Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 32 - 31: The Delicate Cousin

After Su Juan left, Liu Miaoying crumpled onto the stone chair, staring at the leftover dishes on the table, unable to comprehend why, after much hesitation, His Majesty would ultimately choose Song Qianfan.

Having known him for many years, she was all too familiar with Song Qianfan’s nature. Once he ascended the throne, he would undoubtedly eliminate anyone who posed a threat to him, especially those who had been at odds with him before...

There was no hint of a smile on Liu Miaoying’s face as she turned to the maid beside her, "Has my father returned?"

"The master just came back; he should be in the study now..."

Liu Miaoying quickly got up and headed out of the courtyard. It could be Prince Han, Prince Jing, or even Prince Heng, but it absolutely couldn’t be Song Qianfan.

This matter needed to be discussed thoroughly with her father.

...

The next moment, it was Princess Jing’s birthday. The mansion only invited families with whom Princess Jing had good personal relationships, but somehow, there were quite a few uninvited guests.

Among them was a lady cousin of Princess Jing from afar, who had been staying at the Prince Mansion for several days. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

While styling Ah Juan’s hair, Dongdong couldn’t help but complain, "My lady, that cousin claimed to bring a birthday gift to the Princess, but I think she just wants to stay long-term at the Prince Mansion!"

In recent days, my lady had been handling matters at the Ministry of Revenue and hadn’t run into that cousin, unknowingly allowing her to almost treat the Prince Mansion as her own home.

Still feeling a bit drowsy, Su Juan yawned lazily, "You don’t like her?"

Dongdong pouted, "I don’t like her. That cousin has been clinging to the Young Master all day long. The Young Master wasn’t good to you even before, and now with this cousin here, how is that coming to celebrate?"

[Clearly, she’s here to snatch a wealthy husband!]

Su Juan mentally finished the latter half of the sentence for Dongdong.

Dongdong continued indignantly, "My lady, we must be careful and not let that cousin get what she wants!"

Su Juan smiled silently, narrowing her eyes as she thought about the deeds of this cousin whom Dongdong disliked, but she, Su Juan, actually liked her.

Anyone capable of making Song Qianfan stumble was someone she liked.

...

Todays’s Prince Jing Mansion was bustling like never before. Upon arrival, Liu Miaoying noticed that Ah Juan was dressed in a striking red and white outfit, possibly the first time Ah Juan had worn such vibrant clothing.

"Ah Juan, you look really beautiful today."

Su Juan’s face turned stern; the anger from being used by Liu Miaoying hadn’t dissipated yet. She took a step back to distance herself, snorting, "I, Su Juan, know I don’t compare to even a tenth of Miss Liu’s charm and dare not accept such praise."

[Ha, my ears aren’t made of marshmallows. Don’t think a few compliments will earn my forgiveness!]

Liu Miaoying coughed lightly and leaned closer to Su Juan, softening her tone, "Ah Juan, I heard the new restaurant on East Street has some great signature dishes. Will you come with me to try them tomorrow?"

She knew how much Su Juan loved that restaurant’s food, even managing to think about it during her imperial audience.

As she spoke, Liu Miaoying playfully tugged on the hem of Su Juan’s garment, "Ah Juan, I was wrong earlier. As a bigger person, please don’t hold a grudge against me."

"I’ll accept any punishment. It was my fault. Just have a meal with me; you don’t even need to forgive me."

"At least speak a word to me..."

Liu Miaoying had never spoken to anyone this way before, and she blushed slightly.

Su Juan, however, maintained her stern expression, unmoved, "There’s no need. I’m not familiar with Miss Liu. If Miss Liu wishes to eat, she should invite someone else. Unfortunately, I, Su Juan, do not have that luck."

With that, she strode off to another location, leaving Liu Miaoying far behind, her retreating figure exuding as much indifference as could be mustered.

But the voice carried by the wind revealed her true thoughts...

[Was she just being coy with me?]

