Xiao Xunzi immediately dropped the broom in her hand. The others, following Xiao Xunzi's lead, also threw their things away and stood under the eaves to watch the show.
With the Crown Princess backing them up, they weren't afraid of the Crown Consort complaining. In the end, only the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were the masters of the Crown Prince's residence.
Even though Song Tangxue was of noble status, she was still a concubine.
Only Xiao Xizi was diligently cleaning the house, seemingly oblivious to the commotion outside, and didn't join in the fun.
"My dear sister, you don't come here unless you have a reason. What brings you here this time?" Song Tangxue stood up lazily and, upon approaching her, naturally noticed the several dowry chests behind her.
Song Tangli will not give up easily.
“My sister is a woman of her word, so naturally she has come to return her dowry.” Song Tangli waved to the eunuchs behind her, and they carried in several large boxes.
Song Tangxue glanced at it briefly and immediately noticed something was wrong: "The quantity is wrong, isn't it?"
Song Tangli's face stiffened, and taking advantage of the fact that no one could see her, she glared fiercely at the nitpicking Song Tangxue: "I put everything together, so it naturally looks like there are fewer items."
"Cuixi, open the box and check it," Song Tangxue ordered, raising an eyebrow, not giving her a chance to pretend to be something she wasn't.
Song Tangli's expression changed instantly, her fingers tightening around her sleeves: "What? Sister doesn't trust me?"
"Yes, I don't believe you!" Song Tangxue didn't give Song Tangli any face at all, tearing apart the relationship between Song Tangli and herself in front of everyone without reservation.
It's not like she's forcing these palace servants to make a choice. Anyway, she won't be staying in the Crown Prince's residence for long. Her own happiness is the most important thing. Who cares what these people think?
Her happiness largely stemmed from Song Tangli's unhappiness.
The smarter palace servants all kept their heads down and remained silent. The situation was still unclear, and those who rashly took sides would be like birds sticking their necks out, dying without even knowing how.
"Who gave you permission to speak to the Crown Princess like that?" These words were spoken by Yanliu, a palace maid who was sent by the palace to serve Song Tangli.
"You're just a servant, who gave you permission to speak to me like that?" Song Tangxue retorted, looking at the palace maid calmly, "Slap her twenty times."
"Song Tangxue, don't go too far! She's my maid, it's not your place to discipline her!" Song Tangli shouted, partly to maintain her authority, and partly to get Song Tangxue to give up.
Those withheld dowries were all good things.
“Isn’t my sister a woman of her word? Then all of these things must be returned today.” Song Tangxue insisted on pressing this point: “As for this servant, I’ll have to trouble my sister to keep a close eye on him.”
"After all, the mistress of the Crown Prince's residence is now the younger sister, so these dogs need to be kept on their leashes to prevent them from barking and bothering others."
Cui Xi had already finished checking the contents of the first box. One of the reasons she was so quick was because there was practically nothing inside. Her expression was rather unpleasant.
"No need to count them, Cuixi. You go back to Zhaoling Palace with the Crown Princess and count out all the Empress Dowager's rewards." Song Tangxue looked at Song Tangli with an arrogant gaze: "This is something the Empress Dowager ordered. Sister, don't make things difficult for your elder sister in front of the Empress Dowager."
"When the Empress Dowager asks, I will have no choice but to tell the truth."
These words were both a reassurance and a warning, leaving Song Tangli in a state of utter frustration, yet powerless to do anything about it. She had also heard what the Empress Dowager had said.
"Let's go!" The word was practically spat out from between her teeth. Song Tangli came in a grand procession, but left in complete silence.
Cui Xi got up and followed.
Because Yanliu was good at talking, Song Tangli had already asked her to come and serve her. At this moment, Yanliu pushed past Cuixi and flattered her, saying, "What are you? How dare you come to the Empress's side and get in her way!"
“Yanliu!” Song Tangli stopped and turned to look at her, her gaze cold.
Yan Liu stepped forward with a fawning smile: "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
"You talk too much, don't you?" Song Tangli narrowed her eyes and looked at her through the white veil: "I'm annoyed by your words. Someone, cut off Yanliu's tongue."
Yanliu immediately went limp and knelt on the ground, begging for mercy: "Your Majesty, spare me! Your Majesty, spare me! This servant will never dare to do it again..."
Two eunuchs covered her mouth to silence her, and she became mute. How could someone serving their master be like this? In the end, Yanliu was simply sold off.
They may also disappear from the Crown Prince's residence.
Song Tangli felt a little better after hearing the sound of people being dragged away: "It's better for a servant to be obedient."
When Song Tangli said this, she was looking at Cuixi, who bowed her head without any change in expression and responded along with the others.
The group returned to Zhaoling Palace in silence.
Out of sight, out of mind. Let Lianzhi take Cuixi to the storeroom to get the things, Song Tangxue!
Song Tangli sat in front of the bronze mirror and carefully removed her veil. Her face was covered in sores, with scattered scarlet spots from the broken skin.
Slamming her hands on the table, Song Tangli's eyes were filled with an overwhelming hatred that seemed about to spill out.
Once my face heals and I regain the Crown Prince's favor, I'll make Song Tangxue pay me back with interest!
Inside Chang Le Palace, Xiao Xunzi and her group watched the Crown Princess's departing figure with anxious eyes, almost stamping their feet in frustration. This Crown Princess was so unpredictable!
“If your ambitions lie elsewhere, you may go and follow the master you admire.” Song Tangxue sat down again and looked at each of them.
Xiao Xunzi trembled upon hearing this, always feeling that Song Tangxue was not a pushover: "Your Majesty is joking. Since I have followed my master, of course I am wholeheartedly devoted to her."
"I'm not joking. You all ignored me. You said you'd take things seriously the other day, and you immediately showed your true colors." As soon as Song Tangxue finished speaking, Xiao Xunzi and the others picked up the tools on the ground again.
When Cui Xi returned in high spirits, the palace had been completely renovated. Xiao Xunzi and the others stood at the palace gate, covered in dust, waiting for Song Tangxue to inspect the palace.
Song Tangxue casually opened a box containing neatly stacked silver ingots. She picked one up and tossed it around: "I remember your name is Xiao Xizi?"
Their gaze fell on the eunuch who had led the way last night. He was the only one who hadn't stayed with the little seekers; he must have found them on his own.
Xiao Xizi, beaming with joy, quickly stepped forward and knelt down: "It's kind of Your Majesty to remember my name."
"Here's some silver for you. You did a great job today." Song Tangxue casually tossed the silver ingot to him.
Xiao Xizi was stunned by the silver ingot that fell from the sky. He picked it up with a grin and put it in his pocket, banging it loudly: "Thank you for your reward, Your Majesty! This servant will serve you with all his heart and soul."
"Alright, get up." Song Tangxue waved her hand. She had heard too many words of loyalty, but loyalty wasn't just empty talk.
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