Madam Song’s face was ashen, yet she finally fell silent. Of course, she knew. From the moment her daughter, Song Yalin, disappeared for several days and then suddenly reappeared with the Imperial Edict granting her marriage from the Emperor, Madam Song understood Song Yalin’s plan.
Only then did she realize that her obedient daughter’s excited remarks about ascending to a higher social standing were not spontaneous but rather a deeply ingrained obsession.
Only then did she realize that this daughter she reared with her own hands had long slipped from her control and had even turned into someone she barely recognized.
But no matter what, she was still her daughter. How could Madam Song sit still and watch her leap into a pit of fire?
With tears streaming down her face, Madam Song whispered, "She’s too naive, she’s just too naive."
What kind of place was the Pingyang Prince Mansion? And what kind of person was Ji Xinhe? How could she be naive enough to think she could get any benefits from him? How could she hope to warm the heart of such a ruthless and cruel man?
Xinhe, on the other hand, smiled lightly: "Indeed Madam Song, you underestimate your daughter. You may think her naive, but she is capable of pondering over the same things that you can."
Now, it seems that Ji Xinhe understands Song Yalin better than her own mother, Madam Song. Is it because Song Yalin hid too much from her, or because her mother had no concern for her at all?
The answer is clear. The depth of Song Yalin’s thoughts was apparent to everyone. Who knew how they managed to raise a girl with such profound thinking? Ultimately, it probably had to do with the so-called "future princess" upbringing.
From a young age, she had been drilled with too many ambitions, so her ambition was exceptionally high. Raised strictly by the Yan Family, educated with the strictness of the palace, she was able to disguise herself so meticulously that she even deceived her biological mother.
Xinhe didn’t know whether to consider the Song Family’s education overly successful or overly unsuccessful. It depended on one’s perspective.
Hearing Ji Xinhe’s words, Madam Song seemed a little startled. "What does the princess mean?" she asked.
Xinhe spoke quietly, "You don’t need to understand what I mean, Madam Song. All you need to know is that Song Yalin is no longer the woman she once was. Whether it’s because she’s now the side consort at the Pingyang Prince Mansion and her status is extraordinary, or maybe because she pokes me in the eye, it’s impossible for you to see her."
Upon hearing Ji Xinhe’s words, Madam Song was taken aback. She quickly fell to her knees, "I beg you, please spare her life—no matter what."
Xinhe coldly shook her head, "Madam Song, we have known each other for many years now, so there’s no need for hypocrisy. Given Song Yalin’s current actions, I’m afraid I cannot assure her safety. I’m powerless."
She paused briefly before continuing, "But perhaps you’ve been overly cautious, Madam Song. You underestimate your daughter and her abilities. Maybe she doesn’t need my mercy. Who knows? She might survive on her own and make a name for herself."
Xinhe’s tone carried hints of mockery and coldness.
It was undeniable that Xinhe understood Song Yalin’s current situation better than anyone. Madam Song only knew that she had agreed to the Emperor’s marriage proposal, but she didn’t know that the person pulling the strings behind her was the Emperor himself. Ji Xinhe has no idea what the Emperor’s ultimate objective was!
What was the Emperor’s true purpose?
With this thought, Xinhe’s eyes chilled even further.
Madam Song was still lost in thought, seemingly not quite understanding Xinhe’s words. Xinhe then directly dismissed her, "It’s getting late and I have many matters to attend to today, I won’t keep you any longer. Shulan, show Madam Song out."
Shulan bowed, "Yes."
She then turned to Madam Song, "Please, Madam Song."
Madam Song stood up, her face pale. She looked at Xinhe anxiously one last time, but seeing Xinhe’s resolute and clear gaze, she found herself unable to utter the plea that lingered on her lips. She turned and followed Shulan out.
Watching Madam Song leave, Xinhe noticed her staggering steps and how she seemed to have aged considerably.
Xinhe couldn’t help but sigh softly, shaking her head, "No matter the result of Song Yalin’s plan, to worry her aging mother this much, is undoubtedly one of the most foolish things she’s ever done."
In this world, the only person who truly cared for Song Yalin was probably Madam Song herself.
Even her own father, could he really care that much for just one of his many daughters? Beautifying the reality, she was his legitimate daughter. But the harsh truth was, she was only one among many. Men, after all, are generally colder.
But Song Yalin didn’t understand this. She believed she was right and her short-sighted mother, who lacked foresight, was wrong. Even if it meant alienating her, she was determined to achieve her goals. Given time, once she truly understood the indifference and deception of the world, she would probably regret her actions.
Xiaoyu spoke in a solemn voice, "So, all of this is destined. Song Yalin chose that path. There’s no need for the princess to pity her."
Xinhe replied, "I don’t pity her. I just feel sorry for Madam Song."
After Shulan showed Madam Song out, she returned. As soon as she entered she bowed, "Princess, Xiaochaihu has returned."
After Marquis Mu left, Xinhe had sent Xiaochaihu out to gather information constantly. Now that Yu State is the target of the court, even Marquis Mu had left a hundred thousand elite soldiers there. They could not be careless. Xinhe didn’t trust anyone else, so she had specifically sent Xiaochaihu to investigate the court’s movements and situation.
She had guessed that the court would launch an attack on Yu State soon.
Xinhe’s eyes narrowed, "Let him come in."
"Yes."
Xiaochaihu strode in and greeted, "Princess."
"What’s the news?" Xinhe, in a calm voice, took her seat in the taishi chair and sipped from her tea cup.
Xiaochaihu replied, "There’s been no news from the court. After the Imperial Edict of royal marriage, the court seems to have trouble finding an excuse to start a war. They’re waiting for an opportunity to strike." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Xinhe shook her head, "That’s impossible. The court has many excuses it could use. If the Emperor is determined to deal with Yu State, he wouldn’t back off because of a small hiccup. If there’s no movement yet, it’s probably because Rouyi hasn’t finished negotiating."
The court knew it would be difficult to govern Yu State with their power alone. If the Emperor wanted to bring down Marquis Mu and Yu State without much effort, he would have to wait for Rouyi to make a move.
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