Chapter 141 Is She Your Daughter?

As Shen Yiqiu had predicted, at the beginning of the banquet, Zhao Xuan came out from behind the curtain and stood obediently beside Zhao Jieyu, never daring to look up and meet her gaze.

Shen Yiqiu knew that the opportunity would be fleeting. Since she had no way to directly approach Zhao Jieyu, she glanced around and finally focused on the sullen Princess Xingrong. In an instant, she had an idea.

Just then, the music at the palace banquet ended, and the room fell silent.

Shen Yiqiu picked up her wine glass, turned calmly to the noblewoman beside her, and spoke in a gentle tone, as if remarking:

"Speaking of which, I happened to hear some good news a couple of days ago, which made me very happy. I heard that Zhang Heze, the adjutant, will soon be marrying the daughter of the Minister. They are a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

She paused for a second, noticing Princess Xingrong's sudden turn of her back out of the corner of her eye, and continued to praise:

"I have met that daughter of the Minister a few times. She is gentle and kind, well-educated and reasonable, which is a perfect match for Zhang's honest and upright character."

"I heard that Lieutenant Zhang also cherishes her very much. Before the marriage, he often invited her to travel together. Their deep affection is evident. I imagine that after the marriage, they will live in perfect harmony and love. It will truly be a beautiful story."

These words, which sounded like a blessing to others, struck Princess Xingrong squarely in the heart.

The man she longed for but could not have was not only about to marry someone else, but also had a very deep affection for his future wife.

Princess Xingrong turned her head, stared intently at Shen Yiqiu, and interrupted her angrily:

"Shen Yiqiu! Who are you trying to talk to with your sarcastic remarks?"

Shen Yiqiu seemed to suddenly notice the princess, a look of surprise appearing on her face as she widened her eyes slightly to look at her:

"Why do you say that, Your Highness? I was merely sharing the good news I heard from an old friend, and it moved me deeply. But... what did I say that displeased Your Highness?"

Her complete ignorance only added fuel to the fire.

Princess Xingrong suddenly stood up, grabbed the wine cup in front of her, and splashed it fiercely at Shen Yiqiu without any regard for the consequences.

Ignoring the princess's decorum, she shrieked and cursed:

"Shen Yiqiu! Who do you think you are, daring to speak ill of me, the princess? You're nothing but a lowly woman who relied on the legacy of your dead grandmother and somehow managed to climb up to the Crown Prince!"

"You dare to flaunt your power in front of me? Stop pretending! I think you're doing this on purpose!"

The wine was spilled all over Shen Yiqiu's clothes, and the scene froze instantly as all eyes turned to her.

Song Sangyu picked up the glass of water in front of her and took a small sip. Looking at the wine stains on her clothes, a sudden idea struck her. She turned to Fu Langxing, who looked worried, and said:

"Brother Langxing... I have a plan that can help you get what you want."

The emperor frowned, his face displeased.

"Xingrong! How dare you!"

Xiao Yongjing slammed his wine glass heavily on the table:

"Xingrong! To openly throw wine at a palace banquet is an insult to a court official, especially since she is your future sister-in-law. Where have you learned your manners?"

Zhao Ke'er's gaze swept over Princess Xingrong, then she glanced at Consort Zhao, and gently defused the situation:

"Oh dear, Your Majesty, Jing'er, don't get angry on such a joyous day. Xingrong grew up under my care; don't you know her temperament well?"

"Xingrong, why don't you quickly apologize to your father and brother?"

After she finished speaking, she gave Princess Xingrong a wink.

Princess Xingrong then realized what she had done. Her face turned pale instantly, and she was filled with grievance. She bit her lip, wanting to explain, but she couldn't utter a single word.

However, the emperor did not move on as usual, but instead waited for her response with a dark expression on his face.

Seeing that things were not going well, Consort Zhao quickly stood up, walked to the center of the room, bowed deeply towards the emperor, and tried to smooth things over:

"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please calm your anger!"

"The princess is young and straightforward. She must have been intoxicated and had no intention of offending Marquis Yongjia!"

She quickly turned to Shen Yiqiu, forcing a smile:

"Lord Yongjia, the princess's mistake was unintentional. Please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart. Your clothes are wet and uncomfortable to wear, perhaps..."

She instinctively glanced behind her and blurted out:

"...How about I have my maid Zhao Xuan take you to the side hall to change your clothes? She's quick and efficient, she'll be able to serve you well..."

She gave Zhao Xuan a wink, wanting only for Shen Yiqiu to be taken away from the angry emperor and crown prince to avoid further trouble.

Shen Yiqiu sneered inwardly, but feigned indifference on the surface, brushing off her damp sleeves:

"In that case, I would like to trouble Consort Zhao to borrow this Aunt Zhao Xuan for a while."

Seeing Shen Yiqiu approaching step by step, Zhao Xuan blurted out in a panic:

"This won't do! She..."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake and quickly tried to make amends, "This servant is clumsy and afraid that I will not serve Marquis Yongjia well. Since Your Excellency does not mind, then I will serve you carefully."

Shen Yiqiu and the Crown Prince exchanged a knowing glance, and then, guided by Zhao Xuan, left the banquet hall.

Upon entering the secluded room, Shen Yiqiu immediately bolted the door shut.

As the door closed, a flash of cold light appeared from his sleeve, and a chilling dagger was already pressed against Zhao Xuan's neck.

Zhao Xuan, being a seasoned palace woman, managed to maintain her composure, but her tone was sharp yet weak as she rebuked him:

"You...you dared to bring a sharp weapon into the palace! This is a grave crime!"

Shen Yiqiu's eyes were icy cold:

"A serious crime? If you die here now, it will just be the accidental death of a palace maid. Who would go to great lengths for you? And who would even know about this dagger?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuan laughed strangely:

"I have no grudge against you, why do you want to kill me? Even if you kill me, do you think Consort Zhao will let you go?"

With a slight exertion of force, Shen Yiqiu pressed the blade into Zhao Xuan's delicate skin, leaving a bloody mark.

She smiled sinisterly, like a demon crawling out of hell:

"You overestimate yourself. I am both the newly enthroned Marquis of Yongjia and the future Crown Princess. Do you think Consort Zhao would offend both of us for the sake of a dead maid?"

With a slight flick of her wrist, the tip of the dagger was poised to stab Zhao Xuan in the heart.

Zhao Xuan was so frightened that her legs went weak and she knelt on the ground, begging with tears streaming down her face:

"My lord, spare my life! I have never offended you, why must you kill me?"

Shen Yiqiu looked down at her from her high position:

"Don't you know what you've done?"

Zhao Xuan was taken aback, then seemed to understand something, her eyes turning sinister:

"So... you've come to settle scores with me because of that bitch Shen Ruyi?"

Shen Yiqiu sneered inwardly, "Just as I expected!"

The knife in her hand moved even closer:

"Song Sangyu, is she your daughter?"