Now beet red, née Yao wished ardently for a hole in the ground to dive into. Yes, her mother’s words made good sense, but she just couldn’t control her feelings!
Née Ma shook her head to see her recalcitrant daughter thus and wagged a finger. “You Yaos are all too conniving. You think you’re oh-so smart and can calculate everything beneath the heavens, but one thing you can’t calculate is the human heart.”
Seeing that the fires of battle had burned his way, Yao Chenggu protested with resignation. “What’s this about me now? Lecture our daughter, but don’t drag me into things.”
Née Ma couldn’t be bothered with bickering with her husband. She turned to call Mi-mama over. “Visit the Park of Resplendent Radiance often and bring some nutritious soup or whatnot for my granddaughter-in-law. Also see if anyone’s bullying her. If so, come back and tell me and see how I take care of that troublemaker!”
Mi-mama smiled merrily. “Dowager Madame, these words aren’t orders for me at all, but another lecture for your daughter.”
Née Ma glared at née Yao and harrumphed.
The latter was both resigned and amused. Perhaps she really was in the wrong. Her mother was a straightforward and frank individual, and her eye for character was never wrong.
Maybe she really was thinking too much.
……
Qin Yining and Pang Xiao took a carriage to the palace.
“My darling, are you mad?” Pang Xiao asked carefully as he took his wife’s hand.
Startled, Qin Yining responded, “What makes you say that?”
“Are you mad because of how my mom was just now?”
“How would I be?” The girl chuckled. “Mom is very good to me. She just gave me a very high quality jade bracelet. I’ve only just joined the household and aren’t familiar with the elders at all. Everything will be fine after we get to know each other. Don’t speculate wildly and make it like mom’s bullying me.”
The prince heaved a silent sigh of relief to hear this.
No matter who was right and wrong in the affairs of yesteryear, née Yao had raised him. It wasn’t easy for an unmarried woman to take care of a child alone. It would’ve given rise to some regret if his wife and mother didn’t get along. Likewise, he would also feel regret if his mother didn’t like his wife. Thankfully his darling was a magnanimous soul and his mother not a silly person.
Just like his darling said, the days ahead were long and all would be better once everyone got to know each other.
Deep in conversation, the two arrived at the palace doors before long. They exchanged vehicles for a smaller carriage with wallpapered with wax paper and headed for the Hall of Moral Cultivation.
“Finally! We’ve been waiting for you. The empress dowager just asked about the two of you,” declared Li Qitian congenially.
Chapter 421.1: Thanking Imperial Favor
“It is truly our oversight to keep Your Majesty and the empress dowager waiting. We were delayed along the way.” Pang Xiao bowed with a smile.
Li Qitian wrapped a friendly arm around the prince’s shoulders and patted them. He smiled knowingly, “We understand, We understand. We’ve been there before.”
Off to the side, Qin Yining kept her head bowed. She didn’t like Li Qitian’s show of intimacy, but neither did she dare express the slightest hint of dissatisfaction. A bashful blush was the only proper answer.
The two men exchanged a few words before Pang Xiao took a few steps back to prepare for the gesture of gratitude.
The sight of his blushing wife with her hands down by her sides filled his heart with fondness. He wanted to envelope her in a bear hug and bring her in for a good cuddle, but maintained a distant expression on his face. “What are you just standing there for? Come over here to thank His Majesty.”
The girl instantly grasped the game afoot when she heard Pang Xiao’s tone. Closing the distance while slightly hunched over, the very image of a berated wife, she knelt next to Pang Xiao and kowtowed to express their gratitude to Li Qitian.
The emperor closely observed the two, nothing that Pang Xiao was indifferent to his new wife. It eased the annoyance in Li Qitian’s heart. If the prince had obtained a highly capable father-in-law who could take on an army of scholars and a pretty, intelligent wife, then it really would’ve been a misstep in strategy.
“You may forgo the courtesies. The best satisfaction of Our painstaking efforts on your behalf if the two of you lead a happy and harmonious life together in the future.”
