Want to see yourself laugh at me? You have to cooperate, too. Xiao Yao sneered secretly. Yun Ruonan nervously held her hand. She vaguely understood the Empress Dowager's intentions.
Is the incident with Concubine Han going to happen again in the palace? She doesn't want her friend and future nephew to suffer the same treatment as her mother and herself. Why won't the Empress Dowager let her family go?
Seeing Yun Ruonan's face turn pale, Xiao Yao quietly squeezed her hand. What kind of experience would someone have to go through to be so frightened? It was really heartbreaking. Why couldn't Queen Mother Han see the good in Princess Jing and her granddaughter, and had to destroy their peaceful lives?
"Granddaughter-in-law! You and Achen have been married for quite some time, but why is there no news at all? Besides, it would be too lonely for you to be the only one in your courtyard. Could the Empress Dowager find you a companion?"
Okay? Only a fool would want such a companion! Xiao Yao smiled obediently. No matter how nice you say it, I will just play dumb to the end. I can't take care of Yun Yichen's affairs, and I don't want to get involved.
"Your Majesty, the women from the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery's residence have arrived."
Queen Mother Han definitely made this arrangement on purpose. At this moment, Xiao Yao cursed her over and over again in her heart. What a vicious old witch. She first revealed to her her intention to take a concubine for Yun Yichen, and then took advantage of the opportunity when her mother arrived to put pressure on her to submit?
Tong Mingyu supported Qin, while Li Jiaoying, Yuan Yutong, and Princess Xiyue walked behind with a few juniors.
After the Xiao family members bowed to the Queen Mother and took their seats, Queen Mother Han chatted with Qin and Tong Mingyu about family matters. Then, pointing at Li Ji, she said to them, "This child is named Li Ji. I think she bears some resemblance to Achen's wife. What do you think, Lady Zhongyong, that they should be sisters?"
Tong Mingyu looked up in astonishment. She didn't dare to meet the Empress Dowager's gaze, so she turned her gaze to her daughter. Xiao Yaoyun blinked calmly, and Tong Mingyu felt relieved to know that her daughter was not affected. The question now was how to respond to the Empress Dowager!
Tong Mingyu stood up and said calmly: "In reply to the Queen Mother, this is the business of Prince Jing's Mansion, and the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion has no right to interfere."
"So, if Achen's wife doesn't object, then your Zhongyong Marquis Mansion will also approve it, right?"
"To answer the Queen Mother, I think we should consult the Crown Prince about this matter. If the Crown Prince likes this girl, neither the Marquisate nor my daughter would object." Tong Mingyu pushed the issue back to the Queen Mother Han. She had no right to be involved in the affairs of Prince Jing's Mansion, nor did she want to get involved. She only needed to care about her daughter. How to minimize the harm to her was what she, as a mother, should do.
One of the mother and daughter is very smart, and the other is stupid. Queen Mother Han is very angry about their non-cooperation. How can the matter proceed?
Queen Mother Han decided to use Xiao Yao as a breakthrough point. Tong Mingyu was too clever and always changed the subject. The silly granddaughter-in-law was easier to talk to. She would then have the ladies below and the Xiao family put some pressure on her, and the matter would probably be settled.
After making up her mind, Queen Mother Han coaxed Xiao Yao: "Achen's wife will take Li Ji back to the palace later, okay?"
"Well! The dancers in our palace are not as beautiful as this girl. Don't worry, Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law will definitely ask the chief secretary and the housekeeper to take good care of this girl." Xiao Yao didn't want to cause trouble. If Queen Mother Han hadn't dragged the Xiao family into this, she really planned to play dumb and resolve the matter. Queen Mother Han was too bullying. Since she wanted to plot against her and the Xiao family, why should she be polite? If she wanted to embarrass everyone, she would embarrass them together.
How could it be possible to let Li Ji be a servant? Queen Mother Han suspected that Xiao Yao had just been playing dumb. She nodded at her granddaughter-in-law from a distance and said with a smile, "You! How could you have thought of letting such a lovely girl like Li Ji be a dancer? The Royal Grandmother said that she should live in your courtyard, be your sister, and help you take care of and serve Achen."
Is that clear enough now? See how you keep playing dumb! Everyone's eyes were fixed on Xiao Yao, wondering how she would respond.
"Oh! The Empress Dowager really loves her grandson's wife. Even I am jealous! Congratulations to the Crown Prince's Consort for marrying a talented sister. Shouldn't Li Ji offer a cup of tea to the Crown Prince's Consort?" A noble lady sitting next to the Empress Dowager Han smiled softly with her handkerchief covering her lips.
"All is well..." Qin didn't expect to encounter such a thing when she entered the palace to celebrate the empress dowager's birthday. She wanted to persuade her granddaughter to recognize Li Ji, but when she thought about facing her husband's rage after returning, she couldn't say the following words.
Li Ji held the teacup and walked lightly to Xiao Yao, bowing and serving her tea.
Xiao Yao also smiled, with an innocent smile on her beautiful face. At this moment, even the lady beside her was a little envious of Yun Yichen. Being accompanied by two stunning beauties, any man would dream of such a life!
"Miss Li Ji, right? Sorry, I'm not used to drinking tea offered by strangers." Xiao Yao said and picked up a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth.
