Chapter 203: Nobody Can Compare to Your Husband

For a moment, everybody stared blankly at Yu Long, who was drenched from head to toe, before turning around to gape at Su Jiu in unison.

Yu Long was only a short distance away from where Empress Dowager Xiao was, and some of the water had also landed on Empress Dowager Xiao as a result. Her arms remained outstretched as she looked over in shock.

“Jiu’er, what are you doing?” the Eldest Mistress asked in bewilderment.

Su Jiu put the basin down and walked over. The crowd automatically stepped back to give her some space.

She walked directly to Yu Long and took the fire-lighter out of her sleeve. “I saw the Crown Princess Consort holding onto this fire-lighter, and I thought that she was going to set Empress Dowager’s clothes on fire. As such, I instinctively splashed the water on her. I was behaving rashly, and I hope you don’t mind, Crown Princess Consort!” Su Jiu explained, feigning a relieved tone in her voice.

Yu Long was thoroughly soaked, and her hair was still dripping wet. She forced a smile and said through her clenched teeth, “I don’t mind!”

Everybody heaved a sigh of relief. They were about to speak up to ease the tense atmosphere, when they heard Su Jiu ask in curiosity, “Oh! But why was there a fire-lighter hidden in the Crown Princess Consort’s sleeve? Don’t tell me…”

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She paused for a moment, before reacting in shock, “Don’t tell me that she was genuinely going to set the Empress Dowager on fire!”

Everyone was baffled once again as realization dawned on them, and they turned around to look at Yu Long.

She was right. Why would she keep a fire-lighter inside her sleeve for no reason?

Yu Long’s face turned pale, either because she was cold as she was drenched, or because she was nervous.

She laughed dryly. “This fire-lighter was given to me by Lady Ru!”

The lady-in-charge, Lady Ru, realized what she was talking about and quickly nodded. “Yes, yes! The flame in the incense burner was extinguished just now, and the Empress Dowager instructed me to get the fire-lighter. The Crown Princess Consort came over at that time, and hence volunteered to take the fire-lighter!”

Su Jiu’s gaze darkened as she smiled apologetically. “I’m truly sorry, Crown Princess Consort. I saw that you had a fire-lighter within your sleeve as you were walking towards the Empress Dowager. As such, I acted out of panic and splashed the water on you without thinking!”

Laughter broke out among the crowd. “So this was all a misunderstanding!”

“The princess acted the way she did because of the Empress Dowager!”

“It’s understandable that she was mistaken!”

The atmosphere lightened up, and the palace maids quickly stepped forward to put on a cape for Yu Long.

“You are such a silly child! You shouldn’t have acted so rashly even if you were worried! Now the Empress Dowager is drenched because of you!” Bai Jingrou chortled as she glanced at her daughter. She pretended to be angry as she continued, “Don’t think that you can behave haughtily just because the Empress Dowager dotes on you!”

“I was mistaken!” Su Jiu gave a lovely smile.

Empress Dowager Xiao laughed. “It’s alright! That girl did that because of me. She was just too worried!”

“Empress Dowager, you have pampered her too much!” Bai Jingrou chuckled.

Su Jiu stuck out her tongue cheekily as she took the handkerchief from the palace maid’s hands and gently wiped the water off Empress Dowager’s clothes. She smiled and said, “It’s Jiu’er’s fault for wrongly accusing the Crown Princess Consort. As a result, your dress is now wet. I will punish myself and dry it for you, Empress Dowager!”

“There’s no need to do that! The palace maids will do it!” Empress Dowager Xiao looked at her kindly.

“Empress Dowager, let her do it. Consider it as her making amends for her own mistake!” The Eldest Mistress convinced Empress Dowager Xiao.

“Yes, yes!” Su Jiu removed Empress Dowager Xiao’s dress and held it in her hands as she giggled. “I guarantee that I’ll return a brand new dress to you, Empress Dowager!”

“Fine, go ahead then. This dress is not as important compared to you, so don’t scald yourself!”

“Am I that stupid?” Su Jiu asked with a pout.

Laughter broke out once again among the crowd. On the other hand, Yu Long stood at the side with her head lowered, wiping the water off her clothes while her eyes flickered.

Su Jiu turned around and looked at the lady-in-charge. “Lady Ru, where is the Drying Room?”

Lady Ru replied quickly, “I will bring you there right now, Princess!”

“Thank you, Lady Ru!”

Su Jiu followed Lady Ru out of the hall, though she noticed Yu Long looking over maliciously out of the corner of her eyes. Su Jiu raised her brows as she strode out of the door.

