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Originally, I was worried about whether Xiao Yao could handle the difficulties posed by Su Hong, but I couldn't help but laugh quietly. This personality of not being at a disadvantage is indeed very much like Xuanping Wang. Su Hong laughed and sighed, confirming the saying that "birds of a feather flock together." The other onlooking ladies also covered their mouths and chuckled.
Madam Sun was already sweating nervously; she had previously asked Sun Ruoyun, and if it weren't for the fact that the prince happened to return later, Sun Ruoyun would have long since beaten that foolish princess. Because of this, Madam Sun felt that today at the chrysanthemum banquet, she could afford to make a sarcastic remark or two, as long as she didn't resort to violence. She thought that the clumsy-tongued princess wouldn't be able to come up with any retorts.
However, the reality was not as Madam Sun had imagined. The sharp-tongued girl before her was nothing like Sun Ruoyun's foolish princess. The series of questions she posed were simply overwhelming. Madam Sun felt like crying without tears; however, Xiao Yao had no intention of letting the Sun Residence off the hook. After all, having made a fuss once, one would think they would have learned their lesson, but it seemed that the Sun Residence was determined to provoke her again and again, throwing mud and creating trouble. It appeared that if this issue wasn't resolved, it would lead to endless troubles in the future.
Who knew when these foolish men and women from the general's residence would set traps for her and the prince? Just thinking about causing trouble for Xuanping Prince's Mansion made Xiao Yao's gaze grow colder, and her stare at Madam Sun became even more fierce. She took the handkerchief Yun Zhu handed her, wiped her mouth corner, and continued, "Sun Family, how dare you slander the royal family in public? What punishment do you deserve?!"
The ladies sitting below all gasped in shock. It seemed that today the Sun Family had truly angered Consort Xuanping; the princess didn't even refer to Madam Sun as 'madam' but directly called her 'Sun Family.' Wasn't this a clear indication of being truly provoked?
The Sun Family's eyes darted around as they stubbornly replied, "I... I did not insult the royal family! Princess, do not wrongly accuse me!"
"Hmph," Su Hong sneered at this moment and said, "Xuanping Wang has been raised in the palace and is deeply favored by His Majesty; he shares a brotherly bond with the Crown Prince. The Xuanping Prince's Mansion is personally chosen by His Majesty for Xuanping Wang, and even Xuanping Wang's marriage is decided by His Majesty. Isn't this a privilege and honor exclusive to royal families?!"
Su Hong's support made it clear to everyone present just how close the relationship between the Crown Prince and Xuanping Wang really was; the ladies immediately chimed in.
"Yes, the prince has been by His Majesty's side since childhood."
"Back then, General Xuanping expanded territories for Great Ancestor; Great Ancestor personally acknowledged that General Xuanping and Great Ancestor Emperor were like brothers."
"Isn't it true? The prince's aunt, General Xuanping's sister, is now also a consort in the palace; isn't that also part of a royal family?"
"Exactly..."
Whispers filled the air as they reached the ears of the Sun Family. At this point, Madam Sun was so frightened that she could no longer speak; she could only tremble as she knelt down with her daughter's support, looking disheveled and begging for forgiveness.
However, Xiao Yao seemed completely unfazed by this. She fixed her gaze on the Sun Family and said, "In previous instances, I thought you were at least a noble family that understood propriety and chose not to hold it against you. However, things do not happen thrice without reason; since you repeatedly provoke me without remorse. Moreover, your esteemed daughter has not yet married Fourth Prince but has already caused such a stir in town due to your own actions. I believe it is appropriate to report this to His Majesty. As they say, 'Dragons give birth to dragons and phoenixes give birth to phoenixes; a mouse's child knows how to dig holes.' Can your legitimate daughter of the Sun Family truly take on the responsibilities of Consort Prince? I think we should suggest this matter to His Majesty."
"My sister speaks wisely," Su Hong added, "I believe His Highness will agree with my sister's consideration."
The ladies collectively gasped again; what did Sister Su mean by this? They hadn't even married yet, yet Sister Su seemed so close to the Crown Prince? The ladies turned back to look at the Sun Family; it seemed they had truly hit a brick wall.
However, it wasn't over yet. Xiao Yao continued, "The Sun Family has unjustly slandered my Xuanping Prince's Mansion and insulted royal families; thirty strikes with a rod!"
Everyone!
The ladies were stunned; was this girl really the one whom Xuanping Wang married from Nanping? Her imposing demeanor was nothing like those timid girls they had seen from that place before!
Sun Family felt completely weak upon hearing this. Fortunately, she remembered to grab the armrest of the chair; otherwise, she would have surely slipped to the ground. If that happened, there would definitely be a topic of discussion among the high society in the capital tomorrow.
