Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life-Chapter 758 - 747: Substitute Younger Sister

While Ye Qiu and Wang Yanran were whispering to each other, Ye Xia was already surrounded by a group of daughters from prestigious families. However, though they were speaking, there was little intimacy in their words, mostly probing and mockery.

"Miss Ye doesn’t seem to be betrothed yet, why is she staying at Prince Li Mansion?"

"My brother-in-law let me stay, so I did. Is there a problem?" Ye Xia replied haughtily.

The Eldest Lady, her face turning red with anger, pressed on aggressively, "Aren’t you afraid of ruining your reputation, Miss Ye? Afraid of not being able to marry?"

Disdaining her petty tricks, Ye Xia snorted, "Why should I be afraid when I’m staying at my brother-in-law’s home? Besides, with my brother-in-law protecting me, who dares gossip?"

Seeing Ye Xia’s threatening gaze and recalling the Regent King’s current power, the Eldest Lady had no choice but to beat an embarrassed retreat.

With a triumphant smile, Ye Xia spurred her horse forward, leaving behind the young ladies, who exchanged looks of disapproval with each other, their faces darkening.

Indeed, times have changed; even a merchant’s daughter could climb over their heads now. Two of them exchanged calculating glances, curling their lips slightly.

"Princess Consort, the Crown Prince has hunted a deer and sent some venison," a servant reported loudly from outside the tent.

"Let’s go out for a walk, staying here all the time can get stuffy," Ye Qiu stood up, Wang Yanran supporting her with concern.

"Venison is very nourishing. You are weak, so you cannot eat too much, even if you crave it," Wang Yanran instructed.

Warmth shimmered in Ye Qiu’s eyes as she smiled, "I know, cousin."

After leaving the tent, she said to the guard, "Is the Crown Prince inside?"

"Yes."

"Then I will go to express my gratitude," she said, slowly walking towards the Crown Prince’s tent with her frail body.

The Crown Prince, although young and thin, was actually quite tall. At this moment, he was surrounded by a few children of similar age, excitedly roasting the venison.

"Your concubine greets Your Highness," Ye Qiu said, performing a respectful curtsy.

"Please rise, Princess Li," the Crown Prince quickly said, "Why have you come here? Please have a seat."

"I haven’t been feeling well, so I didn’t go out with everyone. I thought I would have to wait a while to have some game, but then the Crown Prince sent some over, so I came to thank you," she said with a gentle smile.

The Crown Prince was surprised and said, "I saw the Regent King had already hunted a deer before me; how come it wasn’t sent to you?"

Hearing this, a shadow briefly crossed Ye Qiu’s eyes, but she quickly smiled firmly, "Perhaps Prince Wang had other uses for it!"

Seeing her reaction, the Crown Prince didn’t press further. Remembering the recent rumors, his sympathy for Ye Qiu grew, and he invited her, "We’re roasting venison, and there are also some pheasants and hares. Why don’t you stay and join us for a casual meal?"

Ye Qiu’s eyes smiled, "Then I thank Your Highness."

Duan Huaijin, upon arrival, saw her smiling sweetly at the Crown Prince, his fingers tightening on the reins, his eyes shooting daggers at them both.

Ha! He thought Princess Consort would change, but as soon as she saw the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, she immediately changed her demeanor. Why hasn’t she ever smiled so beautifully at him? Is it because the Crown Prince is the future Emperor?

A woman who despises the poor and loves the rich, he had been blind to reconsider his opinion of her.

"Something’s wrong, Miss Ye is injured." Duan Huaijin was about to urge his horse forward when the guards rushed over in a fluster.

"What happened?" he asked in a deep voice. Seeing the Crown Prince and his beloved Princess Consort also looking over, he displayed even more urgency on his face.

"Second Miss Ye’s horse suddenly went wild, and she fell off the horse."

"Where is she? Is she badly hurt? Was she trampled by the horse?" he asked with apparent worry. Seeing Ye Qiu’s expression change, he felt a surge of satisfaction inside.

"Fortunately, she wasn’t injured by the horse, but she twisted her ankle when she fell."

"Where is she now?" He had barely finished speaking when he saw a crowd of people huddled up ahead, with Ye Xia being carried in the middle. He then ordered, "Quick, call for the Imperial Physician."

"She truly deserves it," Wang Yanran whispered.

"Let’s go have a look as well!" As Ye Qiu was about to get up, she saw Duan Huaijin hastily run over, then took Ye Xia from someone else’s arms and held her in his own embrace.

Ye Qiu stared blankly at this scene and immediately teared up, seemingly unable to stand on her own, relying entirely on Wang Yanran’s support.

"What in the world is this," Wang Yanran gritted her teeth, angry and indignant on behalf of Ye Qiu.

When Duan Huaijin passed by with Ye Xia in his arms, his gaze met Ye Qiu’s and he saw the shock, sadness, and forced strength in her eyes.

For some reason, Duan Huaijin felt a pain in his heart, followed by an overwhelming sense of mockery and satisfaction. Who asked her to marry in her sister’s stead without telling him? Who asked her to disdain the poor and love the rich? He would let her see that without his favor, what was she worth?

Duan Huaijin said nothing, holding Ye Xia as he passed by Ye Qiu. The ministers and ladies exchanged glances, then looked at Ye Qiu with sympathy, while in their hearts, they felt even more wary of the crisis Ye Xia represented.

"They actually in the midst of everybody..." Wang Yanran said furiously, her face livid with anger, "Do they even have any regard for your position as the Princess Consort? This is utterly disgraceful."

"Cousin, let’s go have a look," said Ye Qiu weakly, her face deathly pale, but she still maintained the dignity of a Princess Consort.

Even the Crown Prince looked at her worriedly, "Princess Consort, are you alright?"

"I’m fine." Ye Qiu shook her head, but the sadness and loss in her eyes were evident to all.

The rest of the crowd followed the Crown Prince and Ye Qiu to Prince Li’s tent, only to see Ye Xia lying on Prince Li’s cot, with the Imperial Physician treating her injuries. She lightly furrowed her brow, still clutching Prince Li’s sleeve, and the two exchanged tender, affectionate gazes.

Everyone watched as Ye Qiu entered, all with the look of spectators eager for drama upon their faces.

As expected, Ye Qiu swayed slightly after seeing the two of them together, as if she had been greatly shocked.

Ye Xia looked teasingly at Ye Qiu, with excitement in her eyes that wasn’t overshadowed by her pain.

Duan Huaijin saw Ye Qiu hesitate to speak and then, hardening his heart, turned his head away. He asked Ye Xia gently, "How are you? Does it hurt?"

Ye Xia’s face showed a trace of pain, but it was mostly sweetness, "With brother-in-law by my side, it doesn’t hurt at all."

Her pretentious act was honestly repulsive, and the young ladies who came to watch the drama inwardly scoffed.

At that moment, Ye Qiu spoke up, seemingly enduring, "Since my sister is alright, and has the Prince’s care, I will take my leave." As she left, everyone saw the redness at the corner of her eyes.

Duan Huaijin watched her back, fists clenched tightly, but still he did not move. Ye Xia, on the other hand, smiled triumphantly, a picture of victory within her grasp.