Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun attended the banquet but didn't get to eat. It concerned Princess Mujin's reputation, so she couldn't tell the truth to the maids in the courtyard, only saying that a large python had appeared in Prince Wu's mansion.
For the maids who served in the inner quarters all day, a large python was shocking enough.
Their eyes widened, and they were practically ready to pull up stools and crack melon seeds to listen to Wang Qingyao's detailed account.
"Later, when more people arrived, the python didn't dare to come out. It was only Princess Mujin and her maid who were frightened."
"How big was the python?"
"I heard it was as thick as a wrist!"
Everyone gasped.
Yinzhu sighed, "The Feng Shui in Prince Qi's mansion and Prince Wu's mansion isn't very good. Who chose these places? Why are the two brothers having consecutive incidents?"
Coral said, "It should be said that Princess Qi and Princess Wu have bad luck. Why is it always them who have incidents? Why are others fine?"
These words could only be spoken behind closed doors at home. Although people outside found it strange, no one dared to discuss it openly.
Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun lay down, and then slowly revealed Prince Wu's plan. Xiao Yun only knew that Prince Wu intended to use Princess Mujin's chastity as an excuse, but he never expected it to be done this way.
His mouth gaped for a long time, and he said, "This kid is truly wicked, much more so than his brother."
One should not judge a person by their appearance.
Prince Wu was only two years older than the Seventh Prince and always appeared to be a harmless, sunny young man. Who would have thought he had such a malicious heart?
"Well, at least this incident allowed me to see Prince Wu's true colors," Xiao Yun said.
Wang Qingyao nodded, "And we also know that Wei Yu is colluding with Prince Wu."
Xiao Yun played with her long, dark hair. "It seems Prince Wu, like Prince Qi, is coveting that position. It's just that Prince Wu hides it deeply; no one has discovered it for so many years."
"And the Second Prince is disdainful of it. Alas, those who want it cannot get it, and those who don't want it are precisely his."
Wang Qingyao's sigh made Xiao Yun laugh. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips.
Wang Qingyao suddenly remembered Bian Siyue and pushed him, saying, "You just favored Consort Bian yesterday. According to reason, the novelty hasn't worn off yet. You should go there again today. No, you should spend three or four consecutive days in her room."
Xiao Yun: "..."
Wang Qingyao continued happily, "Consort Bian can compose poetry and couplets, play the zither, and paint. She is a girl with a rich and interesting life... The other three consorts are also good. Alas, why don't you 'favor' them all? If you only favor Consort Bian, even if the other three have no ideas, others will speculate about what's wrong with them. Alas, how sad they must be? They are all beautiful as flowers..."
"Didn't we agree to choose only one at first?"
"Can you bear to see beautiful women sad and guessing? You are a prince; you must be fair and just..."
Xiao Yun, unable to bear it any longer, leaned over and pressed down on her. "This prince only wants to favor you!"
The two engaged in an intimate and passionate embrace.
Taking advantage of Xiao Yun's satisfaction and good mood, Wang Qingyao rested her head on his arm and affectionately said, "I'm serious, you can't favor one over the others. You must visit all four of them."
Xiao Yun exerted some effort and was a little tired. He yawned, "Aren't you afraid that one of them might have ulterior motives?"
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid," Wang Qingyao coaxed him. "I don't have confidence in them, but don't I have confidence in you?"
This indeed pleased Xiao Yun. He closed his eyes and kissed her forehead a few times. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
The next day, when they went to pay their respects to the Old Dowager, Wang Qingyao told her about the incident at Prince Wu's mansion. She didn't need to hide anything from the Old Dowager and told her the truth.
The Old Dowager was shocked. "Prince Wu is like this?"
It was evident how many people he had deceived.
As they were chatting, Madam Jing quickly walked in.
"Old Dowager, Consort," her expression was complex. "The eldest daughter of the Kang family is dead!"
"Ah!" The Old Dowager exclaimed, and Wang Qingyao immediately stood up.
"Dead? How did she die?"
"It's said she died of illness."
Usually, when someone died of illness, there was more than a nine-tenths chance of foul play. And after what had happened to Kang Yutong, could it be suicide?
Wang Qingyao and the Old Dowager exchanged a glance, both having the same guess.
The Old Dowager lamented, "Such a good girl, why would she be so unable to let go? It was such a small matter!"
Yes, it was truly not worth committing suicide over such a small matter. Kang Yutong's psychological resilience was too poor!
News of the eldest daughter of the Kang family's death quickly spread throughout Duanjing City. Everyone was shrewd; who would believe she died of illness? They all sighed, saying it was difficult to be a consort. Before even marrying in, she was implicated and driven to suicide.
Princess Mujin was so frightened that she fell ill that night. Her illness never recovered, and the princess was bedridden for more than half a year. The medicine she took damaged her body, and the doctor said she might have difficulty conceiving in the future.
Madam Mu dared not deceive the royal family and went to the palace to ask the Emperor to revoke the imperial decree of betrothal.
The Emperor sent Imperial Physician Lu to examine Princess Mujin. Imperial Physician Lu reported back, "It is indeed difficult to conceive, and it is not impossible to treat, but it will take a long time... and it may not be completely curable..."
The Emperor pondered for a long time and finally revoked the imperial decree of betrothal.
Of course, these were all matters for later.