Chapter 15: The Empress’s Attitude [Edited]

Xia Tong felt a sudden chill, as if pricked by needles. After a moment, she cautiously lifted her head, her eyes cast down, too nervous to look around.

Under the glaring sunlight, the woman’s skin was as white as snow, and she wore a shimmering gown made of Shu brocade that flowed elegantly to the ground. Her delicate, oval face was beautifully crafted, though not overly flashy. Up close, she truly was an extraordinary beauty.

The empress’s eyes flashed as she smiled suddenly, saying, “It is said that the mountains and waters of Suzhou are good for health. It is indeed true. Lord Xia is very lucky.”

At the empress’s compliment, the onlookers exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with envy, but they quickly joined in praising Xia Tong.

“Your Majesty is too kind. Tong’er is hardly comparable to Princess Mingyue, just a child with a childish heart,” the old lady replied respectfully, though her delight was hard to conceal.

After this exchange, the empress merely chuckled lightly without further comment. A palace maid beside her said with concern, “The sun is quite strong now. Your Majesty must be tired from paying respects. Would you like to return to the palace to rest?”

Indeed, the sun blazed fiercely, and the empress rubbed her forehead, showing signs of fatigue. She glanced at Xia Tong, her elongated phoenix eyes lifting slightly. “Do you know how to play chess?”

Suddenly being called out, Xia Tong quickly responded, “This daughter has some knowledge, but it hardly qualifies as impressive.”

Her clear and gentle voice lacked any flattery, and a glint of satisfaction crossed the empress’s eyes. She smiled slightly, saying, “It’s dull in the palace. Would you be willing to accompany me for some games to relieve the boredom?”

At these words, envy swept across the faces of those around her, especially in the eyes of the Duchess, who couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. Today was a double loss for the Duchess. It was clear that the empress was pleased with the fourth young lady of the Xiahou family.

“It is a blessing for me to be able to entertain Her Majesty.” Xia Tong said respectfully with her head lowered.

The empress smiled and said no more, turning to leave with her maid, the crowd parting to allow her passage, watching as her noble figure faded into the distance.

Once the empress was gone, Xia Tong let out a sigh of relief. She knew the empress was not a benevolent figure. In the story, she often creates obstacles for the heroine due to her displeasure. In the end, she was killed by the scheming third prince.

“Sister Tong, wait…” Lin Qin suddenly approached.

Just as Xia Tong was about to respond, the old lady shot her a sharp glance. “Back to the residence.”

Xia Tong: “…”

Not daring to oppose the old lady, she followed obediently, while Lin Qin looked on with longing as if she had more to say.

The old lady’s expression was grim, clearly upset about Xia Ning’s situation. The Xiahou family was a reputable household. Although not as esteemed as the Duke’s family, such an incident was undoubtedly embarrassing. One could imagine how much the old lady despised the Duke’s family underhanded tactics.

Once in the carriage, the atmosphere was tense. Even Xia Min sat quietly, afraid to breathe, while Xia Ning kept her eyes red, looking pitiful. Xia Tong almost wanted to applaud her acting skills. It was truly remarkable.

“What exactly happened?”

After a while, the old lady’s slightly angry voice broke the silence. Xia Tong stayed quiet, only for Xia Ning to sob softly, choking out, “I don’t know what happened. Earlier, I met someone from the Duke’s family at the temple, who said that Miss Lin wanted to invite the fourth sister to Meiren Jiao for something. When I met the fourth sister, she said she was afraid of snakes there and wanted me to go. Reluctantly, I went to Meiren Jiao, but I unexpectedly encountered the young master, and then the Duchess and others came…”

After finishing, Xia Ning looked at the old lady with red eyes, saying, “I’ve never interacted with the young master. How could I have known this would happen? Grandmother, you must stand up for me!”

Once Xia Ning finished speaking, the old lady continued to frown, her face stern and intimidating.