Originally, these young ladies raised deep within the courtyard, known as Daughter-in-law, spent their idle time gossiping about various families and even the palace. The rumors about Emperor Xuanping Wang being unproductive must have also come from Sun Family.
However, such news was usually just for listening and casual chatting; who would really bring it to the forefront? That would be foolish, obviously provoking Xuanping Wang. Even if the emperor scolded the prince privately, that was their personal matter; on the surface, he was favored! This residence was chosen by the prince himself, and he picked one of the best locations, almost second only to Crown Prince's Eastern Palace. Did the emperor not grant it without a second thought? He didn't even blink. The most favored Fourth Prince did not receive such treatment.
As for the princess? Whoever the prince wanted to marry, he would marry. No matter who it was, the emperor's decree was still issued without fail, and it was expedited with urgency, fearing any delay. When has any of the princes or even the Crown Prince ever received such treatment?
Moreover, everyone in court knew that the relationship between the Crown Prince and the prince was closer than that of biological brothers. How much animosity must there be to offend the prince?
The ladies all looked at Sun Family with expressions full of pity; it seemed that Sun Family could not escape punishment.
At this moment, a girl who had been standing silently behind Sun Family suddenly knelt directly in front of Xiao Yao. "Please forgive my mother, Princess. She spoke carelessly and absolutely did not mean to offend you. My mother is old and cannot withstand this punishment!"
Tears began to flow.
"Mother?" Xiao Yao asked tentatively. "Are you Sun Ruoxue?"
"Princess may not know," said a plump woman who had been silent until now. "This is Sun Family's legitimate second daughter, Sun Ruoyu. Legitimate Daughter Sun Ruoxue is currently in the palace learning etiquette due to her marriage."
"Oh." Xiao Yao nodded and turned to smile at the woman. "Thank you. May I ask who you are?"
"I am from the family of Minister of Rites Lin Shangshu." The woman was flattered and quickly stood up to answer.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yao asked immediately, "Then is Master Lin..."
Lady Lin became even more excited but maintained her composure. "That is indeed my father; he has retired to his hometown and is no longer in the capital."
"Oh, I see." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yao felt a surge of goodwill toward this plump lady and smiled. "Just recently, I heard the prince mention that Master Lin is his mentor and that he holds great respect for him."
This was a signal of goodwill; Lady Lin was very pleased and immediately said, "My father guided both the Crown Prince and the prince back then and praised them greatly. The Crown Prince is exceptionally intelligent and behaves prudently; as for the prince, he is clever but a bit mischievous."
This Lady Lin knew how to handle situations well, Xiao Yao thought secretly. She exchanged glances with Su Hong, both recognizing a shared understanding in each other's eyes. Thus, all three laughed together, with Xiao Yao teasingly saying, "So now the prince is quite lively every day, always coming up with new ideas that leave me quite overwhelmed!"
After saying this, she displayed a shy expression while both Su Hong and Lady Lin looked at her with playful expressions. It seemed these three had formed their own circle, leaving others unable to interject.
During this time, Sun Family remained under the shadow of impending punishment while Sun Ruoyu continued kneeling on the ground; after all, since the princess had not called her up, she had no courage to rise.
However, as the legitimate second daughter of the family, although she may not have received as much as her elder sister Sun Ruoxue in various aspects, she was still raised like a precious gem. How could she endure such humiliation now, kneeling on the ground for such a long time? Sun Ruoyu felt wronged and just wanted to cry. She cast a resentful glance at her mother; if it weren't for her mother being such a fool, she wouldn't have to kneel here and suffer.
Xiao Yao chatted with the two for a while, and only then did she seem to remember that Sun Ruoyu was still kneeling here. She turned her head and nodded, saying, "It's commendable that you still have some filial piety, but if we go outside, I can't let my status as a princess be disregarded."
At this point, Xiao Yao paused and then noticed the despair and fear in Sun Ruoyu's eyes.
It seemed that the relationship between Sun Ruoyu and Mother Sun was just average, Xiao Yao thought, and then slowly said, "But your situation is also true. Considering Madam Sun's age, let's change it to ten strikes instead."
After casually finishing this statement, she predictably received countless thanks from the two people bowing their heads. It was hard to tell whether it was sincere or feigned; in any case, she didn't care.
Feeling somewhat fatigued, she waved her hand. Suddenly, two guards appeared out of nowhere and began to drag the Sun family away. "Hey, wait!" Xiao Yao called out.
The guards stopped, and one of them bowed and asked, "Does the princess have any further instructions?"
"After all, this is Duke Wei's Residence," Xiao Yao frowned and feigned concern. "How about this? Let's return to the palace for the punishment. After it's done, let General Sun come to the residence to collect them."
In an instant, everyone present began to snicker quietly; even the two guards couldn't help but lower their heads to stifle their laughter.
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