Chu Xue quickly picked up the teacup on the table, handed it over with both hands and apologized, "It was my negligence. Please have a sip of tea to moisten your throat, Princess."
This master and servant actually dared to put on a show in front of her. Queen Mother Han's face showed anger. Just as she was about to speak again, hurried footsteps were heard outside the door.
Who has the guts to make such a noise in the Empress Dowager's palace? Just as Empress Dowager Han was about to reprimand, a figure suddenly appeared in the center of the hall.
The man before her, his breath unsteady and a bit flustered, was none other than Yun Yichen. Xiao Yao felt a surge of resentment when she saw him, her eyes brimming with tears. She told herself to stay strong and not cry. Ruonan and the Xiao family were still nearby, and she couldn't let them worry. Even if she felt like crying, she couldn't let her family, Queen Mother Han, or Yun Yichen see her.
"I'm sorry, I'm late and I've wronged you." Yun Yichen, regardless of the presence of others, hugged Xiao Yao tightly. He had heard about Empress Dowager Han's harassment of Xiao Yao a while ago, and because he had unfinished business with the Emperor and couldn't get away, he arrived just now. Only he and God knew how anxious he was.
Xiao Yao used Yun Yichen's lapel to wipe away the tears welling up in her eyes, raised a smile and said, "The Empress Dowager helped me find a sister, and the lady over there asked her to serve me tea. My Lord, tell me, should I drink this tea or not?"
The Duke of Qing's wife flinched in fear, secretly annoyed at herself for being so preoccupied with flattering Queen Mother Han that she'd forgotten Yun Yichen. He wasn't someone to be trifled with. What if... Turning to glance at Li Ji's appearance, she felt a sliver of confidence. The Crown Prince would definitely like her. Even if the Crown Prince's Consort was slightly more beautiful than her, so what? Li Ji was a natural beauty, and the kind of fatal attraction she possessed for men was something Xiao Yao couldn't even begin to match.
Yun Yichen let go of Xiao Yao, pinched her nose, and said, "Didn't your husband tell you not to drink anything carelessly? Especially if it's served by someone unclean, you must never touch unclean things."
The hall fell silent for a moment. The women of the Xiao family put their minds at ease, and the accomplices of the Queen Mother Han did not dare to say anything. It was obvious that the prince came to support his wife, so who would dare to say anything more?
"My lord, I just wanted to serve you a cup of tea. I have no ill intentions. I will serve you and your sister wholeheartedly in the future and will never slack off." Li Ji decided to take a gamble. She didn't believe that her feminine charm could not attract Yun Yichen.
Xiao Yao walked aside. She also wanted to know what choice Yun Yichen would make. This could be considered a test!
His young wife left him and walked away. It seemed that she was still angry. He glanced at Li Ji with disgust. It would have been better if he hadn't looked at her. As soon as he saw her, he kicked her directly. Li Ji slid out more than ten meters and lay on the ground in a mess.
"Achen, what are you doing? Are you making trouble in the Empress Dowager's palace? Don't forget that today is my birthday. Is this how you celebrate?"
"A lowly dancer dared to claim to be a sister to the Crown Prince's wife. If it weren't for the fact that today is your birthday, I would have killed her long ago. Don't worry, I know my limits. She only has internal injuries and won't bleed. If she's acting on purpose, it's none of my business."
The Empress Dowager wanted to explain Li Ji's identity, but then she heard Yun Yichen say, "Since this person was injured by my grandson, Prince Jing's Mansion will be responsible for her treatment. Someone will come and take her away soon. Grandmother, just enjoy your birthday in peace."
The wife of Duke Qingguo seemed to like this girl very much, so it would be a pity to waste her. Yun Yichen sneered and prepared to leave Fengxiang Palace with his wife and sister. Since the Empress Dowager didn't like them, they would just not come in the future.
Xiao Yao tugged at Yun Yichen's sleeve and whispered, "My mother and the others."
Yes! When I leave, I must take the women of the Xiao family with me, otherwise the Empress Dowager will probably take her anger out on them.
"Your Highness the Empress Dowager, the Empress invites everyone to take their seats in front." The eunuch outside the hall reported loudly. In fact, it was not the Empress who sent anyone to deliver the message, but the Emperor himself who sent someone to inquire about the situation. The person saw that the atmosphere was not right, so he followed the Emperor's instruction and directly called everyone to the banquet to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Yun Yichen's expression relaxed, and he took the lead in saying goodbye to Queen Mother Han. Before leaving, he kindly helped to disperse everyone and casually helped Qin and Tong Mingyu away.
After settling the Xiao family, Yun Yichen brought his young wife and sister to their respective places in Prince Jing's mansion. Prince Jing called his daughter to his side and left the young couple alone.
Because they were sharing a table, Yun Yichen and Xiao Yao sat side by side. He tried to hold Xiao Yao's hand under the table, but was blocked. He lowered his voice and explained, "I was really delayed by something. Don't be angry."
Xiao Yao looked at the bustling hall without saying a word, as if Yun Yichen was not talking to her.
Yun Yichen looked at Prince Jing and Yun Ruonan for help. What should he do in this situation? Prince Jing and Yun Ruonan pretended not to understand what he meant. They did what they were supposed to do and refused to help.
Did he have to apologize in public? Yun Yichen frowned and rubbed his forehead. For the first time, he thought that it was difficult to marry a wife, and it was even more difficult to coax her.
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