"You all have worked hard during this time. It's rare for me to return, so let's find a place for us sisters to catch up properly," suggested the Second Princess. After all, they were at the Emperor's Daughter's mansion, at the funeral of Minister Wen. Even if they wanted to reminisce, it couldn't be here, as it would be seen as deliberate provocation.
"Why don't we go to Second Sister's residence? Second Sister has traveled a long way to return, she must be tired. It's a perfect opportunity for us to welcome you back," the others agreed to go to the Second Princess's mansion to catch up. They then bid farewell to Xiao Man and departed.
Xiao Man watched them leave, a flicker of light in her eyes. Minister Wen walked over and stood beside her.
"This Second Princess of Lan Yue is not simple," Minister Wen said in a low voice. "We must be on guard."
Xiao Man nodded imperceptibly. "I always thought the princesses who were sent away were all ostracized. Now it seems this Second Princess likely left Bianjing of her own volition. Over the years, I wonder what she has done outside to make the other princesses regard her as their leader."
"Third Princess might know something," Minister Wen suggested. "Why not ask Third Princess?"
"She wouldn't know," Xiao Man countered. "She has been a spy in the General's mansion since childhood, so she probably knows very little about the Second Princess's affairs. If anyone understands the Second Princess, it would be the Eldest Princess."
"The Eldest Princess is quite displeased with your power grab. She might instigate the Second Princess to rebel. You should make plans soon. As for Han'er's funeral arrangements, your mother and I will handle them; you don't need to worry. Ascending the throne is a matter of sooner the better."
"Father, there's no need to worry, I know what I'm doing," Xiao Man said softly.
"Xiao Man, the important matters are paramount," Minister Wen said with some concern. Now that their son was gone, if Xiao Man lost the throne, they would suffer a heavy loss. Moreover, Xiao Man was carrying the Wen family's bloodline. He would risk his life to protect her.
"Father, Mo Han's funeral arrangements are important to me. As for other matters..." Xiao Man paused for a moment. "If they want to cause trouble, let them. I am afraid they won't cause trouble."
Minister Wen immediately understood. Xiao Man already had a plan. The princesses of Lan Yue were all ambitious and unwilling to be subordinate. If she acted now, she might lose the loyalty of her officials and the people. If she didn't act, they would constantly provoke her. But if they made mistakes themselves and fell into Xiao Man's hands, Xiao Man could deal with them rightfully!
Minister Wen understood Xiao Man's plan. Xiao Man wanted to create opportunities for the princesses, to see who would jump out and become the first to act. Whoever jumped out would ultimately become the chicken Xiao Man would use to warn the monkeys.
After Xiao Man took down the Empress, she kept her under house arrest in the harem. The gentlemen of the harem trembled in fear and stayed indoors. Only Ye Fei volunteered to take care of the Empress. Xiao Man did not make things difficult for him and allowed Ye Fei to enter.
The princesses gathered at the Second Princess's mansion. Ostensibly, they were there to have tea and catch up, but in reality, they were there to discuss how to rescue the Empress and take down Xiao Man.
The Eldest Princess reacted the most fiercely, listing ten crimes of Xiao Man, portraying her as a malicious and wicked person with ulterior motives, who did all sorts of evil deeds for the throne.
The Fifth Princess laughed sarcastically beside her, while the Fourth Princess remained silent. The Second Princess, holding her tea, listened to the Eldest Princess passionately describe Xiao Man's terrible deeds, without offering any comment.
"Second Sister, don't you think Xiao Man is detestable?"
The Second Princess took a sip of tea and then slowly asked, "What does Eldest Sister intend to do?"
"Xiao Man has confined His Majesty. Our urgent task is to rescue His Majesty."
"And then?"
"Then, mobilize the army to come and protect the Emperor, and take down Xiao Man!"
"Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, what do you think?" The Second Princess looked at the Fourth and Fifth Princesses.
The Fifth Princess spread her hands and shrugged. "I just came for tea and to catch up. I never thought about fighting Xiao Man to the death. Even if I did, I'm not her match."
"Fifth Sister, what are you saying? You alone are not her match, but the four of us joining forces, can't we deal with one Xiao Man?" the Eldest Princess scolded. "You are a commanding general, don't you have this much spirit?"
"Eldest Sister probably forgot, I am no longer a commanding general. Thanks to certain people, I am now just an ordinary person, with only the title of princess, no power, and not a single soldier." The Fifth Princess said pointedly.
The Fourth Princess lowered her eyes, not speaking. Among the many princesses, she was likely the only one who had truly witnessed Xiao Man's strength. If she could still muster the thought of resistance before, now she couldn't muster the slightest bit. Because she understood that Xiao Man would no longer give her another chance. If she were to make another move, the next time would be her death!
"Fourth Sister, why aren't you speaking?" the Second Princess asked the Fourth Princess.
The Fourth Princess raised her head and looked at the Second Princess. "Second Sister, I have nothing to say."
"Fourth Sister, how can you say you have nothing to say? If Xiao Man ascends the throne, will we still have a good life?" the Eldest Princess quickly persuaded. "We are princesses of Lan Yue, and we have deep roots here over the years. If she wants to stabilize her power, we will be the first she targets."
"Third Sister hid in the General's mansion and tried to assassinate Xiao Man multiple times, yet she is still alive?"
The Eldest Princess was choked for a moment. "That's because Lan Qin did not infringe upon her interests! That's why she could live until now."
"I took people to try and intercept her a while ago. She clearly had the ability to kill me on the spot, but she didn't," the Fifth Princess added. "Eldest Sister, I advise you, don't provoke Xiao Man. If you truly anger her, the consequences are beyond what you can bear."
"Are you scared?" the Eldest Princess sneered. "She's just an outsider, and you're already afraid. Do you even deserve to be a royal princess?"
"Eldest Sister probably forgot, we are the outsiders. She is the rightful royal bloodline, the direct descendant." The Fifth Princess hooked her lips. "Have you been a princess for too long, Eldest Sister, that you've forgotten your own origins?"
The Eldest Princess's face turned pale. Her humble origins were her pain. If she could have been related to the royal bloodline even slightly, she wouldn't be in such an awkward position. If the royal family itself had no bloodline, it would be fine, but then Xiao Man emerged, the rightful royal bloodline. The Empress's throne was snatched from her mother!
"What, Fifth Sister, do you think we should surrender to Xiao Man?" the Eldest Princess asked indignantly.
The Fifth Princess picked up her teacup and slowly took a sip. "I think it would be fine for Xiao Man to be the Empress. What do Second Sister think?"
The Second Princess picked up a piece of pastry and took a bite. "This pastry was brought back by me from Liangzhou. It's sweet and crispy, and tastes excellent. You should all try it."