Translator: Artsy
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Concubine Wan nodded earnestly. "Little Jiu, you can rest assured. Mother initially thought that you would not come out alive after marrying Lord Xiao. Hence, I didn't take action."
"Now that I have you as my gleam of hope, besides the fact that I have consumed the poison healing pills, I will be fine. I'll wait for you to come back."
Even though Qian Jiujiu felt the urge to threaten Minister Qian so that he could write a divorce letter and she could take her mother with her.
However, as she pondered it over, it was not realistic. It was better for her to hold on for now as her mother's health was not in good condition yet.
She cast a glance at Concubine Wan as she fetched out a ceramic bottle. "Mother, there are also poison healing pills inside for you. Wait for me."
After leaving Concubine Wan's residence, Qian Jiujiu was preparing to return to Xiao Manor. After all, she had achieved her aim of coming today so there was no need for her to stay any longer.
At this point, Hong Ling realized that the princess consort had disappeared. She started to take concern as she recalled that Princess Consort was often being bullied here.
"Old Madam, if anything were to happen to Princess Consort, can you afford to pay the price?"
Just as Qian Jiujiu walked toward the entrance of Heshou hall, the voice of the arrogant Hong Ling resounded in the air. She instantly blinked her eyes. Should I enter slightly later?
Old Madam Qian had never been disdained by a servant before after being alive until this age. As such, she was filled with fury in her heart.
However, this servant was from the Xiao Manor, hence she could not do anything in particular to her. All she could do was to reprimand Qian Jiujiu secretly as she cast a look at Madam Qian.
"What are you waiting for? Quickly summon someone to call for Princess Consort. Otherwise, others will perceive that the Qian family has devoured Princess Consort!"
Upon hearing that, Qian Jiujiu walked in with a smile plastered on her face. "It seems like Old Madam Qian has the desire to devour Princess Consort but you need to make sure that you have the ability to swallow me. Beware of chipped teeth for having such a huge appetite."
This statement infuriated Old Madam to a certain extent. At this moment, Minister Qian walked in. "What did you just say? Quickly kneel down to apologize to your great-grandmother."
Kneel down to apologize? Qian Jiujiu rolled her eyes. You want me to kneel before this old tigress? Dream on! She gave Minister Qian a glare before saying, "Are you sure you want Princess Consort to fall to her knees?"
Listening to Qian Jiujiu addressed herself, Princess Consort repeatedly, the people in the Qian family felt triggered. At this instant, the Third Prince was looking daggers at Qian Jiujiu out of curiosity.
Once again, he felt as though the Qian Jiujiu before him was different from before, thus, he could not help voicing out.
"Sixth sister-in-law, even if you have married to the Royal family, regardless of anything, Old Madam is still your great-grandmother. Your impolite manner of utterances seems rather inappropriate and unfilial."
Qian Jiujiu directed her gaze at the Third Prince as she raised a corner of her lips. "Who is this?"
Hong Ling understood the meaning immediately, therefore she brilliantly stood out and made an introduction. "In reply to Princess Consort, this is the Third Prince."
Qian Jiujiu blinked her eyes in response before replying, "Then let me ask you. Is His Highness having greater authority than a prince? Do I have to listen to him?"
Qian Jiujiu's words were like the sounds of slapping, hitting on Third Prince's face. He was the Third Prince. As for the First Prince and Second Prince, they died of a young age.
Thus, he was now the eldest child of the Emperor while following him was the Fourth Prince, Mu Yezhe. He was fond of nature and liked to travel around, hence resulting in him being reluctant to stay in the Capital.
In this case, he could be disregarded. Moving on to the Fifth Prince, Mu Yexing, his brain was malfunctioned, thus he was an id*ot which could be completely ignored.
As for the Sixth Prince, Mu Yexiao, he was the Emperor's youngest child and also his greatest enemy as the Emperor took a liking to him. He had even been conferred the title of Lord.
He was also the only one who was granted the title among the princes. Although he was young, he was considered to have a rather high status if compared to other princes.
Therefore, Qian Jiujiu's remark was meant to slap him on the face. Hong Ling was amused by her words. "Princess Consort, you can't say so. Although Third Prince is the eldest child, you are Princess Consort."
The last half of the statement was rather redundant as Qian Jiujiu had finally come to an understanding. She then replied, "Oh, you're Third Prince. Can I address you as Third Brother?"
Even if the Third Prince was unpleasant, he nodded as he responded, "No problem."
"Well Third Brother, I couldn't agree with your words. Old Madam is my great-grandmother and I know that she is also an elder but I don't understand something. When did I say impolite words that sounded unfilial to you? "
"My utterances were meant to be my concern for her. Everyone knows that Old Madam dotes on me, the daughter of the first wife in the Qian family. I am just trying to care for her by reminding her as I am afraid she would collapse. Is this considered unfilial?"
The Third Prince stared at Qian Jiujiu with a surprised look. "Never had I thought that Sixth Sister-in-law has such a sharp tongue."
Qian Jiujiu gazed at Third Prince indifferently. Just then, she lifted the corner of her mouth, directing a smile at him. "Thanks for your compliment, Third Brother."
Mu Yesheng was stunned because he had never expected Qian Jiujiu to let out a smile. At this moment, Qian Yuge who was standing by the side was almost driven crazy.
Such a shameless person! Thinking of that, Qian Jiujiu rushed straight out to face Qian Jiujiu. "Qian Jiujiu, you're so shameless. How dare you seduce the Third Prince even after you have gotten married."