The Drying Room was located at the back of the hall and was also commonly used to produce incense. There was a lit furnace topped with a ceramic dome in the middle of the room, and wet clothes could be dried in a short while if they were placed on the dome. Moreover, they would be infused with a refreshing aroma.

Two palace maids were infusing Empress Dowager Xiao’s clothes when Su Jiu entered. She said to Lady Ru, “Lady Ru, you may go back. I’ll bring the dress over once it’s dry.”

“Princess, you need not do this personally. Let the palace maids do it!” Lady Ru smiled gently.

“I’ve promised Empress Dowager that I would do it! As such, I have to carry it out personally. Lady Ru, you may go back!” Su Jiu insisted.

“I shall take my leave then!” Lady Ru gave a curtsy and retreated.

Su Jiu dismissed the two palace maids once Lady Ru left. She closed the doors, and her facial expression turned solemn the next instant. She laid the court dress flat on the table and used a pair of scissors to cut open the stitches at an area that was not eye-catching.

High-quality wool could be seen within the dress as she cut it open. However, she could not find any saltpeter.

How could there be no saltpeter?

Could she have guessed wrongly?

Frowning, Su Jiu held the piece of clothing up. She sniffed it and realized that she was not wrong; she could smell saltpeter even though the aroma was vague.

Su Jiu made a slightly larger cut in the court dress, and this time, she could see specks of white-colored powder within the small opening. Su Jiu pinched the powder between her fingers and found that it was indeed saltpeter.

That meant that saltpeter had been mixed into the wool within the court dress!

However, somebody had washed and cleaned up the wool and saltpeter inside the dress beforehand.

She knew that Yu Long was the one who had added saltpeter into the dress; she had wanted to light up this dress today with the fire-lighter. Regardless of whether or not Empress Dowager would be injured by the fire, the Ji Manor would then be charged with the crime of attempting to murder Empress Dowager Xiao!

She had been in close contact with Ji Yuxian recently. As a result, he had been targeted by Yu Long.

First, it was Nangong Bi, followed by Hu Dapao, and now it was Ji Yuxian’s turn. Yu Long had been tricked by Su Jiu several times, and now she was beginning to harm the people around her instead.

However, Ji Yuxian was much more powerful than what Yu Long had expected. There were at least people working for Ji Yuxian within the palace, and they had long taken care of this matter.

Su Jiu’s gaze turned ice-cold and murderous.

She put down the pair of scissors and placed the court dress on the ceramic dome to dry it, before asking the palace maids outside to enter the room.

She plastered on her usual facial expression and laughed. “I accidentally split open a part of the dress just now! Please help me stitch it back!”

The two palace maids were taken by surprise. “Princess, you are too polite towards us servants! We will stitch it right now!” they hurriedly said in a panic.

As the threads used by Robes Square were considered rare, the palace maids could only find a similar colored thread after several matches before they could stitch the cut in detail.

Luckily, it was just a small cut, and the palace maids would naturally not bother with the reason it was cut since they were tasked to serve this room. They stitched it up quickly, and no hints of the cut could be seen.

Su Jiu looked at it with satisfaction and said, “Thank you!”

“You are welcome, Princess!”

Su Jiu rewarded both of them with silver ingots, before heading towards the hall with the court dress.

Yu Long had already changed up by the time she arrived back at the hall. Her hair had also been redone, and she was seated on the chair while having a chat with Empress Dowager Xiao.

Her gaze was subconsciously filled with chilliness as she looked up and saw Su Jiu’s entry.

Su Jiu walked over and pursed her lips into a smile as she said innocently, “It was my fault for misunderstanding you, Crown Princess Consort. Please don’t blame me!”

“Of course not!” Yu Long smiled gently.

“That’s great!” Su Jiu, before handing over the dress in her hands to Empress Dowager Xiao. “Empress Dowager, please take a look and see if the court dress has any stains on it!”

The lady-in-charge took over the dress and smiled. “No, there are no stains at all. It looks like how it originally was, but with added warmth and fragrance!”

Empress Dowager Xiao reached out and touched the dress. “Alright, keep it then,” she said.

She paused in her words, before looking at Lady Ru. “You can keep the dress personally!”

“Noted!” Lady Ru retreated with the clothing in her hands.

Yu Long’s eyes flickered upon hearing Empress Dowager Xiao’s words, and her hands clenched into fists within her long sleeves.

Had Empress Dowager Xiao suspected something?

Everyone did not dare to further interrupt Empress Dowager Xiao’s afternoon nap after accompanying her for lunch in Fushou Palace. They dismissed themselves and left the hall one by one.

