Consort Xue's heart jumped, knowing that the Empress always donned a smiling tiger's facade, she dared not take her lightly and cautiously answered, "The Empress speaks too seriously. Sister was only fond of Ruyan, not expecting her to resist this betrothal so adamantly. It was sister's abruptness that upset Princess Ruyan, and it was my fault."
"Since it's all a misunderstanding, let's shake hands and make peace for the sake of my face, shall we?"
The Empress was generous and proper, and she also knew the Mid-Year Festival held other purposes for His Majesty. If this trivial matter were to disturb His Majesty's plans, she might be blamed, a burden she simply could not bear.
Ji Ruyan smiled faintly, "With the Empress mothering the nation, Ruyan naturally follows the Empress's decree and will not pursue this matter."
To Consort Xue's ears, those words had a different flavor, as if she had given face to the Empress to stop the fuss.
Nice move, Ji Ruyan!
