Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Grand Tutor Stops the Carriage

“Hmph, it’s all your fault—you even want to find someone else to be Princess Consort.” Yunbai glared at Xiao Jingxuan with a tone of complaint.

“That wasn’t my suggestion,” Xiao Jingxuan replied, frowning. This wasn’t something he had brought up himself. Was this child part puppy? Whenever she’s upset, she’ll bite anyone in her path?

“Then why didn’t you just say she wasn’t good enough for you? What’s with all that nonsense about radiance and sunshine? Is there a woman in the world more beautiful than Mother?” Yunbai was deeply dissatisfied with Xiao Jingxuan’s behavior today.

“You’re only five years old. Besides the residence, you’ve been to the palace and the summer villa exactly once each. How would you know about all the women in the world?” Discussing worldly women with a five-year-old was absurd.

“Anyway, Mother is the best!” Yunbai shouted at the top of her lungs.

Before Xiao Jingxuan could respond, the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Outside, Zhuo Yue’an’s voice called out.

“Your Highness, the Grand Tutor is blocking the carriage.”

Xiao Jingxuan lifted the curtain and saw Song Yunmo standing in front of the carriage, draped in a white cloak.

“What do you want?”

Xiao Jingxuan’s voice was icy.

“How is Jingluo feeling? I brewed some sobering soup and rushed it here on horseback,” Song Yunmo said, peering casually into the carriage.

“Who gave you the right to call her Jingluo?” Xiao Jingxuan’s brows furrowed even deeper, his displeasure evident.

“Oh, my mistake. I won’t call her that anymore. I’ll call her Lulu from now on,” Song Yunmo replied breezily, unbothered by Xiao Jingxuan’s poor attitude.

“Address her as Princess Consort Jing!” Since when had Song Yunmo and Su Jingluo become so familiar?

“What a hassle. My mouth is my own; I’ll call her whatever I please. What’s it to you? Here, give Lulu the sobering soup. Come down, I have something to say to you.” Song Yunmo showed not the slightest hint of anger, producing the soup from the insulated pouch tied to his saddle and handing it to Ruihuan.

“I don’t have time.” Xiao Jingxuan had no intention of entertaining Song Yunmo. At this point, he had reason to suspect the fellow was trying to steal his wife.

“If you’re not afraid of being overheard, I’ll just say it here.” With that, Song Yunmo made to climb into the carriage.

Glancing at Yunbai, Xiao Jingxuan swiftly grabbed Song Yunmo by the collar and yanked him off the carriage.

“Zhuo Yue’an, take the Princess Consort and the young master home first,” Xiao Jingxuan instructed, pulling Song Yunmo away into the shadows of the night.

“I’m not leaving. I’ll wait here,” Yunbai announced warily, keeping a close eye on Song Yunmo. She was convinced he was up to no good; why did it always feel like he wanted to steal her mother away?

Knowing Yunbai’s stubbornness, Xiao Jingxuan acquiesced, allowing her to wait.

“Speak,” he urged impatiently once they reached a deserted alley.

“Your attitude toward me is very upsetting,” Song Yunmo said, straightening his clothes and rolling his eyes at Xiao Jingxuan.

“And your ingratiating manner toward my Princess Consort is equally irritating,” Xiao Jingxuan retorted, rolling his eyes right back.

“Are we not childhood friends? You used to be so open-minded and clever. Now you’re becoming downright obtuse,” Song Yunmo leaned against the wall, clearly displeased with how Xiao Jingxuan was treating him.

“I’m not like you. As long as your surname is Song, you enjoy honor and respect by birthright. Everything I have, I’ve fought for, blade by blade, inch by inch. So is it any wonder I’m calculating, narrow-minded, and stubborn?” Xiao Jingxuan’s gaze darkened; though he was a prince, his life was no easier than Song Yunmo’s.

“Given everything you’ve survived, can’t you see that today’s events were orchestrated by the Empress? From the way you acted, don’t tell me you truly harbor feelings for Lin Wanwan? No matter what you shared in the past, no matter how sincere Lin Wanwan once was, even a fool can see she’s now just a pawn the Empress wants to place by your side. Compared to Lin Wanwan, I consider Lulu infinitely better.” As Xiao Jingxuan remained silent, Song Yunmo grew anxious, tearing away all pretense. Though he was wholeheartedly fond of Su Jingluo and wished they would divorce so he might pursue her himself, he knew that tonight’s events—the Empress and Lin Wanwan’s scheme—were the true reason Su Jingluo had drunk so much. Whether she remained Princess Consort or, one day, became his, Song Yunmo could not bear to see Su Jingluo misunderstood or mistreated.