Chapter 96: The Consort Endures Humiliation, A Wife's Heart Like a Blade, Don't Kill Me with a Small Yellow Knife (2)
Time passed quickly.
A figure approached.
Prince Qi carried a plate of exquisite pastries, clearly bringing snacks for his Princess.
But before he could even get close, he heard a sharp rebuke.
"Go away! I don't want to eat anything right now!"
The consort's voice was icy as she snapped.
"But, Your Highness, these are your favorite pastries… you…"
Prince Qi paused mid-step, his confused words abruptly cut off.
"Didn't you hear me? I said I don't want them!"
The Princess's tone was filled with impatience, seemingly no different from usual.
Prince Qi hesitated, looking at his consort in puzzlement before reluctantly turning away.
From his perspective, he could only see Han Jin Xiu's delicate face.
But… what was she doing? Why was she swaying like that?
Though confused, he chose not to question it, out of loyalty and obedience.
"Master, please don't go too far. I'll really get angry!"
Han Jin Xiu pleaded softly with Su Qing.
In that moment, her heart had nearly leaped out of her chest.
Though she didn't fear that useless prince, she certainly didn't want to be caught in such a compromising situation!
The stark contrast between emotions left her shaken.
"That was an accident. How was I supposed to know he'd suddenly show up?"
Su Qing responded indifferently, continuing to enjoy himself.
What else could Han Jin Xiu say?
She could only swallow her tears and carry on.
After a while, Su Qing finally pulled up his pants, satisfied and ready to leave.
"Tomorrow's operation will be chaotic. Be extra careful."
With her face still flushed, Han Jin Xiu suddenly grabbed his sleeve and whispered.
At that moment, she didn't resemble a Princess at all—more like an obedient wife.
"Oh? You're actually concerned about me? I wouldn't have guessed."
Su Qing was briefly surprised before chuckling.
"You are my master. If I don't care about you, who else would I care about?"
"Master, this is an amulet. It will surely help you overcome any danger."
Han Jin Xiu spoke softly, a hint of shyness in her voice.
After saying this, she retrieved an amulet from her bosom, evidently something she kept close.
"Your thoughtfulness moves me greatly!"
Su Qing's face showed genuine appreciation as he happily turned to leave.
It was as if he wholeheartedly believed she had truly submitted to him.
Han Jin Xiu watched his departing figure, her once humble gaze now laced with Princessly disdain.
Little brat, you're so easy to toy with!
All it took was a small illusion, and he thought he had completely conquered this elder sister.
She sat back down, composed herself, and regained her regal posture.
Casually, she changed her damp stockings, an odd expression crossing her face.
Truthfully, she wasn't too familiar with such things.
Today had opened the door to an entirely new world for her.
So this was what it meant to "go easy."
Her expression turned strange, and she spat lightly.
Then, collecting herself, she looked forward to tomorrow with anticipation.
After tomorrow, a new era would begin.
The Imperial Seal, Su Qing—both would belong to her!
You humiliated me today, but tomorrow, you will know what true regret means!
---
On his way back, Su Qing toyed with the amulet in his hand, lost in thought.
He had initially believed that the consort had accepted her reality, but she was still as untrustworthy as ever.
Her parting words… if he had completely let his guard down, they might have worked.
But for someone who never relaxed his vigilance, her attempt had the opposite effect.
To be fair, he admired the Princess's tenacity. No matter how many times she lost, she always came back stronger.
If it were the Divine Maiden, she would never have been able to endure this much.
The question was… who would break first?
Who would be the one laughing in the end?
---
Ye Residence.
Tang Xuan had silently infiltrated the estate.
He claimed it was to visit someone, but in reality, it was no different from spying.
After all, their relationship wasn't exactly close.
If he had approached her openly, she likely wouldn't have agreed to meet him at all.
So, he gave himself a self-justified reason.
His current status was sensitive. A direct visit could bring her unwanted trouble.
Convinced by his own logic, he now had no qualms about spying.
After circling the grounds, he finally located his goddess's residence.
Rustle… rustle…
The sound of fallen leaves being swept echoed from within.
Tang Xuan cautiously peered over the courtyard wall, his expression shifting dramatically.
The person inside wasn't who he had been hoping to see.
In fact, it was the second-to-last person he wanted to encounter.
Gu Qingzhou was sweeping the courtyard for his "immortal wife," looking completely at ease.
He hadn't noticed the hidden observer, wholly absorbed in his task.
Yet, despite his lack of awareness, his mere presence in the goddess's courtyard set off alarm bells in Tang Xuan's mind.
Having arrived in the capital, Tang Xuan had naturally learned of the major events unfolding here.
For example… his goddess had married a live-in son-in-law.
Yes, the very man before him!
Even though he knew it was only a marriage in name, he couldn't accept it.
How could his goddess be defiled by another man?!
A murderous glint flashed in Tang Xuan's eyes.
He was not the kind to tolerate such an affront.
How dare he get close to her? He was courting death!
As his killing intent surged, the door suddenly opened.
A tall, graceful figure stepped out, speaking to the man in the courtyard.
Tang Xuan didn't hear their conversation—he was too entranced by the sight before him.
Compared to their last meeting, his goddess had blossomed into an even more breathtaking beauty, fully exuding her feminine charm.
She wore a light blue gown, her veil partially obscuring her face.
The hint of makeup enhanced her already mesmerizing eyes.
Her fair skin shimmered under the sunlight, and she stood there like an ice lotus in bloom.
Tang Xuan was momentarily spellbound.
It wasn't until Ye Xueyi started walking towards the gate that he snapped out of it.
Doubt crept into his mind.
She looked like she was preparing to meet someone… and she had even dressed up…
Wait!
Tang Xuan suddenly recalled something his master's friend had mentioned, and a bad premonition hit him.
He hurriedly followed, silent and stealthy—like a stalker.
Though, in his mind, he was merely protecting her.
The Divine Maiden soon arrived at a particular location.
The guards at the entrance didn't even question her, allowing her inside without hesitation.
Clearly, this wasn't her first visit.
Tang Xuan looked at the plaque hanging at the entrance, his heart sinking deeper into despair.
That ominous premonition had now become reality.