The Eldest Mistress held Su Jiu within her embrace in the horse carriage as they made their way back home. She caressed her dark hair gently and asked softly, “What was wrong with the dress?”

She knew that Su Jiu would not have splashed the water without any reason.

It was also not a coincidence that Yu Long had a fire-lighter inside her sleeve.

The horse carriage’s wheels made creaking sounds as they rolled over the unmelted layer of snow on the road. Su Jiu’s eyes seemed to be filled with ice as well as she answered coldly, “Yu Long is beginning to take action against the people around me. Mother, I will be sending several people to be on guard around your courtyard. Don’t head out during this period if you can!”

The Eldest Mistress patted on her shoulder consolingly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine!”

Su Jiu buried her head in her embrace. “Mother, I truly want to kill her!”

If she was merely the Dragon Conqueror Gang’s leader at Yuhu Mountain and was only Su Jiu, she would certainly kill Yu Long and dig her heart out to feed the wolves!

The wolves in the mountain might even find her heart too nasty to be consumed!

“She won’t have her way!” the Eldest Mistress said solemnly.

“That’s right, I’ll let her have an ugly death!” Su Jiu added with determination.

Yu Long had left Fushou Palace before she was called to Yulan Palace by Imperial Concubine Rong.

Imperial Concubine Rong dismissed the servants when Yu Long entered. She asked directly, “Yu Long, tell me honestly, what was wrong with the dress?”

Yu Long looked up abruptly. “What is Mother suspecting about?”

“What did you do with the dress? What were you trying to do?” Imperial Concubine Rong looked at her coldly.

Yu Long stared directly at Imperial Concubine Rong without any fear or panic. She answered with a tone to express that she was being wronged, “Mother, can’t you tell? Su Jiu did it on purpose today to raise suspicion towards me, and she succeeded! Now, both Mother and Empress Dowager are suspecting me!”

Imperial Concubine Rong mulled over her words, frowning.

“Mother, think about it! What could I have done even if I had the fire-lighter with me? Could I have set Empress Dowager on fire? Was I asking for death?” Yu Long said with righteousness, “Regardless of how foolish I was, I could not possibly do such a thing to harm myself!”

Imperial Concubine Rong had also found the matter suspicious, as she had subconsciously thought that Su Jiu would not have acted that way out of the blue. Furthermore, it was coincidental that Yu Long had a fire-lighter in her sleeve.

However, Yu Long indeed had no reason to set that piece of clothing on fire.

The dress was produced by Robes Square. Yu Long’s only intention might be to frame the Ji Manor because of Su Jiu, but how would she be able to achieve her objective just by setting the dress on fire?

“Su Jiu is a scheming person! I’m not smart enough to go against her, and I’ve been oppressed by her several times! Does Mother still not trust me?” Yu Long said dejectedly as her eyes reddened.

Imperial Concubine Rong heaved a sigh and took a handkerchief to wipe the excess water off Yu Long’s face. “Maybe I’ve thought too much. Su Jiu may have a bad temper, but it was true that you have wronged her in the past. I think you should just give in to her!” Imperial Concubine Rong explained.

“Sure, I know that. I feel apologetic towards Su Jiu, and I won’t hate her for this incident!”

“That’s great! We shall treat the incident today as a misunderstanding and move on!”

“I understand!”

Yu Long retreated from Yulan Palace and brought Hong Xiu back to Crown Prince Manor. They noticed the servants moving things in and out of her courtyard busily once they entered.

Hong Xiu was startled for a moment, before stepping forward and yelling, “What is everybody doing? Who permitted you to enter the Crown Princess Consort’s courtyard?!”

The servants stopped in their tracks and were at a loss when they greeted Yu Long.

Lan Zhihui walked over while being followed by five or six maidservants who were serving her. She made a grand entrance as compared to the main consort.

She appeared demure as she smiled gently. “Crown Princess Consort, you’re back! I’m so sorry that we did not inform you beforehand, but His Highness accompanied me to give prayers in the temple outside of the city today, and the grandmaster of the temple mentioned that my current courtyard’s location is not ideal for my baby. As such, he suggested for me to move, and said that the ideal location would be the Crown Princess Consort’s Lanting Pavilion. I initially did not dare to agree, as Lanting Pavilion was where you resided, but His Highness insisted that I move for the sake of the baby. Thus, I’m very sorry, but you will have to go through the trouble to move, Crown Princess Consort!”

Hong Xiu trembled with rage as she chided, “Is Secondary Consort Lan attempting to replace the position of the Crown Princess Consort? Can’t you take a look at your background and wonder if you have the royalty status to stay in this courtyard?”