Xia Tong remained silent, acknowledging that Xia Ning’s performance was quite impressive. She could see the truth in what Xia Ning said. However, it was hard to believe that she didn’t know Lin Yi would be there or that the Duke’s family was plotting against her. Xia Ning knew she wouldn’t go, which was why she had set up the situation for her benefit. Now, Xia Tong was left to bear the consequences, and nobody could blame her. For the sake of their families’ reputations, Xia Ning would likely end up marrying into the Duke’s family.

Marrying into the Duke’s family was certainly a benefit. This woman was truly cunning.

After a moment of silence, the old lady turned her piercing gaze toward Xia Tong. “Is that what happened?”

Realizing it was her turn to respond, Xia Tong feigned confusion, nodding. “At that time, my cousin asked me to deliver a Buddhist scripture to the abbot.”

Xia Ning’s eyes flickered, continuing to sob with her head lowered, while Xia Min wore a puzzled expression, clearly still trying to understand the situation.

The atmosphere inside the carriage remained oppressive as it rattled through the bustling streets, the sounds of vendors shouting filling the air.

Finally, the old lady gave Xia Ning a meaningful look and huffed coldly. “Regardless of the truth, the Duke’s family has resorted to such despicable tactics. The Xiahou family will not be bullied without reason. They must give us an explanation!”

“Thank you, Grandmother,” Xia Ning continued to feign sorrow.

Xia Tong genuinely admired her cousin for her skills. It was no wonder she had grown up under the old lady’s guidance, truly a cut above the rest compared to Xia Min.

However, she suspected that the old lady might not be oblivious to Xia Ning’s scheming.

“Filthy beggar, kill her!”

The carriage suddenly stopped, and there was a burst of noise outside. The old lady was already in a bad mood, and her face became even uglier at this time. “What’s going on?”

As the curtain opened, Momo Liu outside said, “Madam, it’s just some hooligans bullying a few beggars.”

The local hooligans in Beijing all have backgrounds, so no one would pay any attention to such a thing. Xia Tong took a quick glance and saw several burly men beating and kicking several beggars on the busy street. However, a female beggar with a green flower on her head and hugging her knees attracted her attention.

In her vague memory, the heroine once saved a particularly loyal subordinate. It seemed that she was described as wearing a green pearl flower on her head. At that time, she knew at a glance that this beggar was not an ordinary person. How could a beggar wear a pearl flower? Sure enough, the beggar was the orphan of a medical family that was wiped out in the world. She was hunted by others, so she wandered around and became a beggar. This girl was a great weapon for the heroine on her way to success. Her superb medical skills had blocked countless arrows for the heroine.

Looking at the beggar in the crowd, Xia Tong was not sure whether that girl was the heroine’s subordinate, but at this time the carriage had already started moving.

She glanced at the old lady secretly, then casually lifted the curtain. The carriage happened to pass by those beggars. Xia Tong glanced at the female beggar with a green flower on her head. The other party seemed to have noticed something and looked at her.

Their eyes met, and the woman’s clear eyes were particularly bright. As the carriage went farther and farther away, Xia Tong slowly lowered the curtain, and she had already made up her mind.

Although she was the heroine’s subordinate, if a man does not take care of herself, she will be punished by heaven and earth. Taking this weapon will definitely help her a lot and make it easier to save her life.

When the carriage stopped at the gate of Xiahou Manor, even though the old lady looked unhappy, she was not without gain today. At least the Empress was still fond of her fourth granddaughter, which was a good sign.

After getting out of the carriage, Xia Tong heard the old lady asking someone to call her second uncle and second aunt, surely wanting to discuss Xia Ning’s matter.

When they returned to their room, Xia Tong whispered to Qing’er, “Do you remember those beggars we met on the street earlier?”

The latter nodded in confusion as she helped her change her clothes.

Slowly taking off the red hairpin on her head, Xia Tong looked back at her and said seriously, “Go and bring back the one wearing the green pearl flower. Don’t let anyone find out.”

**

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