“This subject does solemnly commit Your Majesty’s teachings to memory.” Pang Xiao bowed.
Likewise, Qin Yining responded woodenly, “Many thanks for Your Majesty’s teachings.”
His mood greatly lifted, Li Qitian changed the subject. “Go make your kowtows to the empress dowager. Zhixi, come back after you’ve done so. We have urgent business to discuss with you. We’ll take lunch together.”
“Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty.” Pang Xiao once again bowed, Qin Yining curtseying by his side. The married couple slowly backed out of the emperor’s hall.
The Qin fourth miss didn’t relax her guard even once in the yard. Who knew how many pairs of eyes were staring at them from a random corner?
Pang Xiao took large strides behind a young eunuch while his princess consort shuffled behind him, her head lowered. Her distance was just close enough to not register as estrangement, but enough to reveal a few hints of fear.
The prince inwardly grinned from ear to ear. I really need to think about how to compliment my dear’s quick reaction and smarts when I get back home! Outwardly, his expression was so cold that any passing palace servant quickly scuttled out of the way.
The group arrived at the Palace of Benevolent Harmony before long. Emerging soon after popping in to announce their arrival, the young eunuch stated respectfully, “Her Majesty invites the prince and princess consort to enter.”
“Thank you for your trouble, gonggong.” Pang Xiao smiled gently and casually awarded the young eunuch a silver ingot.
A smile blossomed on the young face and the servant quickly bowed, “Thank you for your reward, Your Highness.”
All was as usual in the empress dowager’s abode. Pang Xiao swept through the water chestnut-relief door and headed straight for the side hall.
Close on his heels, Qin Yining had just reached the door to the side hall when she heard the empress dowager’s enthusiastic response, “You’re here. How about your wife?”
“Greetings to the empress dowager.” Qin Yining knelt on the ground to pay her respects.
The older woman waved kindly. “Come, come closer so I can take a look.”
The girl rose docilely and took a place in front of the empress dowager.
After close inspection, a smile was the final pronouncement. “The Qin daughter has become even prettier after a few days of absence. And here I was, just thinking of making good matches for the youngsters. Shared destiny between you two has arrived so quickly. What a sublime development for celebration!”
Is the empress dowager obliquely explaining away her actions of randomly trying to bestow marriage onto me last time?
Qin Yining snorted coldly to herself. This imperial majesty was really taking everyone for fools, wasn’t she? She obviously wanted to drive a wedge between Pang Xiao and an aristocratic house last time. All this nonsense about making good matches? She certainly knew how to wrap her gibberish in gold.
“Many thanks to Your Majesty.” Not wanting to exchange another word with the woman, Qin Yining ducked her head shyly.
Her husband smoothly took over the conversation. “Have you been well, Your Majesty? Did you enjoy the meal box I had the servants bring in last time?”
“Of course, how would I not partake of a meal box from you?” The empress dowager smiled. “You have to great efforts to express your filial piety.”
Pang Xiao congenially reminded the empress dowager to look after herself before rising. “In response to Your Majes
ty, the emperor has given orders for this subject to return to the Hall of Moral Cultivation. His Majesty has urgent matters to discuss, so I’m afraid I must take my leave.”
Reluctance crossed her face when the empress dowager heard the departure. “Ai, you kids always have something to busy yourselves with. Never mind that. Since it’s urgent matters, be on your way then. Leave your wife here to chat with me. Come have lunch back here when you’re done.”
The prince grinned. “I was just thinking of imposing on Your Majesty.”
The empress dowager beckoned amiably at Qin Yining. “Come here and sit next to me so we can have a nice chat. Pay no heed to those men. All they know is to rush madly to and fro.”
Pang Xiao dismissed himself after a pleasant bow. He looked back anxiously at Qin Yining before he exited the room.
Though he was very confident in her, he couldn't help but worry. Though man may not harbor ill intent for the tiger, the tiger bore malicious intentions toward man.
