Actually, there was an age difference between the two. Ye Ranran was about the same age as the young emperor. But since they came from the same time and space, their souls collided at this moment. Even though there was a slight age gap, it didn't really matter.
To put it simply, it didn't stop them from reminiscing about the past.
However, they had to solve the current problem first.
Shi Muyuan appeared in the front hall with the people behind her. Ye Xinxin had been sitting here waiting for God knew how long, and the big rock in her heart had never been put down.
When she saw the two of them, she rushed up in a hurry. As soon as she came up, without knowing the situation, she started to pour dirty water on Ye Ranran.
"Mother, since my younger sister has woken up, I'll take her back first. I don't plan to continue arguing with her about what happened before. Anyway, this is a matter within the Ye family. There's no need to trouble Mother."
"Wait. I haven't said anything yet, but you've said it all. The matter is already clear to me. Ye Xinxin, do you know your crime?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Ye Xinxin's little face instantly lost its color. She trembled and argued.
"What does Mother mean by this? Do you think I would lie to you? Please don't believe her. She's never been a good person. She wouldn't even care about her own aunt."
"Does the imperial concubine have any evidence for what you said? If not, it's better not to say it. After all, some people talk more and make more mistakes."
These words woke Ye Xinxin up. She lowered her head and didn't dare to say another word.
Shi Muyuan was too lazy to continue pretending with her.
"Come! Bring the maid beside the imperial concubine here. Let her listen to what her maid has to say. Today, I hope all the people in the harem will know that I'm not old and muddle - headed. Not just anyone can deceive me. There's no need for intrigue in the harem."
Ye Xinxin was stunned. How did it seem that Shi Muyuan was going to use her as an example to warn others?
No, this won't do. She was the legitimate daughter of the Ye family. How could Shi Muyuan treat her like this?
"Mother, it's not a big deal anyway. There's no need to make a big fuss. I still have to go back and serve the emperor. The emperor will come to my place soon."
"No. Today, I'm going to clean up the harem. Not just anyone can act high - and - mighty in the harem. I've already sent someone to invite the emperor. As a wise king, he must not tolerate unjust cases under his nose. Ye Ranran, you're also one of the parties involved. Repeat what you just told me."
As soon as she finished speaking, the young emperor walked in.
Seeing so many people in the room, his eyes flashed. "Mother summoned me. Is something big going on?"
"Yes. Your Majesty, just watch from the side for now."
Just like this, under the gazes of the two most important people in the palace, Ye Ranran calmly repeated what she had just said. Finally, she looked up and met Ji Heng's eyes, not afraid at all that the person in front of her was the one who could decide her life and death.
"I hope the emperor and the empress dowager can give me justice. I'm also a person of the Great Liang. Shouldn't the people of the Great Liang have fairness?"
Unexpectedly, the matter was so complicated. Judging from Shi Muyuan's attitude, she should have found out the truth. According to what Ye Ranran had just said, the person he had favored these days was indeed problematic.
His face was gloomy. Thanks to Shi Muyuan's teachings, he had hated scheming people since he was a child, not to mention in his own harem.
"Do you have anything to defend yourself?"
By this time, although the witness hadn't spoken yet, judging from Ji Heng's attitude, he had already fully believed it. Ye Xinxin finally became smart for once. Instead of continuing to struggle, she admitted the matter, hoping to get a lighter punishment.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Please forgive me, Mother. I was just blinded by greed and did such a wrong thing. You can punish me however you like. Please don't get angry because of me. It's not worth it."
"Indeed, it's not worth it. Since you've already admitted it, I'll put it straight today. The imperial concubine is immoral. Her title will be stripped, and she will be sent out of the palace. She shall never enter the palace again. Ye Ranran created the Graceful Dance, which shows her great talent. And she suffered so much injustice under my nose in the harem. You can just stay in the harem. Leave whenever you want. Bring your aunt in to accompany you too."
"Thank you, the empress dowager. You're so wise."
The young emperor didn't have any objections. Looking at the person who wanted to crawl towards him, he got up in disgust.
"Throw her out immediately. I don't want to dirty my eyes with her again."
Just like this, Ye Xinxin was kicked out of the palace not long after she entered as an imperial concubine. This matter spread throughout the whole Changjing City in less than a night.
She definitely wouldn't go back like this. Finally, she made a bold decision.
Anyway, she would die if she went back like this. She hanged herself before the maid came in to urge her.
Fortunately, she was discovered in time, and no one died.
Normally, such a trick would have worked on others, but the person in charge of the harem was Shi Muyuan.
When she heard about the suicide attempt, she was full of disdain.
"I thought she could stir up some trouble, but it turns out to be such an old - fashioned trick. Since she didn't die, send her out of the palace immediately. I don't want to be annoyed by looking at her."
"Yes."
When Ye Ranran brought her aunt in, she heard these words.
She pursed her lips and saluted. "Greetings to the empress dowager."
Her aunt behind her was seeing the empress dowager up close for the first time. Thinking that it was the empress dowager who helped her out of the bitter sea, she was extremely excited.
"Empress dowager, I'm so unworthy. I've actually received your care. It's not easy for me to still be alive. In the future, I'll be willing to be a cow or a horse for you."
"I heard that you were a young lady from a noble family before you got married, but now you live worse than a maid. You don't have to be so humble in front of me. If you really want to thank someone, thank your daughter. She's the biggest hero for your release."
The aunt had already heard about this matter, and there were tears in her eyes.
Looking at the harmonious scene of the mother and daughter, Shi Muyuan couldn't help but think of her own mother in the modern world. She wondered how her mother was doing without her.
She sighed slightly. Since the mother and daughter were reunited, she didn't want to bother them.
"You can go down first. I've had someone prepare meals for you. Have a good meal today and take a stroll in the imperial garden. You should have been longing for such a peaceful time for a long time."