The reward of a top-grade spirit stone was indeed very tempting. However, for Consort Li and Consort Song, what they cared about was not the top-grade spirit stone, but the Fourth Prince.
As natives of this era, Consort Li and Consort Song had very sound values that aligned with the mainstream of the time.
Women should depend on men to live.
At home, one obeys one's father; after marriage, one obeys one's husband; and after the husband's death, one
Both Consort Li and Consort Song held a firm belief on this point.
As intelligent as they were, they both understood that Rong Xi's purpose in orchestrating this was to send one of them back to the capital. Once back in the capital, returning wouldn't be so easy. Even if the Fourth Prince came, he probably wouldn't actively summon her back.
"So, you both feel that you're not capable enough, right?"
Rong Xi narrowed her eyes and looked at the two of them with a smile.
Insufficient ability?
joke!
She wasn't asking them to do anything earth-shattering; she just wanted them to go back and be responsible for acquiring spiritual herbs, stay in the palace, and be mere decorations.
It would be a real joke if the two of them couldn't do something like this.
"Your Highness, I am indeed incapable of sharing your burdens. Please forgive me!"
Consort Song wasn't as quick-witted as Consort Li. After hearing Rong Xi's words, she simply and directly admitted her incompetence.
As for whether admitting her incompetence would lead to Rong Xi reporting her to the Fourth Prince, Consort Song didn't think that far ahead. Her only thought from beginning to end was to stay in the small town of Zichuan and wait for the Fourth Prince's return.
"Consort Li, and what about you?"
After hearing Consort Song's frank words, Rong Xi looked at Consort Li. She was determined not to give Consort Li the opportunity to try and muddy the waters with her silence.
"I have never done this before, and I don't know if I can succeed..."
As cunning as Consort Li was, she always left some room for maneuver in her words.
"I don't know if it will work, but why not give it a try?"
Rong Xi spoke calmly.
Upon hearing Rong Xi's words, Consort Song quickly chimed in, saying, "What you say is absolutely right, Your Highness. I think we should let Consort Li give it a try."
"Madam...?"
Consort Li was caught off guard by Consort Song's sudden and fatal attack. She panicked and looked anxiously at Rong Xi, "Consort, what if I've made a mistake and ruined your plans..."
"That makes sense!"
Rong Xi smiled slightly, "Since you're unsure, and Consort Song isn't capable, then the two of you should go together! If there's anything one person can't handle, then the two of you can discuss it together."
You don't want to leave, right?
Let's go together then, I'll take you all home.
When Rong Xi offered her opinion, both Consort Li and Consort Song were stunned. This turn of events was something neither of them had anticipated.
"Madam!"
"You don't need to say anything!"
Rong Xi interrupted them directly, "This matter concerns the reputation of our Prince Yong's Mansion, and we cannot afford to lose it. I'll feel more at ease knowing that you two are both returning to the capital to oversee this matter!"
"Go back and prepare, and set off as soon as possible!"
Rong Xi waved her hand, dismissing the person directly.
As for whether Consort Li and Consort Song were willing, there's no need to ask; they certainly weren't. However, Rong Xi is now the primary consort of Prince Yong, and assigning tasks to Consort Li and Consort Song is entirely within her power.
Both Consort Li and Consort Song looked dejected; this was a scene neither of them had expected.
At this moment, the two understood that from beginning to end, Rong Xi had never given them a choice. From the moment Rong Xi conceived this idea, the two of them had no choice but to return to the capital.
"This concubine takes her leave!"
Consort Li was still able to maintain some semblance of propriety.
Consort Song simply turned and left without saying a word.
"Please calm down, Madam. Consort Song is just being emotional..."
"No need to say more, I understand!"
When Consort Li suddenly tried to explain on behalf of Consort Song, Rong Xi waved her hand to interrupt. Whatever Consort Li's purpose was, it was ultimately none of her concern.
To be honest, Rong Xi felt somewhat guilty towards Consort Li and Consort Song. These two had been with the Fourth Prince for a very long time, even before Ulanara married him. In terms of seniority, Consort Li and Consort Song were the first to arrive.
However, Rong Xi inherited everything from the Ulanara clan, and incidentally, she was pregnant. Influenced by her own beliefs, Rong Xi couldn't stand seeing the Fourth Prince surrounded by women.
If a person doesn't look out for themselves, they'll be punished by heaven and earth.
To make herself feel better, Rong Xi could only apologize to Consort Li and Consort Song. Besides, the world is vast, and there are plenty of men out there; why should Consort Li and Consort Song insist on revolving around the Fourth Prince?
"Master, you are truly amazing!"
After Consort Li also left, Magpie hurriedly spoke up.
Previously, Xique had been wondering why Rong Xi had asked her to summon Consort Song and Consort Li. Now that the truth was out, Xique was truly overjoyed. Those two women should have been sent away long ago.
"Is it impressive?"
Rong Xi glanced at the magpie and said, "This is just a temporary measure. They will come back in a few days."
"Then let's find them more things to do!"
Magpie snorted, "Once they have a mission, they can't sneak back. Even if the prince returns, he won't speak up for them."
"You're quite clever!"
Rong Xi chuckled softly.
It was indeed a good idea to find things for Consort Li and Consort Song to do. The problem was, there weren't that many things for them to do.
Looking back now, I realize how foolish I was. Why did I choose to be a submissive and virtuous fourth wife? I shouldn't have asked for the titles of secondary wives for Li and Song in the first place!
"This servant is naturally clever!"
The magpie chuckled.
Rong Xi snorted and said, "Alright, stop joking around. Go and cultivate!"
"This servant will go right away!"
The magpie responded and flew away quickly.
Rong Xi sat in the chair, her brows slightly furrowed.
Sending Consort Li and Consort Song back to the capital was not a difficult task; the difficulty lay in the fact that this approach only addressed the symptoms, not the root cause.
A one-time solution?
This seems quite difficult!
Unless she could ruthlessly eliminate both Consort Li and Consort Song, which she couldn't do. As a transmigrator from a later era, she was, in fact, a civilized person.
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