Chapter 25: Unwelcome Advances
The next morning was bright as usual. Courtesan Rong woke up and found herself on the bed, quickly rising to greet the day. Meanwhile, in the general mansion, Princess Hua's eyes fluttered open, though not widely. She noticed Wang Wei leaving the room and tried to drift back to sleep.
"Princess," Chen Xui called as she entered, followed closely by Mrs. Li. "Your Highness," Mrs. Li said, rising to stretch her hand. "Please dress up and come to the mansion's main hall."
Princess Hua yawned, still groggy. "Xui, why do they want me in the Wang hall?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"I don't know either, but I heard a rumor that Madam Feng wants to marry Minister of agriculture daughter to the second master Haoyu," Chen Xui replied.
"Help me with my bath," Princess Hua instructed as she began to dress. After preparing, they made their way to the Wang hall.
Inside, a lady sat beside Madam Feng, her beauty striking. She had a round face, soft and delicate, with large, expressive eyes that sparkled like the morning dew. Her skin was smooth and fair, and her hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves, adorned with a simple yet elegant hairpin. She wore a pastel-colored gown that accentuated her figure, giving her an air of grace and charm.
"Meet Princess Hua," the general announced.
"Nice to meet you, Princess. I am Biluo, the fourth daughter of the Minister of Agriculture," Biluo said, her voice sweet and melodic.
"You are so beautiful," Princess Hua complimented, genuinely impressed.
"Hua, Biluo, I want you both to be friends. She just lost the general's grandson," Madam Feng interjected.
"Thank you, Madam Feng, and I'm sorry for your loss," Biluo said, her tone sincere.
"No need to call me Madam Feng; I'm going to be your mother-in-law in a few days," Madam Feng replied with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Mother," Biluo said, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and sadness. Princess Hua watched their exchange their drama, as she popped a candy into her mouth, savoring the sweetness.
After the meeting concluded, she left the hall with Chen Xui. "Princess, Miss Biluo is beautiful, just like Lady Mei," Chen Xui remarked.
Princess Hua stretched forward, offering Chen Xui five coins. "Did you see those candies they served? I want you to get me more," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Chen Xui began counting on her fingers. "Princess, you ate more than fifty candies and still want more?" she asked, incredulous. But seeing the determined look in the princess's eyes, she relented and hurried off to fulfill the request.
As Princess Hua was leaving, she unexpectedly crossed paths with Haoyu. He pushed her against the wall, his hands gripping her face. "You look good, Your Highness. I like you," he said, his voice low and intense.
"I'm married to your brother," Princess Hua replied, trying to maintain her composure.
Haoyu pressed her harder against the wall. "I don't have a brother! Wang Wei isn't my brother!" he yelled, his frustration boiling over. "All I want is you. I want all his happiness. I want you."
"You want me? How can you want a married woman?" Princess Hua retorted, attempting to pry his hands away, but his grip was too strong. Just as he leaned in to kiss her, a surge of panic coursed through her. In a moment of desperation, she struck him where it hurt.
Haoyu shouted in pain, releasing her as she seized the opportunity to escape. "Young Master, what's wrong?" one of the guards asked, noticing Haoyu clutching his underneath, the pain lingering in his mind. He hurriedly retreated to his room, frustration etched on his face.
Later that evening, when Wang Wei returned, Princess Hua recounted the incident to Chen Xui, explaining how Haoyu had tried to harass her and how she had defended herself. She didn't want to face Wang Wei directly, fearing he might be cold about the situation, so she spoke loudly enough for him to overhear.
Suddenly, they saw him wheeling his chair outside, his expression unreadable as he approached. The tension in the air thickened, and Princess Hua braced herself.