Sure enough, within a few days, news of Xueying and Hongli's affair reached the ears of the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince was furious. When Lanqin also found out, the Fourth Prince declared that Hongli must take responsibility for the matter when he returned and marry Ulanara Xueying as his concubine.
Lanqin felt that something was amiss, so she asked the Fourth Prince not to send a message by carrier pigeon to reprimand Hongli, and not to tell him either, so as not to affect his mood while he was away.
Hongli has been obedient and calm since childhood, and is definitely not a promiscuous person. He is engaged to Mingyu, and he would never lose control of himself at a crucial moment and ruin Xueying's reputation. No wonder Hongzhou did not come to pay his respects after returning.
Moreover, Hongzhou's feelings for Xueying are different, so Hongli would never disregard Hongzhou.
Although her son doesn't usually say anything, Lanqin knows everything he says and does. Could it be that the three of them are in a love triangle?
What a clever woman, Ulanara Xueying! She has captivated both of her sons; she is no simple character. Lanqin sent someone to find Xueying, intending to give her a good talking-to.
Xueying knew that if things got out of hand, Hongli's mother would definitely question her, but when Lanqin's people came, she was still inexplicably nervous and afraid. She braced herself and went to the South Courtyard, constantly thinking about how to deal with the situation.
"Xueying greets Consort Lanqin, wishing her good health!" Xueying knelt down deeply and bowed to Lanqin.
Lanqin turned her head, glanced at Xueying, and didn't agree.
Xueying felt a chill run down her spine under Lanqin's wary and scrutinizing gaze, and could only force a smile: "May the concubine be well..."
Lanqin said nonchalantly, "Xueying is here. Although I've known you've been in the Fujin Courtyard, I've been too busy with household affairs to find the time to see you properly. Now that I heard you came back with Hongzhou, I thought I'd call you over to keep me company! Are you settling in well at the manor?"
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Consort. My aunt treats me very well, and I am used to life in the manor." Xueying knew that Lanqin's words had a hidden meaning, indirectly telling her that the Fourth Consort was just a figurehead with no real power.
Lanqin's tone suddenly changed. She gave Xueying a cold look, wanting to see what kind of woman could cause a rift between Hongli and Hongzhou. Then she said, "I heard that you and Hongli and Hongzhou are very close. I am very pleased that you can get along well with someone of similar age."
Xueying knew that what was coming was bound to happen. She composed herself and nodded in acknowledgment: "Consort, you have misunderstood. I am with Brother Hongli, and I have absolutely no entanglement with Hongzhou."
Lanqin didn't expect Xueying to admit it so quickly, and even made a confident and undisguised statement. She was indeed not simple.
Lanqin's gaze was deep and discerning, but she smiled faintly: "Princess Xueying is indeed a lady from a distinguished family. I have long heard that the Duke of England is very good at raising his daughters. She truly has the demeanor of a great lady!"
Upon hearing this, Xueying felt a lump in her throat. The feeling of being humiliated was indeed unbearable. She knew that Lanqin was referring to her offering herself to Hongli.
“Hongli and Hongzhou grew up together since childhood and have a deep brotherly bond. Princess Xueying should understand what I mean, right?” Lanqin said casually, but every word she spoke emphasized decisiveness.
Xueying's face looked somewhat unnatural, and a cold sweat broke out on her back. She held her breath and remained silent.
Lanqin tilted her head, leaning against the couch, casually picking up a teacup from the table and playing with it. Her eyes sharpened as she continued, "Your Highness is wise; I'm afraid I've been overthinking it. Since the Prince has decided to betroth you to Hongli as a concubine, you must never have any further entanglement with Hongzhou. If I, the Princess Consort, find out, I will not tolerate it. Mingyu is a magnanimous and steady child; you must support her well in the future. Harmony between wives and concubines is essential. If I, the Princess Consort, discover that you do not respect her, I will not tolerate it either!"
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