Chapter 46: Persuasion

The carriage swayed slightly, Xia Tong leaned against the wall, slowly turned her head and stopped talking, but her ears were slightly red. Men always say nice things, but she doesn’t believe them.

As the carriage gradually fell silent, she secretly glanced at the bamboo scrolls beside him. They contained nothing but dull and tedious geographical wonders. Eventually, she closed her eyes and dozed off.

The Regent’s residence was only a quarter of an hour from the Xiahou residence. Soon, the carriage came to a halt, and she heard Qing’er’s voice from outside, “Master, it’s cold out. You’ve just recovered, so please take care.”

At that moment, her hand was still warm from his grip. Before they got out, the man beside her frowned and asked, “Does your head still hurt?”

Shaking her head, Xia Tong chose to remain silent. Gu Qin gave her a lingering glance before stepping out first.

Xia Tong followed closely. As soon as she exited the carriage, a gust of cold wind hit her. However, the surroundings were bustling with lively chatter. Many carriages were parked outside, and guests were constantly entering and exiting to congratulate the family. After all, the Xiahou family was not only related to the Duke’s family by marriage, but her father had also recently been promoted in the Ministry of State Affairs, so naturally, no one would dare to overlook this.

At the entrance to welcome guests was her uncle, Xia Lin, along with Butler Zhou. Upon seeing the carriage from the Regent’s residence, everyone quickly stepped aside. Those at the entrance hurriedly approached and bowed respectfully, saying, “The Regent has arrived. If there are any shortcomings in my hospitality, I ask for Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

The ministers who were coming in and out also stopped and bowed, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

The man’s expression was cold, seemingly unwilling to speak more. An oppressive aura surrounded him, making others hesitant to approach. Those who had long been overshadowed by his presence didn’t even dare lift their heads.

Xia Tong smiled and said, “Uncle, you’re too polite. How could the Prince be someone who nitpicks over trivial matters?”

Even though she felt a bit guilty saying that, but her uncle immediately laughed and agreed, respectfully stepping back to let the guests in, ignoring the other visitors.

“It seems the Fourth Young Lady Xia is quite favored, having the Prince Regent accompany her to support the old lady’s birthday.”

As the crowd dispersed, a few officials began to chat among themselves.

“If it weren’t for that, do you think the Prince would steal someone the Empress has her eyes on?” commented an official with a goatee.

Others nodded in agreement. “Xia Zhian’s promotion went so smoothly, he must have the Regent’s help.”

“It’s good that everyone knows it clearly. It’s because he has a good daughter.” a group of them chuckled as they walked away in pairs.

Before the banquet began, Xia Tong headed to the women’s area but noticed Gu Qin had disappeared while chatting with several military officials. When she arrived at the main hall for the reception of the women, it was already filled with people, lively with laughter and teasing.

However, when they saw her enter, everyone paused for a moment before bowing in unison, “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

The women were all charming and elegant. Xia Tong wore a flowing skirt made of water-blue satin that shimmered, looking captivating. Outside, people only whispered about the Prince Regent’s cruelty, but seeing the Princess Consort, it seemed she was living quite well.

A familiar figure occupied the seat of honor. Unlike her usual boisterous self, she now appeared poised and dignified, dressed in a golden robe that radiated elegance. The youthful exuberance that once danced in her brows had faded considerably, making her seem like a different person compared to before.

“Your servant pays her respects to the Crown Princess.” Xia Tong slightly bowed, as she was a step lower in status.

Seeing her, the seated woman quickly rose to help her up, breaking into a smile. “Sister Tong, why are you being so formal?”

Then, she held Xia Tong’s hand tightly, gently saying, “It’s been a long time since we last met. Would you like to take a walk with me?”

Looking at this refreshed woman before her, Xia Tong smiled slightly and followed her outside the main hall.

The cold wind outside stung her face. Only a few types of flowers were blooming vibrantly in the garden. Today, the residence was especially busy, with servants hurriedly passing by. When they saw the two women, they paused to bow.

Looking at the delicate flowers trembling in the cold wind, Lin Qin’s brows were filled with worry, and she suddenly sighed, “If it weren’t for the Guanglu Temple incident, Sister Tong would have been my sister-in-law by now.”

Looking at this much more mature fake sister, Xia Tong just smiled faintly, “Why do you say that, Your Highness? Everything in the world is destined, and it is not something that mortals like us can change.”

It seems that this fake sister is not happy to get the Crown Princess she had always dreamed of. Perhaps this position is not as good as she imagined, but since it is her own choice, who can she blame?

“I know Sister Tong is still resentful toward me, and I resent myself as well. If I could start over, many things would definitely be different.” Lin Qin suddenly turned around. Although she tried to appear mature, the impatience in her brows was hard to conceal.

The servants behind them stepped back several paces, and as their eyes met, Xia Tong couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. “Why does Your Highness say that? Isn’t this exactly what you hoped for?”

After saying this, she walked ahead indifferently, adding, “Some paths, once taken, can’t be retraced. I thought Your Highness would be happy about this. Finally, no one is competing with you anymore.”

Watching the calm figure in front, Lin Qin tightened her grip and hurried to catch up, her face full of apology. “I know I’ve done many wrong things in the past. I only hope Sister Tong can forgive me. I really want to return to the way things were with you.”

Glimpsing at Lin Qin’s hand grasping her arm, Xia Tong slightly struggled free, her expression cold. “Are you referring to when Your Highness schemed against me?”

Lin Qin’s expression changed to one of shock.

“I’ve always known who pushed me into the water at the Grand Tutor’s residence. Now that you have the position you wanted, why pretend to be sincere? I have nothing left for you to scheme over. You should be focusing on how to gain the Crown Prince’s favor, not pretending to reconcile with me. It’s utterly meaningless.”

