After the three revealed their true intentions, the emperor immediately issued an edict that the Ninth Prince's selection ceremony for his consort would begin soon. As previously mentioned, commoner women were also eligible to participate.
Su Xiaoning had decided to participate in the imperial concubine selection ceremony, and these last few days before the deadline were her and Su Qingcai's last moments of tenderness. The two went out to enjoy the scenery and stroll through the entire capital, having a wonderful time.
One day, Su Xiaoning and Su Qingcai were strolling hand in hand down the street. As she was picking out jewelry, she overheard someone whispering and staring at her.
"Who exactly is that person? I've been seeing her on the street these past few days, and she's been so intimate with the Ninth Prince!"
"I guess she's one of the women participating in the selection of the imperial concubines. I wonder who she is that makes the Ninth Prince care so much. I think we don't need to participate at all. The position of the imperial concubine has probably already been decided in advance."
"Exactly! They've already decided on the outcome, yet they insist on calling it a public selection of a concubine!"
...
The two people talking in the corner grew louder and louder, and their gazes toward Su Xiaoning were extremely hostile.
After pondering for a while, Su Xiaoning silently released Su Qingcai's hand.
"What's wrong?" Su Qingcai asked, slightly surprised. He tried to take Su Xiaoning's hand, but she dodged it instead.
Don't you think things aren't quite right for us right now?
"Is there something wrong with it?"
"The Emperor said that he wanted to use the selection of a concubine to investigate the situation in the court. If everyone thinks that the position of the princess has already been decided, then in the end, won't we find out nothing?"
"..."
Su Qingcai was speechless for a moment, but had to admit that Su Xiaoning's worries were justified. "Now that things have come to this point, what else can we do? How difficult it is to change other people's minds!"
"What's so difficult about that? As long as our relationship isn't good now, that's fine, isn't it?" Su Xiaoning raised an eyebrow and whispered something in Su Qingcai's ear.
A short while later, the two parted ways as if nothing had happened, and continued picking out items from the stall.
Su Xiaoning picked up the jade hairpin, tugged shyly at Su Qingcai's sleeve, and said sweetly, "Your Highness, will you buy this for me?"
Her acting was so convincing that her affected tone gave Su Qingcai goosebumps. He almost burst out laughing, but he had to pinch his palm hard to suppress his laughter and put on a stern face towards Su Xiaoning.
"You still want to buy things! How much money have you spent from the Prince's mansion these past few days? Aren't you satisfied yet?"
"Why are you being so mean to her..." Su Xiaoning lowered her head, looking aggrieved. "You're upset over such a small amount of money. What will happen when I start managing things in your household? You don't show me any mercy at all..."
Su Qingcai's face suddenly darkened, and his tone turned cold.
"You still want to manage things in my household? Dream on! I've had enough of you these past few days. If you want to go and choose a concubine, go ahead. I can't control you, but I also have the right not to choose you!"
"You, you..." Su Xiaoning was stunned for a moment, pointing at Su Qingcai and trembling, "All these days I have devoted myself to you, and you never even thought about marrying me?"
"Marry you? Of all the people I could choose, why would I choose you?" Su Qingcai sneered, not even glancing at Su Xiaoning, and turned to leave.
Su Xiaoning didn't chase after her. She stood there blankly, looking heartbroken, and tears instantly streamed down her face.
Hearing Su Xiaoning's sobs, Su Qingcai's back stiffened. He was vaguely worried that he might have gone too far and made her cry. However, fearing things might go wrong, he didn't dare to look back and could only stiffly walk back to the palace.
"Waaah... You heartless bastard, you scoundrel, I've given all my feelings to the wrong person..."
Su Xiaoning didn't leave either; she stood in the middle of the road and cried loudly, appearing extremely heartbroken.
The conflict between the two attracted a crowd on the street. Some unmarried women laughed out loud when they saw it, and their hopes of becoming the Seventh Prince's wife were rekindled.
Unbeknownst to Su Xiaoning, who was putting on a great performance, two familiar people were sitting in a private room at a restaurant not far away, witnessing the entire event.
"Su Xiaoning has been arrogant for so long, and now she's finally getting her comeuppance!"
Qin Yunyun was overjoyed. She had accompanied Su Qinghe out for dinner, but unexpectedly stumbled upon this scene. Seeing Su Xiaoning's discomfiture filled her with immense pleasure.
Su Qinghe remained indifferent, staring intently at Su Xiaoning with a probing gaze. After a long while, he slowly said, "Something's not right... Su Qingcai doesn't seem like the type to act impulsively. As for Su Xiaoning, she was the same as before when I invited her to my residence a while ago. How could she have changed so quickly?"
After hearing what he said, Qin Yunyun calmed down a bit and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, are you worried that there might be problems with the selection of concubines?"
Su Qinghe nodded, a deep worry etched on her brow.
Qin Yunyun giggled, leaned closer to Su Qinghe, and breathed softly into his ear.
"Your Highness, don't worry. Leave the selection of concubines to me. I have a way to make Su Xiaoning fail the selection."
"Really?" Su Qinghe looked at Qin Yunyun with some doubt.
Qin Yunyun's eyes sparkled as she reached out and wrapped her arms around Su Qinghe's neck. "Please rest assured, Your Highness, give me a chance to prove myself."
"Then don't disappoint me." Su Qinghe's eyes darkened, and he hugged Qin Yunyun tightly.
The two exchanged a glance, as if they had already reached a secret agreement.
...
After the farce on the street ended, Su Xiaoning returned to the Prince's Mansion alone.
She had barely stepped into the Prince's residence when Su Qingcai rushed up to her and hugged her tightly, asking, "Are you alright?"
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
