The Female Regent’s Daily Guide to Spoiling Her Wife - Chapter 24

Gao Han took her hand, her eyes brimming with laughter. “Come, chat with me for a while.”

Yunxia obediently nodded and sat down beside Gao Han.

The onlookers were astonished, puzzled, and even jealous to see the Eldest Princess showing such concern for Yunxia. They couldn’t understand why a disfigured daughter of a concubine had earned the Eldest Princess’s favor.

Xu Ruoxiang, assuming the Eldest Princess had mistaken her identity since she was the one who should have been invited immediately stepped forward and said respectfully, “Eldest Princess, I am Xu Ruoxiang, the legitimate daughter of Vice Minister Xu and the betrothed of Prince Qing.”

Gao Han didn’t even glance at her, offering only a low “Hmm” with the same arrogance and indifference as Lu Zhao, paying her no further attention.

For a moment, Xu Ruoxiang stood frozen, unsure whether to stay or leave, feeling utterly humiliated. The others around her stifled laughter, whispering and pointing covertly.

Song Jin inwardly sneered, cursing the foolishness. How could the daughter of a mere vice minister presume to approach the Eldest Princess so casually? Moreover, her engagement to Prince Qing was far from settled, why flaunt it so boldly? Wasn’t she afraid it might fall through? But why would the Eldest Princess take an interest in a lowly daughter of a concubine, especially one with a facial defect? Song Jin felt a twinge of anxiety. Could there be some unforeseen change in the marriage arrangements?

After a moment’s thought, Song Jin said gently, “Xiangxiang, don’t just stand there. Come over here.” With that, she pulled Xu Ruoxiang aside and patted her shoulder reassuringly.

Xu Ruoxiang nodded gratefully to Song Jin, fighting back tears as her resentment toward Yunxia grew. It was all because of her that she had been so thoroughly embarrassed!

Having comforted Xu Ruoxiang, Song Jin gracefully approached Gao Han, intimately linking arms with her and swaying playfully. “Auntie Han,” she cooed, “last time you praised my painting of a beauty, so I went home and painted one especially for you. I’ll ask Sister Zhao for some pointers another day!”

The familiarity in Song Jin’s tone startled everyone present, sparking hushed discussions and exchanged whispers.

“It seems the Song family and the Eldest Princess’s household are growing closer!”

“Did you notice how Miss Song addressed her? That’s not something just anyone can do!”

Xu Ruoxiang, now brimming with pride and having shed her earlier awkwardness, declared loudly, “Of course! Jin’er has been close with Lu Zhao since childhood they’re practically waiting for the marriage contract!” Proud of her friendship with Song Jin, she envisioned their future: she marrying Prince Qing and Song Jin marrying the Regent, with their families maintaining close ties. Xu Ruoxiang spared no effort in singing Song Jin’s praises.

Gao Han, oblivious to these remarks, held a favorable impression of Song Jin. She found Song Jin’s gentle and charming demeanor reminiscent of her dear friend Wannin and a fitting match for her own daughter’s cold disposition. Smiling, she said, “Jin’er, feel free to visit the estate anytime. You’re always welcome.”

From then on, whenever Gao Han tried to speak with Yunxia, Song Jin always found a timely excuse to steer the conversation her way, gradually drawing Gao Han’s attention entirely to herself.

Yunxia, unperturbed, quietly attended to her tasks, arranging the tea set on the table and preparing the tea.

Occasionally, she would place a cup of tea by Gao Han’s side. Even after talking for a long time, Gao Han never felt thirsty; instead, her throat felt refreshed and sweet.

Madam Song observed everything, fingering her prayer beads. She was quite taken with Yunxia, appreciating the girl’s calm and dignified demeanor, her lack of contention, which suited her tastes perfectly.

Gradually, Gao Han also noticed that Yunxia not only took meticulous care of everyone present but also that the tea seemed quite different from what they usually drank. A warm feeling washed over her heart as she picked up the teacup, sniffed it curiously, and asked, “Xiaxia, what kind of tea is this? Why is it so fragrant, sweet, and thirst-quenching?”