Lan Zhihui placed her hand on her stomach as her face turned pale. “Yes, I am of lowly status and do not deserve to stay in this courtyard,” she choked back her tears as she replied. “I will let the servants move my things out of the courtyard right now!”

“Who said that you don’t deserve to stay in this courtyard?”

A cold voice sounded from behind them. Yu Long’s body froze as she slowly turned around.

Terrified, Hong Xiu dropped to her knees. “I… I didn’t mean to say that, Your Highness! Please forgive me!”

“Let me ask you, what background does Secondary Consort Lan have? Would you like to discuss what you just said?” Xiao Lie asked unsmilingly.

“I was just talking nonsense!”

“Then let me tell you, Zhihui’s father is the renowned Official Lan, who was harmed by evildoers and died for the country. Zhihui is the only child left behind by that loyal official. Do you now think she is qualified to stay in this courtyard?”

“Yes, yes, she is! I was ignorant!” Hong Xiu was aware of Qing Lan’s plight and was hence shivering with fear, unlike her previous arrogant self.

Lan Zhihui stepped forward and gave a curtsy. “Greetings to you, Your Highness!”

Xiao Lie hurriedly stopped her as his solemn expression became tender. He smiled as he said, “You’re currently pregnant, so you don’t need to curtsy. Just between you and me, we don’t have to be so polite towards each other!”

Lan Zhihui smiled shyly. “I don’t dare to neglect my manners on the outside!”

“Zhihui, you’re always so sensible!” Xiao Lie smiled adoringly.

The two of them spoke affectionately to each other as if there was no one else around them. Yu Long stood there, feeling as if her heart was being slashed repeatedly as pain seeped through her body.

“Your Highness! Where do you want me to move to if this courtyard is given to Secondary Consort Lan?” Yu Long asked hoarsely.

Lan Zhihui answered immediately, “Your Highness, I’m thankful that you dote on me. However, I should indeed not stay in this courtyard!”

“Why should you not stay in this courtyard? Didn’t you hear about the grandmaster saying that the courtyard in this particular location is ideal for our child? It’s for the sake of our child, so what are you concerned about?” Xiao Lie glanced at Yu Long and said gently, “Crown Princess, I shall trouble you to shift to Willow Garden Pavilion instead!”

Yu Long received a rude shock. Willow Garden Pavilion?

That was the most secluded courtyard! Was Xiao Lie banishing her to the “cold palace?”

Hong Xiu quickly prostrated and said, “Your Highness, that courtyard is desolate and hidden! How can the Crown Princess Consort reside in it?”

“Desolate?”

Xiao Lie’s gaze darkened. “Are you saying that Crown Prince Manor is a desolate place?”

“I dare not say so!” Hong Xiu immediately bowed down again.

“I feel that that courtyard is quiet and serene, and the Crown Princess Consort can calm herself down there since she is hot-tempered. She can move over today!”

Xiao Lie said emotionlessly and held Lan Zhihui’s hand as they walked off. He lowered his head and whispered something to the woman, which made her chuckle softly.

As their back views gradually disappeared in sight, Lan Zhihui seemed to have turned around and taken a glance at Yu Long, her lips curling into a smug smile.

Yu Long remained standing there, and she suddenly felt the chilly wind. Shengjing City’s winter seemed to be more bitter than Diannan City’s coldest season, as it could make one feel helpless and despairing.

Hong Xiu remained on the ground and sobbed, feeling unjust for Yu Long.

Yu Long and Hong Xiu moved into Willow Garden Pavilion that very evening.

The courtyard was extremely tiny despite also being located within Crown Prince Manor. Allegedly, it was used to house the servants, which explained why it was run-down and shabby inside out.

There was no fireplace in the courtyard, and they could only light a fire in the furnace during winter. Smoke and dust filled the entire house, causing them to choke and tear up.

Hong Xiu sobbed as she cleaned up the bedroom, put on the bedsheets, and hung the bed canopy for Yu Long.

Their Young Lady was a princess who was used to living a wealthy and comfortable life while being served by plenty of servants. She had never been treated like this before.

Ironically, now that she had become the Crown Princess Consort and had a higher noble status, she was instead living a worse life than before.

To think that she had to be bullied by a woman of a lowly status!

Yu Long stared blankly as she sat on the chaise lounge under the window. It was unclear what she was thinking about.

The windows could not be shut properly, and the window panes creaked as gusts of wind blew into the room. The courtyard appeared miserable and lonely.

