Li Zhaoxian's gaze was icy, and his look at Song Tangxue was anything but friendly, especially considering how easily Li Zhaoxian's mind had been swayed by a few words.
Song Tangxue felt a little sorry for the court. This was their Crown Prince, who was always preoccupied with love and could easily abandon his duties to protect a woman.
According to Haitang, when she arrived, Li Zhaoxian was still discussing matters with several officials, leaving behind a mess before rushing over.
He was met with cold indifference by a few words from others, completely unaware of why his elders had arranged this marriage for him. He didn't even consider Song Tangxue's immense wealth.
Unfortunately, with the imperial marriage in place, Song Tangxue is unable to get rid of Li Zhaoxian for the time being.
This fickle scumbag should just stay with Song Tangli forever.
Chen Shu's eyes were red, and she looked at Song Tangli with great pity. She wiped her eyes and said, "Song Tangxue, you have gone too far by bullying your sister like this and still putting on airs as the legitimate daughter."
Song Tangxue watched her perform this one-woman show.
Xuesong paused for a moment, then secretly observed Li Zhaoxian. Seeing that His Highness the Crown Prince was indeed showing signs of anger, Xuesong picked up where Chen Shu left off: "Yes, she disliked Ali from the very beginning."
"Ali was worried that she had never attended a banquet before, so she kindly brought her in. Song Tangxue even tripped over it."
"Yes, she's arrogant and complacent. Ali got her a performance opportunity, but she didn't care and even said that Ali was meddling in other people's business."
At Xue Song's prompting glance, the group of girls stammered as they accused Song Tangli of not having a particularly good relationship with her.
This banquet also made them realize that Song Tangli was not as innocent as she pretended to be, but it was obvious that imperial power was above all else.
If they can please Li Zhaoxian's family, their future path will be easier.
Song Tangli stood weakly beside Li Zhaoxian, looking as if a gust of wind could blow her away. Her eyes were red and her voice was trembling: "Don't say anything. I know that my sister didn't mean it. This is what I should do."
Li Zhaoxian gently held her hand with heartache; her palm was soft and boneless, yet icy cold.
"It's alright, I will take care of it for you."
Song Tangli coughed softly a few times, slightly out of breath, and said, "I knew that my Crown Prince brother was the best to me. All the sisters at the banquet were very kind to me, sister..."
Song Tangli sighed, "The ladies present have all seen how my sister has treated me."
This is like holding a knife to the young ladies, forcing them to speak up for Song Tangli. Li Zhaoxian is clearly standing here, siding with Song Tangli, forcing them to choose sides.
Seeing that Li Zhaoxian didn't object, Xuesong and her friends talked even more enthusiastically, saying all sorts of things.
Even several unfamiliar young ladies sided with Song Tangli.
“I saw Miss Song deliberately serve very hot tea to Miss Song.”
"She even deliberately berated her own sister. Miss Song's good intentions were completely wasted."
"Yes, we just pushed Miss Song into the Seven Stars in a row."
"..."
Li Zhaoxian stroked Song Tangli's hand, his brows furrowing more and more. Looking at the silent Song Tangxue, he wished he could execute him on the spot.
How could someone I cherish be treated like this, while the culprit acts so nonchalantly?
It wasn't just because of Song Tangli; Li Zhaoxian realized that Song Tangxue didn't care about anyone, including himself.
He deliberately ignored this feeling.
"No, my sister must have her own reasons. As the legitimate daughter, she must be doing better than me. I was just unaware and overlooked the fact that she probably doesn't need my help." Song Tangli breathed heavily.
"I don't blame my sister, after all, we're family." Song Tangli's eyes were red, and her gaze towards Li Zhaoxian was gentle and understanding.
Most of the ladies present adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Li Zhaoxian had not yet spoken, and although they were indignant about Song Tangli's attitude, they were still observing.
But that's how it is in large families; they've long lost their freedom. Behind them are their respective families, and their fortunes are intertwined.
"Heh." Only one person remained unfazed, for her status was high enough: "According to what Miss Song is saying, am I making things difficult for you?"
Princess Tingyu walked to Song Tangxue's side and stood still. The light stretched her shadow long, and the small area covered half of Song Tangxue.
Song Tangxue originally intended to wait until they finished making a scene like shrewish women before speaking.
"You were the one who repeatedly provoked Miss Song, but you were outmatched. Now you're twisting the truth. How could the Song family have raised such an ill-mannered daughter?"
Song Tangli's face turned pale for a moment after being choked, and Li Zhaoxian also lowered his eyes, looking thoughtful. He knew a little about Princess Tingyu's character.
Song Tangli, who was right beside her, naturally noticed Li Zhaoxian's change and felt a little anxious: "Princess Tingyu, weren't you targeting me from the beginning? I know I am of lowly status and not worthy of my Crown Prince brother. It's normal for you to have resentment." Song Tangli tried to let go of Li Zhaoxian's hand, but Li Zhaoxian's pity won out, and she gripped it even tighter.
"But you don't need to protect Song Tangxue like this. I don't want the position of Crown Princess. I just want to stay quietly by my Crown Prince's side, even if I have no title or status. You don't need to treat me as an enemy."
Princess Tingyu was born into a noble family and was pampered by the eldest princess. With the emperor backing her up, she had never been treated like this before: "Song Tangli, don't go too far."
"Don't go too far! These are all Song Tangxue's faults, but you're blaming Ali!" Li Zhaoxian pulled Song Tangli close and shielded her behind him.
Even the way the gaze was directed at Princess Tingyu carried a hint of coldness. Princess Tingyu took a few deep breaths, looked at that delicate and timid head, and sneered a few times.
Your elder brother, the Crown Prince, can protect you for a while, but not forever!
"Song Tangxue, why are you always like this!" Li Zhaoxian's eyes were filled with disappointment and anger: "I have never made a fuss over how you make things difficult for your sister, so why do you never know how to repent?"
"You need to give me an explanation this time!"
At this moment, Song Tangxue slowly lifted her eyelids, looking at him as if he were an indifferent person, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, a cold smile playing on her lips.
"So what if I pushed her into the Seven Stars Alignment?" She admitted it if she did it, but no one can pin the blame on her if she didn't.
Li Zhaoxian stared intently at her: "How vicious you are! Do you even know what the Seven Stars Alignment means!"
"You should ask Song Tangli that. If she hadn't taken me there and tried to push me down, I wouldn't even know," Song Tangxue scoffed. "And don't you want to know what your Ah Li was saying in there?"
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