Arc 2: Part 56
Xiao Qingwan shuddered and took a step back, unable to believe what she was seeing from Emperor Xuanyi.
How could he do this to her?
In her previous life, although Xiao Bai Zhu did not receive the emperor's favor, she was still highly respected as the empress and never belittled.
Why was she treated so differently now?
However, Xiao Qingwan didn't know that in her previous life, Bai Zhu was able to live comfortably in the palace due to Xiao Lingchen's support. Although Emperor Xuanyi might have thought about selecting new concubines, without Xiao Lingchen speaking up, his idea remained nothing more than a thought that could never be implemented.
In this life, it was she who entered the palace, so why would Xiao Lingchen still care about her well-being?
As long as she was alive in the palace, he wouldn't ask about her situation.
Unaware of the truth, Xiao Qingwan only felt more humiliated when comparing her current situation to the past.
She was not someone with a weak temperament, but rather feisty, and she couldn't swallow her pride.
Immediately grabbing the maidservant to take her anger out on her, Emperor Xuanyi hastily intervened to stop them. Amid the pushing and shoving, the two of them ended up fighting.
When the news reached the Xiao family, Xiao Lingchen furrowed his brows.
"Did she really start a fight with His Majesty?"
The subordinate who came to deliver the news bowed his head: "Yes, His Majesty knocked her down and put her under house arrest; meanwhile, Concubine Xiao scratched the maid's face and even slapped His Majesty."
"Her temperament is feisty, so it's not surprising she could do something like this. It's unlike my Bai Zhu, who is gentle and virtuous."
Xiao Lingchen waved his hand, dismissing the subordinate.
In the room opposite, Prince He Lian raised his eyebrows and clicked his tongue: "Brother Xiao, your sister is quite something, able to slap His Majesty. She has a promising future. Next year, His Majesty wants to hold a selection for new concubines. As her brother, will you help her?"
Xiao Lingchen didn't even look up: "She is my half-sister, I am not her proper brother, why should I help her and obstruct His Majesty?"
Prince He Lian blinked: "Then, Ji Bai Zhu, is also your half-sister, and if I pursue her, Brother Xiao, you won't stop me, right?"
Only then did Xiao Lingchen look up, staring at him coldly, his voice icy: "You can try."
"Hahaha, I was just kidding!" Prince He Lian hastily laughed, rubbing his cheek.
Last time, Xiao Lingchen had hit him hard, and he could still feel the pain in his face!
"But, Brother Xiao, I can guess what you want to do. By sending her into the palace, you have silenced those who criticize your family connections. However, this is not a long-term solution. We both know what kind of person Emperor Xuanyi is, and him being the Emperor..."
He laughed softly, then suddenly got up, bowed down, and solemnly said: "The Prince of Zhenbei's residence is willing to form an alliance with Lord Xiao and help change the Imperial City's ruling family!"
Changing the Imperial City's ruling family... that means... changing the master of the palace.
Xiao Lingchen didn't rush to agree, and said calmly: "The Prince of Zhenbei's residence is situated far away, are you willing to help me?"
The Prince He Lian shook his head with a bitter smile: "In fact, the Prince of Zhenbei's residence seems far away, but where can we escape? I initially thought if I could marry Miss Ji, having a marriage alliance would naturally be more reliable? But..."
He shrugged his shoulders at Xiao Lingchen.
Xiao Lingchen raised his chin, his expression was proud but it had a hint of a smugness that was hard to look away from: "Our wedding date is set for August, don't entertain idle fantasies."
Prince He Lian suppressed the impulse to roll his eyes, and said resentfully: "Nearby water towers get the moon first, this isn't a fair competition at all — the Prince of Zhenbei's residence agreeing to an alliance with you is out of gratitude for Miss Ji who saved me during the winter hunt. If you want to thank anyone, you should thank Miss Ji!"
Xiao Lingchen let out a low laugh, a soft smile bubbled up in his narrow, sharp eyes, his voice was gentle: "In this life, having her is the blessing of thousands of lifetimes. No amount of thanks are ever too much."
Prince He Lian covered his eyes in annoyance, couldn't bear to look.
"Your every two out of three sentences are about your love life, can you please shut up for a moment?"
Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter
No comments:
Post a Comment