Chapter 53: Prince Qi, It's Time to Defend a Man's Dignity (2)

  The sound of the door opening was swiftly followed by an enraged voice.

  "Who let you in?!"

  Even from outside, the fury in the voice was crystal clear.

  Prince Qi’s face broke into a gloating grin.

  That reckless fool truly had no regard for his life!

  "Oh? You’re not happy to see me?"

  Su Qing listened to the reprimand, sounding rather helpless.

  Some people really never learned their lesson.

  Not long ago, she had been thoroughly put in her place—had she already forgotten?

  Perhaps it was time for another reminder…

  Han Jin Xiu suddenly realized who had arrived.

  It wasn’t Prince Qi—it was the very person she had just been plotting against!

  For the first time, the usually composed princess consort felt a hint of panic.

  After all, she had just been conspiring against him, and now he appeared so suddenly. The coincidence was almost too eerie.

  Surely, he couldn’t have sensed that she was planning against him and come rushing over, right?

  Even if she wasn’t fully aware of it herself, she instinctively felt a bit more apprehensive in his presence.

  After suffering two consecutive defeats at his hands, her confidence when facing him had undoubtedly diminished.

  Compared to her, however, the other woman in the room was handling the situation much better.

  Though she was also flustered, her nervousness wasn’t due to guilt.

  He… he came looking for her again?

  Could it be that he couldn’t bear to be away from her, so he returned so soon after leaving?

  If that was the case… how should she react?

  With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she felt both anxious and elated.

  For a moment, both stunning beauties remained silent, lost in their respective thoughts.

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  But the tense atmosphere was shattered by an angry voice.

  “Su Qing! Who let you in here?!”

  Prince Qi stormed into the room.

  Though he was aging, in his youth, he had been a tall and imposing figure, still retaining some of his former presence.

  At a glance, he resembled a large bear—or perhaps a turtle carrying a heavy shell on its back.

  He was fuming with rage, his chest swelling with indignation and the desire to assert his dominance.

  With both of his favored consorts present, now was his time to shine!

  It was time to defend a man’s dignity!

  Especially against Su Qing, his niece’s favored subject—someone he utterly despised.

  That niece of his had already curtailed much of his power, and for that, he held an endless grudge.

  If not for the political constraints, he would have long since ordered an assassin to eliminate Su Qing!

  Su Qing gave him a brief glance but remained silent.

  To be honest, engaging with this foolish prince felt like it would lower his intelligence.

  It was akin to conversing with something dirty and disgusting.

  “You dare ignore me?! Who gave you the audacity—”

  Seeing himself being completely disregarded, Prince Qi erupted in fury.

  Even his niece wouldn’t dare treat him with such contempt!

  “Enough!”

  Han Jin Xiu could no longer hold back. She let out a sharp reprimand, cutting off Prince Qi before he could embarrass himself further.

  If he continued, he would only provoke the young man further, and in the end, it would be her who suffered.

  “Princess Consort, you—you’re siding with another man?!”

  Prince Qi froze momentarily.

  Then, his previously authoritative expression twisted into one of sheer grievance.

  The sight of his expression sent a shudder of disgust through the other three people in the room.

  Su Qing turned his gaze away, unable to bear the sight.

  An old man still acting like this… The sheer shamelessness was truly revolting.

  Should he perhaps inform this prince that his consort had a preference for bad boys?

  Not out of malice, but simply to rid the world of such an unsightly display.

  Even Yun Rong visibly recoiled, directing her gaze toward Su Qing instead.

  At least he was pleasing to the eyes…

  Their eyes met for a brief moment, and the mature beauty hurriedly lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

  “He is my guest. Why are you making a scene here? Go and prepare a banquet!”

  Han Jin Xiu’s tone brooked no argument.

  While she acted meek in front of the young man, she wielded a firm hand against Prince Qi.

  “But… Fine, I’ll go.”

  Prince Qi’s expression flickered, but ultimately, he nodded in resignation.

  Under the princess consort’s firm command, he could hardly refuse.

  He still harbored concerns about the young man’s presence, but after a moment’s thought, he dismissed them.

  His consort was so strong-willed—it was Su Qing who should be worried!

  Heh, hopefully, the boy would receive a fitting lesson, one he would never forget!

  Yet he had no idea that someone else in the room was more anxious than ever.

  Han Jin Xiu’s posture shifted from a relaxed slouch to sitting upright, as if facing a predator.

  When she saw Su Qing approaching her, her body tensed even further.

  Despite her best efforts to remain composed, an uncontrollable wave of anxiety swelled within her.

  A deep-rooted fear crept into her heart, entirely against her will.

  It was only when Su Qing pulled out a chair and sat down that she managed to regain some semblance of composure.

  “Lord Su, what brings you here today? You caught me completely off guard.”

  Han Jin Xiu took the initiative, adopting the tone of a superior addressing a subordinate.

  She knew she couldn’t let fear control her, so she chose to go on the offensive.

  Her words carried a deliberate air of detachment, the most reasonable reaction under the circumstances.

  “There’s no need for such formality, Aunt. I’m not here on official business.”

  “This time, I’ve simply come on behalf of Her Majesty to visit my two dear aunts.”

  Su Qing spoke confidently, his gaze locking onto the princess consort.

  His intense stare sent a shiver down Han Jin Xiu’s spine, making her feel as if he had uncovered something.

  “I see. Next time, do let us know in advance so we can properly prepare, rather than being caught off guard.”

  Han Jin Xiu smoothly poured Su Qing a cup of tea, avoiding his eyes.

  If she maintained eye contact any longer, she feared she might give herself away.

  “Alright, I won’t refuse such hospitality.”

  Su Qing accepted with ease.

  Faced with such a sincere invitation, why decline?

  Han Jin Xiu forced a polite yet slightly awkward smile.

  Her internal panic had settled somewhat.

  After all, they weren’t alone—there were others present!

  Her mind conjured an image of a scenario.

  She sat in her chair, while the wicked young man reached out toward her with sinful hands.

  Then, just as the moment turned critical, the righteous female warrior from the rebel faction would cry out in indignation!

  At the sound of her rebuke, his attention would shift away from her, sparing her from his focus.

  This plan… was absolutely flawless.

  Yes, her newly acquainted “good sister” would surely not stand idly by!

  With her pure heart, how could she possibly tolerate such injustice?

  Then, the villain’s attention would turn to Yun Rong, making her the new target!

  Dragging her down as well would significantly ease Han Jin Xiu’s burden.

  Not only that, but the two of them could forge a deeper bond through shared adversity.

  No matter how she looked at it, this was a perfect plan!

  A victorious smile crept onto the princess consort’s lips.

  This move… it perfectly eliminated any potential risk!