These words were spoken deliberately to those stationed in Hanzhang Hall. Since Emperor Qi harbored suspicions towards the Ninth Prince, there were bound to be spies in Consort Wei's quarters. It would be beneficial to use his words to sow further discord.
His words were met only with Consort Wei's cries, after which Duke Wei sighed and departed.
The entire palace now knew that Consort Wei was displeased with Princess Huaran becoming her daughter-in-law. However, as the marriage was decreed by the Emperor, she could not refuse and thus fell ill.
When the news reached Prince Yu's mansion, the mother of Prince Yu's daughter-in-law, Princess Huaran, appeared deeply troubled.
"You haven't even married yet, and your future mother-in-law already holds such an attitude. If you truly become her daughter-in-law, who knows how much suffering you will endure!"
She spoke through tears. If they had a choice, they would not seek such a high-ranking connection. Their daughter, whom they had raised for so many years, was about to be sent off to be mistreated. No mother's heart could bear such a thought.
It was unfortunate that they, mother and daughter, held little sway in Prince Yu's mansion.
Her father-in-law was debauched, her mother-in-law had passed away early, and her husband's affections were lavished upon the women in the back courtyards. It was a good month if he spared them a day or two.
If not for her substantial dowry from years ago, and the fact that her maternal family had long ago purchased a street of shops for her, she could not imagine how difficult their lives would be.
Fortunately, Huaran had been sensible and obedient since childhood, and possessed her own opinions, thus she was able to protect her weak mother and younger brother.
She had originally hoped to find her a peaceful family to marry into, for her to live a comfortable life. Who knew that their first attempt would be for the Ninth Prince.
Not only was the imperial family held in high regard, but the Wei family was also not a suitable match for them.
Prince Yu's mansion, while ostensibly part of the royal family, was not truly esteemed by the royal court. Who didn't speak behind their backs, calling Prince Yu old and incompetent, a lecherous man who had squandered most of his fortune over the years, leaving only an empty shell?
The way the Crown Princess spoke while weeping made Huaran feel somewhat helpless. Her mother was like this, always crying when faced with difficulties. While she was at home, she could protect her to some extent, but once she married out, she worried about how much her equally weak younger brother would be bullied.
"Mother, crying now is useless. The imperial decree for marriage has been issued. As long as His Majesty does not revoke his command, I am the future Princess Consort of the Ninth Prince. A strong mother-in-law has her advantages. If I can gain her approval after marrying, wouldn't my future life be more comfortable?"
"Comfortable? Is that truly possible?"
"Why not? I am, after all, a descendant of the royal family. No matter how displeased she is, she won't openly show it. If my belly is fortunate enough to bear the Ninth Prince's legitimate eldest son soon, won't Consort Wei dote on me?"
Upon hearing her daughter's words, the Crown Princess considered them and felt they held some truth.
Seeing that her mother had stopped crying, Huaran immediately said,
"Mother, if you have time, please prepare my dowry. I am already not favored, and without a substantial dowry to support me, I fear I will lack the confidence."
"Rest assured, although some of the dowry has been used for living expenses over the years, the shops have been managed well under your care, and the annual income is quite good. Therefore, there have been considerable surpluses. My storeroom's contents will be divided equally between you and your brother. Your mother will not show any favoritism."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Good child, you have truly been wronged."
Huaran smiled. In truth, she didn't feel particularly wronged about marrying the Ninth Prince.
Firstly, she and the Ninth Prince had no feelings for each other, so there was no room for melancholy. As long as she secured her position as the principal consort and bore the legitimate eldest son, it wouldn't matter if the Ninth Prince took concubines or welcomed secondary consorts; she could handle them.
Secondly, the Ninth Prince was currently in a position of great favor, and might ascend the throne at any moment. At that time, wouldn't she also rise in status and become Empress? With such glory, she wouldn't refuse.
Therefore, her mother's tearful lament had not stirred any waves in her heart. Instead, it made her understand a principle.
Consort Wei loved the Ninth Prince so dearly, so to gain Consort Wei's favor, she had to start with the Ninth Prince!
She had survived, and even thrived, in the mire of Prince Yu's mansion. Therefore, the Ninth Prince's mansion would be no different. She had the confidence and the ability.
In Prince Yu's mansion, Princess Huaran was filled with ambition, looking forward to marrying into the Ninth Prince's mansion. Meanwhile, in the Liang mansion, Liang Luo was both anxious and agitated.
"Sister-in-law, the Ninth Prince is a man of celestial beauty. How can he be matched with such a princess! To be subordinate to her, I might as well die!"
Liang Luo cried out to Wei Lanxuan.
From the beginning, she knew she would only be the Ninth Prince's secondary consort. The primary reason was that her family background could not offer much assistance to the Ninth Prince, a fact she could not change, so she had to accept her fate.
However, now, a mere princess from the dilapidated Prince Yu's mansion could soar to become a phoenix. How could she tolerate this!
"What nonsense are you spouting? This marriage was personally decreed by His Majesty. If you are not satisfied, then go and die."
Wei Lanxuan had been suffering from severe headaches these past few days and inexplicably lost her appetite. She had intended to have the mansion physician examine her, but unexpectedly, her infatuated sister-in-law came to cause trouble again.
Once or twice, one could dismiss it as girlish impulsiveness and ignorance of the world.
But now, she had already been punished, her reputation had suffered considerably, yet she still showed no improvement. She truly wondered if the decision to let her become the Ninth Prince's secondary consort was the right one!
If nothing else, with her proud nature and unsophisticated methods, she probably wouldn't even survive until the Ninth Prince ascended the throne before perishing in the back courtyards.
She was inclined to advise Liang Luo to give up.
Yet, this person was stubborn, and who knew how much enchantment she had fallen under, fixated only on the Ninth Prince.
Hearing Wei Lanxuan's impatient tone, Liang Luo also felt that she had been causing too much trouble recently. She calmed her emotions and said.
"Sister-in-law, are you feeling unwell? Shall I send for the mansion physician to examine you?"
After speaking, she instructed Jinxiu, her subordinate, to fetch someone. Wei Lanxuan's expression then improved slightly.
Liang Luo, her sister-in-law, was quite capable of causing trouble outside, but towards her, she was genuinely kind-hearted. Therefore, Wei Lanxuan could not bring herself to be harsh with her!
She merely patted Liang Luo's hand and said, "Don't always make such a fuss over every little rumor from the Ninth Prince's side. Look at Princess Ke, how composed and formidable she is. That is how a royal consort should behave. Otherwise, even if you marry in, how long will you enjoy his favor and affection?"
Wei Lanxuan spoke to her like a mother, earnestly conversing with her, fearing that Liang Luo lacked the wisdom and would merely be a pawn for others if she went.
Liang Luo remained silent. She knew this all too well, but when her temper flared, she couldn't help herself.
"Good sister-in-law, I won't do it again in the future. I will listen to you."
Although Wei Lanxuan knew that she would only be well-behaved for this moment, and might cause trouble again later, she did not respond.