After finishing her words, Xia Tong shot Lin Qin a cold glance and tried to walk away.

Lin Qin, still in a daze, suddenly grabbed her arm, her eyes filled with regret. “I know I’ve done many things to wrong you, Sister Tong, but before the Grand Tutor’s residence, I truly valued our friendship. I hoped you would marry my brother. What I’m saying now isn’t to seek your forgiveness; I just suddenly realized I have no one to confide my thoughts to. Perhaps this is my karma. I wronged you, so it’s only right for you to blame me.”

Seeing Lin Qin revert to her old naive demeanor, Xia Tong felt complicated emotions. There are always two sides to every matter. Lin Qin may have been sincere before, but she proved to be weak in the face of interests. Now, it seemed she wanted something again, but Xia Tong no longer wanted to engage in empty pleasantries. Discussing this was pointless.

“Your Highness should take good care of herself.” She dropped this line and turned to leave.

Lin Qin was left standing there, her gaze deep and difficult to decipher as she watched the retreating figure.

She once believed that becoming the Crown Princess would bring glory to her family, but now she realized that some things weren’t as she imagined. The Empress supported that Concubine Dong, constantly suppressing her, while the Crown Prince showed no interest in the inner court. Even when he occasionally stayed in her room, he would ask about Xia Tong, perhaps thinking of their past friendship.

Lin Qin couldn’t understand why everyone favored this woman—her brother, the Regent, even the Crown Prince—she felt a deep sense of resentment!

“Your Highness, it’s cold outside. We should head back,” a maid approached with concern.

Bringing her thoughts back, Lin Qin glanced at the maid, tightened her cloak, and casually asked, “Where is His Highness?”

The maid promptly replied, “His Highness is currently in the front hall discussing matters with Lord Xia and the others.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qin fell silent, her expression becoming serious as she walked back with the maid, her demeanor somewhat austere. No matter what, she was still the Crown Princess!

Meanwhile, Xia Tong had not yet returned to the main hall when she encountered her second aunt. Perhaps it was because her aunt had come to seek her help earlier, and she hadn’t seen her then. Now, the aunt seemed more sarcastic, and Xia Tong didn’t feel like responding; instead, she went to find her mother.

Wondering if the mansion was too small, she hadn’t even found her mother when she stumbled upon the heroine being ridiculed.

“Look at her headpiece, it’s already out of style from last year. A legitimate daughter dressing so poorly—how embarrassing to come to the Xiahou residence.”

“Exactly! Look at how thick the makeup is, she’s nothing more than a vulgar beauty.”

In the pavilion, a few unmarried daughters from noble families exchanged jibes. Not far away, a woman with unremarkable clothing, a thin frame, and heavy makeup seemed unfazed by the mockery.

In just a few days, the heroine had made such a swift recovery. Still, it was apparent that she didn’t look well. She must have used all that makeup to cover up her haggardness. Xia Tong didn’t want to approach her, fearing the heroine would ask about the evidence, but the latter had sharp eyes and spotted her immediately.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Shen Xin suddenly walked up, blocking her path and performing a courtesy.

The other ladies from the noble families hurried over to pay their respects. Seeing that the Princess Regent had a rosy complexion, it seemed that the rumors about the Prince Regent ‘s cruelty were just rumors, or the princess was particularly favored.

Despite being noticed, Xia Tong sighed and replied coolly, “No need for such formalities.”

As soon as she finished, several noble ladies surrounded her, smiling warmly. “Your Highness, your dress is truly beautiful, especially on you. We are in awe.”

Feeling a headache from the fuss, Xia Tong waved her hand. “It’s chilly outside, take care not to catch a cold.”

After saying that, she walked ahead, while the others thanked her for her concern as they accompanied her toward the main hall.

Shen Xin followed closely behind, her steps somewhat unsteady, as she was still nursing injuries. If not for the need to retrieve something, she wouldn’t have come.

Knowing that the heroine was following, Xia Tong headed toward her former boudoir. Some matters were best kept private.

Although already married, the room was still being tidied. Once inside, Fang Yu and the others remained on guard outside, ensuring no one approached.

The room was quiet, and Xia Tong still felt some lingering effects from her fever. Rubbing her dizzy head, she glanced at the heroine across from her. “Sister Shen, how is your injury?”

Clearing her throat, Shen Xin looked at the calm and easy-going woman before her, smiling softly. “Thanks to you feeding me medicine while I was in prison, or else I fear I wouldn’t have survived to today.”

In fact, Xia Tong felt quite conflicted. The villain and the heroine were like fire and water, locked in a mortal struggle. In the end, one of them would surely fall. Yet, she would help whoever treated her better, though she truly did not want to witness this outcome.

“Sister Shen, you’re exaggerating. As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters. However, since your injury isn’t healed yet, you should find an excuse to stay home today,” she said with a hint of concern on her face.

Their eyes met, and Shen Xin stared at her for a long time. Without needing to beat around the bush, she understood Xia Tong’s implication. Finally, she frowned and asked, “Are you truly determined to help that traitor?”

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Neither of them spoke. In fact, they both understood certain things without needing to clarify.

Xia Tong averted her gaze, pausing for a moment as she gently stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist. Her expression was filled with complexity. “I’ve seen those things. Perhaps it’s just that Sister Shen has a bias against the prince. In this world, there are no absolute good or bad people, and how many in the court can honestly claim they are guilt-free?”

After a moment, she added earnestly, “The prince has only done some things that appear unfavorable on the surface, while some people who seem righteous might actually be engaged in more underhanded actions behind the scenes. Why do you continue to oppose the prince, Sister Shen? I can save you once, but I can’t do it a second time. Do you understand?”