Hong Xiu quickly put a cape on Yu Long’s shoulders as she sobbed, “Crown Princess Consort, why is your body so cold? Do you want to get some warmth by the furnace?”

Yu Long shook her head slowly. How could the pain of the physical coldness be compared to the dejection in her heart?

Her heart was about to give out from despair!

“Crown Princess Consort, Lord and Lady Yun Nan would be heartbroken to see you like this,” Hong Xiu said with teary eyes, “You have to pull yourself together and think of a solution!”

“What solution do I have? A woman has to obey her husband once she’s married. What can I do if my husband detests me?” Yu Long said flatly.

She used to imagine that her married life with Xiao Lie would be similar to her parents’. They would live blissfully and in harmony until they grow old. However, her dream seemed to have become a joke at this point!

She had sacrificed everything to help Xiao Lie, but what did she gain at the end of the day?

His cold and hateful gaze was like a knife which left multiple cuts on her body. The wounds did not bleed, but the pain was excruciating.

She used to think that all that she had done was for the sake of Lord Yun Nan Manor. As such, she had to endure even if the going was tough.

However, she only realized now that her feelings for Xiao Lie were much stronger than what she had thought. She could not tolerate his indifferent attitude towards her, and she could not face the fact that he was pampering and doting on another woman.

She was an ordinary woman after all!

“It was all that slut’s fault for seducing His Highness! You must not let her deliver her child smoothly, Crown Princess Consort!” Viciousness flashed across Hong Xiu’s eyes. “Now that the slut is overriding your authority, your position won’t be secure if she gives birth to a son!”

Stunned, Yu Long slowly raised her head and looked blankly at Hong Xiu.

“Crown Princess Consort, you still have the backing of Lord Yun Nan Manor, as well as the citizens and army of Diannan City. You won’t lose!” Hong Xiu’s eyes were teary but determined.

Yu Long nodded in a daze. “Yes, I cannot lose!”

She was the daughter of Lord Yun Nan. She learned to read and write when she was three, began mastering martial arts when she was five, led the army to war when she was 14, and she had more grit than a man. How could she lose to a mountain bandit and a slut who only knew how to act innocent?

Yu Long took a deep breath as her eyes cleared up. She was once again filled with determination.

She was of noble status and was the proper Crown Princess Consort. Xiao Lie would naturally belong to her once all of those who fought against her were dead!

The cold wind blew the entire night, and the room was ice-cold. Yu Long inevitably fell ill.

Hong Xiu went to look for Xiao Lie but was informed that Secondary Consort Lan was unwell. As such, His Highness had accompanied her in the room and refused to meet anyone else.

Hong Xiu had no choice but to rush to Lord Yun Nan Manor, and related the entire incident to Lady Yun Nan.

Lady Yun Nan turned green with anger and headed into the palace instead of going to the Crown Prince Manor.

Imperial Concubine Rong went to the Crown Prince Manor together with Lord Yun Nan to visit Yu Long two hours later.

Yu Long laid on the freezing bed, as her body was burning hot. Her face was flushed red, and she had already become unconscious.

Lady Yun Nan sprawled by the side of the bed and looked around at the miserable and shabby amenities within the house. “Why did we marry our daughter into the royal family, only to put up with such ill-treatment?” she cried heartbrokenly.

“Imperial Concubine Rong!” Lady Yun Nan knelt in front of Imperial Concubine Rong. “I implore you to talk to the Emperor and let the Crown Prince divorce Long’er. She will die if this continues!”

“Lady Yun Nan, please get up quickly!”

Imperial Concubine Rong helped Lady Yun Nan to her feet as she looked at Hong Xiu coldly and asked, “What on earth happened?”

“Imperial Concubine Rong, Secondary Consort Lan is pregnant and has instigated His Highness to move her into the Mistress’s courtyard in the name of protecting her baby. She even caused the Crown Princess Consort to be shifted into this secluded location. The windows in this courtyard are rickety and broken, and because of that, the wind can enter the room from everywhere. The Crown Princess Consort fell ill after just one night of stay!” Hong Xiu wept as she said, “Imperial Concubine Rong, you have to help the Crown Princess Consort!”

Imperial Concubine Rong was slightly shocked, unaware that Lan Zhihui was pregnant. Xiao Lie had never mentioned it to her.

It was ridiculous that a pregnant concubine could bully the main consort and cause her to be in such a miserable plight.

Imperial Concubine Rong’s body trembled with anger as she commanded the palace servants behind her, “Go and get the imperial physician, and call for His Highness to come over here!”

