The relationship between Consort Rong and Consort Xian was not very good in the earlier years. At that time, they were both pregnant around the same time, and there were rumors in the palace that the eldest prince would be the crown prince, creating a silent competition between them.
Little did they know that the crown prince would turn out to be Ji Yuansu, a third-ranked Consort's son. After that, their thoughts of competing with each other diminished, but their relationship remained awkward.
Now they were using the pretext of delivering gifts to the Eastern Palace to witness Leyang's embarrassment, and surprisingly, they didn't feel uncomfortable. Instead, they had a strange sense of understanding for each other.
Although this woman was not likable, her stance against Leyang's misbehavior was commendable.
Consort Xian and Consort Rong looked at each other and showed a subtle smile.
Consort Xian: Ha, this woman has aged, with wrinkles under her eye.
Consort Rong: Always throwing tantrums, her appearance has worsened, with spots on her face.
Both of them felt that the other's appearance had declined and couldn't match their own beauty. Their smiles became even warmer and friendlier.
"There are many carriages entering the palace tonight. I'm worried that Royal Princess Shunan and her family might get stuck on the way," Hua Liuli suddenly said, "Your Royal Highness, should we send someone to remind them?"
Royal Princess Shunan and Royal Princess Leyang were at odds with each other, so Royal Princess Shunan should certainly enjoy this lively scene. They were supposed to be good sisters, so how could she miss such an occasion?
Consort Xian and Consort Rong turned their heads together and looked at Fushou Junzhu, who appeared delicate and shy with her smile. The future Crown Princess—was she acting unintentionally or with purpose?
The conflict between Shunan and Leyang was endless. If Shunan witnessed Leyang's embarrassment, she would be happy for at least half a month. This early invitation to Shunan and her family to enter the palace was practically an open invitation for them to come and enjoy the spectacle.
If it was unintentional, then so be it. If it was intentional...
This future Crown Princess was ruthless.
"Liuli, you're considerate. Gu will send someone to invite Royal Princess Shunan and her family into the palace," the Crown Prince said with a bright smile. He was eager to see how the Xie family's ploy of feigning suffering would unfold with so many spectators.
Watching a show is more exciting with a large audience.
"Someone, the tea for Consort Rong, Consort Xian, and the Fifth Prince has gone cold. Get them fresh cups," The Crown Prince, who used to even neglect serving tea to the Fifth Prince, now proactively replaced the cold tea with hot tea for him, showing his warm hospitality.
The three of them pretended not to remember the Crown Prince's previous aloof attitude and firmly remained in their seats without moving.
As long as they could witness Leyang's embarrassment, what was a little sacrifice?
"Father, Mother," Young Master Xie secretly rubbed his numb knees and whispered to Leyang and Xie Fuma, "How long do we have to kneel?"
Unlike his two sisters, who returned to the capital every year, he stayed at the Xie family estate in the south and received the family's teachings. However, every time he was in the capital, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager treated him kindly, and the young nobles in the capital were also enthusiastic towards him. But this time...
At the tender age of fifteen, he couldn't understand why his second sister had hired an assassin to target their cousin, the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was the favored and highly valued child of the Imperial Uncle, so how could Imperial Uncle not be angry if something happened to the Crown Prince?
As someone who had never experienced hardship, he felt both aggrieved and guilty from kneeling for so long and being mocked by others. After all, his second sister almost caused the death of their cousin, and it was only natural for their cousin to hold resentment toward their family.
"My son, if you're tired, you can pretend to faint," Royal Princess Leyang said softly in his ear, feeling heartbroken by his pale face, "That way, no one will bother you anymore."
"How can I do that?" Young Master Xie shook his head, refusing, "Our family has caused harm to the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu. It's already a mistake. If I faint now, in the eyes of others, it will seem like the Crown Prince has forced me to kneel and made me faint. In that case, won't it further tarnish the Crown Prince's reputation?"
