Chapter 142: She… More Alluring

“Thank you, Aunt.”

Xie Yao withdrew her gaze and bowed politely to Princess Yongle. The Crown Prince had intended to give the same order, but as an elder, the princess’s words carried far greater weight. She had arrived at just the right moment.

Princess Yongle gave Xie Yao a glance, her eyes dropping to Xie Yao’s rounded belly. “It’s cold out here. Go inside first.”

As Pei Chen passed them, he shot a quick wink at the couple. He had lent a hand today, after all… surely the Crown Princess would remember his favor.

Xiao Ji helped Xie Yao onto their sedan chair. Left standing at the palace gate was only Xiao Hong. He took a step forward, his gaze lingering on their departing carriage. His tongue darted across his lips, lowered lashes concealing the hunger and madness in his eyes.

Xie Yao looked now… even more alluring.

Winter nights fell early. Lanterns lit the palace halls, and the family banquet finally began.

Years ago, the throne struggle had been fierce. With Princess Yongle’s support, the current Emperor ascended, and the remaining princes were dispatched to their fiefs. Thus, the gathering tonight was not overly large.

The Emperor sat at the head. The Empress’s seat remained empty. On his right sat Princess Yongle, followed by Xiao Ji and the other princes and princesses. Beside Xie Yao was Xiao Ning, then Hu Lianyuan, and further down, Xiao Hong. To the left sat the concubines, including Consort Shu.

Music filled the hall, lively and festive.

Xiao Ning raised a cup of wine, smiling. “Sister-in-law, happy new year.”

In front of Xie Yao was not wine but a different drink. She lifted her cup and clinked it lightly in the air. “Happy new year.”

Xiao Ning drained her cup, and then lowered her eyes to Xie Yao’s waistline. “Sister-in-law will be giving birth soon, won’t you?”

“Yes.” Xie Yao’s lips curved faintly. Then she asked sweetly, “And you, Princess? It has been some time since your marriage to the Prince Consort. Why is there still no good news?”

She knew full well Xiao Ning would never have Hu Lianyuan’s child or anyone else’s, for that matter. That was precisely why she asked.

Xiao Ning only replied, “Perhaps fate has yet to come.”

Those men? None were worthy of bearing her offspring. Her gaze flickered toward Xie Yao’s belly with a flash of regret. So many attempts had been made, and yet the child still remained unharmed…

“I heard Sister-in-law had a quarrel with Third Lady Xie at the palace gates today?” Xiao Ning’s eyes probed her, curiosity tinged with suspicion. Could it be that Xie Yao had guessed something?

“Apologies for making the Princess laugh,” Xie Yao answered calmly, her expression betraying faint distaste, as though she merely despised Xie Yuru’s behavior.

“Yao-yao…” Xiao Ning began again, but Xiao Ji placed a porcelain cup of bird’s nest soup before his wife. “Eat something first.”

Xie Yao turned to him with a soft smile, taking the bowl and sipping daintily. If Xiao Ji served it personally, she knew every ingredient had been checked thoroughly.

Xiao Ning was forced to swallow her words. Her eyes shifted, and she rose to approach Princess Yongle instead.

The bird’s nest was at just the right warmth. After two sips, Xie Yao felt a gaze land on her. She looked up.

It came from the direction of Consort Shu and Consort Li. Many eyes were on her tonight, even the Emperor looked over often, but that particular gaze felt… different.

The banquet passed smoothly, with no surprises.

As night fell and heavy snow blanketed the palace, Xie Yao and Xiao Ji stayed the night. Their assigned palace chambers had been cleaned and prepared, warm as spring when they entered.

Xie Yao gave Zhuqing and the maids leave to enjoy themselves in a side hall.

“Yao-yao.”

Xiao Ji appeared with a small box in his hand, setting it before her. “I also prepared a New Year’s gift for you.”

“Oh?” Yao’s eyes lit with anticipation. She opened the box and froze in surprise.

Inside lay a dagger.

Her expression turned odd. A dagger as a New Year’s gift was certainly unexpected.

Xiao Ji didn’t explain much, only said, “This blade is called Chui Xue (Blowing Snow). It cuts through iron like mud. Keep it with you, for protection.”

Because there would always be times when he could not be at her side.

The New Year had come. His Yao-yao had spent another year with him. But the time he had left to accompany her… had lessened by another year. Each day was a countdown.

Xie Yao picked up the dagger. Its sheath looked plain, but in her hand it was solid and heavy. She drew it slightly, cold light flashed along its edge.

A strand of her hair fell across it, and with the slightest touch it split cleanly in two.

“Truly sharp,” she murmured, sliding it back into its sheath. “Thank you, Your Highness. I like it very much.”

His eyes softened. “Then I am glad.”

While the Crown Prince and his consort stayed in the palace, Xiao Hong did not. He left that very night, returning to his own residence.

Xie Yuru, upon hearing, hurried to greet him. She wore a crimson gown trimmed with white fur, her hair and makeup styled exactly like Xie Yao’s earlier that day. Standing at the gate, her eyes shimmered with feigned grievance. “Your Highness…” she whispered.

Xiao Hong’s anger ebbed slightly. His gaze traveled downward, and his brows furrowed in open disdain. “Far worse!”

Xie Yuru froze, her body trembling faintly. She lowered her head, biting her lip to hide the hatred burning in her eyes.

Xie Yao… Damn you, Xie Yao! Not only did you seduce the Crown Prince, and Zhenbei Marquis too, but even my Second Highness…

If not for that person advising her to copy Xie Yao’s appearance, she would still be ignored. She had finally begged her way into the palace today, only to be humiliated because of Xie Yao.

Yet when Xiao Hong looked again, her lowered lashes and faint resemblance made some of his fury dissipate. Forget it. She was just a plaything, something to sate his appetite.

He strode forward, scooping her into his arms. “Bear me a child,” he whispered against her ear.

Her head jerked up, joy bursting from her eyes. “Your Highness!”

But his expression darkened at once, voice sharp with warning. “Like this, you no longer resemble her.”

Xie Yuru quickly dropped her gaze, softening her posture. “Your Highness… I—I am willing… willing to give you a child.”

Inside, she sneered. Only Xiao Hong could believe Xie Yao was weak and submissive. In truth, Xie Yao was anything but that. But she had no choice but to play the role he imagined, otherwise she would no longer “look like her.”

Xiao Hong chuckled, tossing her onto the bed and pressing down over her. He had said only bear a child, never raise one.

A mere plaything. She could dream of nothing more.

Xie Yuru didn’t know his thoughts. She was busy putting on her act. Though she felt no pleasure, even pain, she forced herself to appear lost in ecstasy. She dared not open her eyes, for fear her true feelings would be seen.

Xie Yao… I will repay today’s humiliation!

Xiao Hong snatched up a garment and covered her mouth and nose with it. Like this yes, this way, she resembled her even more…

Cultural Notes:

• Chui Xue: The dagger’s name means “Blowing Snow,” a poetic way of saying it is sharp enough to cut as lightly as falling snow.