Chapter 249 - 249: Xue Ru Was Beaten
Upon hearing Xue Ru’s words, the anger that Old Madam Xue had just calmed flared up instantly.
Xue Yan hurriedly approached, “Mother, please calm down and speak rationally with Ru Er. Don’t get angry.”
“She’s nothing but trouble.”
“Xue Ru, this is your aunt’s courtyard. I don’t want to punish you here, making it a spectacle for others. But pack your things immediately. 1’11 have someone send you back to Qing Zhou.”
“I won’t return. I… I already belong to Prince Qing.”
When she mentioned the last sentence, Xue Ru spoke softly, but everyone in the hall heard her.
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam Xue’s eyes widened in shock, and her finger, pointing at Xue Ru, trembled, “You… what did you just say…”
“Mother?”
“Grandmother?”
Old Madam Xue suddenly fall to one side, both Xue Yan and Jiang Peihuan rushed forward.
Jiang Peihuan quickly took out a pill from her possession and placed it into the old madam’s mouth.
“Huan Er, water.”
Xiao Nanye swiftly handed a cup of water to Jiang Peihuan.
Jiang Peihuan quickly brought it to the old madam’s lips.
After taking the medicine, Old Madam Xue gradually regained consciousness.
However, when she saw Xue Ru, her emotions began to get agitated again. Jiang Peihuan quickly said,” Grandmother, if there’s anything, let’s talk about it. If you ruin your body. Wouldn’t it became Huan Er’s fault?”
“Silly Child, what does this have to do with you?”
“How is it unrelated? If it wasn’t for the fact that you were here to attend Huan Er’s wedding, grandmother wouldn’t have come all the way from Qing Zhou to Jingdou.”
“Alright, Grandmother won’t be angry.”
Taking a deep breath, Old Madam Xue turned to Xiao Nanye, “King Cheng, may I trouble you for a favor?”
“Please, Old Madam Xue, feel free to speak your mind.”
“I’d like to request His Highness, King Qing, to come over.”
“Do not worry, I’ve already sent someone. He should be here within the time it takes to steep a cup of tea.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Old Madam Xue no longer wished to say another word to Xue Ru. As for the others, they wanted to speak but dared not utter a word.
Yet Jiang Peihuan, seeing Xue Ru adorned with jewelry, couldn’t help but ask, “Cousin Ru Er, how did you come to know Prince Qing?”
Given that they’re together now, it must have been for some time.
Recently, Jiang Peihuan had been preoccupied with her charitable activities and had almost forgotten about Xue Ru.
Moreover, Xue Ru had originally intended to stay at the general’s mansion because she was infatuated with Jiang Changbai. It was beyond Jiang Peihuan’s imagination that in such a short time, Xue Ru and Xiao Junhao became involved.
However, Jiang Peihuan wondered if this was initiated by Xue Ru or if it was a plot by Xiao Junhao.
“My encounter with Prince Qing was by chance. One day I was out of the mansion, touring…”
Xue Ru proudly narrated all the things Xiao Junhao had done for her.
But as Jiang Peihuan listened, her face showed discomfort.
Perhaps Xue Ru’s encounter with Xiao Junhao was by chance, but what followed was undoubtedly Xiao Junhao’s scheming.
Jiang Peihuan wanted to expose Xiao Junhao’s true nature to Xue Ru, but seeing the adoration in Xue Ru’s eyes, she dropped the idea, thinking it would be futile.
Jiang Peihuan looked directly at Xue Ru, “Cousin Ru Er, you’re the only daughter of the Xue family. Given how much your uncle and aunt love you, you’re surely destined to be someone’s main wife. Being a concubine in Prince Qing’s mansion is beneath you.”
Although Xue Ru was the only daughter of the Xue family.
Technically speaking, marrying Xiao Junhao as a concubine would be quite an elevation for Xue Ru. However, Jiang Peihuan knew her cousin very well, so she purposely mentioned it.
Indeed, after hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a hint of conflict appeared in Xue Ru’s eyes.
Yet she remained silent for a moment before responding, “Prince Qing and I truly love each other. 1 don’t care about titles.”
Jiang Peihuan:”…”
“Madam, Prince Qing is here.”
At this point, Deputy General Liu entered the room. He spoke softly after acknowledging Old Madam Xue and Xue Yan.
A hint of anger appeared in Xue Yan’s eyes. Hearing Liu’s announcement, she immediately said, “Let him in.”
“Yes.”
Xue Ru’s eyes remained glued to the door. Seeing the figure in the treasure-blue robe enter, a bright smile illuminated her face, “Your Highness?” “Ru Er.”
Upon seeing Xue Ru, Xiao Junhao’s eyes were full of affection. Sitting in her chair, Jiang Peihuan observed this with a mocking expression.
When he entered, Xiao Junhao’s gaze first settled on Xue Ru, but he couldn’t help but glance towards Jiang Peihuan.
Seeing the ridicule in her eyes, Xiao Junhao’s face stiffened for a moment.
However, thinking of his ultimate goal, Xiao Junhao turned to Old Madam Xue and Xue Yan, “Old Madam Xue, Madam Jiang, Ru Er and I truly love each other.
I sincerely wish to marry her. I hope you will grant us your blessing.”
“Since Prince Qing wishes to marry Ru Er, I wonder what status you intend to give her. As far as I’m aware, the Emperor has already granted you a main wife.”
“I am willing to marry Ru Er with the honor due to a side consort.”
“A side consort? Forgive me for being blunt, but that is still just a concubine’s position. Are you intentionally trying to disrespect our Xue…”
“I’m willing, Grandmother! I am willing to be his side consort.”
Old Madam Xue hadn’t finished speaking when Xue Ru eagerly interjected.
Old Madam Xue nearly fainted.
“Ru Er, matters of marriage are decided by the elders. It’s not your place to speak.” This time, Xue Yan, devoid of any restraint, stared coldly at Xue Ru.
“Aunt, Huan Er and King Cheng spend all your days together. Before you worry about me, shouldn’t you keep an eye on your own daughter first?”
“You…”
Initially, Xue Yan, being her aunt, truly felt affection for her. But hearing Xue Ru’s words now, Xue Yan’s expression was unpleased.
However much she cared for Xue Ru, she was just a niece. How could she come before her own daughter?
“Ye Xiao, slap her!”
Amidst the deafening silence, Xiao Nanye suddenly spoke.
Before anyone could react, Ye Xiao approached Xue Ru and directly slapped her face.
“All…”
A crisp slap resounded throughout the living room..