Slapping Faces

Since Xiao Qianyu's return, countless eyes have been on him in the palace.

Consort Guo was no exception; as soon as Xiao Qianyu made a move, the masters of various palaces received the news.

Upon learning that he was going to 'Qionghua Palace', those who had felt uncomfortable bowing and scraping earlier were now patting their chests in relief, glad they had thick skin and knelt quickly.

Then they began to gloat, waiting to see the drama between the Grand Princess and the Third Prince.

Without mentioning how the Third Prince was fidgeting anxiously, Consort Guo, upon receiving the news, immediately got up and headed to 'Qionghua Palace', sending people to seek Emperor Yongchang's help along the way.

The Grand Princess, Xiao Yuan, also knew Xiao Qianyu was coming to find her. She screamed and smashed the ornaments by her hand, throwing whatever she could grab, her face contorted: "What does he want? A mere lowly slave, is he worth his relentless pursuit?"

The porcelain shards scattered on the ground shattered into pieces. Palace maids immediately knelt down in fear to clean them up, not daring to stop even if their hands were cut by the fragments.

The Grand Princess's temper was truly violent. If not for the Palace Rules set by His Highness the Crown Prince, the situation of the servants in her palace would be even worse.

Listening to the Grand Princess's curses from the head seat, the palace staff in the hall lowered their heads in silence, but they couldn't help but envy. They wished they could serve a master like the Crown Prince, who was not only kind and benevolent to his subordinates but also stood up for the eunuchs around him.

Meixiang, the Grand Princess's personal female attendant, who was bestowed upon her by Consort Guo, was busy appeasing the princess's emotions: "Princess, don't be afraid. At worst, we can hand over Laixi and say he killed Huaying out of personal vendetta. Then, apologize to the Crown Prince. You are His Highness the Crown Prince's sister; seeing your sincere repentance, he won't do anything to you."

"Why should this princess apologize to him? He has already bullied me once, is he going to bully me a second time?" the Grand Princess shrieked, "I'm going to find Father Emperor to uphold justice."

She stood up and was about to leave, but Meixiang quickly stopped her: "Princess, absolutely not."

The Grand Princess was violent and reckless, not easy to deal with. Meixiang was truly exhausted. If it weren't for the Consort's order to look after the Grand Princess, she would have truly let go and stopped caring.

"Princess, think carefully. The Emperor is currently feeling guilty towards His Highness the Crown Prince, and he is also displeased with you due to your previous actions. If he knows you've fallen back into your old ways, he certainly won't defy the Crown Prince's wishes." She persuaded her earnestly, "Why must you contend with the Crown Prince for a moment of anger and lose the Emperor's favor? Moreover, as a sister, admitting a mistake to your own brother is not something to be ashamed of." A little coaxing would get you everything.

Those who know the times are heroes. Arguing with the Crown Prince of a nation, how foolish.

She now regretted not turning a blind eye and tacitly allowing the Grand Princess to take her anger out on Huaying when the Crown Prince was in a difficult position, which led to today's disaster.

The Grand Princess's apricot eyes welled up with hatred: "But I'm not willing, I'm not willing. This princess would rather be punished by Father Emperor than bow to Xiao Qianyu."

She was a princess, the first daughter of Father Emperor, raised with immense pampering. Why should she be trampled underfoot by Xiao Qianyu like a blade of grass?

"Enough, you are becoming more and more unreasonable and disappointing me." A magnificent figure entered through the palace door; it was Consort Guo.

She glared sternly at her daughter: "Is the Crown Prince's name something you should utter? Where did you learn your etiquette and rules?"

The entire palace had heard that His Highness the Crown Prince's temperament had drastically changed, no longer gentle and benevolent as before. He was now a powder keg, easily ignited by the slightest spark.

Others would avoid him, but this foolish daughter of hers was running straight into him.

"Greetings, Noble Consort," Meixiang quickly led everyone in a bow.

Consort Guo glanced at her unhappily but knew this was not the time for blame and settling scores. She went straight to the main seat and sat down.

The Grand Princess moved aside, pursed her lips aggrievedly, and called out, "Mother Consort, why are you here?"

Consort Guo glared at her: "Enough idle talk. When the Crown Prince arrives, honestly hand over the person and apologize sincerely. Listen to the Crown Prince's reprimands, accept whatever punishment he gives, do you understand?"

"Mother Consort...!" The Grand Princess pouted and was about to protest, but upon meeting her mother's stern gaze, she nodded reluctantly.

Consort Guo let out a sigh. This first fire that the Crown Prince had ignited since his return to the palace could not be defied. She hoped the Grand Princess had truly taken it to heart.

Just as she was about to instruct the Grand Princess on how to handle the situation, a palace servant reported, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

Consort Guo, thinking of her daughter's concern for face and her own inability to bring herself to apologize, retreated to a side chamber to wait, "Do not neglect the Crown Prince."

After giving the instruction, Consort Guo left behind a lingering fragrance and took her people out.

Meixiang reminded her, "Princess, you should go and welcome the Crown Prince."

Hatred flashed across the Grand Princess's face. She stamped her foot and said, "Bring Laixi, let's go see the Crown Prince."

Xiao Qianyu alighted from his shoulder palanquin, looked up at 'Qionghua Palace', and strode inside.

Shumo quickly followed with his people, and Eunuch Hai quietly trailed behind.

The Grand Princess was Emperor Yongchang's first daughter and the daughter of a favored concubine, so she was naturally not mistreated. The palace was planted with Qionghua trees.