Hearing his son's upright words, Royal Princess Leyang almost fainted on the spot. Her second daughter was foolish and ruthless, but her son was upright and innocent. If her two children could balance each other out, how wonderful would that be?
Afraid of tarnishing the Crown Prince's reputation, Young Master Xie, who already felt guilty, rubbed his knees and continued to kneel.
Xie Fuma looked at the sun rising gradually in the sky and then at his son sweating profusely. He spoke up, "This matter has nothing to do with you. If something happens to your health, causing your mother and me to worry, it would be unfilial. It's better for you to leave early so that we can be at ease."
"Then wouldn't it be parents kneeling to ask for forgiveness while the son sits leisurely beside them?" Young Master Xie wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Father, you don't need to worry about me. I'm fine."
"You, my child, how... how..." Royal Princess Leyang was both anxious and frustrated. How did she raise her child to be so pure-hearted?
"Young Master Xie," Just then, a eunuch from the Eastern Palace walked over, "The Crown Prince invites you in, please."
"Thank you," Young Master Xie expressed his gratitude, then turned to his parents, "Has the Crown Prince summoned my parents?"
"Please pardon me, Young Master Xie," The eunuch from the Eastern Palace smiled apologetically, "The Crown Prince only wants to see you alone."
Young Master Xie stood up and bowed to his parents before limping behind the eunuch and entering the Eastern Palace.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince, to the esteemed consorts, and to the Fifth Prince," Young Master Xie bowed, "Greetings to Fushou Junzhu."
Hua Liuli noticed that Young Master Xie... no longer seemed like Leyang's son. His manners were impeccable and he showed genuine respect to the Crown Prince and the others. Although he didn't possess his parents' good looks, he displayed an elegant demeanor befitting his imperial lineage.
"Please have a seat," the Crown Prince pointed to an empty seat at the end.
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," Young Master Xie cautiously sat down. Perhaps with the knowledge of Xie Yao's attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, he lowered his head with a sense of guilt when facing the Crown Prince's scrutinizing gaze.
After talking with him for a while, the Crown Prince reluctantly let him go. Young Master Xie turned his head to see Hua Liuli looking at him. He blushed, his ears turning red.
Hua Liuli: "..."
She wasn't a tyrant who teased innocent young men from respectable families. What was wrong with this Young Master Xie?
The Crown Prince also noticed Young Master Xie's unusual behavior. He discreetly tugged at Hua Liuli's sleeve, giving her a look that said "Don't lead him on", then turned to Young Master Xie with a gentle tone, asking about what studies he had been pursuing and whether he planned to take the imperial examinations in three years to become an official.
When the atmosphere was right, the Crown Prince sighed and said with a bitter smile, "You knelt outside, but Gu didn't stop you or ask you to get up. Will you blame Gu for it?"
"This matter was already our family's wrongdoing. How could we blame the Crown Prince?" Young Master Xie quickly shook his head and grabbed his robe, "I... I just don't have the face to meet you."
Oh my, how did Leyang teach her children?
Consort Xian couldn't help but cover her face. Xie Fuma and Leyang, such dignified individuals, were kneeling outside the Eastern Palace in front of palace servants. What was their purpose for doing this?
The purpose was to portray this matter as Xie Yao's personal act, so as not to implicate the entire Xie family.
But this little Young Master opened his mouth and said, "Our family's wrongdoing". Truly... his innocence almost made people want to mock him a bit. Like bullying a child.
Even the Fifth Prince, who hadn't spoken much, couldn't help but look at Young Master Xie with an affectionate gaze.
"Gu doesn't blame you," The Crown Prince looked even more melancholic, "If it weren't for Fushou Junzhu's desperate protection that day, Gu would have already met my demise. When we were found, Fushou Junzhu's clothes were stained red with blood. The imperial physician said that if it had been a little later, her arm would have been crippled, and she might not have even survived."