But relief bloomed in the next moment. Thank goodness his girl was so intelligent. If it was a regular noble daughter by his side, she would’ve been bowled over by the endless variety of sudden developments a long time ago. He couldn’t keep her company all the time—they would be at a loss for what to do if she didn’t have the ability to protect herself.
Chapter 421.2: Thanking Imperial Favor
Thankfully, Qin Yining had weathered many hardships and trials. Pang Xiao shook his head and set aside his worries, making fast time to the Hall of Moral Cultivation. The faster he completed his duties, the sooner he could take his beloved home.
Meanwhile, Qin Yining kept the empress dowager company with conversation.
Able to endure even the old dowager’s temper, the empress dowager was no sweat off her brow. This imperial majesty was a smart individual. She liked to gossip and didn’t offer the most meaningful of conversation topics, but she also deftly took cues from words and expressions. She always knew what to say to delight her conversation partner.
She really has tremendous skill in handling situations. Perhaps this is why Li Qitian is able to be all things to everyone. Only with a mother like that can he be someone so smooth and outwardly flawless. This is why he sits on the dragon throne.
But having to constantly put up a front was a truly exhausting existence.
“Your Majesty, the Princess of Anyang has arrived.”
A report from outside cut into the happy chatter. Not waiting for a response, Li Helan barged straight on in.
“Royal mother, I hear you have guests. Just who is it that even your daughter is kept outside?”
The princess whirled in like a small tornado, her smile stiffening when she saw Qin Yining.
Pretending not to see the newcomer’s expression, Qin Yining rose politely to curtsey. “This subject-wife greets Your Highness.”
The self-reference of ‘subject-wife’ slapped Li Helan like a ladle of hot oil. Fires of fury ignited with almost an audible whoosh.
This was the empress dowager’s palace, her own mother’s territory. There was no need to hold anything back. Plus, her mother knew about her matters.
Li Helan snorted coldly without any qualms. “Forgo the pleasantries. This seat is unable to accept your courtesy.”
Hackles rose at the response. It looked like Li Helan still hadn’t given up on Pang Xiao. Acting out so brazenly in front of the empress dowager… was the princess planning on giving her a hard time today?
“Your words are too grave, Your Highness. You are a princess, and this one only the wife of a subject. How would you be unable to accept my greeting? If others learned of this, they would say you improperly belittle yourself. If someone with ulterior motives caught wind of this and spread stories, it would impact your prestige.”
Primly performing a curtsey, Qin Yining stand with her hands by her side.
Startled, the empress dowager looked at the girl. Though these words were evenly delivered in a composed tone devoid of any anger, the imperial majesty could decode the formidable notes inside.
With the eldest princess’ temper, she would explode!
The thought of extending conciliatory words had just crossed her mind when Li Helan took a step forward. “Aren’t you proud of yourself for being the wife of a subject? That’s right, your father is just the surrendered official of a tiny nation. He only became royal brother’s vassal because daily living was getting too hard. As the daughter of a surrendered official, how are you supposed to live your life if not as the wife of an official at court? Not to mention, you long since lost your…”
Covering her mouth as she chuckled, the sardonic notes within Li Helan’s response were readily apparent.
Qin Yining inwardly sneered at the princess’ stupidity.
There were a hundred, nay, a million ways to take her down a peg or humiliate her. However, the princess had picked the most inappropriate method.
The only thing on Li Helan’s mind was that, being her birth mother, the empress dowager would back her up in anything she did. What completely failed to register was that Qin Yining was here because of Pang Xiao. The empress dowager would naturally keep Li Helan in check if she didn’t want to thoroughly offend the prince.
Therefore, a defender would come to Qin Yining’s aid whether the girl did anything or not.
“Lan’er, don’t sprout nonsense.” Indeed, the elder woman voiced a rebuke and looked warningly at her daughter.
Girlish tittering screeched to a halt. Li Helan stared incredulously at her mother.
“The fine wine that your royal brother bestowed upon you is for you and the prince consort to enjoy, not just you alone. You’ve always liked your drink and had a bit more of it today, but look at how your tongue is wagging now. Thank goodness the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is no outsider, or I’d punish you well for that!”
