"Your Majesty, although the marriage is a matter between two families, in the end, the young couple are the ones that are going to live through it. The second prince has clearly said that he doesn’t like Qingqian. Moreover, Qingqian is, after all, a concubine daughter. Her understanding of rules and customs are lacking, so this subject is afraid Qingqian will bring dishonor to the imperial family.”


  Feng Chang felt quite helpless. If it weren’t for the second prince spreading rumors left and right, there was no way he would come to break off an engagement with the imperial family.

  The second prince was still only around sixteen. He played with childish means, means that old and more experienced people like Feng Chang could easily see through.

  “Rules can be taught. Even if she doesn’t understand now, after they get married and get to know each other, they’ll naturally be able to mutually support each other,” said Noble Consort Du. “This consort will definitely love Qingqian like she’s this consort’s own daughter.”


  "Noble Consort likes her that much?" The emperor lifted his brows, his expression mild. No one could tell what was going through his mind.

  Noble Consort Du smiled. “This consort and Qingqian’s mother were friends, but she left us so early. This child lost her mother at such a young age, it is only natural for this consort to love her more to make up for it.”


  The emperor smiled slightly without saying anything.

  "Your Majesty, the second prince is waiting outside the palace," the eunuch said, walking in and saluting the emperor.

  "Let him in."

  When the second prince walked in and saw Feng Qingqian, he froze for a moment. He was obviously not expecting a concubine daughter from a general’s residence to be here. “This subject son greets Imperial Father."

  "The daughter of the Feng family said that you have a woman you like. She wants to withdraw from the marriage to allow you to marry that woman,” The emperor said mildly.

  The second prince kneeled down. "Imperial Father, this subject son does already have a woman he likes, it’s…"

  "Your Majesty, there is no woman that Xu'er likes," Noble Consort Du interrupted the second prince's words with a forced smile.

  The second prince hesitated. When he saw his mother’s stern eyes, though, he knew his mother was angry and obediently kept his mouth shut.

  "Your Majesty, if this subject may have a word in private," Feng Chang spoke up.

  Noble Consort Du turned her head to look at Feng Chang, her facial color very poor. The emperor nodded. "Yes, the rest of you withdraw for now."

  Ning Shu stood up with her numb legs and walked out of the palace.

  "Qingqian. If you had suffered any grievances, you can just tell this consort. What need is there to go so far as to ask to withdraw from the marriage?” Noble Consort Du took Ning Shu's hand. She then said earnestly like a mother-in-law, "If Xu'er bullied you, you should’ve told this consort first."

  "I'll definitely defend you," Noble Consort Du said.

  Ning Shu grinned. A noble consort being so attentive to her, a general’s concubine daughter, was simply too abnormal. She must be after something. It was likely that she was simply after the original host’s mother.

  "I hate it when people touch me." Noble Consort Du's hand was flung away.

  Noble Consort Du looked in shock at Ning Shu whose behavior had abruptly changed. When the second prince saw the aloof look on Ning Shu’s face, he said coldly, “Feng Qingqian, this manner of yours is precisely what I hate. Who do you think you are?"

  "Xu'er!" Noble Consort Du shouted at the second prince. She then turned her head, her facial muscles trembling, and said, "Qingqian, no one spends the rest of their life with another person without bickering. Listen to Auntie. Don’t make it so that things get out of hand. Withdrawing from the engagement is also bad for your reputation.”