"If Xiu Yuan Ge Ge knew what you looked like, do you think you could still stay in the manor?"
Hearing this, she smiled, her gaze laced with mockery. Such ridicule infuriated the Ninth Princess. "What are you laughing at?"
"I'm laughing at whether Your Highness the Ninth Princess is foolish."
"Insolent! How dare you call me foolish? I think you've lived long enough." The Ninth Princess slammed the armrest of her chair fiercely, her voice booming with anger.
"Aren't you foolish? Do you think Prime Minister Da Ren is so exceptionally intelligent that he wouldn't know what kind of person I am? Do you think he would have rashly allowed me into the manor without knowing my background and identity? Moreover, do you believe that I, the daughter of a humble farmer who slaughters pigs, could enter the Song family? Ninth Princess, tell me, aren't you foolish?"
"You..."
"I'm very sorry, but I dislike speaking falsehoods. Although I know that speaking falsely would please Your Highness the Ninth Princess, now that speaking falsely will not spare me from your wrath, why shouldn't I speak my mind?"
"You..." The Ninth Princess pointed at her, momentarily speechless.
"Your Highness the Ninth Princess, do you still believe yourself to be wise?"
The Ninth Princess's body stiffened. She had actually asked her mother concubine why the daughter of a mere farmer could become Xiu Yuan Ge Ge's fiancée. She remembered her mother concubine looking at her with pity. She knew her mother concubine strongly approved of her marrying into the Song manor. For although their father the Emperor had already established the Crown Prince, everyone knew that the Fifth Prince, who had almost been made Crown Prince, had also died.
Furthermore, no one could fathom their father the Emperor's intentions now. The current Crown Prince might not necessarily be the future New Emperor, thus her brother also had a chance to become Crown Prince, and she would then be the Eldest Princess.
However, a marriage that was already settled had been disrupted by this farmer's daughter who appeared out of nowhere. She had indeed thought more than once that perhaps Xiu Yuan Ge Ge, and even the people of the Song manor, did not welcome her. But she truly liked Xiu Yuan Ge Ge. More importantly, by marrying into the Song manor, she could garner support for her brother and add bricks and tiles to his path to becoming Emperor.
However, she was unwilling to admit it. She did not want to let this most precious thing in her heart be stained by the darkness of profit.
But now, she had to admit that this farmer's daughter had slipped out of her control, and therefore, she must eliminate her. Today was merely the beginning.
"It is not for you to comment on how I am, but you dare to commit insubordination. This is something this Princess must address. Guards, seize this insubordinate for me!" the Ninth Princess roared.
Suddenly, several guards leaped out from around the Ninth Princess. Xue Xing Yue was slightly surprised, not expecting imperial guards to be dispatched to deal with her.
However, facing her, they might not necessarily have the advantage.
On the other side, Feng Yun was extremely anxious. If something were to happen to Miss Xue, he would not be able to report back to his master. But Yu Yun's prolonged absence caused his heart to sink to the bottom. He had not expected that the person he trusted so much would betray him.
He took out his short flute, played a silent melody, then covered himself with black gauze and leaped forward.
Xue Xing Yue felt she had underestimated these imperial experts. She hadn't expected their martial skills to be so formidable. It was impossible for her few companions to defeat them, but it would be difficult for these people to defeat her.
However, the Ninth Princess was greatly shocked. She never knew that this farmer's daughter possessed such excellent martial skills. These people were the hidden guards raised by her mother concubine; they were all masters capable of fighting ten men at once. Yet, this farmer's daughter could now fight four of them single-handedly and not be at a disadvantage. She was truly astonished. It seemed this farmer's daughter was indeed unfathomable, no wonder her mother concubine had told her to be extremely cautious and not act rashly without absolute certainty.
Although Xue Xing Yue was not at a disadvantage, over time, her stamina was far inferior to theirs. Just as she was about to be captured, someone kicked away the person attempting to grab her. She saw it was Feng Yun.
"I'm sorry." Feng Yun said apologetically as he joined the fight.
"It's not your fault." She had never blamed Feng Yun. After all, Yu Yun and Feng Yun had been together for a long time as companions, while she had only known Feng Yun for a short while. And she was already grateful for Feng Yun's help.
With the addition of Feng Yun, the former leader of the shadow guards, these imperial experts were like vulnerable prey before him.
Soon, she and Feng Yun subdued all four of them.
"Ninth Princess, release Qin Er Niang, and today's matter will be settled. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise, what do you want? I am a proud daughter of heaven. Dare you touch me and see?" the Ninth Princess retorted angrily.
"It seems Your Highness the Ninth Princess does not wish for a peaceful resolution?" Xue Xing Yue's gaze turned cold as she looked at the Ninth Princess.
"Ridiculous! I, the proud daughter of heaven, the Princess of Yu Country, would fear you, a butcher's daughter?" the Ninth Princess sneered.
Then, with a glance from the Ninth Princess, the man who had slapped Qin Er Niang earlier suddenly held a long sword, placing it against Qin Er Niang's neck.
"Do you think, with your maid in my hands now, I would still fear you?"
"Your Highness the Ninth Princess, do you think a mere maid can stop me?" Xue Xing Yue looked at the Ninth Princess coldly, a sharp glint flashing in her clear eyes.
"If you don't believe me, you can try. See whether your hands and feet are faster or the blade at your maid's throat is faster?" the Ninth Princess said triumphantly.
Xue Xing Yue glanced at Qin Er Niang. Qin Er Niang now had a look of complete despair, clearly her brother's actions were beyond her expectations. She could not accept it, and thus naturally lost the will to live, allowing others to torment her.