This battle report didn’t seem to cause much of a stir in the capital. After a night full of complaints and grumbling, the next day went back to normal.

People ate and drank as usual, cultural gatherings continued with their many forms, and the capital remained bustling, drowned in luxury and decadence. The only difference was that today’s topic of conversation was Princess Qinghuan’s visit to the Chancellor’s residence.

Princess Qinghuan meant what she said. With full ceremonial guards arranged and great fanfare, she made her way to the Zhang family.

Zhang Xuzhi’s position was high and powerful, and with the backing of a noble consort, he didn’t take the former emperor’s daughter seriously. His attitude influenced the Zhang family, which is why Zhang Susu dared to be disrespectful to Qinghuan.

But Qinghuan’s surname was Ji, and the emperor favored her immensely. No matter how much the Chancellor looked down on her, he had to show proper respect on the surface—leading his whole family to greet her in the main hall, lest Qinghuan brand him as disrespectful to the royal family.

Still, given his official rank, he didn’t have to kneel to a princess whose title was only honorary.

Qinghuan was carried on a sedan chair to the hall, where she got down with the help of a female attendant. Looking at Chancellor Zhang in his official robes, she smiled and said, “I did not come on official business to see you, Chancellor, so no need for such a formal appearance. Even if you wore coarse clothes, I wouldn’t dare accept a kneel from you.”

Zhang Xuzhi had seen Qinghuan show no mercy to others, but it was only when it was directed at him that he realized how suffocating it was to be verbally trapped by her.

He pretended not to hear and led his family to salute.

Zhang Susu had always been domineering. After Qinghuan publicly rebuked her the day before, she felt ashamed to face others and caused a big scene at home. Her mother took a long time to calm her down.

Now seeing Qinghuan actually visit the house, her hatred intensified. But remembering her mother’s repeated warnings not to confront royal family members directly, she kept her head down to avoid Qinghuan pinning another crime on her.

“Don’t bother,” Qinghuan glanced at her with a slight smile. If she really behaved herself, today would be a dull disappointment.

She sat boldly in the main seat, leaned lazily on one hand, and said, “Do I need to repeat my purpose?”

Zhang’s matron hurriedly pulled Zhang Susu forward to kneel two steps ahead and said, “Princess, Susu is the youngest daughter of the family and was born late to me, so she’s a little spoiled. She offended you and caused a great trouble; it is my fault for not teaching her well. Please forgive her.”

Qinghuan chuckled lightly. Now that Susu’s mother had accepted the blame, Qinghuan couldn’t pursue Susu further. Besides, what could she do to the matron who had admitted guilt?

Whatever punishment was given, the story would spread that Qinghuan was merciless, and no one would remember it was Susu’s remark—‘I can give her anything’—that caused this incident. With Zhang Xuzhi’s covert guidance, it would become a story of Qinghuan causing trouble for the Zhang mother and daughter over a man.

Such cunning scheming! Did Zhang Xuzhi really think Qinghuan was such a foolish fool?

Sitting upright, Qinghuan looked at Zhang Susu, who had kept her head down since entering. “Zhang, do you think it was your mother’s fault?”

The matron was startled and quickly said, “Princess…”

“I wasn’t asking you,” Qinghuan lowered her brows and lightly smoothed the slightly disheveled hem of her clothes. “Zhang Susu, tell me—is it your mother’s fault for not teaching you properly?”

Zhang Susu didn’t expect the question to be turned back on her like this. The hatred swirling inside her seemed to freeze. She stared blankly, glancing at Qinghuan and then her mother. How could it be her mother’s fault? No one in the world was better to her than her mother!

“Have you thought it through?”

Zhang Susu looked up at that moment, meeting such a disdainful gaze, that high and mighty posture that regarded her like a mere ant.

So, even among princesses, there was a difference.

She had seen the former emperor’s eldest princess and the current Eldest Run Princess; they smiled at her and gave her gifts. Only Qinghuan—only Qinghuan—looked at her with this kind of eyes!

“If I say it was her fault, what will happen?”

“Then naturally, your mother will be punished.”

Zhang Susu straightened up. “Princess, you are so relentless toward my mother. Aren’t you afraid of being criticized?”

Qinghuan’s laugh was like silver bells. “Have I ever been afraid of criticism? One more or one less, who can do anything to me? Your grandfather, the Chancellor?”

Zhang Xuzhi had cultivated for many years. Such trivial matters wouldn’t make him lose his temper. Since he was mentioned, he took the opportunity to step forward.

“Princess, please show mercy. Susu was ignorant and offended you. How should she make amends to ease your anger? Please say it clearly.”

“Simple. As long as Zhang Susu answers this question, I will stop being angry.”

Zhang Xuzhi knew Qinghuan was tough, but didn’t expect her to be so stubborn and insist on this question.

He beckoned, and the steward brought forward two tall men—one sturdy, the other handsome—just as if chosen to suit Qinghuan’s tastes.

Qinghuan leaned sideways, smiling as she appraised the two men. “Chancellor, what is this? You make me look like some lecherous man.”

“Princess, you misunderstand. They are not my servants. One is highly skilled in martial arts and will surely perform well in next year’s martial exam. The other excels in poetry and prose and will make a name for himself in cultural gatherings once he settles in the capital. Then they will need no introduction from me and will surely catch your eye.”

Qinghuan laughed even more happily. Talented and handsome favorites are rare, but not just anyone can be presented to be her favorite.

“Zhang, have you thought it through?”

The Zhang family saw Qinghuan’s attitude shift, thinking there might be a breakthrough, but the topic circled back to the start, causing their faces to change slightly.

Zhang Xuzhi’s gaze darkened, realizing this plan wouldn’t work, and he said no more.

Seeing his family so pressured, Zhang Susu ground her teeth and said, “If I answer, what does the princess intend to do to me?”

“There are national laws and family rules. If you committed a fault, it is your family’s responsibility to discipline and teach you. I have no duty to teach you.” Qinghuan smiled at Zhang Xuzhi. “Chancellor, what family rule punishment will the Zhang family impose on her?”

Zhang Xuzhi glanced at his granddaughter coldly and said, “Punishment is kneeling at the ancestral hall for two hours a day, for a hundred days.”

“Father!”

“Grandfather!”

Zhang Xuzhi did not look at the others but fixed his eyes on Qinghuan. “Princess, are you satisfied?”

“Chancellor, you asked the wrong person. How should I know the Zhang family’s rules? Whether it’s harsh or lenient is up to you.” Qinghuan waved her hand. “I will stop being angry now.”

Even with years of training to control his temper, Zhang Xuzhi’s anger was drawn out by Qinghuan’s bullying.

But Qinghuan had only completed half her purpose. She glanced at the two men again, enjoying the sight, then looked back at Zhang Xuzhi.