Yong’an Wang stared at the shattered marriage contract scattered across the floor, his jaw clenched tightly. Finally, he spun around abruptly and slapped Princess Yong’an across the face: “Is this the outcome you wanted!”
Having carried herself with pride all her life, this was the first time Princess Yong’an had been struck by Yong’an Wang in public. Instantly, fury, humiliation, and despair surged within her. Covering her cheek, she stared at Yong’an Wang in disbelief: “You hit me? How dare you hit me?”
Furious beyond reason, Yong’an Wang had no regard for Princess Yong’an’s feelings. His mind was consumed by the power that had been within his grasp, only to be ruined by this fool of a wife. If not for the numerous witnesses present, he would have gladly dragged her out and beaten her senseless to vent his rage.
“If not for your foolish arrogance, how could things have come to this? When His Majesty demands an explanation, you can account for it yourself!” Yong’an Wang shoved Princess Yong’an aside, flicked his sleeve, and stormed off in a rage.
Xia Jianxi watched coldly as Yong’an Wang departed in anger, an involuntary cold sneer rising in her heart.
In the past, the Old Prince had arranged this marriage alliance with the Xia family precisely to secure the military power of the Duke of Protectorate Manor. Since the Old Prince’s death from illness, Yong’an Wangfu had existed in name only.
The current Yong’an Wang held no real authority and was increasingly marginalized at court. Meanwhile, Xia Maoshan, backed by the Xia Family Army, had become the leader among military generals. The troops under his command were personally bestowed by the Emperor, granting him unparalleled favor and glory.
The Old Prince had recognized his son’s lack of talent, which was why he had immediately requested the late Emperor to mediate a marriage alliance between the two families after Xia Jianxi’s birth. His aim was to have the Duke of Protectorate Manor pull Yong’an Wangfu up from its decline.
Moreover, most crucially, when the late Emperor arranged the marriage, he had also bestowed half a Tiger Tally as part of Xia Jianxi’s dowry.
The late Emperor’s intention had been to curb the Duke of Protectorate Manor’s monopolization of power. Once Xia Jianxi married, she would take half of the Duke of Protectorate Manor’s military authority with her.
Princess Yong’an had never liked Xia Jianxi because her mother came from a merchant family in Jiangnan. Considering herself nobly born, how could she stoop to become relatives with mere merchants? In contrast, although Second Madam Xia came from a humble background, her family was still part of the respectable gentry, albeit of lower status.
When Xia Jianxi encountered trouble, Princess Yong’an had eagerly rushed over to propose a marriage swap precisely because she thought that with Xia Jianxi’s virtue compromised, it was only reasonable for their family to withdraw from the engagement. If they were still willing to marry another Xia daughter, they could not only obtain the half Tiger Tally but also exchange for a daughter-in-law she preferred.
“Is Princess not returning yet?” Xia Madam’s voice was icy. “Are you planning to go directly to the neighboring residence to propose marriage?”
Princess Yong’an felt her face burning with shame. She glared viciously at Xia Madam before cursing under her breath: “Don’t think this matter ends here! Your daughter, claiming to have gone to rescue the Dowager Consort—how could a young girl easily escape from bandits? Who knows what she might have exchanged for it? Just you wait!”
“Princess Yong’an!” Song Taifei immediately spoke up, “Have you lost all regard for the Prince’s Mansion’s reputation? How dare you use such baseless accusations to slander a child!”
Princess Yong’an instantly fell silent. She couldn’t afford to offend Song Taifei, much less the formidable figure standing behind the Dowager Consort. Like a defeated pheasant, she slunk away in disgrace.
Kang Muze watched as both Yong’an Wang and Princess Yong’an departed in succession. He wanted to say something more, but Xia Madam blocked his path: “Heir, if you please!”
“Madam Xia, our apologies for the disturbance!” Kang Muze reluctantly bowed his head and turned to leave. From beginning to end, he never once glanced at Xia Yuruo, who remained collapsed on the floor watching him intently.
Xia Yuruo wanted to call out to stop him, but the moment she opened her mouth, she met Second Madam Xia’s sweeping glare and immediately closed it again.
Seeing Xia Jianxi’s face growing increasingly pale, Song Taifei felt heartache and patted her hand: “Your father and mother care for you most dearly. Now focus on recovering properly – don’t pay any mind to these outside matters. Nothing is more important than your health!”
Xia Jianxi looked up at the always-kindly Song Taifei before guiltily lowering her gaze: “Thank you, Dowager Consort!”
Whenever she encountered the Dowager Consort’s caring gaze, Xia Jianxi always felt remorseful. Although she had genuinely saved Song Taifei, she had ultimately used her. Yet the Dowager Consort’s concern remained exceptionally sincere, leaving Xia Jianxi constantly uneasy, plagued by the misplaced feeling of receiving honors she didn’t deserve.
“Mother, we should return now,” Yi Zichuan glanced at Xia Maoshan before smiling, “What follows is General Xia’s family matter. It wouldn’t be proper for us to remain here any longer.”
Xia Maoshan immediately responded: “Today’s affairs have truly troubled Wang Ye!”
“Consider it repayment for Miss Xia’s life-saving grace,” Yi Zichuan said, turning his gaze to Xia Jianxi, “Please rest well and recover properly, Miss Xia.”
Xia Jianxi met Yi Zichuan’s eyes, understanding the underlying meaning in his words.
Yi Zichuan ultimately declined Xia Maoshan’s offer to see them out. Taking his mother’s arm, he strode purposefully out of the Xia residence. As he left, he cast a meaningful glance at Xia Yuruo, his eyes filled with newfound scrutiny.
Just as he exited the gate, he happened to catch sight of a figure disappearing around the street corner: “Was someone just here?”
The gateman started slightly before quickly answering: “Reporting to Wang Ye, someone from the Marquis Yongchang Estate came earlier. At first they requested to see the General and Madam, but when this humble servant mentioned Your Highness was present, they suddenly claimed urgent business at home and hastily departed!”
“The Marquis Yongchang Estate?” Yi Zichuan narrowed his eyes dangerously, “Did they mention their purpose?”
The gateman shook his head: “They didn’t say. But the people from Marquis Yongchang Estate behaved quite strangely – they arrived all puffed up with pride, but when they heard Wang Ye was here, they scurried off in a panic. When I asked if they wanted me to inform the General, they ignored me and hurried away!”
“Oh?” Yi Zichuan raised an eyebrow, “Interesting.”
“Ah?”
“When your General has time, be sure to inform him that people from the Marquis Yongchang Estate came calling,” Yi Zichuan said, tossing the gateman a purse, “For your trouble.”
“Thank you, Wang Ye!” The gatekeeper didn’t understand what he had said to please this lord, but receiving silver as a reward was always a good thing. He obediently stood aside until Yi Zichuan helped the imperial consort into the carriage and departed, then finally let out a long sigh of relief: “What a lively day it has been today!”