Jade Marrow

"Imperial Consort, will the princess be angry?"

"What would she be angry about?!"

"They're probably still in that honey-sweet, oil-smooth phase as a newlywed couple. She'll definitely protect him."

"She... still thinks she's clever."

"Her Highness the Princess is indeed exceptionally clever, not inferior to you, Imperial Consort."

"She is far inferior to me. At the very least, I wouldn't be bewitched by a man."

"...Yes." The beautiful woman smiled. "His Highness the Ninth Prince is exceptionally handsome as well. Add a measure of gentleness and skill, and what woman could withstand that?"

"Alas..."

"Besides, this one has a lover. He isn't some heartless man."

"That brat does know how to behave."

The young maiden, the Empress of the Phoenix Dynasty, gently shook her head and sighed. "Have they still not found what exactly is wrong with his Imperial Concubine?"

The beautiful woman gently shook her head. "There is nothing wrong with her. She is utterly ordinary. Perhaps it is the Jade Scenery Emperor's inner demon."

"Alas... pitiful child..." The Empress shook her head. "Having been treated so coldly since childhood, it is rare that he did not become bitter and resentful of the world."

"Perhaps it is because of that Miss Youlan in his residence."

"Mm, that Miss Youlan has already set out, hasn't she?"

"She will likely arrive tonight. Our Imperial Son-in-Law is indeed thorough in his considerations."

"If a man cannot even protect those around him, then he is truly unworthy of being called a man."

As the two spoke, a palace maid approached on light feet to report that the princess and Imperial Son-in-Law had entered the palace gates.

The Empress asked, "Where is Hou'er?"

The beautiful woman replied, "The Third Prince is in seclusion, cultivating bitterly."

"That bastard!" The Empress's jade-like face darkened at once,