Her tone was calm yet edged with undeniable sharpness. “Taohua overstepped her bounds, insulted me, and even laid hands on a child. According to the rules of the prince’s residence, expulsion was already lenient. As for Your Highness, as the Crown Prince, passing judgment without knowing the full story—if that spreads, would that not be a loss of dignity?”
“You, a lowly illegitimate daughter, dare talk back to this Crown Prince?”
The Crown Prince was left momentarily speechless by her retort, then flew into a rage. Pointing at Meng Wantang’s nose, he cursed, “You’re nothing but a bed-warming wench, clinging to Sixth Brother with your seductive tricks. And you truly think you’re someone important? Look at yourself in a puddle—trash like you isn’t even worthy to carry my shoes!”
“Your Highness, mind your words.”
Meng Wantang’s eyes turned cold as she stepped forward, meeting his gaze directly.
Her words were crisp and clear. “Though I am a woman, I understand the order of rank. I now belong to His Highness. As a member of this residence, it is not for an outsider like you to comment. On the contrary, as Crown Prince presiding over the Eastern Palace, yet meddling daily in your brother’s inner household and uttering vulgar insults—those unaware might assume the Eastern Palace lacks proper instruction and has lost royal decorum.”
She paused.
Her gaze shifted briefly to the attendants behind him, a faint trace of mockery in her tone. “Rather than criticizing others, Your Highness might consider your own affairs. You have presided over the Eastern Palace for years, yet have no heirs. If His Majesty knew your thoughts were occupied with such trivial matters, I wonder what he would think.”
That sentence struck the Crown Prince’s deepest sore spot.
His greatest affliction was his inability to father children. Though never publicly declared, it was an open secret among the nobility of the capital.
Now, exposed publicly by Meng Wantang, his face turned ashen, trembling with fury. “You… you vile woman! How dare you spout such nonsense!”
“Whether it is nonsense, Your Highness knows best.” Meng Wantang showed no fear, a faint sneer in her eyes. “If you have no further business, please return. Lest you anger yourself further and later blame our residence.”
The Crown Prince was left utterly speechless, his chest heaving violently. Yet he could find no words to refute her.
Knowing that staying would only bring more humiliation, he shot Meng Wantang a vicious glare.
Then he turned to Xiao Jingyuan, his tone dark and ominous. “Sixth Brother is truly fortunate, to have such a ‘sharp-tongued’ woman. Three days from now at the palace banquet, do be sure to attend on time. Don’t arrive without even the strength to stand.”
The threat was naked and unmistakable.
Xiao Jingyuan’s eyes flashed coldly, but he said nothing, merely watching as the Crown Prince departed with his entourage in embarrassment.
Silence returned to the courtyard.
Meng Wantang watched the direction in which the Crown Prince left, her eyes turning solemn.
The palace banquet… it would likely be a trap.
She had to prepare in advance. She could not allow Xiao Jingyuan to come to harm.
At least not for now.
He was still useful.
Her fingers unconsciously rubbed at her sleeve.
After all, Xiao Jingyuan was Xiao Muyan’s father, and in recent days he had shown much care toward her and the child.
With constant rewards and protection, and with danger looming at the banquet, she could not simply stand by.
Resolving herself, she returned to her room and retrieved items she had long prepared from her hidden space.
A soft pad woven from celestial silkworm thread mixed with fragments of black iron.
And a matching inner garment made of the same material.
Celestial silkworm silk was impervious to blades and spears; the black iron fragments could resist spiritual force attacks. Such specially crafted protection would be enough to preserve life at a critical moment.
Holding the garments and pad, she approached Xiao Jingyuan, her tone naturally concerned. “Your Highness, the palace banquet in three days may not be peaceful. I prepared this protective gear for you. Try it on and see if it fits.”
Xiao Jingyuan raised a brow and accepted what appeared to be ordinary clothing.
The moment his fingers touched the fabric, he sensed something unusual—tough, cool to the touch, far from common cloth.
Before he could question further, Meng Wantang stepped forward and signaled for him to change into the inner garment.
Though puzzled, he complied. Just as he tied his belt—
Meng Wantang suddenly pulled a silver hairpin from her bun and, without hesitation, stabbed toward his chest.
“Miss Meng!”
The surrounding guards paled instantly, drawing their swords and rushing forward in alarm.
“Stop!”
Xiao Jingyuan raised his hand to halt them.
His gaze remained fixed on Meng Wantang.
The silver hairpin struck his chest—but was firmly blocked by the inner garment.
Not even the faintest mark was left.
A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He looked at Meng Wantang with curiosity. “This protective gear…”
“Not bad, right?” She withdrew the hairpin, her lips curving into a faint smile. “The material is impervious to blades and spears. Ordinary weapons cannot harm you. At the palace banquet, hearts are treacherous. With this, you’ll have extra protection.”
He lowered his gaze to the inner garment. It fit perfectly, guarding vital areas without restricting movement.
When he looked back at her, the coldness in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a warmth difficult to conceal.
This woman always surprised him.
Her thoughtfulness stirred ripples in a heart long stilled.
Yet by nature he was aloof and unskilled at expressing himself. His throat moved slightly, and he merely uttered a soft “Mm,” though his tone unconsciously gentled. “Thank you.”
“Why be so formal with me?” Meng Wantang handed him the soft pad. “Place this behind your lower back to protect that vital point when you sit. On the day of the banquet, be sure to wear the full set. Don’t be careless.”
When he took the pad, his fingers brushed hers. The warmth of her touch stirred his heart again.
He looked at her earnest expression, the heat in his gaze deepening, though he forcibly suppressed it and only nodded. “I understand.”
…
Meanwhile, Taohua, expelled from the prince’s residence, now knelt before Meng Wanqing.
Her face streaked with tears, hatred thick in her voice. “Miss, you must seek justice for me! Meng Wantang not only beat and harmed me, she even bewitched the prince into driving me out. I must have revenge!”
Meng Wanqing sat in her chair, watching the disheveled Taohua, calculation flashing in her eyes.
She already hated Meng Wantang to the bone. Now that Taohua had been expelled—
Her hatred could be put to use.
She gestured for a maid to help Taohua up, her tone deliberately soothing. “Rest assured. I will help you avenge yourself. That little wretch Meng Wantang should have died long ago.”
Hearing this, Taohua immediately kowtowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Miss! As long as I can kill Meng Wantang, I am willing to do anything!”
“Good.”
Meng Wanqing sneered, drawing out a packet of powder and a dagger from her sleeve and handing them to Taohua. “Tonight, sneak back into the prince’s residence. I’ve arranged for several assassins to assist you. Find a way to approach Meng Wantang and sprinkle this powder on her. Once the drug takes effect, kill her—and that bastard child. When it’s done, I’ll ensure you never lack food or clothing.”
Taohua accepted the powder and dagger, a vicious glint flashing in her eyes.