"Xueying, I hope you understand that now that you've married Hongli, you belong to him, and you're also part of my family. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can talk to Hongli, or you can talk to me." Lanqin hoped that Xueying could lower her guard and trust her.
Xueying was deeply moved, but Empress Ulanara's words still lingered in her heart. Xueying was now very conflicted.
"However, you are Hongli's concubine, so you must always think of him and not do anything to harm him. If I find out that you have done anything to harm him, I will not let you off easily." Lanqin was giving a warning. Lanqin always did a good job of being prepared for the worst.
Xueying felt that her mother was just being polite at first, then resorting to force. She first told her that she would take care of her, and then told her to be devoted to her.
"I know, Mother. I will definitely treat Hongli well. You all know how I feel about him. If he is doing well, then I am doing well." Xueying knew that this was both advice and a warning to her, that she must be devoted to Hongli.
Lanqin looked at Xueying. She was outstanding in appearance and so intelligent and sensible, yet she was the Empress's niece. Fucha Mingyu also seemed like a good girl. It was a blessing for Hongli to have both of them, but it was also likely to be a source of trouble.
Thinking of this, Lanqin sighed and said, "I will try my best to persuade Hongli to let go of his prejudice against you. You are both daughters-in-law whom Mother loves, and I will treat you equally. But you must promise me that you will do your duty."
Lanqin's face suddenly turned heavy. What should have been a happy occasion now felt incredibly oppressive.
This Consort Xi seems to know everything; she is truly unfathomable. If I were to have a conflict with her, I would definitely lose.
Xueying thought to herself, no wonder her aunt, the Empress, suffered such a crushing defeat.
"Mother, how did you..." Lanqin voiced her doubts, genuinely afraid of Lanqin's abilities. Having her secrets revealed felt like being completely exposed to Lanqin.
Before Xueying could finish speaking, Lanqin interrupted her. "How would I know about what's going on between you two? You don't need to worry about that. I'll help you resolve the issues between you and Hongli. You just need to do what you're supposed to do."
Lanqin's tone was neither gentle nor serious; she was simply speaking her mind. She would indeed help Xueying, as long as Xueying did her job well, didn't overstep boundaries, and didn't harm Hongli.
Xueying felt that Consort Xi was always protecting her, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and she was truly grateful for that. However, she also felt that Lanqin's words were telling her that Consort Xi was actually wary of her.
"I understand, Mother!" Xueying said solemnly.
Lanqin nodded, and Xueying curtsied before stepping away.
Lanqin watched Xueying's retreating figure thoughtfully. "Xueying, your relationship with Hongli depends on you." Lanqin felt that Xueying loved Hongli; otherwise, she wouldn't care so much for her. Hongli also harbored prejudice against Xueying because she was from the Ulanara family. Perhaps there was a possibility between them.
Xueying returned to her bedroom and tossed and turned in bed, thinking about what the Empress and Lanqin had said. She was now unable to distinguish right from wrong, good from bad, and another sleepless night passed.
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