Young Master Xie secretly glanced at the girl sitting next to the Crown Prince. She looked pale and fragile. How much courage did it take for such a petite girl to save the Crown Prince from the assassins?
The more he thought about it, the more guilty Young Master Xie felt. He almost buried his head in his stomach.
"Gu doesn't blame you at all. After all, you're young and unaware of this matter," the Crown Prince called a palace servant, "It has been a long time since you last saw the Empress Dowager. Go to Shoukang Palace and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Yes," Young Master Xie stood up but hesitated, "Crown Prince, my parents..."
"Cousin," the Crown Prince gazed at him with a melancholic expression, "Do you still resent Gu in your heart?"
"No, no," Young Master Xie quickly shook his head.
"In that case, go see the Empress Dowager first. Your father and Gu will take care of the other matters," the Crown Prince raised his teacup, signaling for a palace servant to accompany Young Master Xie out.
"Wait," Hua Liuli smiled and spoke, "Take the young master through the side door."
Young Master Xie felt touched in his heart. Fushou Junzhu must be worried that he would feel sad seeing his parents kneeling, so she specifically instructed the palace servant to take him out through the side door.
Hua Liuli, who received a grateful glance for no reason: "..."
Seeing the sun rise higher and higher while their son still hadn't come out, Royal Princess Leyang became more and more anxious. She couldn't help but grab Xie Fuma's sleeve and say, "Fuma, Sheng'er has an upright personality. Will the Crown Prince intentionally make things difficult for him?"
If it were someone else, they might still consider etiquette and face, but the Crown Prince, at times, would have no regard for dignity.
Xie Fuma's expression also turned grim. Seeing Royal Princess Leyang's anxious look, he reassured her, "Don't worry, our child will be fine."
"Leyang, what's going on?" Royal Princess Shunan's voice came from behind, "From your tone, it seems like you're worried about your child?"
With a burst of clear laughter, Royal Princess Shunan walked over, fanning herself with a fan. She approached Leyang and said, "It seems that people are inherently selfish. Their own children are extremely precious, while they treat other people's children as if they can kill them and deceive them at will."
"The crime of attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince; you kneel here as if it doesn't exist?" Royal Princess Shunan sneered, "Why do you have such beautiful thoughts?"
"Shunan..." Xie Fuma was about to speak but was interrupted by Shunan.
"Xie Fuma, please address me as Royal Princess Shunan. Don't get it wrong," Royal Princess Shunan looked at the man, who looked pale but still had an air of elegance, "Don't address me incorrectly."
When Royal Princess Leyang forcibly took away this man all those years ago, she understood one thing: some men might appear decent, but they were actually dogs. They would go wherever there was a mess. As a beautiful princess, she should not have any dealings with a dog.
Over the years, Royal Princess Leyang had always thought that Royal Princess Shunan still harbored feelings for a man who betrayed her. She often flaunted their affection in front of her, which only made her feel helpless.
A lowly person matched with a dog for eternity. Who would still care about a dog?
"Oh dear, Eldest Sister, your gaze is quite intimidating," Royal Princess Shunan patted her chest and pulled her daughter, Yao Jiamin, back a few steps, "Leyang, are you thinking of hitting me again?"
"Royal Princess Leyang, I beg you, spare my mother," Yao Jiamin bowed to Royal Princess Leyang, "After you slapped my mother that day, she needed several days to recover at home. If you do it again, don't blame me for fighting back."
Hua Liuli was truly toxic. Being with her for a long time, one's way of speaking and doing things would be influenced by her style.
Royal Princess Leyang: "..."
How dare they bring up what happened last time?!
"Shunan, you shameless person, how dare you bring up this matter?!" Royal Princess Leyang gritted her teeth, "Just you wait, do you think you can bask in glory forever?"
"Eldest Sister's threats are so scary," Royal Princess Shunan swayed her waist, "Unfortunately, I'm the one standing now, and you're the one kneeling, Eldest Sister. If you want to seek revenge, straighten your spine first."