Qian Jiujiu raised her eyebrows. "What are you talking about, my dear elder cousin sister? Yuge couldn't understand what you are talking about. Are you scolding me for being shameless?"
One statement was enough to vex Qian Yuge to a certain point. Since the Third Prince and Hong Ling were present here, this meant that Qian Jiujiu was Qian Yuge for now.
As for Qian Yuge, she was merely a niece to Madam Qian at present.
As Qian Yuge came to senses of Qian Jiujiu's words, she was enraged to a point where the corner of her lips was nearly distorted. When did I mean to scold myself?
Qian Jiujiu felt tired of disguising. She tried her best to suppress her laughter but in the end, she could not help but let out a couple of coughs as she peered at Madam Qian.
"Mother, I felt that this cousin sister has a bit of a problem with her brain. Do you want to consider getting another one to accompany you?"
As she uttered, she gave Qian Yuge a threatening glare. If you dare to cause trouble, not to mention taking your identity as the daughter of the first wife, I will even chase you out of the Qian Manor.
Madam Qian's facial expression turned gloomy. This is too absurd but we have no choice but to buy into it.
It would be great if Qian Jiujiu was dead. Who knew that she was not dead and even came home publicly. As a result, they were pressured by others in any way.
Madam Qian looked at Qian Yuge and uttered reluctantly, "Please apologize to your younger cousin sister."
Qian Yuge was utterly baffled with her eyes wide open. "Why do I have to apologize to her? I don't want to do it. Mother, there are no outsiders here. Who didn't know that she is merely a b*tch!"
Madam Qian's heart was bleeding. Even if the Third Prince was not an outsider, Hong Ling was one. Besides, now was not the right time to expose this matter.
Thinking of this, Madam Qian directed her gaze toward Hong Ling and realized that Hong Ling hung her head low, pretending as if she had not heard anything.
Qian Jiujiu found the commotion that happened in the Qian Manor was rather lacking excitement. She might as well return to Xiao Manor to have fun with Mu Yexiao.
She shot a glance at Madam Qian as she uttered, "Madam, Old Madam, it's getting late, I shall return to the Xiao Manor already."
As she mentioned that statement, she turned over and prepared to leave. Minister Qian was perplexed by her actions. "Wait a moment, Princess Consort. Don't you want to stay a little longer for a meal first before returning?"
Looking at the eloquent Qian Jiujiu, Minister Qian started to form other thoughts in his mind. Naturally, he wished to come into contact with her more.
Moreover, the Third Prince would not wish to let Qian Jiujiu leave just yet as he needed Qian Jiujiu to deal with something for him.
Qian Jiujiu blinked in confusion. "There's no need to trouble Minister Qian. I will return to Xiao Manor to take my meal with His Highness. After all, His Highness will be unhappy if I don't have a meal with him."
Minister Qian could tell that Qian Jiujiu wanted to leave Qian Manor right away, however, how could he allow Qian Jiujiu to leave so easily?
Just as he was about to say something, a servant came to inform him about the arrival of Lord Xiao. "Old Master, Lord Xiao is here."
Minister Qian thought he had heard it wrongly. Who is here? Lord Xiao? Isn't he someone who is about to die? Why is he still in the mood to come here?
The Third Prince also thought he was hearing voices, thus he could not help exchanging glances with Minister Qian.
On the other hand, Qian Jiujiu was over the moon. "Hong Ling, do you think His Highness is here to pick me up? I told you that His Highness is a decent man. He can't live without me."
Upon saying that, she darted out with an exhilarated expression on her face to welcome Lord Xiao in.
Minister Qian followed suit and found that it was indeed Lord Xiao at the main entrance. Although Lord Xiao was wearing a mask, his extraordinary demeanor could be recognized instantly by anyone who came across him.
Minister Qian fell to his knees immediately. "Greetings to Your Highness. Your humble servant is curious as to why you made an appearance all of a sudden."
Mu Yexiao let out a sneer. "I am here to bring Princess Consort home for lunch."
Once the words were uttered, the corner of everyone's mouth twitched twice while Minister Qian felt as though he was underestimated. He was a dignified minister after all.
Do I have a problem preparing a meal for my daughter who has just returned after marriage? Besides, I still needed His Highness to purposely come to get her personally.
The news just now must have been spread to Lord Xiao. It seemed like he was still a domineering person in the Capital even when he was injured.
At least the news was transmitted to him on time. Qian Jiujiu was overjoyed. She walked over to the front of Lord Xiao in a wink.
Her face filled with emotions as she looked at Lord Xiao, "Your Highness, you treat Yuge so well, I am so touched."
The corner of Lord Xiao's mouth twitched, who the hell is Yuge?
He gave out a couple of discreet coughs. "Princess Consort, please behave yourself."
After embarrassing His Highness, Qian Jiujiu immediately altered her demeanor to reveal the virtuous and dignified side of her.
"Thanks for picking me up, Your Highness. Now let's return to the residence together."
Mu Yexiao finally came to a realization that this Qian Jiujiu had varying personalities. I guess she was probably thinking of tricking someone earlier.
He gave Qian Jiujiu a meaningful stare before replying, "Alright, let's return then."
As they were about to leave after speaking, Minister Qian started to panic.
He knew very well the reason why the Third Prince was here today. He was here to get some updates but he had not found out anything yet, hence his purpose had yet to be fulfilled. How could he allow these two people to leave just like this?
Rumors had it that Lord Xiao was seriously ill, and could only stay on the bed. Why is he out today?
What is that thing he was sitting on at the bottom of his buttocks? A chair that can move around? Does the Great Zhou have something like this already?