Xu Min had spent many years at the Emperor’s side and knew just how much he trusted Princess Ding’an. Every time the Princess returned to court, which was rare, she would inevitably target Xu Min, as she could not tolerate her.
“So, it’s Miss Xia. I apologize for not recognizing you,” Xu Min said, adopting the proud demeanor of a noble consort when faced with a formidable opponent.
“I don’t often visit the palace, so, understandably, the Consort wouldn’t recognize me.”
At first glance, Xu Min knew this young woman was not as easy to manipulate as she appeared. Despite her urgent situation, Xu Min maintained her composed and coldly elegant smile. “What business does Miss Xia have in stopping me?”
“Is the Consort planning to take Prince Xiao away, or return to the palace and seek help from the Emperor?”
“What does this have to do with you?”
“Didn’t I already say? As the future wife of the heir, I’m now on his side,” Feng Guang’s eyes narrowed slightly, her lips curving into a refined and graceful smile. “In the past, I couldn’t protect him, but now that I’m stopping you, it’s to ensure his safety.”
“Protect him?” Xu Min scoffed. “What can you possibly do to protect him?”
“Perhaps the Consort assumes that because I’ve been with my father, I’ve cut ties with my mother’s family? If you’re paying attention, you’d know that every holiday, the Emperor sends me many gifts. Not just the Emperor, but also Grand Marshal Li Fang, Duke Zhen Guo, and Marquis Fang Jue.”
Xu Min silently clenched her handkerchief. Every name Feng Guang mentioned held great power within the military, and they were all trusted by the Emperor.
“And my mother writes to me every month. Consort, I haven’t even told her yet that Qi Duan broke off our engagement. She’s very emotional, you see.”
Xu Min could hear the unmistakable threat in her words and responded coldly, “What do you want?”
“It’s not what I want, but rather what you plan to do.” Feng Guang stepped closer, her voice soft yet laced with warning. “Consort, with all due respect, do you truly believe that the only ‘third party’ in a relationship is the one who isn’t loved? And let me remind you, you are the Emperor’s consort. It’s a grave crime to engage in an affair. If the Emperor finds out you and Prince Xiao had a child, who do you think he’ll choose to execute? Or will he be merciful enough to have you both die together?”
Feng Guang sympathized with Qiao Wan’s plight, but she also disliked how Qiao Wan had treated Qi Mu in the past. Still, if she had to choose between Qiao Wan and Xu Min, she would pick Qiao Wan without hesitation.
“You don’t understand… anything,” Xu Min’s once regal mask shattered, and she looked at Feng Guang with a vulnerability she hadn’t shown in years.
“No, I don’t understand. But I do know I would never entangle myself with a married man.”
“What do you know! When Qi Yun and I were in love, he wasn’t even married. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s decree—if I hadn’t been taken as a concubine—I would have been his princess!”
Feng Guang’s gaze remained cold, devoid of sympathy. “That’s unfortunate, but there’s no ‘what if.’ Qi Yun has already paid his price, and now, it’s your turn.”
“My price? Ha… does that venomous woman Qiao Wan think I fear her? I won’t let her stay by Prince Xiao’s side. I will take Qi Duan away myself. I will protect my child.”
Feng Guang sighed and spoke plainly, “Consort, I’ve already said—I’m here to protect the heir. So as long as there’s even the slightest chance your revenge could harm him, I won’t let you succeed.”
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1