"Aunt, you've gone too far!" Yao Jiamin suddenly raised her voice, "You have no sense of teaching your daughter. It was bad enough to plot against the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, but now you're threatening my mother?!"
"Just wait, I will go and inform His Majesty and His Royal Highness. Let them judge the situation," Yao Jiamin said as she supported Royal Princess Shunan, "Mother, let's go. We'll find the Crown Prince."
"The Crown Prince is honest and upright. He will surely ensure justice for us."
Yao Jiamin noticed that when a person had betrayed their conscience once and then indulged in flattery, they would gradually become accustomed to betraying their conscience again.
She was truly a filial daughter, willing to discard her conscience just to give her mother a chance to regain the upper hand.
Yao Fuma, who had been silently following behind the mother and daughter without saying a word, shook his waist and stepped onto the steps. Accidentally, his foot slipped and landed on Xie Fuma's shin.
"Brother-in-law, I slipped accidentally. You're a scholar, don't lower yourself to the level of someone like me," Yao Fuma deliberately pressed hard on Xie Fuma's shin and playfully retracted his foot, "We shouldn't let a small matter like this harm the harmony between us as brothers-in-law. Don't you agree?"
"You're right, brother-in-law," Xie Fuma lightly brushed off the dust on his shin, "Just be more careful when you walk next time, so you don't break your leg."
"Thanks for the reminder, brother-in-law," Yao Fuma flicked his sleeve, and the wide sleeve hit Xie Fuma's fair face, leaving a red mark.
Yao Fuma acted as if he didn't see it, folded his hands behind him, and hummed a vulgar tune as he slowly walked away.
"A mangy dog has arrived from the south, with little fur and an ugly face..."
Krish728
Author's Note:
Shocking! Why do both the protagonist and supporting characters have the characteristics of villains? Only cannon fodder would do such things, right?
The relationship between Consort Rong and Consort Xian was not very good in the earlier years. At that time, they were both pregnant around the same time, and there were rumors in the palace that the eldest prince would be the crown prince, creating a silent competition between them.
Little did they know that the crown prince would turn out to be Ji Yuansu, a third-ranked Consort's son. After that, their thoughts of competing with each other diminished, but their relationship remained awkward.
Now they were using the pretext of delivering gifts to the Eastern Palace to witness Leyang's embarrassment, and surprisingly, they didn't feel uncomfortable. Instead, they had a strange sense of understanding for each other.
Although this woman was not likable, her stance against Leyang's misbehavior was commendable.
Consort Xian and Consort Rong looked at each other and showed a subtle smile.
Consort Xian: Ha, this woman has aged, with wrinkles under her eye.
Consort Rong: Always throwing tantrums, her appearance has worsened, with spots on her face.
Both of them felt that the other's appearance had declined and couldn't match their own beauty. Their smiles became even warmer and friendlier.
"There are many carriages entering the palace tonight. I'm worried that Royal Princess Shunan and her family might get stuck on the way," Hua Liuli suddenly said, "Your Royal Highness, should we send someone to remind them?"
Royal Princess Shunan and Royal Princess Leyang were at odds with each other, so Royal Princess Shunan should certainly enjoy this lively scene. They were supposed to be good sisters, so how could she miss such an occasion?
Consort Xian and Consort Rong turned their heads together and looked at Fushou Junzhu, who appeared delicate and shy with her smile. The future Crown Princess—was she acting unintentionally or with purpose?
The conflict between Shunan and Leyang was endless. If Shunan witnessed Leyang's embarrassment, she would be happy for at least half a month. This early invitation to Shunan and her family to enter the palace was practically an open invitation for them to come and enjoy the spectacle.
If it was unintentional, then so be it. If it was intentional...
This future Crown Princess was ruthless.
