Chapter 345: Chapter 11: Princess (Part 11)

The news of the Eldest Prince being conferred the title of Prince Lian spread, causing unrest in several places in the harem. However, when they learned that the Princess Consort Lian was merely a merchant’s daughter, they all laughed.

It seems the Eldest Prince has fallen out of favor with the Emperor.

In that case, it’s good, one less competitor.

Some even thought about the Sixth Princess, now that the Eldest Prince is out of favor, is it time to reclaim some interest?

Yet when their spies reported that the Emperor left the palace with the Sixth Princess to have fun, and upon returning, dined at Lanxin Hall and played chess until the first quarter of the Hai hour, only then leaving Lanxin Hall.

In an instant, those with restless hearts immediately extinguished their thoughts.

The Sixth Princess is merely a princess, anyway, there’s no conflict with her. She’s just favored a bit more, but in a few years, she’ll be married off. What’s there to fight over with her?

These people were merely comforting themselves.

In the Imperial Palace, there’s only one Emperor, yet in the harem, there are many concubines. The concubines compete for favor enough already, but there’s a princess more favored than any concubine. The Emperor spends vast amounts of time on this princess, how could they possibly not be jealous?

Li Shuning paid no mind to these things; whoever dared to extend their claws would find her not easy to deal with.

After a good night’s sleep, she was ready to enjoy the upcoming show.

The next day, the Eldest Prince, now Prince Lian, was to leave the palace. Indeed, the Emperor didn’t want to keep this son any longer.

Before leaving the palace, the Eldest Prince went to Lanxin Hall.

“Brother need not worry; sister will speak well of you before Father. It’s just that Father is angry right now, so Brother must be careful not to make more mistakes.”

The Eldest Prince was annoyed; he didn’t come to listen to a lecture.

“Imperial Sister, we rise and fall together. We are true siblings. If Brother falls into despair in the future, after Father’s time, who will protect you? Think about it, if you had given Brother some hints yesterday, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

Li Shuning sneered; such a wretched man, always pushing the blame onto others.

“Brother, Xiao Six has never done anything to wrong you. How have you treated me? Did Brother think Xiao Six knows nothing? About those people Mother left for you, did you think Xiao Six didn’t know? Even though Brother has done so many things to wrong Xiao Six, Xiao Six has always helped Brother. Xiao Six is just a girl; being favored by Father is Xiao Six’s fortune. Xiao Six believes Father will protect Xiao Six, and even if Father is gone, he will arrange everything for Xiao Six. If relying on Brother for protection, who knows how many times Xiao Six would’ve died?”

The Eldest Prince’s face changed; he didn’t expect Xiao Six to know it all. Damned, he wanted to say something but couldn’t utter a word.

Li Shuning wore a mocking smile: “As for yesterday, honestly, Xiao Six truly didn’t know it was Brother next door. How could Xiao Six have warned you? Did Xiao Six make you do it? Brother should quickly leave the palace, lest Father becomes unhappy again. Sister won’t see you off.”

With that, Li Shuning flicked her sleeve and left.

To save face for such a person is really unjust to oneself.

The Eldest Prince left the palace. The Sixth Princess shut herself in her chamber, skipping two meals, which worried the Emperor upon hearing.

However, no matter how much the attending palace maids were questioned, they couldn’t make sense of it, as the two had dismissed everyone during their conversation.

The Emperor felt it must be that scoundrel saying nonsense to Xiao Six again.

In other palace quarters, the speculation was that the Sixth Princess was displeased with the matter, throwing a tantrum. Let her, if it angers Your Majesty, that would be splendid.

“Xiao Six, what’s wrong? Why won’t you eat? Going hungry will worry Father.”

“Father, sobbing, Xiao Six misses Mother. Without Mother, why has Brother become like this?”

The Emperor’s eyes held pity: “Without Mother, Xiao Six still has Father. Father will always protect Xiao Six.”

“Sobbing, Brother came by today. Xiao Six thought Brother was here to say goodbye, but he came to criticize Xiao Six, saying Xiao Six didn’t warn him. But Xiao Six didn’t know Brother was next door! Brother even said, if he’s not well, Xiao Six won’t be either, without Father, no one will protect Xiao Six.”

“Sobbing, Xiao Six only has Father.”

The Emperor’s anger was hard to contain.

That ungrateful son dared to tell Xiao Six these things. Xiao Six is so innocent, how could he dare?

Seeing tears on Li Shuning’s face softened the Emperor’s heart.

He took a handkerchief and carefully wiped away her tears: “Silly girl, Father is here. Xiao Six won’t be lonely. Father will find the best husband for Xiao Six. Even if Father isn’t here, her husband will protect her. Xiao Six need not fear, if any of your brothers dare bully you, Father will never forgive them.”

Cold glints flashed in the Emperor’s eyes. He knew the concubines in the harem were hostile towards Xiao Six. With the Crown Prince not yet established, it seems worth considering carefully to ensure no hostile prince ascends.

Because of Li Shuning’s complaint, the rewards for Prince Lian’s establishment of his residence were scant, tarnishing his expression further.

Two months after establishing the residence, it was time for the wedding.

On the wedding day, Li Shuning didn’t leave the palace to attend the banquet.

Instead, she sent gifts.

Prince Lian was frustrated within. He knew Xiao Six was favored; her actions further worsened Father’s impression of him.

Yet he never thought, initially, everything is relative. When you push someone to the brink, why should they, because of some nonexistent sibling bond, feel obligated to help you?

Su Zi, over the past two months, had contemplated much. She knew that marrying her made the Eldest Prince’s future challenging. In response, the Eldest Prince’s attitude towards her might change, but she believed, with her presence, she could carve a path for the Eldest Prince.

Besides, doesn’t the Eldest Prince have a favored sister?

Indeed, on the wedding day, when Prince Lian entered the bridal chamber, his expression wasn’t cheerful.

Su Zi whispered in the Eldest Prince’s ear, causing his face to promptly change.

That night, they indulged in passion to the fullest.

The next day, the couple entered the palace to give thanks, and they naturally had to visit Li Shuning as well.

Frankly, Su Zi thought Prince Lian was somewhat foolish. With such a resourceful sister, how could he not keep her close, and instead, cause a rift with the Sixth Princess?

Although she envied the Sixth Princess, she knew to placate her before achieving her goals.

After Su Zi instilled these thoughts, Prince Lian began reflecting on himself.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep