Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 1023 - 1021_1

Chapter 1023: Chapter 1021_1

When the eunuch conveyed the message that Fang Wanping wanted to express her gratitude in person, the expressions of many present became quite interesting.

Bearing a broken rib, and still considering expressing gratitude personally? Wasn’t she afraid that the rib might accidentally pierce her internal organs, thus ending her life?

The Emperor’s expression didn’t change, but upon hearing these words, he couldn’t help stroking his beard.

It seemed that this Miss Ruan was not simple at all! It was necessary to investigate whether the Empress Dowager’s injury was an accident or intentional.

However, she wouldn’t dare manipulate the Empress Dowager!

Xiao’er observed everyone’s reactions and secretly shook her head: Fang Wanping’s cleverness had led her into a blunder, destroying a perfect game of chess.

In the eyes of the rulers, the closer one jumped to them, the more suspicious they were of their ulterior motives. Unaware that her seemingly courteous actions were actually seen as presumptuous, and would only cause revulsion and suspicion.

Xiao’er couldn’t understand where Fang Wanping had the confidence to believe her trivial tricks could deceive the Emperor’s discerning eyes!

Doing too many things would only make one more susceptible to making mistakes, thus achieving the opposite effect.

Xiao’er looked towards the Empress Dowager who wasn’t overthinking. Lost in the post-traumatic fear, she only saw Fang Wanping, severely injured yet wanting to express gratitude herself, as a well-mannered child. Unlike some people, she was not just putting on a show! The Empress Dowager gave Xiao’er a glance, the difference between girls from noble families and those from farming families was quite vast! Thinking of this, an idea sprang up in the Empress Dowager’s mind, such a kind-hearted girl would be a perfect match for her grandson!

A daughter of a fifth-rank official might be of slightly lower status, but for a concubine it wasn’t a big deal!

She would check how the child looks like. If she is pretty, she could be betrothed to Shangguan Xuanyi.

If she isn’t attractive, forget it. If the child born later resembled her ordinary looks, then what should they do? There should be no ugliness in the royal lineage!

After weighing all these things, the Empress Dowager finally said, "Let her in!"

"Yes, Empress Dowager!" The eunuch replied and withdrew carefully.

"Wait, let her lay down and have someone carry her in!" The Empress Dowager, remembering her broken rib, kindly ordered.

"Yes!" The eunuch retreated respectfully again.

Cining Palace Flower Hall

From the moment Fang Wanping expressed her desire to personally thank the Empress Dowager, Mrs. Ruan’s heart rolled like a durian prickling uncomfortably: She was indeed a deeply scheming person! She’s trying to make an impression in front of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager!

While speaking of this incident, she saved the Empress Dowager, not only did she receive many rewards from the Emperor and Empress, but also got to meet in person.

Knowing that meeting the Emperor is a great honor, not to mention meeting three of the most respected people in the world at once, it was simply an unbelievable fortune!

Mrs. Ruan had deep regrets, she really shouldn’t have brought Fang Wanping into the palace! Originally the Empress Dowager was hosting a flower appreciation banquet, the invitation stated that all young and beautiful ladies can attend, she guessed that the Empress Dowager was selecting concubines for the princes.

For families of fifth-rank officials like them, the number of times to enter the palace in their lives could be counted on one hand, unless there were some special circumstances, there would be no opportunity at all.

Aside from being a concubine, the position of a princess was simply out of reach for women of their family background! She initially thought her own daughter excelled in the Four Arts and was quite good-looking. Perhaps she might be chosen, hence she was preparing new clothes, and buying jewelry for the palace visit.

Who knew that Fang Wanping and her mother somehow got the news and begged the master to personally allow her to accompany them into the palace. She was so angry about this incident she couldn’t eat for a whole day!

Now, she probably won’t be able to eat for a whole year! Fang Wanping saved the Empress Dowager, stealing all the limelight from her daughter. If Fang Wanping could marry a prince as a concubine, and her own daughter married off worse than her, where would she put her face! More importantly, would she have a standing in the Ruan family afterward!

Fang Wanping at this moment had no mood to consider what the two people next to her were feeling, as long as they weren’t too happy.

But her heart at the moment was like countless butterflies dancing amongst the flowers! Beautiful beyond words!

Although saving the Empress Dowager resulted in a broken rib and injured limbs causing unbearable pain, it was all worth it.

With the identity of the savior of the Empress Dowager as her backing, who wouldn’t at least show her some respect!

Would finding an outstanding husband still be difficult?

Lately, she had been trying in every way to get close to the Crown Prince of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, but the Crown Prince always had the second lady of the Marquis Shengping Mansion who was even more beautiful than her. She wanted to approach but there was no opportunity.

Then she thought about getting close to the Crown Prince of the Eastern Jin Dynasty via Young Master Liu, but every time she wanted to get close to Young Master Liu, a minor accident would occur.

Either she was splashed by foot washing water, or was caught up with a beggar, or stepped on a banana peel and fell on her face, in short, nothing was ever fortunate!

Now, finally, her fortune had changed!

...Fang Wanping happily thought in her heart.

The eunuch returned quickly and brought two young eunuchs to carry Fang Wanping, along with her sedans, into the Empress Dowager’s bedroom.

When the eunuch put Fang Wanping in front of the Empress Dowager, Fang Wanping feigned an attempt to get up to greet, "This servant greets the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and all the princes and princesses."

The Empress Dowager seeing this raised her hand to stop her, "You’re heavily injured, you don’t have to get up to greet."

Fang Wanping was truly in pain, she didn’t dare move randomly and continued to lie on the couch, with her hands placed beside her waist in a gesture of salute, "This servant thanks the Empress Dowager for her grace. Long live the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress!"

Taking advantage of the situation, the Empress Dowager scrutinized Fang Wanping: Hmm, not bad looking, though a bit short, she had a delicate and attractive figure! The Empress Dowager was quite satisfied in her heart.

"I hear you wanted to personally express gratitude? Aren’t you afraid your ribs will pierce through your body?" The Emperor looked at Fang Wanping with a sharp gaze, his words full of authority.

Fang Wanping’s heart trembled; she subconsciously looked up at the Emperor. Seeing his majestic demeanor radiating an imposing aura,

The pressure from the ruler made her quickly lower her head; her heart beat rapidly, her speech became unclear:

"Re... replying to the Emperor, The Empress Dowager and Emperor, Empress gave me so many rewards, I am very grateful, saving the Empress Dowager was my duty, I dare not take credit, I have no right to receive such rewards, I am unworthy of such prestigious rewards..."

After hearing this, the Emperor made an "Oh" sound, then coldly spoke, "You wouldn’t be rejecting these gifts because you think they are too few, would you?"

Fang Wanping, hearing these words, was sweating coldly, If it weren’t for the pain she would feel from any movement, she would’ve rolled off the couch in fear!