"Liuli, you're considerate. Gu will send someone to invite Royal Princess Shunan and her family into the palace," the Crown Prince said with a bright smile. He was eager to see how the Xie family's ploy of feigning suffering would unfold with so many spectators.
Watching a show is more exciting with a large audience.
"Someone, the tea for Consort Rong, Consort Xian, and the Fifth Prince has gone cold. Get them fresh cups," The Crown Prince, who used to even neglect serving tea to the Fifth Prince, now proactively replaced the cold tea with hot tea for him, showing his warm hospitality.
The three of them pretended not to remember the Crown Prince's previous aloof attitude and firmly remained in their seats without moving.
As long as they could witness Leyang's embarrassment, what was a little sacrifice?
"Father, Mother," Young Master Xie secretly rubbed his numb knees and whispered to Leyang and Xie Fuma, "How long do we have to kneel?"
Unlike his two sisters, who returned to the capital every year, he stayed at the Xie family estate in the south and received the family's teachings. However, every time he was in the capital, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager treated him kindly, and the young nobles in the capital were also enthusiastic towards him. But this time...
At the tender age of fifteen, he couldn't understand why his second sister had hired an assassin to target their cousin, the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was the favored and highly valued child of the Imperial Uncle, so how could Imperial Uncle not be angry if something happened to the Crown Prince?
As someone who had never experienced hardship, he felt both aggrieved and guilty from kneeling for so long and being mocked by others. After all, his second sister almost caused the death of their cousin, and it was only natural for their cousin to hold resentment toward their family.
"My son, if you're tired, you can pretend to faint," Royal Princess Leyang said softly in his ear, feeling heartbroken by his pale face, "That way, no one will bother you anymore."
"How can I do that?" Young Master Xie shook his head, refusing, "Our family has caused harm to the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu. It's already a mistake. If I faint now, in the eyes of others, it will seem like the Crown Prince has forced me to kneel and made me faint. In that case, won't it further tarnish the Crown Prince's reputation?"
Hearing his son's upright words, Royal Princess Leyang almost fainted on the spot. Her second daughter was foolish and ruthless, but her son was upright and innocent. If her two children could balance each other out, how wonderful would that be?
Afraid of tarnishing the Crown Prince's reputation, Young Master Xie, who already felt guilty, rubbed his knees and continued to kneel.
Xie Fuma looked at the sun rising gradually in the sky and then at his son sweating profusely. He spoke up, "This matter has nothing to do with you. If something happens to your health, causing your mother and me to worry, it would be unfilial. It's better for you to leave early so that we can be at ease."
"Then wouldn't it be parents kneeling to ask for forgiveness while the son sits leisurely beside them?" Young Master Xie wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Father, you don't need to worry about me. I'm fine."
"You, my child, how... how..." Royal Princess Leyang was both anxious and frustrated. How did she raise her child to be so pure-hearted?
"Young Master Xie," Just then, a eunuch from the Eastern Palace walked over, "The Crown Prince invites you in, please."
"Thank you," Young Master Xie expressed his gratitude, then turned to his parents, "Has the Crown Prince summoned my parents?"
"Please pardon me, Young Master Xie," The eunuch from the Eastern Palace smiled apologetically, "The Crown Prince only wants to see you alone."
Young Master Xie stood up and bowed to his parents before limping behind the eunuch and entering the Eastern Palace.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince, to the esteemed consorts, and to the Fifth Prince," Young Master Xie bowed, "Greetings to Fushou Junzhu."
Hua Liuli noticed that Young Master Xie... no longer seemed like Leyang's son. His manners were impeccable and he showed genuine respect to the Crown Prince and the others. Although he didn't possess his parents' good looks, he displayed an elegant demeanor befitting his imperial lineage.
"Please have a seat," the Crown Prince pointed to an empty seat at the end.
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," Young Master Xie cautiously sat down. Perhaps with the knowledge of Xie Yao's attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince, he lowered his head with a sense of guilt when facing the Crown Prince's scrutinizing gaze.
