Chapter 138

Crown Prince Xiao Heng had drunk quite a bit today. He was sobering up in the Eastern Palace when he heard a message from the Crown Princess. Anxiously, he rushed to the grand hall where the Empress hosted a banquet. He had to stop Xiao Xun from taking a concubine!

But upon arriving at the hall, it was utter chaos. The usually arrogant and self-assured King Jing was being scratched and clawed at by a young woman, creating quite an amusing scene.

The Crown Prince cleared his throat and addressed Princess Wen Shu, who was enjoying the spectacle, saying, “Nanxi, stop spouting nonsense!”

It wasn’t King Jing committing murder—it was clearly King Jing being beaten.

When the crowd saw the Crown Prince arrive, the situation gradually came under control. The young lady from the Censor’s family also stopped her vigorous assault.

Xiao Xun, who had been blinded by rage and then beaten, was truly both physically and emotionally defeated. His golden crown was askew, and his collar had been torn, leaving him looking utterly disheveled.

The Crown Prince took a moment to observe him from head to toe before finally asking, “At the grand banquet celebrating the Empress’s longevity, what is all this commotion about?”

Miss Liu immediately said in a crisp voice, “I deeply respect the Empress and have always conducted myself properly, staying in my seat. Who would have thought that King Jing would suddenly rush over, grab my arm, and then hear Princess Wen Shu saying that King Jing wanted to kill someone? I was utterly terrified and meant no disrespect to the Empress.”

As expected of the daughter of a censor, her words were well-crafted, logical, and persuasive—conveniently leaving out any mention of her own aggressive actions.

Xiao Nanxi quickly added, “Brother Crown Prince, King Jing must have gone mad, causing trouble at the Empress’s banquet. He was so frightening just now!”

This statement garnered the agreement of most people present. King Jing was indeed known for being hot-tempered, though out of respect for the Empress, such behavior was usually subdued.

Empress Lu was utterly fed up with Consort Shu and her daughter.

But Xiao Nanxi, being habitually outspoken and indulged even by the Emperor, left the Empress, the ruler of the inner palace, with little choice but to swallow her anger. She maintained a gentle demeanor for now and said to the Crown Prince with a smile: “It’s just a minor misunderstanding; no need for the Crown Prince to trouble himself over it.”

Xiao Heng followed along readily, “Since it’s a misunderstanding, let’s resolve it. King Jing, why not come back with me and change into a fresh set of clothes?”

Xiao Xun had already lost all dignity today—even the Crown Prince had come to mock him. Now that his mind had cooled, his hatred grew even stronger. Since things had already reached this point, even if Wen Nianxi had to die today, she would die as someone within his household!

He stared at Nianxi with a chilling and sinister gaze. “Your Highness, please wait a moment; allow this humble brother to take someone back.”

“Xun’er!” Empress Lu could never have imagined the situation would escalate to such a state. Seeing that Xiao Xun was still fixated on Wen Nianxi, she couldn’t help but voice her concern.

Lu Huai held Nianxi’s hand, his palm damp with sweat. He couldn’t tell whether it was his own perspiration or Nianxi’s, but he felt utterly tense under King Jing’s intense stare. He certainly didn’t possess the martial skills of the Censor’s daughter and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to fend off an attack.

Nianxi lightly squeezed Lu Huai’s hand, signaling him to let go. Then, under his worried gaze, she stepped into the hall and said firmly, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have no desire to become King Jing’s concubine.”

This woman caused everything that happened today in front of us. Empress Lu’s usual gentle and noble smile grew cold, and her eyes were filled with unmistakable loathing. However, her tone remained calm: “Do you think being a concubine is beneath you? Perhaps I should grant you a marriage and make you a secondary princess.”

Consort Shu immediately let out a mocking laugh.

Empress Lu ignored her and fixed her gaze on Nianxi. “Alright then, for today, just follow Xun’er back to the residence. Tomorrow, I will have someone deliver the insignia of King Jing’s secondary consort to you.”

Having said that, she waved her hand, looking weary and tired. “I am exhausted. Let’s end the banquet here today.”

And so, she dismissed Nianxi in such a manner. Even going so far as to use the title of a secondary consort to humiliate her.

