Chapter 16: Proving It

Proving It

Morning, the sun was bright. The early spring breeze brushed the treetops, revealing a hint of warmth.

But at this moment, the courtyard of Ningxiang Yuan was cold and still.

The courtyard was full of people, but no one spoke. At this moment, Nie Jinxuan, who was sitting in front, just glanced around the surroundings indifferently, looked at Han Luoxue and Qiao Yuan'er who had arrived upon hearing the news, and then spoke directly.

"Calling everyone here early in the morning is truly bothering you all. However, there are some things that must be said... Xiao Xiu, bring the things over."

This was not the first time Nie Jinxuan had called everyone over. And everyone knew of her shrewish behavior and ugly conduct of holding the air of the Princess Consort and scolding or beating people at the slightest dissatisfaction.

Therefore, the servants in the residence feared her on the surface but looked down on her in their hearts. But the crowd, who had expected Nie Jinxuan to throw another shrewish tantrum, was stunned to see that she was not only not arguing or making a scene, but even the expression on her face was so calm.

The atmosphere grew increasingly strange. At this moment, hearing Nie Jinxuan's instruction, Xiao Xiu hurried to bring the bowl of bird's nest porridge to the table in front of her mistress.

The porridge was still warm, faintly emitting mist. Nie Jinxuan glanced at it as if nothing were the matter, and then her eyes instantly flickered.

"Who made the porridge?"

Nie Jinxuan's face remained calm, but hearing this, everyone instantly trembled. Then, after a good while, a maid walked out from the crowd.

"Replying to the Princess Consort, this servant made it."

"What is your name?"

"... Xiangcao."

Standing before Nie Jinxuan, Xiangcao responded in a low voice. At this moment, hearing this, Nie Jinxuan looked Xiangcao over twice and then pursed her lips slightly.

"Xiangcao, is it... Then I ask you, Xiangcao, what did you put in the porridge?"

"... Replying to the Princess Consort, this servant didn't put anything in it; it's just ordinary bird's nest."

"Very well, since that's the case, then I'll reward you with this bowl of bird's nest porridge... Xiao Xiu, serve the porridge to Xiangcao!"

Nie Jinxuan's expression didn't change, but hearing this, Xiangcao was startled.

"Uh... Princess Consort, do you not believe this servant? This servant really didn't put anything in it. Princess Consort..."

"Believe? I want to believe you, so now I need you to prove it to me!"

……

The large courtyard was deathly silent.

At this moment, looking at the bird's nest porridge that had been served before her, Xiangcao finally lost her composure.

She was trembling. Beads of sweat appeared on her fair forehead, revealing a hint of terror and panic. Nie Jinxuan just looked at her quietly, pursing her lips in silence.

Deathly silence, so oppressive that breathing became increasingly difficult. Just then, Qin Yuxia, who had been standing to the side without saying a word, couldn't help but frown, let out a cold snort, and walked out... But just as she moved, she was instantly pulled by the hem of her clothes by Bai Meilan beside her.

Instantly, Qin Yuxia was startled. She turned to look at Bai Meilan, and then saw the gentle-faced Bai Meilan looking at her with deep meaning... Afterward, before Qin Yuxia could figure out what was going on, she saw a middle-aged woman walk out from the crowd.

"Why must the Princess Consort make things difficult for others? If you have something to say, just say it directly; why make such a big scene?"

The middle-aged woman spoke in a high voice. After speaking, she had already arrived before Nie Jinxuan. At this moment, looking at the woman who had suddenly walked out, Nie Jinxuan smiled suddenly.

"Even if I, the Princess Consort, make a big scene, what need is there for a servant like you to be a busybody?"