Lan Ya looked at Hua Wen's swollen face, a hint of surprise on her own. "General Hua, what happened to your face?"
"Greetings, First Princess. To answer the First Princess, this humble subject was clumsy and fell."
Lan Ya raised an eyebrow. What a peculiar fall, leaving five clear finger marks that were impossible to ignore. However, since Hua Wen didn't elaborate, she didn't press. Lan Ya hadn't forgotten her objective and boldly assessed Xiao Man.
From the moment Xiao Man entered Bianjing, she had done things Lan Ya herself wouldn't dare. General Jing held immense power and command of the military, yet Xiao Man had dismissed him with a word. General Hua, a trusted confidant of the Emperor, was in charge of the city's defenses. As he looked now, it was clear he dared not speak his mind.
"His Majesty has decreed that Xiao Man shall enter the palace for an audience," Lan Ya stated unhurriedly. "Sister, are you refusing the imperial decree, or are you defying it?"
Xiao Man opened her eyes and looked at Lan Ya with amusement. "May I ask if your esteemed Emperor wishes to summon Yu Sheng's Xiao Man, or the orphan of Empress Yue Xian?"
"Is there a difference?" Lan Ya inquired.
"Of course, there is," Xiao Man replied, picking at her fingernails. "If you are summoning Yu Sheng's Xiao Man, then I am a princess of Yu Sheng and can refuse. If you are summoning the orphan of Empress Yue Xian, then I am the rightful Imperial Princess of Yue Xian. When you see an Imperial Princess, why do you not bow?"
Lan Ya had never expected Xiao Man to anticipate her move. Regardless of how she answered, she would be at a disadvantage!
"We are all sisters, why make such a distinction?"
"First Princess, you are mistaken again. My mother bore only me, I have no sisters."
Lan Ya's expression shifted. Xiao Man was indeed as detestable as rumored. However, the First Princess was known for her adaptability. If she failed to bring Xiao Man to the palace as ordered, she would undoubtedly face reprimand.
"Lan Ya greets the Imperial Princess. His Majesty has decreed that the Imperial Princess shall enter the palace for an audience."
Xiao Man observed the First Princess, who remained composed. Despite being subjected to such taunts, she was unruffled. It was no wonder she was considered the strongest contender for the position of Crown Prince. Her temperament alone surpassed many. Su Dan Novel Network.
Lan Ya believed that if she humbled herself, Xiao Man would obediently enter the palace. But the reality proved her to be far too naive.
Xiao Man stood up and stretched. "This Princess was attacked by assassins and nearly burned to death. I was frightened and am feeling unwell. I require rest."
Lan Ya's facial muscles twitched. She immediately ordered a carriage to be prepared, but Xiao Man complained that the carriage was too hard and uncomfortable to lie in.
She then requested a soft palanquin, but complained that it was too small to lie down in. Lan Ya desperately suppressed her inner rage, fighting the urge to strike Xiao Man dead with a single blow!
"Guards, find a soft couch for the Imperial Princess. Make sure it is large and soft!"
"Yes, First Princess."
Xiao Man looked at the soft couch the guards carried over, a look of disdain on her face. "In broad daylight, you are carrying a bed around like this. First Princess, have you no shame?"
Even with Lan Ya's good temper, she was on the verge of shouting, "Xiao Man, what exactly do you want?"
"As I said, I was frightened and need to rest properly," Xiao Man said nonchalantly, picking at her ear. "You insist on forcing me. My health is very poor. If I were to fall ill, the First Princess would bear the crime of harming an Imperial Princess. If that happened, the other princesses would surely clap their hands in glee!"
Lan Ya knew that if anything happened to her, her sisters would do everything in their power to crush her. After all, fewer competitors meant a clearer path.
"So, you are refusing the decree?"
Xiao Man sneered. "Do you have His Majesty's imperial decree? With just your words, you claim His Majesty summons me? Who knows if you are falsely passing an imperial decree?"
"Prime Minister Yao, you... settle this for me..." The First Princess turned to look, but Prime Minister Yao was nowhere to be seen. He had vanished at some point.
"Miss, new accommodations have been arranged. Please grace them with your presence."
Xiao Man yawned and turned to leave. Lan Ya wished to stop her, but she knew Xiao Man's unruly nature. If they were to confront each other directly, Xiao Man might just find a way to trap her. It was better to return to the palace and report, even if she was reprimanded by the Emperor. It was better than being mocked by Xiao Man!
The Empress had initially intended to make Xiao Man wait. Who knew that Xiao Man would directly refuse the summons. Her intentions were immediately put aside; they would make her wait longer.
Upon entering Bianjing, she had struck her general and her trusted confidante. As for the fire at Tianyu Tower, though she didn't quite understand, she knew Xiao Man must have played a part. After all, the fire at Tianyu Tower had caused the greatest losses to the First Princess.
"Mother Empress, Xiao Man refuses to enter the palace. I was afraid she might act rashly and dared not force her. I beg your mother Empress's forgiveness."
The Empress sighed, "Third Princess."
"Your humble subject is here."
"You have spent the most time with Xiao Man. Why don't you go and invite her?"
"Mother Empress, I am the one she has beaten the most. I dare not provoke her at this time." Lan Qin was not foolish. At this moment, whoever went to visit would be in trouble. She would not be the one to stick her neck out.
"What, is no one willing to go and invite her?"
"Your Majesty, Xiao Man is so arrogant and rude. This subject requests permission to lead soldiers to apprehend her and bring her to the palace."
The Empress gave her a cool glance. "Since your subject requests it, then go."
"Your subject accepts the decree."
The Fourth Princess watched with amusement as the official, chest puffed out, led people to invite Xiao Man. A schadenfreude smile curved her lips. Xiao Man's performance at Tianbao Tower yesterday was enough to intimidate her. Moreover, last night, various factions had attempted to kill Xiao Man, but not a single assassin returned. The First Princess had suffered heavy losses; her Tianyu Tower was reduced to ashes. She found herself liking Xiao Man more and more.
"First Princess, have the investigations into the fire at Tianyu Tower concluded?"
"Replying to Mother Empress, it was caused by the kitchen forgetting to extinguish the fire after cooking," the First Princess stated calmly. "The Imperial Princess was startled, and this subject is not without fault. I will prepare a generous gift later to visit her."
"Your Majesty, during the fire at Tianyu Tower, the Imperial Princess nearly lost her life in the flames and is greatly angered," Prime Minister Yao slowly stepped forward. "The Imperial Princess is the sole bloodline of our Lan Yue royal family, yet after entering the imperial city, she has been repeatedly targeted by assassins. Your Majesty, this subject believes it is imperative to quickly arrange safe accommodations for the Imperial Princess. If she continues to be left exposed, unforeseen accidents may occur."
The Empress had the same thought. "Currently, there are not many residences befitting her status. How about this, bestow upon her the mansion her mother used to reside in. I believe she will not refuse. As for the servants..."
The Empress knew Xiao Man had capable people around her. If she forced servants into her residence, they would likely be thrown out within days. It was not advisable to act too hastily.
"Wan'er, you are responsible for the arrangements. Prepare whatever she needs."
"Your humble subject accepts the decree."