After saying this, she no longer wished to entangle herself with this foolish girl from the Liang family. She would rather spend that idle time talking with the two brothers from the Wen family. Thus, she coughed twice and said to Miss Wei Lanxuan, "Miss Wei has been out for quite some time. It is likely time for you to return. After all, you are a bride-to-be, and it is best to rest early."
The meaning of dismissal in her words was understood not only by Wei Lanxuan but also by Liang Pan.
Naturally, it was not appropriate to fall out with her, so she stood up and said, "Your Highness speaks wisely. It is indeed getting late, so we shall take our leave first."
As she stood up, Liang Pan naturally did as well. Liang Luo, though reluctant, could not stay alone.
Bai Sihan, however, had not yet had a chance to speak with Wen Mengsheng and was about to be sent away. Naturally, she was displeased. Thus, she took it upon herself to say to Wei Lanxuan and the others,
"Sister Wei, my path is different from yours, so I will not leave with you. Please be careful on your journey."
Upon hearing this, the Eldest Princess of Changlin let out a scoff. She had thought the young lady from the Liang family was foolish, but she did not expect this one to be even more so, not understanding her intentions and daring to speak up so rashly.
Anger flared, and she no longer bothered to speak with her. She turned to glance at her attendant, Hua Qing, who nodded and walked up to Bai Sihan, saying, "Miss Bai, please."
This was already the last bit of courtesy she was showing. If Bai Sihan continued to pester, she could not blame the people of the princess's mansion for taking action.
Wei Lanxuan and the others had lived in the Eastern Capital for a long time and naturally knew the reputation of the Eldest Princess of Changlin. Even a fool could understand her intention of dismissing everyone. It was just that Bai Sihan was an outsider and dared to speak without understanding anything.
Unfortunately, she was no living bodhisattva. Wei Lanxuan clearly remembered Bai Sihan's answer on the day she fell into the water, so why should she help her?
Bai Sihan, not understanding the situation, blurted out in her haste, "If we all leave, leaving only the two young masters of the Wen family here to speak with the Princess, it might not be proper. Rumors outside might harm the Princess's reputation."
Her implication was that if she were present, it might be better.
As soon as these words were spoken, Wen Mengsheng and Wen Xinglu exchanged glances, both feeling that it was over. Originally, they had only wanted to leverage the situation, but now, her words made it seem as if they were trying to seduce the Princess.
With the imperial examinations approaching, reputation was of utmost importance for an official career. Naturally, they dared not act rashly. Thus, they also spoke up, saying, "Miss Bai speaks very true. Since that is the case, then we shall all take our leave together. We will pay our respects to the Princess another day." How could Changlin tolerate her enjoyment being ruined by an ungrateful girl? She put away her previously amiable demeanor and gave Bai Sihan a cold laugh, "When has it ever been your place, a mere girl, to comment on my words? To disrespect royalty, what great audacity! Come, drag her out and have her beaten to death."
Beaten to death?
Before Bai Sihan could react, guards rushed in and pinned her to the ground. As they dragged her away, she cried out in terror to the Princess, "I am the legitimate daughter of the Bai family! You cannot kill me like this."
"Oh? Legitimate daughter? I have lived in this Eastern Capital for decades and have never heard of a legitimate daughter in the Bai family other than Bai Siruo. You are merely the daughter of a concubine, yet you dare to clamor here, disrespecting me first and then offending me.
Even if the Bai family were to complain to His Majesty, they would not have a leg to stand on."
After hearing this, Bai Sihan finally understood what it meant for rank to crush people. The Eastern Capital was full of powerful families. Relying on the reputation of the Bai mansion, she and her mother had offended many people, but they had not suffered much punishment. Now, the power of the Bai family was nothing before the imperial family. To this day, she could not understand how she had offended the Princess.
"Princess, spare my life! Princess, spare my life!"
"Drag her away."
Frowning, she looked at Bai Sihan's appearance, as if she were an ant.
Bai Sihan's cries of anguish soon echoed throughout Changchun Tower. Dragged along the way, she no longer had the demeanor of a noble lady. She looked like a madwoman. The guards cast a contemptuous glance at her and began the punishment.
After only a dozen strokes, the person fell silent. "Sir, should we continue?"
The executioner guard was not afraid of the surrounding onlookers but worried that her identity might cause trouble. The leader frowned, recalling Hua Qing's warning glance. It was better to leave room for maneuver.
"Wait a moment, I will report to the Princess first."
"Yes."
He walked to the private room on the second floor and saw everyone standing inside with grim expressions. Liang Luo was the most terrified, large beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She had truly witnessed the Eldest Princess of Changlin's methods this time.
Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she dared not say another word.
Wei Lanxuan clutched Liang Pan's hand. They stood straight but felt guilty.
Compared to the Princess's ruthless methods, their own schemes were mere trifles.
"Reporting to the Princess, the person has fainted. Do we still need to beat her?"
"Oh, she can't take just a few planks? I thought her bones were as hard as her mouth. Never mind, send her back to the Bai mansion and tell the Prime Minister not to let such an insensible woman out to embarrass them. Lest I have to teach their daughter again next time I see her."
With these words, she managed to absolve herself.
The guard leader received the order and immediately left to escort Bai Sihan. Wei Lanxuan, seeing this, also quickly said, "It is indeed getting late. We will not delay the Princess's enjoyment. We shall take our leave now."
"Mm, Hua Qing, escort Miss Wei out."
"Yes."
For someone so sensible, Changlin had a good impression. Turning to look at the two Wen brothers, she regained her previous amiable demeanor.
"Where were we just now?"
Wen Mengsheng's mind was in a turmoil. He dared not offend the Princess directly, nor did he want to ruin his future and reputation. Thus, he could only offer a plan, "Your Highness, please forgive us. My cousin has not been feeling well these past few days and often faints. He forgot his medicine at home when he came out this time. I fear he will have no medicine if he falls ill. I beg Your Highness's understanding, and we should also return."
With these words, Wen Xinglu could only brace himself and continue.
Changlin understood three parts of their intentions, and the sarcasm on her lips grew more pronounced.
"Young Master Wen, you do not wish to sit with me any longer?"
"Your Highness, where did you get that idea? It is truly my cousin's illness that is urgent. Today is the Lantern Festival, and I imagine His Majesty is also very happy. If there are any unpleasant rumors in the city, it might displease His Majesty. It would be best to..."
Wen Mengsheng clasped his hands, his head bowed low, not daring to meet the gaze of the Eldest Princess of Changlin. Wen Xinglu, standing beside him, trembled with fear. For him, if his career were ruined, his entire life would be ruined. He feared this more than Wen Mengsheng.