Yunxia smiled and replied to Gao Han and Lady Song with neither humility nor pride, “Your Highness, this is a green tea I prepared myself. The tea leaves are from the General’s estate, but I added a special fragrant pellet I made into the water used to brew the tea. If you like it, I can bring some for you and Lady Song another day.”

Before Gao Han could respond, Lady Song took Yunxia’s hand with a smile and said repeatedly, “Good child, I truly like it. Your skill in making these fragrant pellets reminds me of an old friend of mine. You must bring me more another day. Even the teas from the teahouses in the capital can’t compare to the flavor you’ve created!”

“It is my honor that you like it, Lady Song. I will be sure to prepare more and bring it to you,” Yunxia replied obediently, though she felt a flicker of doubt. The fragrant pellets were something she had developed based on the few clues left by her late mother. Could it be that Lady Song had known her mother?

As the sun began to set, Lady Song rose, pulling Gao Han along with her. “We old folks are making them uneasy here. Let’s go!”

After the two had left, Song Jin coldly reevaluated this Xu family’s illegitimate daughter. A deep sense of crisis washed over her. The visit from the Princess and Lady Song didn’t seem like a casual chat it felt more like they were there to assess someone. In such a short time, Xu Yunxia had brewed two cups of tea and effortlessly won the favor of Lady Song, who usually kept to herself. This was no simple feat!

And the concern the Princess showed for Yunxia as she left it shouldn’t be like this. How could a lowly illegitimate daughter receive so much attention? Moreover, she had a facial defect. What was really going on? Why did she seem so familiar? Where had she seen her before?

Song Jin’s gaze darkened as she stared at Yunxia’s retreating figure, her mind in turmoil. This Xu Yunxia was a threat! With this thought, Song Jin tugged gently at Ruoxiang’s sleeve and said softly, “Xiangxiang, your sister is quite impressive! It’s only their first meeting, yet she’s already won the favor of the Princess and Lady Song. She’s not simple!”

Ruoxiang’s heart burned with jealousy. Her nails dug deeply into her palms, but she felt no pain, only resentment as she hissed, “What ability does she have? It’s all about her figure and that face! A vixen!”

Song Jin feigned surprise. “Oh, Xiangxiang, you mustn’t say such things. If others hear, it won’t reflect well on you. Besides, she hasn’t done anything wrong except perhaps charmed the Princess into overlooking you, the legitimate daughter.”

Xu Ruoxiang felt as if a fire were scorching her chest, her anger so intense she wished Yunxia would vanish on the spot. “My mother was absolutely right! She’s nothing but a seductress! She doesn’t just lure men she even enchants women!”

Song Jin patted Ruoxiang’s hand. “Xiangxiang, what are you saying? Looking at her sweet and charming demeanor, even I feel a bit fond of her!”

Then, gazing toward the back hills of the General’s estate, Song Jin said thoughtfully, “Ah, who knows when this banquet will end tonight? We mustn’t let your sister wander to those back hills. I’ve heard there are wolf packs there. If such a lovely sister were attacked by wolves, we’d all be heartbroken!”

Xu Ruoxiang’s eyes lit up as she gazed toward the back hill. If she could lure Yunxia there, if Yunxia were to disappear, wouldn’t the Grand Princess and Lady Song finally notice her? Wouldn’t she no longer have to worry about Prince Qing favoring Yunxia over her? No longer have to live in constant fear every day?

Xu Ruoxiang felt this was a golden opportunity from heaven. If anything happened to Yunxia within the general’s estate, it wouldn’t be connected to her. Rubbing her hands together in excitement, she said to Song Jin, “Jin’er, I have something to attend to. Please excuse me.” With that, she turned to search for Yunxia’s figure.

After Xu Ruoxiang left, a cold smile curled at the corner of Song Jin’s lips. What a fool! Whether that woman posed a threat or not, eliminating her was for the best it would prevent any unexpected complications!