“Noted!” the palace servants acknowledged and went off quickly.

Xiao Lie and the imperial physician entered the courtyard consecutively after a short moment. Xiao Lie was dressed in a dark-colored robe, and he appeared tall and elegant. He slowly stepped forward and spoke emotionlessly, “Greetings to Mother and Lady Yun Nan!”

The imperial physician entered the bedroom to feel Yu Long’s pulse, while Imperial Concubine Rong led Xiao Lie to the hall outside and asked coldly, “Lie’er, were you aware that Yu Long was sick?”

Xiao Lie answered flatly, “I was busy today, so I was not aware of it!”

“Fine, we shall not talk about her being sick. Why did you not tell me about Lan Zhihui being pregnant?”

Xiao Lie was stunned for a moment, before he replied, “Zhihui is less than three months pregnant, and I was afraid that she would be disturbed if I announced the news. As such, before I reveal it, I wanted to wait for the three-months mark first when her pregnancy would stabilize.”

Lady Yun Nan sniggered, “Is Your Highness referring to me as someone who would disturb Secondary Consort Lan?”

“I did not say that!” Xiao Lie remained calm and composed as he said.

“Lie’er, are you aware that Yu Long is the main consort? Concubines can’t get pregnant before she does!” Imperial Concubine Rong said sternly.

Xiao Lie’s gaze darkened as he said softly, “I’ve entered the Crown Princess Consort’s room and Zhihui’s room about the same number of times. I can’t possibly abort my first child since Zhihui fell pregnant first!”

Lady Yun Nan’s eyes widened. She almost wanted to stand up and accuse Xiao Lie of lying.

When did he ever go into Yu Long’s room?

However, if she were to say it, it would mean that Yu Long had gossiped to her when she was at home. This was a forbidden act, especially within the royal family.

She could not say it in front of Imperial Concubine Rong.

However, she was about to die from holding back such a crucial piece of information!

Xiao Lie’s words meant that Yu Long could not conceive.

Imperial Concubine Rong said, “Even if Secondary Consort Lan is pregnant, why did you let her shift into the Mistress’s courtyard? Does she want to replace the Crown Princess Consort’s position? If so, she has become arrogant due to your pampering!”

“Mother, you’ve misunderstood Zhihui. Zhihui has been unwell ever since she got pregnant. I brought her to the temple to pray, and the grandmaster in the temple mentioned that staying in Lanting Pavilion would protect the baby’s health. As such, it was me who wanted Zhihui to move into that pavilion,” Xiao Lie explained slowly.

“Even so, you shouldn’t have let Yu Long stay in this courtyard!” Imperial Concubine Rong frowned and said.

Lord Yun Nan turned around to look at Imperial Concubine Rong abruptly. Had she acquiesced to Xiao Lie’s decision for letting Secondary Consort Lan dominate the Mistress’s courtyard?

“When the Crown Princess Consort returned with her servant yesterday and chided Zhihui without understanding the reason, I was furious, so I arranged for the Crown Princess Consort to shift into this courtyard. I was only acting in a fit of anger, and it was my fault,” Xiao Lie sipped on his tea and said calmly. He did not appear apologetic at all.

Imperial Concubine Rong said glumly, “Even if Lanting Pavilion was given to Secondary Consort Lan, you shouldn’t have let Yu Long stay in this place. Quickly find another courtyard for Yu Long to move over.”

“Noted, I will arrange that right now!”

Lady Yun Nan was not satisfied with this outcome. “Imperial Concubine Rong, does that mean that a concubine can override the Mistress’s authority? Should she replace the position as the main consort as well since her courtyard has also been replaced?”

Imperial Concubine Rong smiled. “It’s not that serious. It’s only a courtyard, does the location matter? Lady Yun Nan, if you think it’s unfair for Yu Long, how about we let Lie’er vacate the main courtyard and let Yu Long stay there instead?”

Lady Yun Nan was at a loss for words as she attempted to suppress her anger. “How can we do that? Our Lord Yun Nan Manor did not intend to raise an unsensible daughter. In that case, may Your Highness quickly find another courtyard for Yu Long to stay in! This place is too miserable, and Yu Long will fall seriously ill no matter how healthy she is if she continues to stay here!”

“Sure!” Xiao Lie replied casually.

Lady Yun Nan remained discontented even with this conclusion. However, her daughter’s health was of higher importance, and she could care less about the issue of the courtyard. She only hoped for Yu Long’s speedy recovery.

As the year was about to end, the festive mood grew increasingly conspicuous within Shengjing City. The streets were packed, and a large variety of street vendors vied to yell louder and clearer than the rest.

