Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 347 - 27: Hidden Motives (First Update)

Yuan Shan Residence, Fourth Miss had already ended her postpartum confinement but still stayed indoors all the time. Fortunately, Ruan Shiniang came to accompany her every day, so she wasn’t too bored.

The two of them saw Susu and quickly pulled her to check her all over, as if afraid she had lost a piece of flesh.

Susu was no longer the arrogant and unruly person she had been before. Seeing their concern, she merely smiled faintly and said, "Instead of worrying about whether something has happened to me, you might as well worry if Prince Ke will be so angry as to cough up blood.

The first thing I learned after staying by the Old Madam’s side for so many years is not to make a losing deal."

What she said to Prince Ke was not necessary to repeat to the two of them, telling them would only make them worry.

As for Susu and Ruan Shiniang’s relationship, it was now just a tacit understanding.

Fourth Miss was no fool; with such blatant evidence on their faces, how could she not notice?

After hearing Susu’s words, Ruan Shiniang and Song Qinghui knew right away that it certainly wasn’t Susu who suffered the loss.

Thinking of Prince Ke being so angry he might cough up blood, both of them felt a wave of relief.

When women become ruthless, even they are scared of themselves. Isn’t there a saying that goes, "A wasp’s sting pales in comparison to the venom in a woman’s heart"?

To them, Prince Ke now was nothing more than a stepping stone to reach new heights, a necessary means to an end. Within and beyond these red walls, love had no place.

Susu looked at the genuinely happy Ruan Shiniang and any guilt she felt disappeared entirely.

Even if in the original work Ruan Shiniang and Prince Ke truly loved each other, what would it matter? Between them lay centuries-old traditions of male supremacy and female inferiority, the insurmountable enmity between the current Emperor and the Ruan Family, and so many other women.

Even their hearts were separated by a transparent glass, close but always unreachable.

And with Prince Ke’s nature, even if he really cared for Shiniang, in the face of realms, such love seemed insignificant.

Shiniang’s journey from a concubine to Empress Dowager was fraught with countless challenges and even life-threatening risks. Where was the so-called loving Prince Ke when she needed him most?

Or like people say, only the person drinking water knows if it’s cold or warm.

But for now, since the strands of fate had swerved off course, let them continue toward the unknown. At least some expectations and hopes could remain.

"Fourth Miss, if Prince Ke questions you, just claim ignorance.

For now, both you and Sister Ruan should just keep a low profile and focus on recovering your health. Don’t worry about anything, and don’t concern yourselves with anything.

I’ll arrange for someone to send the provisions to your residence, but do be wary of outsiders."

Song Qinghui and Ruan Shiniang laughed gently.

Fourth Miss said, "That’s perfect, indeed it’s going to be a rare period of tranquility. We trust the things you send, but you should still accept the silver. After all, it doesn’t come from our pocket, so why not take it?"

"By the way, it’s about time to send New Year gifts to the Capital again. Fourth Miss and Sister Ruan, is there anything you’d like to include? I reckon it won’t be long before Uncle Wei, who went westward, returns, just in time to take the gifts back."

Susu considered these two, having left the Capital, unfamiliar with their new surroundings and with few people at their disposal.

Having irritated Prince Ke, though he likely wouldn’t make a mountain out of a molehill, who knew if constant whispers might convince him to trouble Fourth Miss just to annoy her.

Ruan Shiniang smiled helplessly and said, "In your heart, you underestimate Prince Ke. He is not one to cause needless trouble. Not to mention that Qing Hui has ties with the Shun’an Earl Mansion, and I have Seven Mistress backing me. He is eager to have more interactions with us."

Susu laughed wickedly, who cares what Prince Ke is like? Just a scoundrel—why bother understanding him!

Susu was fortunate she hadn’t naively thought of entering Prince Ke Mansion with Shiniang as fellow countrymen; who knows what things would be like now if she had.

At the same time, in the outer courtyard, Bai Lili shed her domineering demeanor and clung adorably and playfully around Prince Ke’s neck.

"I had some misunderstandings with Madam Su in the past. At that time, I was young and naïve. Today, when I saw her, I wanted to make amends.

But who knew she would ignore me and head straight to Yuan Shan Residence? Could it be that she’s still upset over Sister Song? I truly didn’t mean to; who could have guessed..."

Where she could not see, Prince Ke’s eyes were full of disdain and resentment, yet his words were gentle, interrupting her.

"My little Jasmine, bear with it for now. Though Su may hail from a maid background, she indeed has many supporters, some of whom even I must show respect.

Moreover, she managed to marry my trusted subordinate Hong Sheng through her schemes. Now that Hong Sheng is fighting at the frontier, I must afford his wife some semblance of respect."

Bai Lili pouted, "I understand, but when will you make me Princess Consort? Even Su’s servants speak rudely to me now!"

Prince Ke lifted her onto his lap, "I can’t bear for you to suffer, but you know that despite your noble status, it cannot be exposed in Great Chu.

As of now, you’re just a merchant’s daughter; you need to achieve something that gives me a reason to elevate you to Main Wife.

Moreover, there’s a jealous concubine in my mansion who needs to be dealt with to make room for you!"

Bai Lili felt a bit dejected but quickly cheered up, "I know. I’ll make sure my father finds out the Imperial Family’s treasure from the previous dynasty as soon as possible so that your royal father will likely let me be your Main Wife!"

"In my heart, you’re already my wife!" Prince Ke chuckled deeply, his voice magnetic, causing Bai Lili to melt to her core.

Bold by nature and delighted by Prince Ke’s charms, Bai Lili ignored the propriety of abstaining from indulgence during daylight and teasingly snuggled into Prince Ke’s embrace.

Inwardly, Prince Ke cursed her shamelessness, yet her wild behavior ignited a fire in him. He was just about to give in when a voice came from outside, "My lord, Little General Qin has arrived!"

If anyone else were coming, they’d surely have to wait, but Prince Ke dared not keep Qin Lang waiting.

Observing Bai Lili’s seductive demeanor, he lightly smacked her pert bottom, "My little seductress, wait for me tonight!"

Bai Lili grumbled, "Even if Qin Dusi is the Northwest Wolf King, Qin Lang is just a wolf pup. Why do you hold him in such regard?"

Prince Ke sighed with a smile, "Don’t laugh at me, my dear. The truth is, even your lord husband cannot overpower the local forces.

When in their territory, even a dragon must bow, and a tiger must lie low. Besides, for him to personally visit, he must have something significant to discuss. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Off you go, remember you’re to be my Princess Consort. Don’t let guests see a reason to mock us."

Bai Lili straightened her attire, gave Prince Ke a quick peck, and smiled as she exited.

As she left, Bai Lili snorted at the guard who ruined her good time with Prince Ke and left with Qiao Ge.

After Bai Lili’s departure, she didn’t see Prince Ke’s instantly changed expression, nor the look the guard had, as though watching a dead man walking.

Nor did Prince Ke see the once cute and lively Bai Lili lose her smile once she left the outer study.

Using a handkerchief, she vigorously wiped her mouth where she had kissed Prince Ke, as if trying to scrub off a layer of skin. Then she chuckled to Qiao Ge, "See, women are indeed so hypocritical!"