Chapter 266 Hatred

Seeing the deep hatred in the old woman's eyes, Xie Qingran smiled: "So you really hate me, is it because of the Imperial Concubine?"

"Others may not know what's going on with you, but this old woman saw it all clearly. It was you who drove the Imperial Concubine to her death step by step!"

"She's just a willful and capricious little girl, how could you be so cruel as to do such a thing!"

The old woman glared at Xie Qingran through gritted teeth.

"I didn't drive her to her death; she drove herself to her death."

"You certainly don't have that ability by yourself. Tell me, who else is there?"

Xie Qingran had no intention of explaining her grudge against the Imperial Concubine. After all, everyone knew what had happened back then, and everyone knew how the Imperial Concubine had made things difficult for a young girl. However, in this person's eyes, the Imperial Concubine's actions were merely a bit arrogant.

If that's the case, then it's impossible to explain the reasoning behind it.

The old woman looked at Xie Qingran, spat disdainfully, and said coldly, "I hate you myself. You deserve to die. You slut, if you have the guts, then kill me!"

I see.

Xie Qingran looked at her and smiled gently, then said calmly, "You think you can't kill me, but protect the person behind you so that he can continue to kill me, right?"

"It seems that the Zhao family and the Imperial Concubine's maternal family have quite a close relationship!" Xie Qingran smiled slightly, stood up, and strode outside.

When she reached the door, Xie Qingran stopped, turned around and gave her a cold look, and said indifferently, "I won't kill you, but I will find out all the turtles and bastards hiding behind you, and then send you all on your way. You'd better live well."

"What?! Xie Qingran, you vicious woman, you bitch!"

"If you've got the guts, kill me right now!"

The old woman cursed through gritted teeth as she watched Xie Qingran's retreating figure.

Baozhu had already reached her breaking point, and now seeing her going further and further outrageously, she angrily slapped her hard across the face: "You better wash your neck clean and wait to die!"

Xie Qingran's childbirth was so sudden that everyone was shocked when the news spread, especially the Empress, who hurriedly sent over many fine gifts and even sent the Crown Prince to come and see for himself.

Since it was inconvenient for men to enter the house when a woman was giving birth, the Crown Prince went directly to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion with the gifts and went to find Xiao Jue.

Seeing Xiao Jue's sullen appearance, the Crown Prince was puzzled and whispered, "Brother, what's wrong? Why are you still unhappy about having two children?"

“These two children were born prematurely, it was intentional. Ever since Xie Qingran had these two children, she has been surrounded by dangers…” Xiao Jue clenched his fists tightly: “I must find out the truth about this and give them, mother and children, justice!”

The Crown Prince had heard about these things. He sighed and then said, "If you have a child, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion will have an heir. At that time, the land, shops, and titles will all have an heir. They naturally don't want this to happen. Moreover, I think this matter must have been done by collusion from within and without. So you should also investigate the inside of your Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."

“Recently, there has been some unrest on the border. Father has been very worried about this and has been unable to eat or sleep well. Brother, do you think this matter will escalate into a major conflict?” The Crown Prince is currently most worried about the instability on the border.

After all, the military generals in the court are numerous, and if a fight breaks out at this time, they will definitely suffer losses.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jue glanced at the Crown Prince and said calmly, "If a war really breaks out, do you expect to personally go to the battlefield?"

"If I had that ability, I wouldn't be worrying about it here. I know I don't have that ability!"

"Brother, will you... help me?"

The Crown Prince looked at Xiao Jue with some hesitation.

The two of them grew up together and had a deep bond. Even though Xiao Jue later became disabled and the Crown Prince is now the heir apparent, the Crown Prince has never looked down on Xiao Jue and has always regarded him as his own brother.

He knew Xiao Jue's personality best, and he knew that if it were Xiao Jue, he would definitely win!

Seeing the Crown Prince's hesitant expression, Xiao Jue couldn't help but smile: "Our Xiao family has guarded the border for generations. Generation after generation has died out, and only then have we earned the title of 'a family of loyal martyrs.' Do you think I would back down when the country is in danger?"

Although the emperor is being unreasonable, Xiao Jue will not really argue with him. After all, war is not just a matter between the two of them; if a war breaks out, it will implicate the entire nation.

Seeing Xiao Jue like this, the Crown Prince couldn't help but bow: "Brother, you are truly the most responsible person I have ever met!"

"Stop talking nonsense, put your things down and go back. There's no food for you at my house." Xiao Jue waved his hand dismissively, his face full of disdain: "Go back and tell Her Majesty the Empress that I know what I'm doing."

After hearing these words, the Crown Prince finally breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, patted Xiao Jue on the shoulder, and then turned and strode outside.

After learning about Xie Qingran's childbirth, Gu Xiangyuan specially brought gifts to visit her. Looking at the two soft, wrinkled little babies lying on the bed, Gu Xiangyuan felt very curious.

She was the youngest daughter in her family, with no younger siblings, and this was the first time she had ever seen such a small child.

Gu Xiangyuan unconsciously reached out and gently poked the little baby's face, looking at Xie Qingran curiously: "Why are they all so wrinkled?"

"Because you're still young, you'll be fine when you grow up."

"And you, how have you been lately? Are the wedding preparations complete?"

Xie Qingran couldn't help but smile gently, taking her hand to stop her from touching the child.

Hearing this, Gu Xiangyuan sighed, casually sat down next to Xie Qingran, and said sullenly, "I always thought that getting married was a simple thing. It's better if two people love each other. But... I'm so tired. Why are there so many rules and so many things to prepare for getting married?"

"These past few days, my nanny has been scolding me every day, saying this and that about me, and I can't take it anymore." Gu Xiangyuan leaned on Xie Qingran's shoulder: "Is it always this difficult for girls to get married?"

Looking at Gu Xiangyuan's puffed-up, aggrieved expression, Xie Qingran found her rather endearing.

He reached out and gently pinched her cheek, smiling as he said, "Little girl, are you finding it troublesome, or are you finding time passing too slowly?"

"No, actually I'm a little scared."