The Empress Dowager, snapping back to reality, remembered the Prince of Minnan was present and said with a smile, "Your Imperial Uncle wouldn't mind."
Xue Xingyue wanted to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, but the Empress Dowager's gaze fell upon her nonetheless. "And who might you be?" she inquired.
The Ninth Princess chimed in, "Imperial Grandmama, this is Song Xiuyuan's betrothed."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager patted the Ninth Princess's hand with a smile. "You impudent child, she's heard so much of my grumbling. I hope I haven't frightened her."
"It is all my fault, Little Jiu. Please punish me, Imperial Grandmama."
"You impudent child, how could I bear to punish you?" she said, then turned to Xue Xingyue. "Please don't take to heart anything I've said in jest."
Xue Xingyue curtsied. "This commoner dares not!" Although the Empress Dowager had said so, she knew the truth. The Empress Dowager had seen her from the moment she, along with the Ninth Princess, entered her chambers. How could she not have noticed her?
Moreover, the Ninth Princess had sent word ahead. The Empress Dowager had known of her arrival all along. This was merely a show of dominance, a way to remind her that princesses were celestial beings with noble status, capable of crushing her like an ant.
"Servants, fetch a seat for this young lady," the Empress Dowager commanded.
A palace maid brought over a chair. Xue Xingyue hesitated to sit, but the Ninth Princess said, "It is a gift from your Imperial Grandmama. Please, sit."
Only then did Xue Xingyue take a seat.
"How old are you this year? You appear to be the same age as my Little Jiu," the Empress Dowager remarked.
"Replying to the Empress Dowager, this commoner is seventeen this year."
"Indeed, two years older than Little Jiu, yet you look the same age. Are you betrothed?" the Empress Dowager continued to ask.
This time, before Xue Xingyue could reply, the Ninth Princess interjected, "Imperial Grandmama, you are confused. Didn't I just tell you? She is Song Xiuyuan's intended wife."
The Empress Dowager smiled, "See, such a forgetful old woman I am."
"How did you and the Prime Minister meet?" the Empress Dowager inquired further.
"Replying to the Empress Dowager, three years ago, the Prime Minister visited Zhenwu Town. This commoner was fortunate enough to offer shelter to the injured Prime Minister, and after that..." Xue Xingyue trailed off, a shy blush coloring her cheeks.
Even without her finishing, it was likely that those present could guess what had transpired.
"Little Jiu, your mother was telling me yesterday how much she misses you. Knowing you are here today, she must have prepared your favorite meals long ago. Go and see your mother!" the Empress Dowager instructed.
The Ninth Princess nodded. "Yes, Imperial Grandmama. I shall return to see you later."
The Empress Dowager nodded. "Go quickly!"
The Ninth Princess departed with her maidservants.
Seeing this, the Prince of Minnan wisely offered a few words and withdrew.
Xue Xingyue sat in her chair, knowing the Empress Dowager clearly had something to say to her, and it certainly wouldn't be pleasant. "Do you know your crime?"
The Empress Dowager's sudden question startled Xue Xingyue, and she knelt on the ground in a panic. "This... this commoner does not know what wrong she has committed. I beg the Empress Dowager to enlighten me."
"Your crime is that you dare to contend for the Imperial Grandson with my Imperial Granddaughter," the Empress Dowager declared, her voice rising and her tone cold.
Xue Xingyue inwardly scoffed, though her face remained one of feigned panic. "This... this commoner truly did not know. If I had known, I would never have come."
"I can offer you a path. Are you willing to take it?" the Empress Dowager said slowly. "I implore the Empress Dowager to show me the way," Xue Xingyue replied, bowing her head.
"My eldest Imperial Grandson is handsome, virtuous, and accomplished—a truly suitable match. What do you say?"
Xue Xingyue quickly kowtowed. "Empress Dowager, His Highness the First Prince is a son of the dragon, a favored child of heaven. This commoner is but humble dust, how could she possibly be worthy of the First Prince? The Empress Dowager truly overestimates this commoner. This commoner merely wishes to find one person and live a lifetime with them, as one. "
The Empress Dowager paused, fixing her gaze upon Xue Xingyue. Xue Xingyue felt as though a sharp blade were pointed at her.
"It seems you are unwilling to leave Prime Minister Song?" the Empress Dowager said coldly.
"Empress Dowager, this commoner is fortunate that Prime Minister Song does not abandon me, and I will naturally not give up on the Prime Minister for my own selfish desires. However, this commoner is not unreasonable. If the Prime Minister himself were to divorce me, I would depart without hesitation and would not cling to him."
"Do you speak the truth?" the Empress Dowager asked.
"Indeed."
"Lift your head," the Empress Dowager commanded.
She raised her head, her clear eyes rippling like water. Even the Empress Dowager, who had seen countless faces, could not help but be captivated by her gaze. "Truly a person of exceptional grace and spirit."
"I hope you remember your words," the Empress Dowager said slowly, looking at her.
"This commoner shall certainly remember and dare not forget!"
The Empress Dowager nodded, then waved her hand. "You may leave!"
After bowing, Xue Xingyue retreated, already contemplating how she would settle accounts with Song Xiuyuan upon her return. He had never mentioned that she would have to face the Empress Dowager. If he had, she would never have agreed. One wrong word could lead to severe punishment, and she had not been reborn only to meet her end quickly.
Exiting the Empress Dowager's chambers, Xue Xingyue found that Qin Erniang had vanished. With no other choice, she found a secluded spot to sit and wait for Qin Erniang. She had tracking powder on her, so she wasn't worried about Qin Erniang being unable to find her.
She was also not concerned about Qin Erniang being captured, as Qin Erniang was quite skilled. Furthermore, if there were any sounds of a struggle, she would have known in advance.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind her. The sound was clearly not Qin Erniang's, but she feigned it was as she turned around. "Qin Erniang, why did you take so long? What are you doing..."
Before she could finish speaking, she let out a cry, "Min..."