“What’s wrong with the Princess?” Meng Jiangming asked.
Xue Xingyue shook her head. “Nothing.” With that, she left.
Meng Jiangming sat down.
Jiang Xiuyi, standing behind him, let out a sigh of relief. Her back was soaked in sweat. She had never expected Princess Xingyue to see her gaze.
Recalling the meaningful look in Princess Xingyue’s eyes directed at her, resentment and jealousy welled up. This Princess Xingyue, born into privilege, had a better upbringing. But in what way was she superior to Jiang Xiuyi? With such a superior background and so many talented individuals, why did she have to compete with her for her cousin? Jiang Xiuyi was unwilling, so unwilling.
“Xiuyi, you should go back!” Meng Jiangming suddenly turned around and said slowly to Jiang Xiuyi behind him.
Jiang Xiuyi trembled all over. “Cousin, you…”
“Xiuyi, Mother fainted when she saw you. If she wakes up and sees you again, I fear she might fall ill again. Listen to me, return to your residence first. I’ll send someone to escort you back later.”
Jiang Xiuyi shook her head. “No… I don’t want to go back.” If she left, wouldn’t she be allowing her cousin and Princess Xingyue to develop a relationship? Wouldn't her efforts to come here be in vain? She absolutely could not go back.
“Cousin, I beg you, don’t make me go back. I’ll do anything you ask. If you’re worried that Auntie will be affected by seeing me, I can live with the servants. Would that be acceptable?” Jiang Xiuyi pleaded desperately.
“Xiuyi, you are demeaning yourself. You are the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, how can you live with the servants?” Meng Jiangming said, somewhat annoyed.
“Cousin, then allow me to stay here, alright? I can apologize to Auntie. Even if she hits me, scolds me, or punishes me, I will have no complaints. Just please don’t send me away, cousin…” Jiang Xiuyi looked at Meng Jiangming with a pitiful expression. Meng Jiangming sighed. “Xiuyi, why must you do this?”
“Cousin, please, I’m begging you,” Jiang Xiuyi implored, having reduced herself to the lowest possible state.
“Young Master, please do not argue. Madam needs peace and quiet for recovery,” the imperial physician could no longer bear it and spoke up.
Upon hearing this, Meng Jiangming quickly replied, “Yes.”
“Xiuyi, come with me.” Meng Jiangming glanced at Jiang Xiuyi and led her out of the tent.
Jiang Xiuyi followed him out. Meng Jiangming pulled her behind a screen and said, “Xiuyi, go back!”
“Cousin, you…”
“Xiuyi, my mind is made up. Nothing you say will change it. I will send someone to escort you back to your residence.” With that, Meng Jiangming left.
Jiang Xiuyi collapsed onto the ground, covered her face, and began to cry. She was unwilling, so unwilling. Why did she have to return to her residence? Why? Was she just going to watch her cousin be snatched away by the Princess? She didn't want that, didn't want it, but what could she do? What could she do?
“Miss Jiang…”
The sudden voice made Jiang Xiuyi tremble. She looked up and saw the young eunuch who had given her the paper packet that morning. She turned her head away and wiped her face, asking, “Do you need something from me?”
The young eunuch smiled. His already pale face became somewhat sinister when he smiled. Jiang Xiuyi was annoyed. “What are you smiling at?”
The young eunuch said, “Miss Jiang is not reconciled.”
Jiang Xiuyi bit her lower lip and remained silent.
The young eunuch said, “Miss Jiang, you know now that no one can help you except the Empress.”
Jiang Xiuyi snorted. “The Empress is just using me. Don’t speak of it so nobly.”
The young eunuch chuckled. His laughter made Jiang Xiuyi feel a little uneasy. “What are you laughing at?”
“Miss Jiang, since you are so perceptive, you should know that without use, there is no reward. If Miss Jiang seeks what she wants from the Empress, and does not pay a price, why do you think the Empress would help you without reason?”
Jiang Xiuyi bit her lip and said, “I’m afraid I can’t help the Empress. Cousin wants to send me back to my residence.”
The young eunuch said, “Don’t worry about that. The Empress has already made arrangements. It depends on whether Miss Jiang is willing or not.”
Jiang Xiuyi heard this and asked, “What arrangements?”
The young eunuch said, “Is Miss Jiang willing or unwilling?”
“I…”
“Does Miss Jiang truly intend to give up? To watch Young Master Meng be with Princess Xingyue…”
“I am not reconciled,” Jiang Xiuyi said through gritted teeth.
“Then Miss Jiang agrees?”
Jiang Xiuyi nodded. “I can do things for the Empress, but the Empress must also fulfill her promise.”
“Naturally. Miss Jiang can rest assured,” the young eunuch said.
“Then what do I need to do?” Jiang Xiuyi asked.
The young eunuch said, “Miss Jiang doesn’t need to do anything now. Just stay in the tent. When the time comes, I will tell you.”
“Are you sure? You’re not tricking me, are you?” Jiang Xiuyi asked, not entirely convinced.
“If Miss Jiang does not believe me, she is welcome to return to her residence.”
Jiang Xiuyi heard this and said, “I will believe you one more time.” With that, she left.
The young eunuch summoned someone and whispered, “Go and inform Her Majesty that the plan has begun.”
The hunting plan, originally scheduled for the next day, was postponed due to the arrival of Noble Consort An on the second day. Noble Consort An had not accompanied His Majesty to the hunting grounds before, and her sudden arrival made Xue Xingyue feel uneasy. She instructed Feng Wu to increase the security for her imperial brother.
On the second day, after Noble Consort An arrived, a banquet was held, and everyone attended. Xue Xingyue had no choice but to attend, being a princess. Her purpose in attending was to protect her imperial brother. Accompanying Noble Consort An was the First Prince, Xue Tianyue, who had been feeling unwell a few days prior.
“Consort, you were unwell taking care of Tianyue a few days ago. Are you feeling better now?” Xue Xingchen asked, concerned, taking Noble Consort An’s hand.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am much better now,” Noble Consort An replied.
Xue Xingchen nodded. “That’s good!” He then turned to Xue Tianyue and said, “You should thank your mother consort more. She lost sleep taking care of you.”
Xue Tianyue knelt. “Father Emperor is correct.”
“Mother Consort, I am eternally grateful to you!” Xue Tianyue said, bowing his head.
Noble Consort An’s eyes immediately welled up. “Get up, quickly get up.”
“Mother Consort, thank you!” Xue Tianyue looked up and said each word solemnly.
“Your Highness, the First Prince is an upright person,” Feng Wu said from the side.
Xue Xingyue smiled knowingly. “Yes, Tianyue is a good child.” This was also why she was willing to marry Meng Jiangming. She believed Tianyue to be a child of good character, having watched him grow up. Therefore, as long as Noble Consort An did not overstep, Xue Xingyue could accept her. After all, Noble Consort An was Tianyue’s nominal mother.
“Aunt,” Xue Tianyue said as he returned to his seat. Seeing Xue Xingyue beside him, his eyes brightened considerably.