Madam Li was on the verge of fainting from anger, and the young ladies in the hall who were on friendly terms with Nianxi were deeply worried about her—especially the brave young lady of the Censor’s family, who had stepped forward earlier to help.

Lu Wensheng and the Crown Prince both spoke up at the same time, “Wait—”

Nianxi’s expression showed slight panic. Before Empress Lu left her seat, she knelt on the blue brick floor of the grand hall and shouted: “I thank Your Majesty for your kindness. However, I have been following Lady Chengjing and Madam Xu, assisting the poor at Liuji Pavilion, and have gained much from the experience. I deeply admire their noble deeds and wish to follow their example. I do not want to be confined to the inner residence and would rather remain unmarried for life.”

Today, she wore a dress embroidered with silver threads and floral patterns, paired with a hairpin adorned with pearls and jasmine, perfectly matching the trim of her dress. Compared to the other girls in the hall dressed in luxurious and colorful attire, she exuded an air of elegance and simplicity. Her thin back was straight, and even while kneeling, she displayed the dignified demeanor of a noble lady.

Empress Lu paused and gazed deeply at the girl kneeling in the hall. She asked, word by word, “You wish to remain unmarried for life?”

“Please grant me this wish, Your Majesty,” Nianxi replied.

After speaking, she bowed deeply.

Lu Wensheng let out a soft sigh, realizing that this was indeed her true desire. If he were to speak up for her now, it would only become a burden for her.

The Crown Prince looked at the kneeling Nianxi, then glanced up at the Empress. Feeling uncertain, he hesitated. When Shizhang left, he only mentioned stopping King Jing from taking a concubine. As for this woman deciding to dedicate herself to a life of celibacy, perhaps it was better for him not to interfere, right?

“Fine. If you wish to follow Lady Chengjing, then you shall never marry.”

“Mother—!” Xiao Xun shouted in fury. He certainly wasn’t willing to let Wen Nianxi that woman get off so easily!

Madam Li had already fainted when she heard Nianxi declare her intent to remain unmarried for life.

With the decision set, everyone assumed there was no longer any room for negotiation and sighed in regret. But unexpectedly, an elderly female voice echoed from outside the hall: “Our Liuji Pavilion is not a nunnery—there’s no reason to forbid young women from marrying.”

As the voice spoke, everyone saw Madam Xu supporting an elderly woman with a dragon-headed cane entering the hall. Her silver hair was styled meticulously into a neat bun. Despite her advanced age, her face showed vitality and composure, and she carried herself with an air of dignity and solemnity.

“Lady Chengjing!”

Lady Chengjing, Madam Xian, had long since aged and struggled with mobility, rarely appearing in public. Yet, unexpectedly, she had come today accompanied by Madam Xu.

Empress Lu, leaning on her attendant for support, hurriedly descended from the high platform and personally assisted Lady Chengjing.

“You bowing to me truly humbles me,” said the Empress.

Lady Chengjing insisted on completing the formal bow and replied, “Etiquette must not be neglected.”

She then turned to Nianxi, who was still kneeling, and asked, “This child has always been diligent and serious while under my care. I wonder what a fifteen-year-old young girl do to anger the Empress to the point that she would be forbidden to marry?”

Empress Lu’s expression stiffened. The matter concerning Xun’er was embarrassing and not something easy to justify.

“Lady Chengjing, you aren’t aware?” Noble Consort Shu “helpfully” explained with a sly tone, “Earlier, the entire hall was in an uproar because our dear King Jing wanted to take a concubine. Poor Miss Wen, an innocent young girl, could only declare her intention to remain unmarried for life to ensure her safety!”

“Consort Shu, say no more,” rebuked Madam Xu as she personally stepped forward to help Nianxi to her feet.

As the Emperor’s wet nurse, Madam Xu was deeply trusted and respected by him. She held enough sway in the imperial court that even princes and princesses showed her deference.

Though not highly educated, Madam Xu was forthright and unafraid to speak her mind: “What? Is there a shortage of women in the world? A king, of all people, must force an innocent girl into concubinage? If she refuses, she’s treated as the wrongdoer—what nonsense is this?”

Meanwhile, Lu Huai, ever perceptive, took advantage of the commotion to quietly approach Nianxi. Earlier, his father had publicly defended her, affirming her connection to their family. Seeing the opportunity, he discreetly reached out and held Nianxi’s hand once again.