Chapter 122: Volume 1, Chapter 122: Turning the Tables

Han Xinglan's expression shifted unpredictably. He had guessed at many things and investigated many, but the one thing he had never looked into was this.

Perhaps in his heart, Consort Ming had been with the Emperor for so many years that she would never do such a thing. But he was wrong—for Prince Qi's future, Consort Ming would of course be willing to act.

He stood up and looked at Rong Luoge, saying, "I need to go to the front hall to discuss matters. If you're bored, go out for a stroll."

Rong Luoge nodded. "I do need to go out. Xiao Shen went to Ming Da Jiangjun Fu to propose marriage. Ming Yuhua secretly sent me a message, asking to meet."

"Where did she arrange to meet? Is it safe?" Han Xinglan asked.

"At the old residence. It's perfectly safe, don't worry," Rong Luoge said.

"All right, but things have been happening one after another lately, and many people are watching us. You'd best be careful. Otherwise, shall I send guards to follow you secretly?"

"No need. I'll change clothes and go out alone, quietly, without drawing attention," Rong Luoge refused. If she had someone follow her, one careless moment could easily lead to exposure.

Han Xinglan was still somewhat uneasy. "Come back early."

Rong Luoge laughed. "Don't worry, I definitely have to come back to stop you from going to someone else for the wedding night."

Han Xinglan was both angry and amused. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. "Fine, I'll wait for you."

Rong Luoge smilingly saw Han Xinglan off, then changed into ordinary women's clothing, even switching to the simplest and plainest hairstyle, and slipped quietly out through the side gate of Dong Gong.

Meanwhile, Song Huihe, having just entered Dong Gong, sat in Yaoguang Palace with her emotions in turmoil. Her splendid gown set off features that were bright, striking, and delicately beautiful. She sat on the bed couch, hands resting on her knees, motionless.

The two personal maids, Yuzhu and Qinglian, who had come as part of Song Huihe's dowry, stood at the door constantly looking out, their expressions growing anxious. Why was there still no sign of His Highness the Crown Prince?

Good Lady Rong's side had already sent congratulatory gifts, but not even a shadow of His Highness the Crown Prince had been seen. This... was truly unsettling.

Yuzhu looked at Qinglian and said in a low voice, "What do you think His Highness the Crown Prince means by this? Whether he likes it or not, he should at least show his face. How could he just leave our lady hanging like this?"

"Shh, keep your voice down." Qinglian quickly glanced toward the inner room. "Perhaps His Highness the Crown Prince is busy with official matters. Let's wait a bit longer."

That was what she said, but their hearts kept sinking.

Song Huihe sat upright. Though the two maids' voices were low, she could still faintly catch some of their words.

Her mood was also extremely wretched right now. The arranged marriage was not what she had wanted, but once the imperial edict was issued, her family had not dared to defy it and could only let her enter Dong Gong.

She had originally thought that although she was only a Good Lady, her family background was outstanding and she was a spotless young woman—not like Good Lady Rong, who had married before, gotten divorced, and only entered Dong Gong by relying on having saved His Highness's life.

She had always been proud and high-spirited, thinking that once she entered Dong Gong, she would surely outshine Rong Luoge.

She had thought about many things, but the one thing she never expected was that after entering, she could not even get an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince.

Song Huihe's expression, which had started off proud and joyful, gradually turned cold as time passed.

"Yuzhu." Song Huihe could sit still no longer and called out.

Yuzhu hurriedly responded and came in. "Good Lady, what are your orders?"

"Go and see whether His Highness has gone elsewhere," Song Huihe said in a low voice. She was not the only one who had entered Dong Gong today—there were five in all. What if someone else had gotten ahead of her and invited His Highness the Crown Prince away?

Though this possibility was extremely low, it was not nonexistent.

Yuzhu hurriedly turned to go inquire for news. Qinglian brought in a cup of clear tea, carefully handed it over, and said softly, "Good Lady, have some tea to moisten your throat first."

Song Huihe took the teacup, took a sip, then irritably tossed it back.

Qinglian was clearly used to this and steadily caught it. She set the item down and looked at her young lady, advising softly, "Good Lady, do not be anxious. His Majesty's decree for this marriage came suddenly, and the wedding with Prince Qi happened to coincide with it. His Highness the Crown Prince is likely displeased and inevitably taking it out on others. As long as you patiently wait, perhaps things will improve after a while."

Song Huihe's mood was already poor, and hearing this, her expression darkened further. "Go and see whether His Highness is at Good Lady Rong's place."

Qinglian was taken aback. "It's not that I don't dare to go, but you've just entered Dong Gong. If someone discovers this, I fear it would be bad for your reputation."

Song Huihe knew Qinglian was right, but she could not contain the fire burning inside her and shot her a glare.

Qinglian did not dare to persuade further. She acknowledged the order and withdrew.

By this time, Rong Luoge had already met with Ming Yuhua at the old residence, unaware of Song Huihe's actions in Dong Gong.

Ming Yuhua looked at Rong Luoge with an extremely complicated expression and said quietly, "I truly never expected that you'd find me such a fine marriage match. It nearly scared me to death."

Rong Luoge:...

"Isn't it what you wanted? You insisted on someone of high status and power. Right now, is there anyone in the capital more sought after than Commander Xiao?" Rong Luoge retorted. She set her own standards high, yet still turned the tables on her.

Ming Yuhua clicked her tongue. "You didn't see it. The moment Xiao Shen came to the door to propose, my mother stopped leaving, and my father came home too. They fussed over me, asking after my well-being—so hypocritical it made me want to throw up."

Rong Luoge laughed. "That's to be expected. After all, your status now rises with Xiao Shen. From now on, you'll be the wife of the Imperial Dragon Guard Commander, a close minister to the Emperor. How many people would envy that?"

Though Ming Yuhua wore a smile on her face, her eyes were cold. She said quietly, "What is there to envy?"

"Why wouldn't they envy you? Xiao Shen is in the prime of his life, and he's not a widower. He's not making you become a mother the moment you walk through the door, and the age difference between you two isn't large. I spoke seriously with His Highness the Crown Prince. Although this marriage started with a transaction, your marriage to Xiao Shen is real. I hope the two of you can get along well and live properly after you marry."

Ming Yuhua looked up at Rong Luoge. "You..."

"Don't say words of gratitude. I'm a woman too. Who doesn't wish for someone caring by their side? When your maiden family can't be relied upon, you can only rely on yourself. Yuhua, a life is something you build yourself. Since you're marrying Xiao Shen, and Xiao Shen received His Highness's word, he will certainly treat you well. Take this opportunity to observe him carefully. If you can truly find a good husband, then your sacrifice will not have been in vain."

Ming Yuhua was silent for a long time before finally saying, "My father told me I must earn Xiao Shen's trust and have him fully support Prince Qi. My mother told me to hurry and bear Xiao Shen a son to secure my position, rein in my temper, and coax Xiao Shen into good cheer. Look at them—they want me to do so much, but not one of them plans for my sake. They never stop to think whether I'm happy or content."

Rong Luoge watched Ming Yuhua begin to shed tears as she spoke, and couldn't help feeling a deep sense of sympathy. She let out a long sigh.

Being a woman was truly not easy.