After talking with him for a while, the Crown Prince reluctantly let him go. Young Master Xie turned his head to see Hua Liuli looking at him. He blushed, his ears turning red.
Hua Liuli: "..."
She wasn't a tyrant who teased innocent young men from respectable families. What was wrong with this Young Master Xie?
The Crown Prince also noticed Young Master Xie's unusual behavior. He discreetly tugged at Hua Liuli's sleeve, giving her a look that said "Don't lead him on", then turned to Young Master Xie with a gentle tone, asking about what studies he had been pursuing and whether he planned to take the imperial examinations in three years to become an official.
When the atmosphere was right, the Crown Prince sighed and said with a bitter smile, "You knelt outside, but Gu didn't stop you or ask you to get up. Will you blame Gu for it?"
"This matter was already our family's wrongdoing. How could we blame the Crown Prince?" Young Master Xie quickly shook his head and grabbed his robe, "I... I just don't have the face to meet you."
Oh my, how did Leyang teach her children?
Consort Xian couldn't help but cover her face. Xie Fuma and Leyang, such dignified individuals, were kneeling outside the Eastern Palace in front of palace servants. What was their purpose for doing this?
The purpose was to portray this matter as Xie Yao's personal act, so as not to implicate the entire Xie family.
But this little Young Master opened his mouth and said, "Our family's wrongdoing". Truly... his innocence almost made people want to mock him a bit. Like bullying a child.
Even the Fifth Prince, who hadn't spoken much, couldn't help but look at Young Master Xie with an affectionate gaze.
"Gu doesn't blame you," The Crown Prince looked even more melancholic, "If it weren't for Fushou Junzhu's desperate protection that day, Gu would have already met my demise. When we were found, Fushou Junzhu's clothes were stained red with blood. The imperial physician said that if it had been a little later, her arm would have been crippled, and she might not have even survived."
Young Master Xie secretly glanced at the girl sitting next to the Crown Prince. She looked pale and fragile. How much courage did it take for such a petite girl to save the Crown Prince from the assassins?
The more he thought about it, the more guilty Young Master Xie felt. He almost buried his head in his stomach.
"Gu doesn't blame you at all. After all, you're young and unaware of this matter," the Crown Prince called a palace servant, "It has been a long time since you last saw the Empress Dowager. Go to Shoukang Palace and pay your respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Yes," Young Master Xie stood up but hesitated, "Crown Prince, my parents..."
"Cousin," the Crown Prince gazed at him with a melancholic expression, "Do you still resent Gu in your heart?"
"No, no," Young Master Xie quickly shook his head.
"In that case, go see the Empress Dowager first. Your father and Gu will take care of the other matters," the Crown Prince raised his teacup, signaling for a palace servant to accompany Young Master Xie out.
"Wait," Hua Liuli smiled and spoke, "Take the young master through the side door."
Young Master Xie felt touched in his heart. Fushou Junzhu must be worried that he would feel sad seeing his parents kneeling, so she specifically instructed the palace servant to take him out through the side door.
Hua Liuli, who received a grateful glance for no reason: "..."
Seeing the sun rise higher and higher while their son still hadn't come out, Royal Princess Leyang became more and more anxious. She couldn't help but grab Xie Fuma's sleeve and say, "Fuma, Sheng'er has an upright personality. Will the Crown Prince intentionally make things difficult for him?"
If it were someone else, they might still consider etiquette and face, but the Crown Prince, at times, would have no regard for dignity.
Xie Fuma's expression also turned grim. Seeing Royal Princess Leyang's anxious look, he reassured her, "Don't worry, our child will be fine."
"Leyang, what's going on?" Royal Princess Shunan's voice came from behind, "From your tone, it seems like you're worried about your child?"
