Chapter Nine: Greetings? Or a Setup?

The day after the Princess Consort severely punished a dozen wicked servants and sold them off, the news spread throughout the Xiao Estate. Beyond the initial shock, the prevailing sentiment was one of disdain and contempt. What was there to boast about for a Princess Consort who had been utterly humiliated at the royal banquet? She clearly did not know the meaning of death, and the Prince would surely divorce her sooner or later.

"Concubine Yu, many of the concubines went to the Harmony Courtyard this morning to pay their respects. They must all be blind to suck up to that woman. What could she possibly have that compares to you? She is nothing but a good-for-nothing who clings to the position of Princess Consort—she deserves to die!" Cui’er, the personal maid of Concubine Yu, whispered while combing her mistress’s hair, her tone dripping with indignation.

"They all went? They certainly move fast!" Concubine Yu narrowed her beautiful eyes, a cold glint flashing through them before it vanished. She turned to Cui’er and said, "Cui’er, bring me that set of twin-lotus jewelry. Wear it for me; it is time we paid a visit to the Princess Consort as well."

A short time later, a beauty with a peach-blossom complexion, an alluring figure, and a captivating charm appeared in the mirror. Concubine Yu was already strikingly beautiful, but today’s adornments made her look even more bewitching and imposing. The twin-lotus jewelry, a gift from her elder sister, the Noble Consort, was one of a kind and added an air of grandeur to her presence.

In the morning sun, the faint, refreshing scent of lotus flowers was invigorating. Golden sunlight streamed through the open window, illuminating the face of the woman lying on the daybed. Her long, fan-like eyelashes cast shadows on her fair, delicate skin, which seemed to glow with a soft golden hue. She wore a bright, water-blue gauze dress that clung to her graceful figure, blending charm with a touch of purity. As butterflies danced around her, the scene looked like a dreamlike painting.

"Your Highness, Concubine Qian and Concubine Su are here to pay their respects!" When Green Willow pushed the door open, this was the breathtaking sight she beheld. For a moment, she felt as if the Princess Consort had transcended the mortal realm; she looked so stunningly beautiful that it felt unreal.

"Yawn... so early? Green Willow, help me dress and wash up. No hurry, take your time." Yan Ziyu sat up, yawning, completely unaware that her chest was exposed, which caught Green Willow off guard and left her wide-eyed in shock.

Her full, alluring breasts were largely revealed, as the elegant green-plum embroidered bodice she wore had slipped, barely covering her nipples. Draped in thin gauze, half-hidden and half-revealed, her snow-white shoulders were exposed. With her disheveled hair, the combination of purity and seduction was so potent that even Green Willow, a woman herself, could not help but stare.

"Green Willow? Green Willow..." After calling out several times with no response, Yan Ziyu, feeling playful, leaned over and shouted loudly in her ear.

"Ah! Your Highness... your clothes..." Green Willow’s cheeks flushed deep red. She summoned the courage to point at the Princess’s chest before covering her face in embarrassment.

Damn it! No wonder she felt a chill—she was exposed!

As a modern woman, Yan Ziyu had seen plenty of bikinis; this level of exposure didn’t bother her in the least. She acted as if nothing were wrong, adjusted her collar, and cupped her breasts, teasing the blushing Green Willow, "Green Willow, look, have they grown again? Tsk tsk... not bad, the texture is great, so elastic!"

"Your Highness!" Another embarrassed cry escaped Green Willow, who wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

***

Green Willow’s flustered reaction successfully amused the mischievous Yan Ziyu. By the time she had finished washing and dressing, half an hour had passed. She had chosen a new water-blue gauze dress that looked both youthful and dignified. With glowing skin and only a touch of lipstick, her natural beauty was radiant. As she reached the side hall, she heard a commotion from within.

Suddenly, a teacup flew through the air and shattered at her feet. She frowned and looked into the chaotic room.

Three or four gorgeously dressed, striking women were divided into two factions, glaring at one another with fury. Behind them, their maids stood with hostile expressions, ready to support their mistresses. What caused Yan Ziyu to frown the most was the presence of the two people who should not have been there: Ruier and Ah Li.

"Are you here to pay respects, or to commit murder?" She walked with an elegant gait to the head seat. Her icy gaze swept over the concubines, making them shiver with a sudden chill.

"This concubine greets the Princess Consort. May Your Highness be well."

Yan Ziyu’s gaze swept over the women, her gentle voice laced with a cold edge as she asked, "Who threw that cup?" After last night, she had no intention of keeping a low profile. On the contrary, she intended to be very prominent and very arrogant.

Perhaps not expecting such a direct question, the concubines, who had been at each other's throats, fell silent, lowering their heads to avoid her eyes.

"Mommy, Mommy, Ruier knows! Ruier knows!" Ruier lunged into her arms with a chubby, adorable smile, eager to share his discovery. "It was Concubine Qian! She said Concubine Bai is a vixen and wanted to beat her to death! Concubine Su called Concubine Mu shameless. They were arguing, and then Concubine Qian threw the cup. Ruier is a good boy; I’m telling the truth!"

Ruier blinked his large, watery eyes, a flicker of cunning passing through them as he looked down. He wouldn't tell Mommy that he had intentionally told them that Father—no, the Prince—said Concubine Bai was pretty and complimented Concubine Mu on her dancing! But... their fighting was very entertaining; he hoped to watch it again!

Since last night, Ruier seemed to have grown up overnight. He no longer worshipped Long Xiaoyan, and instead, he had become incredibly close to Ah Li, perhaps because they shared the same person they wanted to protect.

"Is that so? Hmm?" A cold snort escaped her as she glared at them.

Silence. In that moment, there was only silence.

"As concubines of the Prince's Estate, to disregard your status and curse each other like shrews is utterly lacking in virtue. Such bad behavior must be stopped! I sentence you all to ten days of confinement and command you to copy the 'Instructions for Women' thirty times. Do you accept this?"

"I do not accept! By what right do you—ah!" Concubine Qian glared at her, stepping forward with fury, but before she could finish, she let out a piercing scream.

*Smash!*

Suddenly, a cup lid flew through the air and struck Concubine Qian’s forehead. Blood gushed out, and she shrieked before collapsing to the floor.

Everyone was stunned.

Looking at this theatrical scene, Yan Ziyu felt a mix of amusement and frustration. She glanced at the culprit, who wore an innocent expression, and felt both pleasantly surprised and helpless.

She was delighted that Ah Li had the ability to move objects from a distance! She was helpless because he didn't seem to realize what he had done, as he was busy behind the silk curtains, battling with a plate of pastries. If she hadn't caught a glimpse of it, she would never have believed that the simple-minded Ah Li had such a skill.

"Someone, carry Concubine Qian away..." She didn't want her place dirtied.

Ever since she learned that Concubine Qian was having an affair with a government official's son and plotting to kill her and Ruier, she had been filled with hatred toward her. Ah Li’s strike had truly been a satisfying release. She hadn't expected that this single throw would bring her a heap of "toys" to play with; without this, many things would have been delayed much longer.