In the courtyard, four or five physicians surrounded Han Xi’er, even the most renowned physician in the capital having been summoned, anxiously making their diagnosis.

Whether it was Prime Minister Han or Han Xi’er, neither of them could afford to gamble at this juncture. The vast courtyard fell so silent one could have heard a needle drop.

Prime Minister Han’s gaze bore into Ziqing with venomous intensity, saying not a single word, the atmosphere stretched to its most unbearable tension.

Ziqing lay slumped to one side, her small frame appearing so fragile, and yet those bright eyes of hers held not a trace of fear, meeting Prime Minister Han’s stare head-on, even more piercing than his own, enough to command the entire courtyard.

After a long moment, the physician finally hurried forward to report, “My lord, the prognosis is not favorable. The young lady’s injuries are severe—even with our utmost effort, it will take at least a month and a half at the very least before she recovers.”

The moment these words were spoken, Han Xi’er burst into wailing sobs. “Father! I don’t care, you have to get justice for me, waaah… Father, she did this to me on purpose! Father, you mustn’t be biased, you have to stand up for me!”

Prime Minister Han said nothing, though his hands were already clenched so tightly they cracked audibly. Ziqing, too, remained silent, the sharpness in her eyes undiminished.

“Father, I don’t want to be disfigured! Father, I don’t want Prince Yao to see me like this! Father, save me!”

“It’s all because of that wretched girl! Father, you have to get justice for me!”

“Waaah… Father, hurry and make her heal me… hurry!”

… Only Han Xi’er’s endless wailing and complaining continued, tugging violently at Prime Minister Han’s arm.

“Enough noise!”

Suddenly, Prime Minister Han erupted in fury, savagely wrenching his arm free and raising his hand to strike, startling Han Xi’er into instant silence.

Prime Minister Han felt something choking in his chest, unable to go up or down, his teeth clenched almost to breaking, yet he had no choice but to accept it—if Han Ziqing suffered any further harm, all his years of careful effort would truly be wasted!

This time, the selection of candidates was entirely under his control. Aside from Xi’er, not a single one of the other maidens was qualified to become the primary consort—how many people would have loved nothing more than for something to happen to Xi’er!

But who could have predicted that Xi’er would stumble and fall at the hands of her own younger sister!

And he, who had navigated the treacherous waters of court politics for so many years, had never once imagined he could be threatened so thoroughly by a mere young girl!

What a Han Ziqing indeed. He would endure it for now—once the great matter of the consort selection concluded, he would most certainly settle the full account with her!

Prime Minister Han drew a deep breath and coldly reprimanded, “Xi’er, this trouble is entirely of your own making, and yet you still dare ask this old man to seek justice for you! Hurry and help your sister up! Give her the antidote!”

In this household, it was Prime Minister Han who held ultimate authority. However unwilling Han Xi’er was, she had no choice but to hurry forward and administer the antidote for the Bone-Softening Fragrance to Ziqing.

“Ziqing, this entire matter is your sister’s fault. I ask only that, for this father’s sake, and for the sake of the greater interests of this household, you heal your sister’s face as quickly as possible.”

Prime Minister Han’s expression shifted instantly, playing the part of the conflicted elder caught between two daughters to perfection.

“Father, Ziqing can guarantee that I will heal my sister’s face within three days. However, Ziqing wishes to ask something of Father.”

Ziqing didn’t let Han Xi’er help her up, rising to her feet on her own, her expression entirely serious.

“Whatever it is, speak freely. If it’s within this father’s power, this father will certainly…”

“I wish to decide my own marriage. I will not marry into the Chen family!”

Ziqing cut off Prime Minister Han’s theatrical performance, speaking plainly. News of Young Master Chen’s death would likely spread throughout the capital soon enough—she had no intention of being married off to the Chen family only to become a widow before she’d even wed!

A flicker of cold amusement crossed Prime Minister Han’s eyes, and he readily agreed, “Very well. You may decide for yourself.”

Did this girl think that with freedom in her marriage, he would be left with no way to deal with her?

In this lifetime, unless she found herself a backer with power greater than this household’s, he would most certainly make her pay the price for defying him not once, but twice!

A concubine-born daughter, and one who had already lost her chastity at that—even if married off to some lowly, disreputable family, no one would want her, let alone anyone of standing and power.

He would very much like to see just what kind of “freedom” she thought she was going to get.