With a burst of clear laughter, Royal Princess Shunan walked over, fanning herself with a fan. She approached Leyang and said, "It seems that people are inherently selfish. Their own children are extremely precious, while they treat other people's children as if they can kill them and deceive them at will."
"The crime of attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince; you kneel here as if it doesn't exist?" Royal Princess Shunan sneered, "Why do you have such beautiful thoughts?"
"Shunan..." Xie Fuma was about to speak but was interrupted by Shunan.
"Xie Fuma, please address me as Royal Princess Shunan. Don't get it wrong," Royal Princess Shunan looked at the man, who looked pale but still had an air of elegance, "Don't address me incorrectly."
When Royal Princess Leyang forcibly took away this man all those years ago, she understood one thing: some men might appear decent, but they were actually dogs. They would go wherever there was a mess. As a beautiful princess, she should not have any dealings with a dog.
Over the years, Royal Princess Leyang had always thought that Royal Princess Shunan still harbored feelings for a man who betrayed her. She often flaunted their affection in front of her, which only made her feel helpless.
A lowly person matched with a dog for eternity. Who would still care about a dog?
"Oh dear, Eldest Sister, your gaze is quite intimidating," Royal Princess Shunan patted her chest and pulled her daughter, Yao Jiamin, back a few steps, "Leyang, are you thinking of hitting me again?"
"Royal Princess Leyang, I beg you, spare my mother," Yao Jiamin bowed to Royal Princess Leyang, "After you slapped my mother that day, she needed several days to recover at home. If you do it again, don't blame me for fighting back."
Hua Liuli was truly toxic. Being with her for a long time, one's way of speaking and doing things would be influenced by her style.
Royal Princess Leyang: "..."
How dare they bring up what happened last time?!
"Shunan, you shameless person, how dare you bring up this matter?!" Royal Princess Leyang gritted her teeth, "Just you wait, do you think you can bask in glory forever?"
"Eldest Sister's threats are so scary," Royal Princess Shunan swayed her waist, "Unfortunately, I'm the one standing now, and you're the one kneeling, Eldest Sister. If you want to seek revenge, straighten your spine first."
"Aunt, you've gone too far!" Yao Jiamin suddenly raised her voice, "You have no sense of teaching your daughter. It was bad enough to plot against the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu, but now you're threatening my mother?!"
"Just wait, I will go and inform His Majesty and His Royal Highness. Let them judge the situation," Yao Jiamin said as she supported Royal Princess Shunan, "Mother, let's go. We'll find the Crown Prince."
"The Crown Prince is honest and upright. He will surely ensure justice for us."
Yao Jiamin noticed that when a person had betrayed their conscience once and then indulged in flattery, they would gradually become accustomed to betraying their conscience again.
She was truly a filial daughter, willing to discard her conscience just to give her mother a chance to regain the upper hand.
Yao Fuma, who had been silently following behind the mother and daughter without saying a word, shook his waist and stepped onto the steps. Accidentally, his foot slipped and landed on Xie Fuma's shin.
"Brother-in-law, I slipped accidentally. You're a scholar, don't lower yourself to the level of someone like me," Yao Fuma deliberately pressed hard on Xie Fuma's shin and playfully retracted his foot, "We shouldn't let a small matter like this harm the harmony between us as brothers-in-law. Don't you agree?"
"You're right, brother-in-law," Xie Fuma lightly brushed off the dust on his shin, "Just be more careful when you walk next time, so you don't break your leg."
"Thanks for the reminder, brother-in-law," Yao Fuma flicked his sleeve, and the wide sleeve hit Xie Fuma's fair face, leaving a red mark.
Yao Fuma acted as if he didn't see it, folded his hands behind him, and hummed a vulgar tune as he slowly walked away.
"A mangy dog has arrived from the south, with little fur and an ugly face..."
Krish728
Author's Note:
Shocking! Why do both the protagonist and supporting characters have the characteristics of villains? Only cannon fodder would do such things, right?
