Gongsun Liuying said calmly, "It’s okay. I’ve waited here for you for an hour, Mother. One hour was enough for me to figure things out."
Since the matter had been exposed, Xiao Rong’er decided not to hide it anymore.
She held her daughter’s hand and said seriously, "It’s good that you’ve figured it out. I promise you, you’ll always be the Phoenix Girl!"
Gongsun Liuying asked, "Did Yan Xiaojiu also use a Forbidden Technique?"
Xiao Rong’er shook her head. "Logically, she shouldn’t have. Not just anyone can wield such a Forbidden Technique, even your father—"
Here, she suddenly stopped. "She shouldn’t have that ability. I, too, once considered killing her, just like how I stabilized your Life Chart back then. But unfortunately, her life is stubbornly tough, and she even managed to find herself an Amulet!"
She was referring to Bao Shu, that little one whom Emperor Liang doted on like treasure.
Gongsun Liuying’s gaze turned dark. "Mother, what exactly is your plan?"
Xiao Rong’er gestured toward Hong Xiu, who was standing outside the door.
Hong Xiu nodded and cautiously stood guard.
Xiao Rong’er sighed. "The less you know about this plan, the better. This way, when the trouble inevitably surfaces, none of it will be connected to you. You won’t bear any responsibilities; I’ll shoulder everything myself."
Gongsun Liuying asked, "Is Mother planning to let Ziyu marry into the Jin Prince Mansion in my place?"
Xiao Rong’er froze. "You..."
Gongsun Liuying continued, "Mother brought my wedding dress over to Ziyu’s courtyard and also gave her my jewelry and accessories to try out. I’m not stupid. I figured it out. All of this must be Mother’s smokescreen, isn’t it?"
Xiao Rong’er took a sharp breath, once again amazed at having given birth to such an exceptionally clever daughter.
How was her daughter any worse than Zhongli Yuan’s daughter?
It was just that the timing of her birth was off. Had she been born eight years later, the Phoenix Girl Destiny could have been hers—who could say otherwise?
Xiao Rong’er sighed. "You’re right. The one I truly want tied to the bridal sedan is Yan Xiaojiu."
Gongsun Liuying gave it some thought. "She won’t comply so easily."
Xiao Rong’er declared with determination, "Don’t worry. Mother has her ways!"
At midnight, the spring rain pattered softly, tender as a woman’s gentle hands.
Meng Qianqian held an oil-paper umbrella as she passed by the doorway of Mingxin Hall.
She gazed at the large red lanterns adorned with the character for happiness, her eyes steady and composed.
Gongsun Yanming, it’s time to settle the account between us once and for all.
Where shall we start?
Your eldest daughter has already lost the Phoenix Girl Destiny—that’s just the interest.
Guess what you will lose this time?
At the Crown Prince Mansion.
The Miao King rose early.
Ever since he’d managed to trick Emperor Liang, he had been brimming with energy and cheerfulness.
Every time he thought about the proverb "Once a teacher, always a father," he felt that enduring Emperor Liang a few more times wasn’t such a big deal.
"There’s no overnight grudge between father and son. How can a father stoop to argue with his child?"
"Aiyoh, my old back."
This was an "injury" left behind by some rocks—a tell-tale sign it was Emperor Liang’s doing.
"When did that old codger manage to shatter the rocks... Next time we meet, I must assert my fatherly authority!"
"Early in the morning, asserting fatherly authority over whom? Believe it or not, I’ll tell Grandmother!"
Lu Yuan strolled casually into his courtyard.
The Miao King put his hands on his hips. "I said fatherly authority! You wouldn’t understand!"
He needed to make that old Emperor Liang understand—your father is still your father!
The Miao King asked grumpily, "What are you here for? Have you finished practicing your Martial Arts?"
Lu Yuan replied, "I’m not practicing today."
The Miao King sternly said, "You must practice every day!"
Lu Yuan replied nonchalantly, "There’s a grand wedding at the Jin Prince Mansion and Thousand Mechanism Pavilion. I’m going to attend the banquet."
The Miao King waved dismissively. "Hmph, it’s not like you’re marrying my treasured granddaughter-in-law! What’s so special about their banquet? I’m not going!"
A small round head peeked out from behind Lu Yuan.
In a second, the Miao King’s expression changed entirely as he scooped up the little one into his arms. "Ah, my precious great-grandchild! Let Great-Grandfather have a look—have you gained weight?"
Treasure Piggy shook her head seriously. "Baby isn’t fat. Baby is so cute that I’m bursting with charm!"
The Miao King burst into hearty laughter.
Treasure Piggy asked, "Great-Grandfather, let’s go to the banquet."
She wanted to make new friends. When Grandpa and Grandma had their wedding, she’d be able to collect so, so many red envelopes again!
What a clever little pumpkin she was!
The Miao King replied happily, "Let’s go! Great-Grandfather will take you!"
Lu Yuan’s mouth twitched slightly. The grandfather who used to meet him every day after court and buy him candied hawthorns—he’d truly misjudged him...