"The Emperor's murder of his brother to seize the throne was already dishonorable, and today he has also condoned Jia Hua's indiscriminate killing of innocent people. Sometimes, forbearance may not bring peace."
Prince Qing had never suffered such humiliation in his life.
Today, I experienced firsthand what it means to hate someone intensely, all thanks to Princess Jia Hua.
The Prince of Zhennan looked at the Prince of Qing.
The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with murderous intent.
“Jiahua killed more than thirty guards today. These guards were all law-abiding citizens who were killed without cause. They deserve justice,” said Prince Qing.
The Prince of Zhennan nodded in approval.
After seeing off Prince Qing and his wife, Prince Zhennan frowned and looked at Pei Zhao: "You still want to marry Song Yue?"
Faced with the questioning, Pei Zhao's heart grew colder and colder, and the words stuck in his throat ultimately failed him to utter.
"You shall marry Qingyan," said the Prince of Zhennan.
"Your Highness?" Princess Zhennan exclaimed in surprise. Although Qingyan was beautiful, she was now disfigured.
The Prince of Zhennan said in a deep voice, "Qingyan's disfigurement is mostly due to the Prince of Zhennan's mansion. She will not be able to get married. If Zhao'er does not marry her, the Prince of Qing's mansion will not let it go."
Princess Zhennan was speechless. How could she not see that Princess Qing's gaze towards her today already showed some dissatisfaction?
If she hadn't summoned Princess Qing to discuss the Jingguo Duke's Mansion with Zhao Qingyan, Zhao Qingyan wouldn't have gone out to confront Song Yue.
"As for the injury on your face, let it heal. What does it matter as long as you can continue the family line?" The Prince of Zhennan made the final decision, instructing the Princess of Zhennan to prepare the betrothal gifts immediately.
"So eager?"
"The situation in Kyoto is tense; we should prepare as soon as possible."
She was just a daughter-in-law; the Prince of Zhennan didn't take her seriously.
Princess Zhennan nodded: "Yes, I will go and prepare it right away."
Pei Zhao couldn't get a word in edgewise. He pursed his lips and resigned himself to his fate.
…
Prince Jing's Mansion
The bloodstains outside the courtyard had been mostly cleaned up. Granny Zhang and her maids sprinkled pomelo juice on the blood and lit several sandalwood incense burners to fumigate the area.
The stench of blood in the air was gradually replaced by a pleasant fragrance.
Princess Jia Hua tenderly applied medicine to Song Yue's wound. Looking at the bloodstains, she was furious: "Zhao Qingyan has truly been corrupted. If she were here today, I would make her kneel down and beg for your mercy!"
Song Yue grinned, gently tugged at Princess Jia Hua's sleeve, and said in a soft voice, "Mother, her injuries are more serious than mine."
Princess Jia Hua personally examined the whip; it was made of special leather, and the end of the whip had barbs and hooks, and it was stained with blood and flesh.
Even a regular whip wouldn't cause such deep injuries.
"It's truly hateful that someone so young would use such a vicious weapon!" Princess Jiahua was furious that Zhao Qingyan had deliberately humiliated her, revealing her malicious intent.
"Fortunately, you're not one to take a loss lying down, and you fought back on the spot." Princess Jiahua was very pleased and patted Song Yue's temple: "Remember this, in the future, if anyone dares to give you a hard time, don't worry, your mother will back you up."
Song Yue nodded like a chick pecking at rice.
Shen Ruyun, who was listening nearby, twitched her lips slightly, looked up at Song Yue, and whispered, "Third sister is young, I'm worried that her reputation will be damaged in the future."
Princess Jia Hua dismissed it, saying, "Reputation doesn't put food on the table; it's dispensable."
After speaking, she looked at Shen Ruyun and smiled slightly: "Today, thanks to you for sending people to guard Yuehua Pavilion and delaying the time, Xiushu!"
Xiu Shu understood and handed a small box to Shen Ruyun. It was heavy, and when she opened it, she found it was full of pink pearls, each one plump, round, and shiny.
Shen Ruyun was no stranger to good things, but collecting this box of treasures would be no easy task. Even the Shen family only had five of them.
“Mother, this is too precious.”
Princess Jiahua smiled and said, "Ruyun, I heard that crushing pearl powder and applying it to the face is very effective. Take it back and let Madam Shen try it. Also, please pass on a message for me: Minister Shen has been honest and upright all his life. It is really unfair that he is just a minister. In the end, he has no real power and is coveted by others."
Hearing this, Shen Ruyun's heart sank.
"It's just a box of pink pearls, and it might not even be enough to catch the eye of the Shen family. Ruyun, one must learn to be discerning. I will also distinguish you from Song Hengchuan in the future."
Shen Ruyun forced herself to thank her, but she felt that Princess Jiahua's words were implied and were a warning to her. While she was deep in thought, a message came from outside that Song Hengchuan had come to pay his respects.
Princess Jia Hua said irritably, "Get them out of here! Why do all sorts of filthy and smelly things come near me?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Ruyun looked somewhat embarrassed. She hadn't expected Princess Jiahua to dislike her husband so much.
Knowing the princess's temperament, she didn't offer a single word of advice.
Before leaving, he carefully inquired about Song Yue's well-being and told her to get some rest.
As soon as Shen Ruyun stepped out, she saw Song Hengchuan lingering outside the door. Upon seeing her come out, Song Hengchuan went up to her and asked, "Did Mother make things difficult for you?"
"No."
Song Hengchuan suddenly noticed that the maid behind Shen Ruyun was holding an exquisite box: "What is this?"
"This was a gift from my mother."
Song Hengchuan feigned ignorance: "Why didn't Mother see me just now?"
Shen Ruyun frowned, looking at the clear expression in her husband's eyes. Too lazy to point it out, she shook her head to indicate that she didn't know. When Princess Qing came to the mansion today, she clearly heard Song Hengchuan's voice outside.
With such a good opportunity today, if anyone had been on Song Yue's side, Princess Jia Hua wouldn't have disliked her.
But Song Hengchuan not only failed to seize the opportunity, he also took advantage of the situation.
Repeated lessons have left Song Hengchuan with no remorse, and Shen Ruyun is too lazy to say anything more, so she simply says she wants to go back to the Shen family.
"I'll go back with you," Song Hengchuan said ingratiatingly.
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