Su Jiu was, however, busier than usual as the Dragon Conqueror Gang’s businesses flourished. On top of the restaurants within Shengjing City, the commercial house had opened another three outlets in several provinces, and the bodyguard agency had also expanded with another five branches. Su Jiu had to face a highly stacked pile of ledgers as the year ended.

On the 27th day of the month, Su Jiu invited several shopkeepers to Qing Brothel for a feast. Ah Shu and Qiao An were also present, and everyone drank more than usual due to the joyous mood.

The feast only ended at a late hour as the Qing Brothel became increasingly crowded with business.

Su Jiu felt a wave of dizziness the moment she stood up. She was not sure why her alcohol tolerance level had decreased ever since she was injured previously.

Her heart palpitations seemed to be recurring as well, even though they had not happened for a long while. Her heart ached vaguely, and even though it was not excruciatingly painful, it was unbearable as if somebody was tugging on her nerves.

She abruptly remembered that she had already finished all the medicine passed to her by Doctor Gu, and she had not been to the Ji Manor as she had been occupied recently. As such, she had never consumed the medicine since then.

“Chief, you don’t look well! Are you in pain?” Qiao An was the first person to notice Su Jiu’s unusual behavior and asked with concern.

Ah Shu held onto her. “Chief, are you having heart palpitations again? We shouldn’t have let you consume alcohol today!”

“It’s nothing! I’ll be useless if I can’t even consume such a tiny bit of alcohol!” Su Jiu laughed and shoved Ah Shu as she proceeded to walk out of the door.

She tripped on the door sill after she opened the door and abruptly fell forward.

Shocked, Ah Shu and Qiao An frantically rushed to save her, but a shadow flashed ahead of them outside the door. In an instant, Su Jiu was already in someone else’s embrace.

“Greetings to Your Highness!” Qiao An looked down slightly.

Xiao Lie’s arms circled Su Jiu as he asked with displeasure, “Why did you let her drink so much?”

“I was careless!” Qiao An said with his head lowered.

Su Jiu pushed Xiao Lie away as she asked, “What business do you have with this? Who allowed you to scold them?”

“Fine, I won’t scold them!” Xiao Lie’s facial expression turned tender as he held onto her shoulders and said gently, “Mrs. Su will be worried if she sees you going back in this manner. I’ll send you upstairs for a rest!”

“No, I’ll go up on my own!” Su Jiu turned around and waved to Qiao An and Ah Shu. “You two can head back!”

Xiao Lie was still worried as he watched her head for the third story. He then proceeded to follow behind her.

Ah Shu frowned as he observed Su Jiu’s back. “Will there be trouble if His Highness follows her upstairs?”

Qiao An chuckled. “Didn’t you see how protective His Highness was over Chief? There will be no trouble!”

“But Chief is currently Young Mistress Ji!” Ah Shu insisted sternly.

Qiao An sighed. “It’s also impossible for His Highness to let go of his feelings as of now. We just have to wait for him to come around eventually!”

“What if His Highness never comes round?” Ah Shu asked meaningfully.

Qiao An looked at him. “Then, the Dragon Conqueror Gang will leave Shengjing City for good and ignore the imperial court affairs completely from then on. Are you reassured now?”

Ah Shu laughed. “I understand your ambition, Master An! Chief wouldn’t do that either unless she is left with no choice!”

Furthermore, their Chief was now the adopted daughter of the Emperor and had been crowned as a princess. Additionally, Hu Dapao had also become the son-in-law of the Nangong Manor. The Dragon Conqueror Gang was already in a complicated relationship with the imperial court, so how would they be able to leave so easily?

Qiao An said, “Even though I have my aspirations, nothing is as important as the Dragon Conqueror Gang!”

Ah Shu patted on Qiao An’s shoulder. “Master An, I’m already content with what you said!”

Qiao An smiled and glanced at him before both of them walked alongside each other.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lie held Su Jiu in his arms and helped her to the third floor. Su Jiu’s chest was getting increasingly painful as she shoved him away once more. “Xiao Lie, don’t care about me. Go ahead and do whatever you need to do!”

“I’ll leave as soon as I send you to your room!” No matter how many times Su Jiu rejected him, Xiao Lie’s gaze remained tender, and his voice remained gentle.

“I can walk on my own. I’m not drunk!” Su Jiu said with her head lowered.

Qing Brothel was bustling with business at that moment, and drunkards could be seen everywhere. They held and flirted with the women in their embrace while they stumbled across the floor.

