The Prince Qi’s wife stood motionless for a long time until her maid softly called, “Your Highness, the Prince Yan’s wife has left. It’s chilly outside; please get in the carriage.”
Snapping back to reality, Prince Qi’s wife glanced at the maid, “Don’t gossip about what Prince Yan’s wife said today.”
The maid quickly lowered her head, “This servant understands.”
Only then did Prince Qi’s wife extend her hand, allowing the maid to help her into Prince Qi’s carriage.
Upon returning to the mansion, the Prince Qi couple met.
Prince Qi asked directly, “What did Mother say when she kept you and Prince Yan’s wife behind?”
Prince Qi’s wife unconsciously examined the man before her.
Weathered by time but not yet at an age where it left visible marks, Prince Qi looked even more handsome than the year they married. His every gesture now carried a dignity and steadiness absent in those earlier days.
Appearance-wise, Prince Qi’s wife was more than satisfied with Prince Qi. Because of this, she had given her heart to him from the day she married, wholeheartedly planning and scheming for him.
But was it true, as Prince Yan’s wife said, that once the prince became accustomed to her sacrifices, he would not only fail to appreciate her but even blame her for not giving enough?
Though blinded by love and power, Prince Qi’s wife wasn’t a fool. How could she not sense the changes in Prince Qi?
The first time she suggested getting chambermaids for the prince, he firmly refused. Later, he reluctantly accepted. Then he nodded indifferently. And now—
The Prince Qi’s wife thought of the prince’s recent dissatisfaction in his words, feeling bitter.
Now, how could the prince refuse? Instead, he complained that the chambermaids she chose weren’t beautiful enough. His complaints had evolved from subtle hints to direct criticism.
People’s hearts change easily; Prince Yan’s wife hadn’t been exaggerating.
Prince Qi, bewildered by his wife’s stare, raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why aren’t you speaking?”
The Prince Qi’s wife came back to her senses, forced a smile, and lowered her gaze, “I was thinking about the task Mother-in-law assigned me. I’m a bit scared.”
“What task did Mother assign you?” Prince Qi asked gently.
With men handling external affairs and women internal ones, at such a crucial time, a princess consort who managed the household well was a great asset to him.
Prince Qi’s gentleness made Prince Qi’s wife confused again.
She shouldn’t have been influenced by Prince Yan’s wife. Her husband was different from those fickle men; he surely wouldn’t betray her.
Prince Qi raised his hand to stroke Prince Qi’s wife’s hair, his voice growing softer, “What’s wrong?”
The impatience in his eyes went unseen as the Prince Qi’s wife kept her gaze lowered.
The Prince Qi’s wife’s eyelashes trembled as she said softly, “Mother-in-law asked me to invite the Prince Yan’s wife to pray at White Cloud Temple, and then—”
“And then what?” Prince Qi asked nonchalantly.
The Prince Qi’s wife bit her lip, showing an anxious expression, “Then she told me to find an opportunity to make the Prince Yan’s wife die in an accident…”
Prince Qi’s eyes narrowed as he blurted out, “Did Mother order this?”
The Prince Qi’s wife glanced at Prince Qi, pouting, “Does Your Highness think I’m lying? Although I don’t get along with Prince Yan’s wife, I wouldn’t dare to have such thoughts…”
Even if she believed her husband wouldn’t betray her, she still needed to be cautious. At the very least, she couldn’t let him think she was a ruthless woman.
Thinking of this, Prince Qi’s wife inwardly sighed.
If there was no other choice, who wouldn’t want to be seen as a gentle, kind, and innocent woman in her husband’s eyes? Unfortunately, to help her husband compete for that position, she was destined to be unable to appear pure and naive.
She only hoped the prince would see and remember these sacrifices.
Prince Qi reached out to embrace Prince Qi’s wife, saying softly, “I know you’re kind-hearted. You do all this for me.”
Prince Qi’s wife sighed lightly, “Hearing Your Highness say this is enough for me. Even if my hands are stained with blood, I won’t regret it. I only hope that in the future, Your Highness won’t despise me—”
Prince Qi covered Prince Qi’s wife’s hand, annoyed, “What are you saying? Am I that ungrateful?”
“Don’t be angry, Your Highness. I overthought things.”
Prince Qi smiled, “Don’t let your imagination run wild. We are of one heart, striving for great achievements. In the future, I’ll sit on the dragon throne, and you’ll wear the phoenix crown. We’ll share the rule of the Great Zhou.”
As for the details of how Prince Qi’s wife would arrange for Prince Yan’s wife to die in an accident, Prince Qi didn’t ask.
Inquiring too closely about such matters would embarrass Lady Li and bring him no benefit. It was better not to ask and just wait for the results.
If successful, Mother would surely choose a more controllable woman as Seventh Brother’s new wife, which would greatly benefit him. If unsuccessful, things would remain as they were, with no loss.
However, thinking of Jiang Si’s exquisite face, Prince Qi felt a twinge of regret.
The Prince Yan’s wife’s beauty was unparalleled in the entire capital. It would be a pity for such a jade to be destroyed…
But soon, Prince Qi’s regretful thoughts vanished.
He couldn’t do anything improper for the sake of beauty. He wasn’t like the short-lived Crown Prince who couldn’t control his lower half, nor was he like Seventh Brother, a romantic fool. As long as he could become the ultimate victor and ascend to the throne of Great Zhou, wouldn’t he have his pick of beautiful women?
At that time, with three thousand beauties in the harem, he could have any type of beauty he desired. What was one of Prince Yan’s wives compared to that?
Prince Qi regained his composure and, noticing his wife’s unease today, spent some effort comforting her.
For a woman like Prince Qi’s wife, whose heart was entirely devoted to Prince Qi, hearing her beloved’s sweet words dispelled all doubts, leaving only anticipation for the future.
At that time, with her husband on the dragon throne and herself wearing the phoenix crown, what a beautiful picture it would be.
The Prince Qi’s wife’s subsequent preparations need not be detailed. Meanwhile, Jiang Si was also contemplating the visit to the White Cloud Temple in two days.
She was certain that Prince Qi’s wife intended to take her life during this temple visit. So, she might as well turn the tables and resolve this minor objective early.
In Jiang Si’s view, those goals that once seemed unreachable became mere stepping stones when approached one by one.
This applied to both Prince Qi’s wife and Worthy Consort.
Jiang Si tugged at her handkerchief, curving her lips slightly.
They wanted to scheme against her while A Jin was away. Let them come. Without A Jin to worry about, she could perform even better.
“Mistress, who do you plan to take with you to the temple?” Aman asked eagerly.
“Let’s take A Qiao.”
The pretty maid’s face immediately fell. She protested, “Mistress, A Qiao is too frail. She can’t handle such a long journey.”
Beside her, A Qiao silently twitched her mouth.
Since when was she frail? Besides, they weren’t running to White Cloud Temple…
As she was grumbling inwardly, Jiang Si said, “Then Aman can go.”
Aman was overjoyed, while A Qiao looked at Jiang Si resentfully.
Jiang Si said casually, “Taking Aman will be more convenient.”
Hearing this, A Qiao couldn’t help but cover her mouth.
Oh no, the mistress was going to do something outrageous again!
Wait, shouldn’t she be nervous? Why did she feel excited this time instead?
A Qiao silently warned herself to maintain the proper attitude and resumed her obedient demeanor.
In the blink of an eye, two days passed, and it was time for the agreed-upon temple visit.