Zongzheng Xu thought that Xie Lingqin would be frightened and her expression would change drastically after he said this, so she would back down. However, to his surprise, Xie Lingqin still looked at him steadily with a calm expression. "Cousin, I said that the one who made a mistake was the princess, not you."
At first glance, these words seem insignificant, but upon closer examination, they hold profound meaning.
Yes, if the princess's affair were to become common knowledge, how could even the emperor silence the public?
However, in this case, the fact that Zongzheng Xu's wife had an affair was ultimately a disgrace to Zongzheng Xu.
More importantly, she's a princess. Can you really challenge her?
“Lingqin, that’s a princess of the royal family. Right now, all I ask is to do my best to protect the Zong government. Everything else…”
"Can you protect it?"
Zong Zhengxu was taken aback by those words.
“As long as my cousin agrees, there’s no such thing as a princess.” Xie Lingqin stood up after speaking, her words firm. “I’ll stay here tonight. My cousin can think it over carefully. We’ll make a decision tomorrow.”
Zong Zhengxu looked at Xie Lingqin.
This cousin had shed her former fragility and fear, her face now resolute, her eyes shining like stars, bright and clear, without a trace of her former evasiveness.
It is a composure that remains calm even when Mount Tai collapses before you; it is a steadfast courage that looks down upon all things and looks down on everything.
She became more and better than she had imagined.
A single glance can ignite boundless courage within one's heart.
finally.
Zong Zhengxu tightened his grip, a resolute look flashing across his brows. "You're right. I can't let the entire Zong government suffer because of me. Over the years, she and I haven't really had any marital affection. We've just treated each other with the respect due to guests."
Xie Lingqin wasn't surprised at all; on the contrary, she nodded as expected. After a moment, as if remembering something, she asked, "By the way, did you slap the princess or not?"
Zongzheng Xu shook his head and gave a wry smile. "Although I can't tolerate being cuckolded, I haven't even touched a single hair on the princess's head."
"That's good." Xie Lingqin's eyes flickered, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
The housekeeper quickly arranged a room for Xie Lingqin.
It turned out to be her mother's elegant room before she got married.
The furnishings and decorations were far superior to her own Qingshui Pavilion, which shows how happy her mother must have been as a young lady from a wealthy family.
However, she encountered her father, that scumbag.
He misjudged people.
"Lingqin." Xie Lingqin was looking around the room when a strikingly beautiful couple entered the room hand in hand.
"Uncle, Aunt." Xie Lingqin stepped forward and bowed.
"I just heard Father say that you've grown up and become more sensible, but I didn't quite believe it. Now that I see you, I can see that you have a confidence that you didn't have before." Xie Lingqin looked at the man who spoke.
Tall and elegant, nearing forty, with a graceful demeanor.
Her uncle, Zong Zhengxu's father, Zong Zhenghao.
The woman beside her, in her thirties, was graceful and elegant, with an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and a look of joy in her peach-like eyes.
Her maternal aunt, Yu Ruyi.
The two men looked at her with genuine concern and worry.
"I've just gone through some life and death experiences, and I suddenly realized that it's such a pity if people are killed by others after all the hard work of living this life." Xie Lingqin said softly, "Of course, the most important thing now is to clear my brother's name of being a womanizer."
Zong Zhenghao and his wife Yu Ruyi exchanged a glance and nodded with relief. "Lingqin, you've really grown up. We're relieved now. We've also heard about this from Xu'er. If you want to help, you can, but remember, don't get involved. Always prioritize your own safety."
Even at this critical moment, he was concerned about her safety.
Xie Lingqin sighed. Family ties are truly a poisonous thing.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries and seeing off her uncle and aunt, Xie Lingqin then instructed Zihe to fetch water for her to wash up.
“Miss, I thought you would still keep your sharp edge hidden, just like you did at the General’s Mansion. I never expected you to be so decisive as soon as you entered Zongzhengfu.”
Xie Lingqin handed the outer garment to Zihe, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "The General's Mansion treated me like a discarded pawn, while the Imperial Clan Government treated me like family."
Zihe took the clothes, her eyebrows twitching slightly. "So, if others treat Miss well, you will..."
"No." Xie Lingqin knew what Zihe was about to say and interrupted him directly. After a moment, she added, "It's getting late. There's no need to keep watch. Go and get some sleep."
"Yes, this servant will take her leave now."
The door closed, the lamp went out, but Xie Lingqin was not asleep on the bed. Just a moment ago, she seemed to have remembered too many things from her past life.
She was an orphan, always alone, and thought that this was how her life would be. It was those so-called companions who gave her the only warmth, but in the end, they took her life.
Therefore, in this life, it's best to keep your heart tightly locked.
As for the Zong government, it's probably just because of blood ties.
However, this intermittent dull pain in my lower abdomen doesn't seem to be a symptom of poisoning. What on earth is it?
...
General's Mansion.
Upon learning that Xie Lingqin had gone to the Zong government with gifts at her grandmother's suggestion, Xie Lingqin felt troubled. She touched the indelible scar under her thick makeup and paced anxiously back and forth in the room.
"Look at you, I just told you off, and you're still so restless." The second aunt walked over, her tone somewhat resentful.
“Mother.” Xie Lingyu stepped forward and grabbed her second aunt’s sleeve. “You can still hold back. Father treats Xie Lingqin so well. I’m afraid that what you said before might not go smoothly.”
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