“It is I.” Xue Zining smiled at Xue Yunlan.
This was the second time she had seen Xue Yunlan. Previously, she had employed a small stratagem to lure Xue Yunlan to the Hua Jiu Lou, thus thwarting Yan Zhao’s plan.
Xue Yunlan was the third daughter of the Regent. It was said that when Xue Yunlan was born, auspicious clouds descended from the heavens, a sign of great fortune.
As a result, Xue Yunlan was doted upon by the Regent.
In her previous life, she had never truly met Xue Yunlan because Xue Yunlan had never entered the palace.
However, she knew of Xue Yunlan, as the Regent had once intended to marry Xue Yunlan to Yan Zhao, but Yan Zhao had refused the proposal.
“Your subject greets His Majesty!” Although pampered, Xue Yunlan was not spoiled.
“You need not be so formal. By seniority, you may call me Imperial Sister,” Xue Zining said. While she wished to oppose the Regent, it did not mean she disliked his family along with him.
It was rumored that ever since Yan Zhao refused her marriage proposal, Xue Yunlan had been dispirited daily.
Later, Xue Wenjie perished on the northern battlefield. She did not know what became of Xue Yunlan, for by then, she herself had been dead for several years.
“Imperial Sister, you look somewhat familiar. Have we met somewhere before?” Xue Yunlan tilted her head, trying to recall.
Xue Zining: …
However, Xue Yunlan soon shook her head, “It’s unlikely. Imperial Sister always stays in the palace. I must be mistaken. Please forgive me, Imperial Sister.”
“It’s nothing. There are many people in this world who resemble each other,” Xue Zining replied with an awkward smile.
Xue Yunlan nodded, “Imperial Sister is right.”
“I am feeling a bit tired. I shall return to my temporary palace to rest!” Xue Zining gave Hua Yunjin a look. Hua Yunjin understood and followed her as she left.
“Your Majesty, may you have a safe journey!” Xue Yunlan curtsied.
After Xue Zining departed, Xue Yunlan approached Yan Zhao and asked, biting her lower lip, “Yan Zhao, why are you avoiding me, this County Princess?”
“County Princess, a man and woman should not be too familiar. I do not wish for you to be subjected to gossip.”
“I am not afraid. Yan Zhao, I ask you, if I… I wish to marry…”
“County Princess, I just remembered the Regent has business with me. I shall take my leave now!”
With that, Yan Zhao turned and left.
Xue Yunlan watched his receding back, her gaze dimming considerably.
The next day, the hunt began. Noble Consort Chao’s heart was in turmoil, and thus she was not as gentle and considerate towards the Regent, Xue Wenjie, as she usually was.
“Has Your Ladyship, the Noble Consort, forgotten who bestowed your high position upon you?” Xue Wenjie’s tone was cold.
Noble Consort Chao heard this and looked at him, sneering, “High position? The former Emperor’s daughters are now all His Majesty, yet I am still merely a Noble Consort? Tell me, what do you call this position?”
Xue Wenjie’s gaze grew cold, “It seems Your Ladyship is no longer content with your current situation.”
“Content? How can I be content? Should I not be the Empress Dowager?”
If she were the Empress Dowager, how could she be led around by Xue Zining?
“Presumptuous…” Xue Wenjie was truly angered. He slammed his large hand on the table, causing it to crack.
“What? Do you intend to strike me?” Noble Consort Chao narrowed her eyes and asked coldly.
Xue Wenjie looked at Noble Consort Chao, whose demeanor was not at all weakened. Considering his grand ambitions, he suppressed his anger and walked over, wrapping his arm around Noble Consort Chao’s shoulder. “What is it? You seem a little off today.”
Noble Consort Chao sighed, “This morning, Xue Zining insisted on taking Zixuan to the hunt. I did not wish to agree, but I am only a Noble Consort, while she is the Emperor. Zixuan also wished it. I could not stop her.”
Xue Wenjie’s body stiffened. He grabbed Noble Consort Chao, his expression changing. “What did you say?”