Three days later, at the Zheng King's Estate.
"Prince Consort," a maidservant with an elongated visage and delicate eyebrows hurriedly entered the standard cla.s.s hall and bowed to s.h.i.+ Yongyan, seated at the head of the room.
"How is it?" s.h.i.+ Yongyan nonchalantly wiped away pastry crumbs at the corner of her mouth with a damp handkerchief and inquired with indifference.
"His Highness has summoned all the renowned physicians in the imperial capital to consult on Young Master Hua," the maidservant swiftly reported in a hushed tone. "However, even they are at a loss."
s.h.i.+ Yongyan offered a sardonic sneer and gently set down her teacup. She rose to her feet, declaring, "Let's visit the Hua Inst.i.tute and see how Second Young Master is faring."
Moments later, as s.h.i.+ Yongyan and her maidservant, Fu'er, stepped into the courtyard, they were met with resounding cries from inside. These wails were mixed with the enraged demands of Su Xihua's father.
"Kang'er, will you just stand by and watch your brother being treated this way?"
"Who's your real brother?"
"Do you have no sympathy for Hua'er, seeing him in such a state?"
"Absurd! Take me to the palace immediately. I wish to meet with the Emperor! I need to explain this situation to him!" Su Xihua's father vented his anger, "Why does the Crown Prince think he can act with impunity? He has left my Hua'er in such a condition. Oh, my Hua'er!"
s.h.i.+ Yongyan's eyes reflected an ironic amus.e.m.e.nt.
This family was utterly ridiculous. It was inconceivable that there existed such a brainless individual who contemplated entering the palace to reason with the Emperor.
"Dad," came Mo Xikang's weary voice from within the house.
s.h.i.+ Yongyan had someone forcefully swing open the door. She entered with her head held high and her demeanor resolute.
"Your Highness, are you genuinely considering heeding your father's advice and escorting him to the palace to plead your case before His Majesty, with the intent to file a complaint against the Crown Prince?"
"Madam, haven't you any decorum? Why did you barge in so abruptly?" Su Xitao swiveled around from the bed to cast a glare at s.h.i.+ Yongyan.
Her relations.h.i.+p with her sister-in-law had never been harmonious. Ever since she arrived at the Va.s.sal King's Estate with her parents and younger brother, she felt like she was under Sister-in-Law's constant surveillance. Even eating and dressing were subject to Sister-in-Law's approval. This left her displeased on numerous occasions.
Mo Xikang regarded his wife with a dissatisfied expression. "Yongyan, what's with that att.i.tude?"
"Your Highness, I'm just stating the facts. Forgive me if my words are harsh," s.h.i.+ Yongyan couldn't help but retort, her tone frosty. "If you persist in acting as you please and are determined to bring Duke's father to the palace for a show of tears, I'm afraid you'll soon find yourself mired in trouble due to your father's shortsightedness."
What kind of person was His Majesty? Why would he have the patience to entertain your grievances? Furthermore, the Crown Prince was His Majesty's own son!
What father would not support his own child and instead take the side of outsiders like them?
Even if Su Xihua was deceased, was it truly worth the Va.s.sal King's Estate pitting themselves against the Crown Prince over him?
Wasn't this utterly absurd?
s.h.i.+ Yongyan regarded Su Xitao with an icy gaze. "Younger Sister Tao, this entire situation is entirely of your making. You ought to reflect on your actions and refrain from such recklessness in the future."
Su Xitao grew so enraged that her eyes welled with tears. She stomped her feet and cried out, "Big Brother!"
Mo Xikang, too, locked eyes with s.h.i.+ Yongyan, displaying an uneasy expression. He couldn't help but notice that today she seemed like an entirely different person. Her words were blunt and far from courteous, causing him to feel cornered in front of his parents and younger sister.