Rumors spread like wildfire, with whispers even claiming the Kings of Qin, Chu, and Qi were illegitimate sons of the Empress Dowager, their fabricated tales so vivid they made even Xiao Man marvel at the people's imagination!
"Mistress, you've been listening to storytellers here all morning, from the Chu King being a love child to the Qi King being one. Every version is presented with conviction. These storytellers' tongues are truly deceiving spirits!"
Hearing this, Xiao Man couldn't help but laugh. "Yingxue, the mouths of civil officials and the blades of military generals are no match for the destructive power of gossip!"
"Miss, with rumors flying everywhere, surely the one in the palace must know by now?"
"Not necessarily," Xiao Man said slowly. "If someone doesn't want her to know, she won't. I'm just curious if the real illegitimate son knows all of this."
Yingxue understood Xiao Man was referring to Nangong Yi. Nangong Yi had been doted on by the Empress Dowager since childhood. While Consort De and the Emperor indulged him, the Empress Dowager was exceptionally strict yet also exceptionally loving. Nangong Yi also feared the Empress Dowager greatly, so perhaps he genuinely knew his illegitimate status.
"Did you hear? The Empress Dowager's lover is Minister Jin!"
"Could that be a lie?" people at a neighboring table whispered.
"Not at all. Before the Empress Dowager entered the palace, she was betrothed. She broke off the engagement to enter the imperial selection, and her fiancé was Minister Jin!"
"How did Minister Jin get involved with the Empress Dowager?"
"You wouldn't know about this," the man stroked his goatee and said sagely. "When the Empress Dowager entered the palace, she was young and vibrant, while the late Emperor was already advanced in years. Although favored, the Empress Dowager ultimately bore no children for the late Emperor. When the Emperor died, the Empress Dowager was in her prime and couldn't bear the loneliness of the deep palace. So, she moved to the royal villa, specifically to meet her old flame!"
"I heard the Empress Dowager kept many male companions at the royal villa. Her illegitimate sons might not all be Minister Jin's, right?"
Another person smiled mysteriously. "He's the Empress Dowager, after all. Minister Jin rose to prominence by relying on her. Even if he wears a cuckold's hat, it's worth it."
The few chuckled knowingly. "If it were me, I'd gladly acknowledge a bastard child if it brought me high office, wealth, and honor."
"Forget one, I'd accept ten!" one of them chimed in. "If the Empress Dowager likes handsome men, I'll find her young, strong, and good-looking youths for her pleasure!"
"You guys, have you no shame, scrambling to be cuckolded!"
"We're just kidding. The Empress Dowager wouldn't fancy common folk like us anyway," they laughed merrily. "Speaking of which, who really is the Empress Dowager's illegitimate son?"
"With the Crown Prince now deceased, who do you think is most likely to ascend the throne?"
"The King of Qin!"
"You support the King of Qin too?"
"The King of Qin is so handsome, capable, and good-looking. If I were a girl, I'd definitely marry the King of Qin!"
"Pah! Look at you. Even if you were a girl, the King of Qin wouldn't fancy you. To be worthy of the King of Qin, it has to be Princess Yongning!"
The few nodded in unison. "These two are a match made in heaven. I still remember that year on the Qixi Festival, when they offered flowers. They were truly a celestial couple."
Hearing this, Xiao Man could listen no further. She put down two taels of silver and left with Yingxue. Yingxue secretly giggled, "Miss, the common people are truly amusing."
"Do you want to go to the Imperial Guard and train with Pei Jun and the others?" Xiao Man cast a dangerous glance at Yingxue, who quickly covered her mouth.
On the street, patrolling guards passed by from time to time. Yingxue looked puzzled. "There are quite a few patrols on the street today."
"The Crown Prince's suicide, the Empress Dowager's licentiousness, and the Ninth Princess's disappearance are no small matters. If they don't increase patrols, they might not even notice if enemies have infiltrated the imperial city."
"Miss." Yingxue tugged at Xiao Man's sleeve. Today was a rare day off, and she had hoped for a leisurely stroll, only to encounter Du Yulan again.
The former Du Yulan was as noble and elegant as a magnolia flower. But the current Du Yulan was full of resentment, exuding an oppressive gloom.
"Should I call you Princess Yongning, or Commander Xiao?" Du Yulan blocked Xiao Man's path, asking with a smile.
"Either is fine, as Your Highness Consort prefers."
"Then I'll call you by your name. After all, names are meant to be called. If they're not meant to be called, one might as well call you 'Cat' or 'Dog'," Du Yulan's smile remained unchanged. "Don't you think so, Xiao Man?"
A brilliant smile appeared on Xiao Man's face. "What stray dog dares to bark nonsense in front of this princess?"
"How dare you!" Du Yulan raised her hand to strike Xiao Man.
Xiao Man grabbed Du Yulan's hand and exerted slight pressure. Du Yulan's face turned pale from the pain. Her maid, Qiao Lan, rushed forward, a glint of light on her fingertips piercing towards Xiao Man's arm. Xiao Man forcefully pulled Du Yulan towards herself, while Yingxue tripped Qiao Lan. The silver needle hidden in Qiao Lan's fingertip then pricked Du Yulan's arm.
"Ah," Du Yulan cried out in pain. Xiao Man gave a slight push, sending the mistress and servant tumbling to the ground. Qiao Lan quickly got up to help her mistress.
"Your Highness Consort, are you alright?"
Du Yulan looked at Xiao Man with disbelief. In her understanding, Xiao Man was someone who knew how to advance and retreat and cared about her reputation. This was the first time she had attacked her so shamelessly.
"You insolent wench, I am the Consort of the King of Qi!"
"Is being the Consort of the King of Qi so great?" Xiao Man looked down at Du Yulan. "Even if Nangong Yi stood here, I would still hit him, let alone you."
"You are disrespecting the royal family!"
"I've hit plenty of royalty since I was young, and I'm still alive and well," Xiao Man sneered mockingly. "Du Yulan, I tolerated you before for Nangong Yi's sake. But from now on, I won't give you an inch!"
"You killed my child!"
Xiao Man looked at Du Yulan calmly. "Speaking of which, I do regret it. Why did I have to be so meddlesome and push you? Your life and death had nothing to do with me. Yet I had to interfere. However, causing your miscarriage is an undeniable fact. If you want revenge for your child, come at me. I have no complaints. But if you lay a hand on my family, I will make sure the King of Qi's manor and the Du family have no peace."
Xiao Man strode away. Du Yulan struggled to her feet, her expression contorted. "Qiao Lan, did you see that? She killed my child, yet shows no remorse. I will never forgive her."
"Your Highness Consort, your injury..." Qiao Lan was more concerned about the substance on the needle. It had pricked her mistress instead of Xiao Man.
"I'm fine," Du Yulan said through gritted teeth. "One day, I will make her pay for my child's life!"