CHAPTER 206: CHAPTER 206: TIT FOR TAT

Therefore, over the years.

She has already gotten used to the existence of Consort Wei.

Having her face slapped by the Fourth Prince Consort in front of everyone like this, how could she not speak up in support?

Unfortunately, she was facing the Fourth Prince Consort, who was also quite obstinate.

Moreover, the Fourth Prince Consort’s reputation for virtue was well-known and popular, so that at this Autumn Crab Banquet, almost everyone was on her side.

"Truly a family with no division in words, I, the Princess Consort, recall that the invitation was sent to the Prime Minister’s successor wife, and not to Princess Rongkang. You keep calling yourself ’this Commandery Princess,’ could it be that Lin Xiang has other plans?"

A move that hit the mark.

The Fourth Prince Consort’s words were like a sharp knife stabbing straight into Princess Rongkang’s heart.

She was originally quite displeased with the title of successor wife, and for so many years, few dared to mention it in her presence.

Yet the Fourth Prince Consort knew exactly where to hit, making Princess Rongkang so angry her head almost steamed.

Immediately retorting in defiance.

"The Fourth Prince Consort’s hands really are long, loving to meddle in every family’s business. Such capabilities like yours are wasted in the Prince Mansion; you should report to the Emperor and be made an Official of Women’s Virtue. Perhaps then your ambitions could truly be realized."

The Fourth Prince Consort sneered upon hearing this.

"No need for Princess Rongkang to bestow such a hat upon me, but on the matter of Women’s Virtue, I, the Princess Consort, can indeed speak a few words. Unlike Princess Rongkang, I am not one to be so deeply devoted. Lin Xiang’s original wife had not been gone half a year before you rushed into the mansion—truly a model of our Da Wei women’s pursuit of true love."

"You!"

For two consecutive times, Princess Rongkang lost ground.

Facing the Fourth Prince Consort, no matter how angry she was, she dared not act rashly.

After all, in terms of status as a Commandery Princess, she was inferior to the Fourth Prince Consort, and if judging by her position as Lin Xiang’s wife, even more so she could not compare to anyone from the Royal Family.

Thus, with a livid face, she could only swish her sleeves and leave.

Consort Wei awkwardly laughed and found an excuse to leave as well.

Only then did the breath of anger in the Fourth Prince Consort’s chest begin to disperse.

But then she reconsidered.

If they cannot trouble her, they might go trouble Princess Consort Zhan, which would bring her a lot more trouble.

She suddenly felt that this Prince Zhan was truly worthless.

Not only did he favor concubines over his wife, but he also ignored even his own legitimate offspring.

Which is why the matter of the Commandery Princess of Prince Zhan Mansion (the eldest legitimate daughter of Princess Consort Zhan) marrying in place of a Princess occurred.

It has been over ten years, and she has not returned even once.

Pitifully, Princess Consort Zhan has only a legitimate son at her side, yet even he has been ruined.

Otherwise, how could it be that each of his three elder half-brothers has already married and established homes, while he remains single?

Those who know the inside story, which of them would be willing to send their daughters into Prince Zhan Mansion to suffer?

There were one or two who coveted the fame of Prince Zhan Mansion and wanted to use their daughters as stepping stones, but unfortunately, Prince Zhan himself looked down on them.

Through these in and outs, he is already in his twenties, yet there is no sign of any movement.

Dragging on like this further, even finding a decent young lady will be difficult, let alone those equal in social standing.

So she called her trusted nanny and instructed her.

"Send someone to inform Wanying to be careful, I’m afraid Rongkang will go to trouble her again!"

Wanying, is the maiden name of Princess Consort Zhan.

That nanny, being quick and able, immediately sent someone away at a hurried pace.

When the news reached the ears of Princess Consort Zhan, she was still chanting scriptures and worshiping Buddha, paying it no mind.

It was Nanny Jiang by her side who was deeply worried.

"Princess Consort, this Consort Wei not only occupies the household but also frequently associates outside. Are you really not going to intervene?"

These words she had spoken for many years.

In the past, Princess Consort Zhan would respond with a few words, but now, she no longer spoke at all.

Only silently murmuring scriptures with closed eyes.

Nanny Jiang beside her sighed deeply and said no more.

The messenger was swift on their feet, but Princess Rongkang and her group were not slow to arrive either.

Consort Wei, being adept at maintaining appearances, spoke many "good words" along the way.

Yet this only served to add fuel to the fire; having been wronged by the Fourth Prince Consort, Princess Rongkang naturally came to vent on Princess Consort Zhan.

Thus, she went straight to Princess Consort Zhan’s courtyard.

Bursting in, she began shouting and yelling.

"My brother is truly unfortunate, having carefully selected a wife who doesn’t know one grain from another, unworldly, only focused on chanting scriptures all day here. I don’t see you’ve gained any extraordinary abilities from it!"

"And your good son, clearly of Yuwen blood, how come the sons of the Fourth Prince all turned out well, yet our legitimate son here in Prince Zhan Mansion is nothing but useless!"

"Forget the Emperor, even as his aunt I am thoroughly disgusted! Hmph! It’s all because you as the mother failed to teach him!"

Sadly, even as she cursed harshly, it was as if Princess Consort Zhan could not hear her at all.

Without reacting to her temper, she continued kneeling before the Buddha with such devotion that anyone looking on would feel an innate sense of closeness.

"Deaf, are you? You! This Commandery Princess is speaking, why do you not answer!"

Seeing her rage about to affect others, Princess Consort Zhan finally turned back and gave a faint glance.

Calmly and with composure, she said.

"If the Commandery Princess finds it unsatisfying, then feel free to smash this Prince Mansion."

Her courtyard was already so modest that there was nothing more to smash, hence why she suggested wrecking the mansion.

But how could Princess Rongkang be willing?

After much thought, she ultimately had to accept the lower hand, hurling a few foul words before departing.

Consort Wei, as always, spoke softly.

"Sister, please don’t blame her; the Commandery Princess has always been straightforward and candid, but has no ill intent in her heart."

No ill intent?

Then why does she come here to cause trouble whenever something happens?

All these years, still acting the same way.

These words, perhaps even Consort Wei herself wouldn’t believe them.

Unfortunately, Princess Consort Zhan had no intention of treating anyone seriously.

Without responding, she continued to chant and worship Buddha.

Consort Wei wasn’t bothered by the slight, quietly saying.

"Sister-in-law takes her leave."

And then took her leave from the courtyard where the Princess Consort resided.

Upon exiting, a servant reported that Princess Rongkang had returned to the Lin Xiang Mansion.

She gave a light smile, as gentle and captivating as usual.

"Pass the word down, add two more dishes to Princess Consort’s vegetarian meal. I see the Princess Consort’s complexion isn’t good; she needs much nourishing."

"Rest assured, Consort Wei, everything in Princess Consort’s quarters is well taken care of by this old servant; no mistakes will happen."

Consort Wei looked at the servant under her command, revealing a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.

Then, gently adjusting the slightly heavy hairpin on her head, she instructed further.

"Have Yu Xia come over to give me a shoulder and neck massage, this hairdo is pressing and rather painful."

Ordinarily, she disliked high hairdos the most, but she had no choice. At feasts, fearing she would be looked down upon, she could only accentuate her hairstyle and jewelry to uphold her presence.