Chapter 1158: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (33)

Most of the time, Shangguan Yi accompanied Tang Jiao when she visited Prince Jing's Manor. Tang Jiao came to discuss plans with Tang Guo, while Shangguan Yi ostensibly accompanied her but, in reality, simply wanted to enjoy another meal.

Shangguan Jing, however, mistakenly believed that as Emperor, Shangguan Yi was naturally suspicious and still didn't trust Tang Jiao to come to Prince Jing's Manor alone.

Therefore, whenever Tang Jiao visited, he behaved with perfect propriety. His expression never changed, and he conducted himself carefully, so no one could see the secret delight hidden in his heart.

Neither of the two men realized that a person's presence was gradually weaving itself into every part of their lives.

Shangguan Jing hadn't even noticed that every aspect of Prince Jing's Manor bore traces of this Princess Consort. From top to bottom, aside from the man himself, everything that belonged to him—even the products he used to wash his hair and body—carried Tang Guo's touch.

Shangguan Yi had declared that he would only bring Tang Jiao to the manor on the first and fifteenth of each month, but in truth, whenever he had spare time, he came as well.

It was the first time he had encountered such an extraordinary woman.

She knew everything and excelled in everything she knew. Even he, a grown man, could not help but marvel at her beautiful calligraphy.

In fact, both he and Shangguan Jing had long realized that Princess Jing's talents far surpassed Tang Jiao's.

Yet Tang Jiao remained special to them.

What they loved was the vitality within her, that lively spirit rarely seen in women of this era.

At the same time, however, they deeply admired women like Tang Guo.

When Shangguan Yi said he envied Shangguan Jing, he had truly meant it.

Sometimes, a thought would even arise in his heart—

If his Empress were a woman of such virtue and capability, his harem would surely be managed with perfect order.

Then he, the Emperor, wouldn't need to personally concern himself with everything.

Of course, such thoughts only remained fleeting fantasies.

Tang Guo and Tang Jiao clearly saw the gradual changes taking place in the two men.

Neither revealed anything and both continued maintaining their respective personas. Unknowingly, Tang Jiao increased the degree of her spoiled and willful behavior, making the sisters' personalities stand in sharp contrast.

But at present, Shangguan Yi and Shangguan Jing doted on her, so these traits weren't flaws in their eyes.

Instead, they became virtues.

Tang Jiao always remembered Tang Guo's words—

Just act up as much as possible.

And if she could make the two brothers hurt each other in the process, all the better.

Time slowly passed.

Then one day, an old man with the bearing of an immortal sage appeared in Prince Jing's Manor. Shangguan Jing even gave special instructions that the old man was to be treated with utmost respect.

“He is a highly skilled physician. I suffered some injuries in my younger years, and I've invited him here to prepare medicine for me. Once the medicine is complete, he'll leave.”

Shangguan Jing's old injuries were genuine. Shangguan Yi knew of them as well. Back then, the injuries had been severe, so he had no reason to doubt the old man's identity.

But upon hearing this, Tang Guo immediately understood.

This old man must be the mysterious expert capable of altering memories.

“When he finishes his work, I'll ask him to examine Princess Consort as well and see how her health is. Since Princess Consort and Consort Jiao are such devoted sisters, we might as well let Consort Jiao have him examine her too. Just don't publicize the matter.”

“Imperial Brother values Consort Jiao greatly. If he hears about this, he'll probably think she's seriously ill.”

Tang Guo nodded.

“This concubine understands. I shall simply invite Younger Sister to the manor for a visit and have the divine physician examine her while she's here.”

“Princess Consort is indeed intelligent.”

Shangguan Jing breathed a sigh of relief.

Looking at her proper demeanor, the faint smile on her lips, and those beautiful eyes focused solely on him, a trace of guilt suddenly arose in his heart.

He unconsciously shifted his gaze away.