[Sniff, sniff, how can someone be so adorably awkward when acting coy!]

[Phew, that was close. I almost forgave her. Su Juan, stay calm; don’t be so easily bewitched by this conniving woman. Hold your ground.]

[Besides, it’s just one meal. Who is she trying to fob off!?]

[...Although it’s the newly opened restaurant on East Street, with impeccable taste and price...]

[At the very least, it should be two meals, right!?]

Those who could hear Su Juan’s thoughts had their eyes glued to the two of them.

Liu Miaoying coughed lightly, her ears burning, and quickly caught up to Su Juan, continuing to coax, "Ah Juan, how about I treat you to three meals?"

Princess Jing covered her mouth with a smile, thinking how simple and sincere her daughter-in-law was.

Countess Shengping was also smiling, "Princess Jing, your daughter-in-law is quite lovely. I just hope my son can find someone like the Heir Consort, it would make life so much more interesting."

Her son’s personality was too rigid and dull, needing someone like Su Juan.

Princess Jing beamed, "Unfortunately, you won’t find another like her; my daughter-in-law is one of a kind in all of Da Jin."

Countess Shengping sighed, "It’s a pity. If she weren’t already married to the Princely Heir, I’d definitely strive for my son to win her over..."

She mused, her son was no worse than Song Qianfan.

Of course, she wouldn’t dare voice this in front of Princess Jing, only to ponder internally.

The two often jested in this manner, so Princess Jing merely thought she was joking, "You just keep dreaming!"

Since she was already her daughter-in-law, Countess Shengping had no chance.

...

In the midst of the commotion between Su Juan and Liu Miaoying, Song Qianfan strode in wearing a new robe, looking more spirited than usual, with a flushed little follower in tow.

Su Juan narrowed her eyes, [Looks like they just had their fill.]

Liu Miaoying, unclear about the situation, followed her gaze to see Song Qianfan walking with his chest out and a hint of a smile on his lips, a spring in his step, as if in a particularly good mood.

A girl followed behind him, her face flushed, likely from the wind.

Song Qianfan glanced over at Su Juan, recalling his previous rejection by Liu Miaoying, but the Chief Secretary held such power that regardless of Liu Miaoying’s desires, he was determined to have her.

Yet these women simply didn’t know what was good for them!

Princess Jing took the seat of honor, while Cousin Liang Yin scooted close to Song Qianfan, taking over the spot meant for the Heir Consort.

Though somewhat inappropriate, she appeared bashful, and the guests assumed she was merely uncomfortable and wanted proximity to a familiar cousin.

Song Qianfan even offered her several cakes.

Countess Liu of Earl Shengping shook her head at this, thinking the Young Master was truly oblivious.

All eyes were on this cousin, bringing a noticeable chill to Princess Jing’s smile, a clear sign of displeasure.

However, engulfed by Song Qianfan’s attentive care, Liang Yin remained unaware, feeling triumphant. So what if she was the Heir Consort? Brother Qianfan was still wrapped around her finger.

As she lifted her face, she met the gaze of Su Juan from the nearby table.

Liang Yin spoke softly, explaining on Song Qianfan’s behalf, "Cousin-in-law, Cousin let me sit here because I’m shy. Yin’er didn’t mean to take your place. Please don’t be angry or blame Cousin."

Song Qianfan frowned, "What’s there to be upset about? You just sit; don’t mind her."

Liang Yin’s eyes lit up with a gentle smile, responding softly, "No, it’s not right; my actions lack decorum..."

Su Juan cheerfully said on behalf of Song Qianfan, "It’s okay, you sit; as long as you’re happy."

Song Qianfan internally huffed with satisfaction about her sensible response.

[Look at this little appearance, really delightful, exactly the kind Song Qianfan likes — soft-spoken and dainty, tsk.]

Song Qianfan: "?"

[What’s that saying again... bitches and dogs, a perfect match forever.]

A sputtering laugh erupted as someone couldn’t hold it back.