The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 23

Yunxia sat in the back with flushed cheeks, her chin resting on her hand, her mind repeatedly replaying Lu Zhao’s words. What did she what did she mean by that?

Beside her, Ruoxiang noticed that Yunxia had been gone for quite some time and returned looking bashful. Puzzled, she nudged Yangshi beside her and whispered, “Mother, who did she leave with earlier?”

Yangshi thought for a moment. It seemed like Pei Shu! A sense of disdain rose in Yangshi’s heart. These two sisters truly kept everything in the family Yunqiu had become damaged goods, and now Yunxia was trying to capture the heart of the top scholar. Just like their mother, a pair of seductive vixens!

Ruoxiang wore a knowing expression and whispered to her mother, “Mother, look at her lovesick demeanor. I bet they did something improper! When we get back, we must recount today’s events in detail to the one who didn’t come. Let’s see how they maintain their sisterly affection!”

As they spoke, a kindly-faced matron approached and addressed Yunxia and Ruoxiang amiably, “Are you the young ladies of the Xu family? The Grand Princess requests your presence.”

Upon hearing that the Grand Princess had summoned her, Ruoxiang’s eyes sparkled, her face unable to conceal her excitement. After all, Grand Princess Gao Han was of noble status, and being personally invited by her was an immense honor. If she could earn her praise, her marriage to Prince Qing could be finalized sooner.

Both Ruoxiang and Yunxia stood up at the same time. Ruoxiang frowned and hissed in a low, angry voice, “The Grand Princess summoned me. Why are you tagging along? Sit down!”

Yunxia ignored her, carefully smoothing her clothes before turning to the matron with a gentle smile. “Matron, let’s go.”

Unable to make a scene in public, Ruoxiang seized the moment to yank Yunxia back forcefully. She smiled apologetically at the matron and said, “Matron, my apologies. My mother suffers from occasional migraines and cannot be left unattended. My younger sister will not be going; she should stay by our mother’s side to fulfill her filial duties!”

After gritting her teeth through these words, Ruoxiang glared fiercely at Yunxia, as if she would devour her alive if she dared to refuse.

Yunxia cast her a sidelong glance and replied calmly, “Such a fine opportunity to display filial piety in public—why doesn’t my elder sister seize it? Or is it that you wish to outsource your filial duties to me?”

Ruoxiang was left speechless. “You !”

The matron, well-versed in the intrigues of noble households, was long accustomed to such scenes. She interjected softly, “The Grand Princess specifically requested that all the young ladies of the Xu family be brought along. Please follow me. I will assign someone to accompany your mother, so rest assured, Miss Xu, she will be well taken care of.”

Xu Ruoxiang shot Yunxia a venomous glare but then thought to herself, given Yunxia’s current appearance, she would only serve as a laughingstock if she went a mere foil to highlight her own merits!

In the rear courtyard, a group of high-born young ladies were gathered around Song Jin, chatting and laughing. The matron led the two sisters to the courtyard before withdrawing.

“Sister Jin, I heard the Grand Princess has invited you to visit her residence often? Does that mean your engagement to the Regent King is imminent?” a young woman’s coy voice chimed in.

Song Jin shyly fiddled with her handkerchief and said demurely, “Don’t talk nonsense! Ah Zhao and I share similar interests, but as for marriage, that is for the Emperor to decide.”

Song Jin was the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Song. Everyone knew of her affection for Regent King Lu Zhao, and she was usually flattered by those around her. This time, it was even more pronounced as soon as the Grand Princess returned, the Old Matriarch had brought Song Jin to pay her a visit. Song Jin had also hinted, intentionally or not, that the Grand Princess had invited her frequently, leading everyone to believe that a wedding was soon to follow.

Xu Ruoxiang immediately spotted Song Jin, who was surrounded by admirers, and affectionately approached her. “Sister Jin!”

Song Jin’s expression shifted slightly, though she didn’t let it show, allowing Ruoxiang to link arms with her. Her association with Xu Ruoxiang was solely because the latter might become the Princess of Qing otherwise, how could the daughter of a minor vice-minister ever catch her eye?

Xu Ruoxiang pointed discreetly at Yunxia behind them and whispered into Song Jin’s ear, “Sister Jin, that’s the seductress I told you about. Her sister tried to seduce my cousin, and now she’s setting her sights on the top scholar.”

