"I did indeed fall in love with Princess Chen at first sight," Prince Qi Zonghao said, knowing full well that Prince Jing also coveted Princess Chen. "If I cannot have Princess Chen, it will be a lifetime regret for me." By saying this, he was warning Prince Jing not to overestimate himself and compete for her, or face dire consequences.
Prince Jing, detecting the implicit threat in Qi Zonghao’s words, was filled with rage but managed to maintain a semblance of reason. Otherwise, he would have surely killed this shameless man on the spot. "This prince is willing to assist the Second Prince, but Princess Chen always stays inside the mansion and rarely leaves. Even when she does, she is guarded by formidable experts, along with a wolf and a python that never leave her side, making it impossible to approach her."
"You just need to lure Princess Chen out. Leave the rest to me," Qi Zonghao said unconcernedly. "Additionally, send fifty elite soldiers for me to command." freёwebnovel-com
Prince Jing felt so furious he could spit blood, but he agreed on the surface.
"The seventh day of the seventh month is a good day."
The seventh day of the seventh month was traditionally a day for lovers to meet or pledge their affection. The implication of Qi Zonghao’s words was clear. Just as Prince Jing was about to retort, Qi Zonghao suddenly stood up, leaped towards the door, flung it open, and dashed out. In the blink of an eye, he returned with a woman in his grasp, whom he threw harshly at Prince Jing’s feet, completely devoid of any gentleness or compassion.
"Consort Ying?" Recognizing the woman’s face, Prince Jing’s expression changed. "What are you doing outside so late?"
Consort Ying, pale-faced, knelt and pleaded, "I came to bring a late-night snack for the Prince. I haven’t heard anything, please spare my life!" She was distraught and helpless, weeping pitifully like rain on pear blossoms.
Before Prince Jing could speak, there was a ’snap’, and Consort Ying’s head lolled as she collapsed on the ground, lifeless. Qi Zonghao took out a silken kerchief, wiped his hands, then casually tossed it to the ground. He gave Prince Jing a deep look. "Remember: the seventh day of the seventh month!" He then vanished in an instant.
Prince Jing’s face twisted in fury as he clutched a teacup, crushing it into pieces, ignoring the blood oozing from his palm. Through gritted teeth, he swore, "Qi Zonghao, one day, I will make you kneel before me and pay back a hundredfold the humiliation I suffered tonight!"
His low voice brimmed with a bone-deep hatred, like a wounded, howling lone wolf ready to pounce at any moment.
"I’ve taught you since childhood that only those who can endure what others cannot will ultimately rise above," a cold voice suddenly sounded.
Following the voice, Prince Jing’s stern countenance relaxed as he saw the figure standing in a shadowy corner of the room, a touch of admiration appearing in his eyes. "When did you return to the Capital, Mother Consort? Why did you not inform me, so I could come to meet you?"
"I came back for you," Jing Liangdi said coldly, ignoring the look of admiration on Prince Jing’s face. "Since Qi Zonghao wants Princess Chen, grant him his wish, but the only thing you can hand over is her corpse!"
"Mother Consort..." Prince Jing’s expression changed dramatically.
"Silence!" Jing Liangdi’s sharp voice interrupted him, her words laced with scorn: "Don’t tell me you’ve also taken a fancy to Princess Chen!"
Jing Liangdi had always been extremely strict with Prince Jing since he was young, instilling a profound fear of her in him. Feeling her anger, he instinctively lowered his head: "This son has not."
"Good! You must understand, I’m doing this for your benefit. Princess Chen is the biggest obstacle to your ascension to the throne, and you must remove her at all costs, or face the same fate as Prince Duan!"
"This son shall obey Mother Consort’s command!"
"Prepare well. This time, Princess Chen must disappear forever!" Jing Liangdi turned and walked away.
"Mother Consort." Prince Jing looked up anxiously. "Where are you going?"
Without looking back, Jing Liangdi said, "I’m going to arrange for support. I will help you from the shadows when the time comes. Remember: those who achieve great things never let feelings cloud their judgment!" With that, she soared away.
"Letting emotions get in the way? Hahaha!" Watching Jing Liangdi’s departing figure, Prince Jing’s face showed an indistinguishable mix of laughing and crying, his voice full of bitter self-mockery.
After a long while, Prince Jing shifted his gaze back and sat motionless beside the table, the flickering candle burning until dawn, still unextinguished.
Then, the butler’s voice came from outside: "Prince, the princess requests an audience."
Gathering his scattered thoughts, Prince Jing blew out the candle on the table, disgustedly picked up Consort Ying’s corpse and threw it into the hidden chamber, and then opened the door. Seeing the calm-faced Su Xiran, the flustered butler, and the weeping maids of Consort Ying, a trace of malice gleamed in his eyes.
"Prince," Cui Xiang came to report that Consort Ying has suddenly disappeared," said Su Xiran with a cold voice. "I had people search the entire mansion but found no trace of Consort Ying, so I came to ask for your judgment." After all, Consort Ying carried the royal jade butterfly, and any incident concerning her would inevitably alarm the palace.
"This matter will be handled by me. Keep the inner palace in order, and should anyone dare to speak of this outside, they will be executed," Prince Jing ordered sternly.
Su Xiran harbored doubts but showed nothing on her face, and after responding, she left with the maids.
On the seventh day of the seventh month, Yang Mengchen was dealing with the affairs of the Prince Mansion when He Junyuan hurried over with a maid in tow.
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