Xiao Lie frowned slightly, as he was afraid that somebody else would knock into Su Jiu. He did not care about her refusal and persisted in helping her to the third floor and heading straight to her dedicated room.

When they reached the room at the end of the corridor, they were about to open the door when the wooden doors were suddenly opened from the inside. A man dressed in a red robe appeared within the room, peering at them before shifting his gaze calmly towards Su Jiu.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for sending my wife back!”

Ji Yuxian said flatly as he reached out his arms in an attempt to carry Su Jiu.

Xiao Lie took a step back subconsciously and replied, “Ah Jiu is drunk!”

Ji Yuxian’s lips curled into a smile. “Is Your Highness worried that I would do something to Su Jiu while she’s drunk? Don’t worry, we’re a married couple and we’ve already done whatever we should have done!”

Xiao Lie’s good-looking face immediately turned somber.

Su Jiu was leaning on Xiao Lie’s shoulder when she suddenly frowned and exclaimed in pain as she placed a hand over her chest.

“My wife’s heart palpitations are recurring again. Your Highness, please don’t hold her back anymore!” Ji Yuxian said as he took a big step forward and pulled Su Jiu into his arms aggressively. They turned around and entered the room, before shutting the doors tightly.

Xiao Lie suddenly felt lost as Su Jiu left his embrace; only left a hint of her fragrance behind.

Strangers continuously passed him by. String and bamboo orchestra music could be heard outside of the window, accompanied by a woman’s soft singing. The chaotic nightlife appeared extravagant yet lonely. He stood there for a long time watching the tightly shut doors and momentarily felt an impulse to dash within and fight against that man.

However, he held onto the last bit of his rationale in the end, and he turned around to leave.

He still had unfinished business, and currently was not qualified to stay by Ah Jiu’s side.

Within the room, Ji Yuxian placed Su Jiu on the bed and fed her a medical pill. “Suck on it for the time being, and don’t swallow it!” he said gently.

Doctor Gu had prescribed Su Jiu two types of medicine; one was used to maintain her body’s physical health and had to be eaten every day, while the other was used to relieve her pain whenever her heart palpitations acted up.

Su Jiu seemed to be in agonizing pain as her forehead broke out in cold sweat. Her eyes remained shut while she moaned softly.

Ji Yuxian hugged her with his arms while using a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat off her forehead. His body was taut and stiff as he watched her as if he was in more pain than she was.

He leaned forward and kissed her lips, before sticking his tongue into her mouth and helping her to gently compress the medical pill. The strong aroma of alcohol within her mouth caused the man to knit his eyebrows together tightly.

As the vague bitterness and peppermint flavor of the pill spread within her mouth, Su Jiu’s tightly knitted brows began to loosen up gradually.

She opened her eyes a little and looked at the man’s face on top of her head. “Ji Yuxian…” she said hoarsely.

Ji Yuxian gently bit onto her lower lip as his sexy and melodic voice revealed a hint of anger, “You deserve to be in pain since you did not adhere to Doctor Gu’s advice to refrain from alcohol!”

Su Jiu stretched her arms out to hug him as she buried her head onto his neck. “I was fine for the past few days. As such, I forgot about it amidst the joyous mood!” she said in a muffled voice.

“That’s right, you always forget about the pain when your scar has healed!” Ji Yuxian sucked on her earlobe and was tempted to bite on it to vent his anger. However, he did not do so in the end and only kissed on it lightly.

Su Jiu’s body turned numb and feeble from his kisses, and she attempted to hide while smiling. She knew he was referring to Xiao Lie’s issue, but she was unable to explain that. She could only hug him tightly as she said, “It was only a coincidence today!”

It could be a coincidence if it happened once, but what if it always happened?

Worry flashed across Ji Yuxian’s eyes as he asked, “How long have you not been at home? Did you eat your medicine on time?”

Su Jiu abruptly recalled that Ji Yuxian had sent someone to deliver her medicine, but she had left them in her cabinet.

The young woman blinked profusely, not daring to admit that she had forgotten about it. Her long lashes brushed across the man’s fair skin as she said softly, “I was busy since it’s near the end of the year!”

“You were busy with drinking with those people of little significance, and yet you have no time to head home to accompany your husband?” the man said grudgingly.

“They’re the shopkeepers of the commercial house, so they’re not of little significance!” Su Jiu rebutted.

Ji Yuxian laughed coldly. “Does your husband have a larger significance then?”

Su Jiu chuckled and planted a huge kiss on the man’s neck, before replying tenderly, “Yes!”

Ji Yuxian swallowed hard as he held onto the woman’s chin and kissed her lips.