a dress you picked out casually looks so good, the princess will be even more radiant at the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet the day after tomorrow!”

Kou Shuran wasn't stupid. Although she was angry, Jing Rou's status was what it was, so she still had to put on a show. Besides, the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet was being held in her residence, so she would always find an opportunity to take revenge.

"A chrysanthemum appreciation banquet?" Jing Anle seemed puzzled.

Jing Rou and Kou Shuran glanced at Jing Anle strangely, but after a moment, Jing Anle remembered.

The annual chrysanthemum appreciation banquet invites young men and women from noble families to enjoy tea and admire chrysanthemums. It serves two purposes: appreciating the flowers and providing an opportunity for different families to get to know each other. For several years, Princess Jianing has been in charge of organizing the event. Princess Jianing is Kou Shuran's mother, which explains why Kou Shuran asked such a question earlier.

Jing Anle had no recollection of this because in her previous life, she had displeased the Empress Dowager at the banquet celebrating her return to the palace, and thus missed the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet. She also remembered how much she wanted to see Murong Peifeng, and how Jing Rou had sent someone to tell her to disguise herself as a man and sneak out of the palace, only to be caught red-handed by the Consort. From then on, the Empress Dowager disliked Jing Anle even more.

Memories come in like a tidal wave, then rush away.

"Princess?"

It wasn't until Kou Shuran spoke that Jing Anle was brought back to reality.

Seeing that Jing Anle had come to her senses, Kou Shuran continued, "This was originally arranged a long time ago, and we would be honored if the princess could grace us with her presence."

Jing Anle curled the corners of her lips and said, "I can't refuse such a kind invitation. It will definitely be a lively occasion. I haven't seen my aunt for a long time, so of course I will go."

Kou Shuran smiled and agreed. The three of them chatted and laughed as they walked toward the classroom. If no one knew, anyone would think that the three of them were very close friends.