Though Ruoxiang deliberately lowered her voice, the space was small, and everyone overheard. Disdainful glances were cast toward Yunxia. As legitimate daughters of noble families, they already looked down on illegitimate daughters, let alone one who seemed so unrestrained.

Song Jin frowned and looked up, finally noticing Yunxia in the back. Her figure was alluring, especially her slender waist, so delicate it seemed fragile. Though there was a red mark on her face, her eyes were captivating. Song Jin felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and aversion toward her.

Yunxia straightened her back, scanning the room. Not seeing the princess, she said coldly, “A dirty mind sees filth everywhere. I never thought the daughters of noble families could harbor such vulgar thoughts.”

Leaning against Song Jin, Ruoxiang covered her mouth with a tinkling laugh. “Then tell us, what were you doing in the woods with the top scholar just now?”

Yunxia’s pupils contracted, thinking Ruoxiang had witnessed the scene. She felt a surge of tension after all, she and Lu Zhao had been so intimate… Forcing composure, she offered a faint smile. “Why is Sister so concerned about the top scholar? Are you thinking of abandoning the Prince of Qing for him?”

Xu Ruoxiang’s eyes blazed with fury. “How dare you spout such nonsense!” She raised her hand to strike Yunxia.

Song Jin called out sharply, “Xiangxiang!” Her eyes flashed with disgust. Fool! Losing your temper over a few words, what can you accomplish? Causing a scene at General Song’s residence would be utterly inappropriate.

Xu Ruoxiang shot a venomous glare at Yunxia and reluctantly stood beside Song Jin. A few quick-witted girls stepped in to smooth things over, though no one paid Yunxia any further attention.

Yunxia quietly found a seat and sat down, her head bowed as if lost in thought.

From a distance, Gao Han observed everything and remarked to Lady Song beside her, “What do you think of these young ladies, Madam?”

Lady Song slowly twirled her prayer beads. “The Grand Tutor’s granddaughter is composed and dignified. But I rather like that quiet illegitimate daughter she sits calmly without self-pity. That’s rare.”

Gao Han watched discreetly for a moment. She had seen the girl now. Aside from her exceptionally alluring figure, there was nothing particularly remarkable about her and she had a facial flaw. Gao Han couldn’t fathom what had caught Lu Zhao’s eye. Could it be that my Lu Zhao prefers curvaceous women? He always said he admired someone gentle and graceful like his teacher’s wife. To me, Song Jin resembles Wanning far more!

Lady Song sighed. “Your Highness, forgive an old woman for speaking out of turn, but let the younger generation handle their own affairs. Otherwise, we’ll be the ones left with regret and heartache.”

Madam Song’s eyes were filled with an unshakable sorrow. Back then, Song Ziyan’s troubles were not only due to the imperial examinations but also because General Song had discovered his feelings for the Third Prince. The general had insisted that he marry immediately. Yet Song Ziyan, who had always been obedient, fiercely resisted until he made an irreversible mistake…

Gao Han understood the source of her distress. Patting her hand gently, she led Madam Song directly to Yunxia’s side.

Yunxia noticed the woman’s heroic and poised demeanor, her brows and eyes bearing some resemblance to Lu Zhao’s. However, while this lady carried an air of openness and grace, Lu Zhao leaned more toward delicate, almost ethereal beauty. Yunxia guessed she might be the Eldest Princess, Gao Han.

Her heartbeat quickened slightly, and her palms grew damp with sweat. Straightening her posture, she performed a respectful bow and said, “Greetings, Eldest Princess. Greetings, Madam.”

Gao Han sat casually, taking Yunxia’s hand and asking softly, “What is your name? How old are you?”

A faint blush colored Yunxia’s cheeks. Her fox-like eyes, clear and bright, looked up obediently as she replied, “Your Highness, this humble one is Xu Yunxia, twenty years of age.”

Only then did Gao Han take a closer look. The young woman’s eyes were exceptionally striking they reminded her of the clever, sly yet docile cat that the Huaian family once kept. Gradually, understanding dawned on her: so, Lu Xiaozhao had simply been captivated by her beauty!

Holding Yunxia’s hand, her eyes brimming with amusement, Gao Han said warmly, “Come, keep me company for a while.”