Could it be that she’s just pretending to be calm? However, the old eunuch knew deep down that regardless of whether she was pretending or not, the depth of this woman’s schemes was anything but ordinary!
Ji Xinhe’s indifferent eyes scanned the old eunuch, causing him to shudder and clear his throat before barely managing to compose himself, "His Majesty is taking Prince Pingyang into consideration. After all, he’s past thirty without any children. Fearing that his bloodline may be in jeopardy, His Majesty decided to grant Prince Pingyang a side consort. In this way, she would share the burden of Princess Pingyang, and perhaps even give birth to a little heir to inherit the prince’s title. Wouldn’t that be a delightful prospect?"
As the old eunuch spoke, there was an unavoidable tone of schadenfreude. He looked at Ji Xinhe with amusement, waiting for her to become furious with embarrassment.
It had been six years since marrying into the Prince’s Mansion and still producing no heir. As people say, Prince Pingyang was hopelessly in love. But frankly, it was because this woman was too jealous and couldn’t tolerate the slightest grit. If she knew the news now, even such a capable woman would probably be enraged half to death.
"Keep dreaming!" Xiao Bei burst in, cursing, "Don’t even think about bringing any other woman in here!"
Xin He’s cold gaze swept over Xiao Bei, "Xiao Bei, withdraw."
Xiao Bei angrily pointed to the eunuch, "Sister, this person... "
"I said, withdraw!" Xin He spoke coldly.
Xiao Bei was silenced by Ji Xinhe’s cold tone and obediently shut his mouth before turning around and leaving. However, he didn’t go far. Instead, he stood outside the door, listening to the movement inside.
Eunuch Lin laughed heartily, "Was that young man just now the sister’s younger brother? I have heard of his talent and fame, I heard he became a scholar at just sixteen? This is incredible! And he’s so protective of his sister. With time, Princess Pingyang may have a great backing. As long as her brother succeeds, Princess Pingyang’s position in the Royal Mansion may become more stable."
Since the side consort’s background and family are both top-notch, and the main wife is just a peasant girl with no support, as soon as the side consort arrives and has a little heir, where would there be a place for Ji Xinhe in this Royal Mansion?
The mockery in Eunuch Lin’s tone was quite obvious, but Ji Xinhe just chuckled coldly, "Eunuch Lin is so concerned about me, I’m sure you already know who the side consort is, right?"
Eunuch Lin no longer put Ji Xinhe in his eyes and arrogantly replied, "Of course I know. There’s no harm in saying it, since Princess Pingyang will know sooner or later. It’s the third Miss of the Song family, Song Yalin, who has the reputation of being the number one maiden in Yu State. Princess Pingyang should know her very well."
"I heard she disappeared a few days ago." Xin He said indifferently.
Eunuch Lin laughed loudly, "Disappeared? Princess Pingyang must be overthinking it. Since she is the Emperor’s chosen candidate for the marriage, naturally the best protection measures must be taken. How could the Song family’s golden girl be allowed to disappear?"
Having said that, he raised his voice, "Why don’t you bring the third Miss Song over here for me?"
When this statement came out, Xiao Bei’s face turned pitch black. Even the Small Tinder who had been trying to stay calm tightened his fists.
Xin He, however, seemed to have expected this, still sipping her tea calmly.
Eunuch Lin was now increasingly uncomfortable seeing Ji Xinhe’s arrogant and aloof demeanor, and the more he thought about her disdain and fearlessness towards him, the more he wanted to see her downfall!
Therefore, he didn’t mind using Song Yalin to provoke Ji Xinhe. Besides, the Imperial Edict was already here, so what was there to be afraid of?
In no time, several little eunuchs had ushered Song Yalin in. Her bearing was dignified, her actions calm and collected, showing no sign of distress on her delicate face. Instead, she carried her usual calm and elegant demeanor, although her usually serene eyes now contained a nearly irrepressible sense of triumph.
Yes, triumph. She had never had more right to be triumphant than she did now.
The feeling of outwitting this powerful woman in front of her was simply wonderful. Ji Xinhe was hoping that Song Yalin would either be sent to a temple before the edict arrived or get engaged, right? Well, now, she and the edict appeared before her without any warning. She still entered the Mansion and appeared before Xin He. She was still here.
No one could stop her, not even Ji Xinhe!
Xin He looked at Song Yalin, not missing any of the emotions on her face. She watched silently for a moment before slightly raising the corners of her lips, "Miss Song, I hope everything is well with you."
Song Yalin paid her respects to Ji Xinhe in a gentle manner, "Thank you for your concern, Princess Pingyang. From now on, we will be sisters in the same family. I hope the princess will take care of me."
Xin He lifted her lips coldly, "Sisters? You’re so confident, even though you haven’t even entered the door yet?"
Song Yalin smiled at Ji Xinhe, "Whether I can enter or not, Princess Pingyang should be very clear about it, shouldn’t she? Or is it that Princess Pingyang wants to defy the imperial edict?"
Just as her words fell, a deep voice came from outside the door, "Even if she defies the imperial edict, what’s the big deal?"
Song Yalin’s confident eyes flickered with panic for a moment. She hurriedly turned and saw Mu Houchu striding in.
The moment Xin He saw Mu Houchu, she didn’t know why, but her heart suddenly tightened. Some things could not be avoided after all.
Mu Houchu approached Xin He and looked at her reassuringly, "Why didn’t anyone notify me when the imperial decree arrived?"
If it hadn’t been for the secret guard in the mansion rushing to inform him, he wouldn’t have known that his beloved woman was "feeling wronged" at this moment.
Xin He didn’t say anything, fearing that his emotions might lead him to do something irrational. She still wanted to avoid getting any attention from the Emperor.
However, it seemed that Mu Houchu had no such intention.
"Are you the one sent by the Emperor to announce the marriage decree?" Mu Houchu looked coldly at Eunuch Lin.
Eunuch Lin felt chills all over his body from Mu Houchu’s icy stare. He could only laugh nervously and say, "Yes, since Prince Pingyang has arrived, I can announce the edict right away... "
Mu Houchu said lightly, "No need."
"Ah?" Eunuch Lin was stunned and seemed a little unprepared.
Mu Houchu’s eyes were cold and without a trace of warmth, "Eunuch Lin came to Yu State and unfortunately encountered serious bandit problems, so he was killed. This explanation shouldn’t pose any problems, right?"
Eunuch Lin’s face became even paler, "You- you- what are you talking about?"
Ling Feng immediately replied in submission, "This subordinate understands."
With that, he waved his hand at the two guards behind him. The two guards went straight up to Eunuch Lin and silenced him, dragging him out. His fate could be easily imagined.
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