Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Chu Yueli's exquisite and beautiful face remained expressionless, but her ten fingers, hidden in her sleeves, were clenched tightly.

The two people in front of me seem kind, but they are hypocrites.

A few casual rumors can ruin a girl's life.

If it were a more fragile girl, she might have hanged herself upon returning home.

These people are truly ruthless killers!

“Ali, I know that you were upset because Jin’er was with that country girl, which is why you acted so willfully and recklessly, causing General Chu to lose his military merits for nothing and receive the imperial decree to annul the engagement.”

Consort Rui put down her cup, her smile as gentle as a breeze: "Don't worry, I went to Prince Jin's residence a few days ago and ordered my men to beat that country bumpkin to a pulp, giving her a good beating and avenging you."

"Even if she still has the nerve to stay in Prince Jin's residence, I will definitely teach her a lesson and never let her have an easy time."

She took Chu Yueli's hand and patted the back of it: "Ali, as long as you go and tell the Emperor that you were just throwing a tantrum and being willful, and ask the Emperor to rescind his order, we'll pretend this never happened."

"From now on, you will still be my beloved Ali, and the noble Princess Consort of the Prince Jin's Mansion, receiving the love and affection of all of us. Otherwise, the rumors and gossip outside might drown you, or even the entire Duke's Mansion."

Finally, she said meaningfully, "Fortunately, the Duke is ill in bed and hasn't had the chance to hear those foul words. If some brainless servant accidentally said something inappropriate in front of him, I'm afraid the Duke would be so angry that he would fall ill and never recover. Then you, Ali, would be heartbroken."

Chu Yueli remained silent, but the chill emanating from her body intensified noticeably in an instant.

Having achieved her goal of threatening her with the Duke, Consort Rui released her hand and said with a smile, "Ali, think it over carefully when you get back, and go talk to the Emperor about this matter as soon as possible."

She thought for a moment and then said, "By the way, the Emperor is going to hold a celebration banquet for Prince Mo tonight. It will be a grand event with many people attending. If you don't want people to talk about these things to your face, Ali, why don't you go and explain things to the Emperor before the banquet?"

"As long as the engagement remains in effect, what is there to fear from gossip? We will be husband and wife anyway, and everyone will understand."

"So, will Tuoba Feiyuan also attend the victory celebration banquet tonight?" Chu Yueli asked expressionlessly.

Consort Rui, unaware of her thoughts, assumed she was still sulking. She quickly smiled and said, "That country bumpkin is crude and vulgar. How could I allow her to participate in such a grand event?"

"Didn't Her Majesty say she would help me get revenge? How can I get revenge if she doesn't come?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Rui was overjoyed: "A-Li wants her to come? That's a piece of cake. I'll send someone to Prince Jin's residence to tell her that she must attend the banquet tonight."

The girl finally relented, and Consort Rui was relieved.

"Don't worry, tonight I will definitely satisfy you, A-Li."

"Alright." Chu Yueli forced a smile, "Then, we'll wait and see."

The two chatted casually for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, after which Chu Yueli made an excuse to leave.

As she watched her departing figure, Granny Xiu couldn't help but whisper, "Your Highness, judging from her appearance, is she really going to beg the Emperor to rescind his decree?"

"She's already cornered, and I've given her such a great way out. If I can vent her anger tonight, how could she not obediently listen to me?"

Consort Rui was not worried at all: "Just wait and see. In no more than three days, the Emperor will send someone to inform me that the wedding will proceed as planned."