Blinking at her mother’s stern expression, Li Helan knew that she shouldn’t let her emotions run amok like this. After all, she had no right to vie with Qin Yining or be jealous anymore.
But who could understand the grievances and frustration of her heart? It was all so unfair!
“I’ll listen to whatever you say, royal mother,” muttered the princess reluctantly.
Qin Yining’s insides hurt from repressed laughter, but she continued seriously, “To think that Your Highness enjoys the nectar of the cup! I have an excellent jar of high-grade huadiao wine. I’ll have servants deliver it to you.”
Li Helan didn’t care about that bloody wine at all. But a warning look from her mother made the princess stretch her lips into a curve. “Then, my thanks.”
“There’s no need to be so polite, Your Highness. Milord tells me that the empress dowager treats him like a son and makes sure he wants for nothing. He has always been deeply grateful. Now that I have joined his household, I can realize milord’s wishes, if nothing else.”
“This seat advises you to spend your days quietly and refrain from overstepping. Don’t you brag or show off in front of me!” Li Helan gnashed her teeth, wanting to fling a slap at the girl’s hateful face.
Qin Yining smiled. “Understood, this subject-wife will spend my days quietly. However, I don’t understand what you mean by bragging. You are the eldest princess and the noblest of royalty. What would this one have to show off in front of you?”
Chapter 422.1: Severe Punishment
Li Helan almost broke her teeth from how hard she was gnashing them!
The nerve of that chit, claiming her lack of ability to show off! Her snagging Pang Xiao as her husband and claiming ownership on the man was wherewithal enough!
That bitch was doing all of this on purpose! She knew full-well that Li Helan had her heart set on marrying Pang Xiao. Now that she had what she wanted, she was taunting a noble princess in a roundabout way!
Li Helan had grown up in the lap of luxury and pampering. There wasn’t anything she’d want that she failed to get her hands on. She had been given much in th
is lifetime, and was used to laying claim on all she desired; she’d always taken for granted the doting of her mother and elder brother.
Yet despite all the good fortunes in her life, her marriage was her only and greatest disappointment. It was so heartbreaking that it roused the eldest princess at midnight, crying from her sleep.
Prince Consort Ji was extraordinarily handsome, but he was simply too cold. Being with him was no different from facing an ice statue, a wooden dummy!
He fulfilled his duty as a prince consort only once after their wedding, and that was on their wedding night! Since then, he’d been respectful, courteous yet emotionally distant. He barely even gave her a glance after discovering her visit to Madame Lu’s harem for a tryst.
And apparently, he’d dressed up in full pageantry for Pang Zhixi’s grand wedding, even bringing all of his manor troops to add to the occasion. In other words, he treated his friend better than his own wife!
What good was this kind of marriage for?? A prince consort of this kind would only add to her troubles.
She’d failed to win the man she wanted, and failed again to win the heart of an extraordinary man she’d managed to snag. Her prolonged festering of frustration and grievances was ready to explode.
Eyeing Qin Yining, who wore a married woman’s hairstyle and radiated unrivaled beauty as she gushed about her marital bliss with Pang Xiao, Li Helan just about had enough.
Her rage burned and flared, the empress dowager’s admonishment to her just a moment ago cast aside.
“Bitch! You just signed your death warrant!” The eldest princess reached out to throttle Qin Yining’s swan-like neck.
Startled, Qin Yining rushed to evade the crazed woman’s attack.
Li Helan was charging her in front of the empress dowager? Perhaps she’s banking on her mother’s backing should something happen in the palace??
Qin Yining’s mind raced. She’d consistently shown tolerance to a woman who lusted after her husband. Am I being too easily pushed around?
“Hurry! Someone stop her! The eldest princess has had too much to drink! Stop her before someone’s hurt!” Appalled by her daughter’s aggression, the empress dowager didn’t think of summoned help until she recovered from her stupefaction.
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