When Madame Duan saw that her son had been injured again, her heart ached with anger—anger directed squarely at Ning Shu and Er Ya.
Of course, Madame Duan would never dare to confront Princess Jiahui openly due to her royal status, but Er Ya was a different story. Without hesitation, she shot a fierce glare at Er Ya, abandoning any semblance of politeness.
Ning Shu recognized the intensity of Madame Duan's gaze and had no doubt that at this moment, she would gladly eliminate Er Ya if given the chance. The harmonious mother-daughter-in-law relationship that had existed in the original storyline was shattered. Ning Shu felt a surge of satisfaction; it was poetic justice that Duan Xinghui, Er Ya, and even Madame Duan's happiness had relied on the presence of the original host.
Ning Shu still found it hard to believe that a princess could end up in such a predicament.
"Princess, why did you do this?" Duan Xinghui's voice trembled, his pale face revealing his shock and hurt.
Why did she do this? Ning Shu couldn't help but sneer internally. "Because it makes me happy!" The sight of Duan Xinghui's disbelieving expression as he clutched his wound was oddly satisfying. She replied coolly, "This princess merely shook her whip a little, yet you threw yourself toward it."
His eyes narrowed in disbelief, and Duan Xinghui felt a wave of frustration. He looked pitiful, no longer the valiant general he once was. His scraggly beard and disheveled appearance contrasted sharply with the calm confidence he had once exhibited on horseback, a far cry from the heroic figure the original host had cherished.
As Ning Shu examined him, Duan Xinghui felt a rush of embarrassment. He didn't want her to see him like this; he yearned for her to witness his best self. He instinctively squared his shoulders, attempting to regain some semblance of dignity.
Ning Shu diverted her gaze and addressed Madame Duan, "Madame Duan, out of respect for you as a senior, I advise you to manage your family members properly. If this happens again, I cannot guarantee the outcome."
Madame Duan, momentarily taken aback by the transformation of Princess Jiahui, lowered her head. She gritted her teeth and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Highness. This common woman promises there won't be a next time."
Inside, Madame Duan felt as if her heart had been trampled. She had lost her husband early and had worked tirelessly to raise her son, molding him into the outstanding man he had become. Despite her tough exterior, she was astute and aware. However, the Princess Jiahui she had once controlled so easily was now beyond her reach, responding to her with coldness. Madame Duan felt offended; she had grown accustomed to having Princess Jiahui wrapped around her finger.
To put it plainly, Madame Duan had been spoiled by Princess Jiahui in the past. Now, she struggled to accept Ning Shu's assertiveness and royal demeanor.
Suppressing her emotions, Madame Duan helped Duan Xinghui to his feet, leading him back to the residence. Ning Shu noticed Madame Duan's hand fiercely pinching Er Ya's waist as they walked. Er Ya jumped in pain, but Duan Xinghui remained oblivious to her distress.
Ning Shu smiled to herself, knowing that Er Ya's future days would be far from pleasant. Madame Duan had her ways of dealing with people.
Now, with his mother pitted against the woman he loved, would Duan Xinghui remain cold toward his mother as he had with the original host? Ultimately, whether it was the back of one's hand or the palm, family still hurt.
Ning Shu chuckled without a hint of sympathy.
She counted the days before leading a horse out of the stable, preparing to head to the imperial Manor Garden to check on the sweet potatoes.
This season should be perfect for harvesting sweet potatoes. She just hoped everything had gone smoothly with the crops.