If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

Xi Song had never seen her sister look so pale.

Does Sister really not like Brother Wang anymore?

Women's thoughts are truly fickle.

When Xi Lingxian returned to the table, Xie Wanru and Wang Shuhui, who were next to Xie Wanyi, immediately gave her a look that seemed to want to devour her.

funny.

Xi Lingxian's good temper had completely run out. She could no longer bear it and said, "If Miss Xie doesn't have enough crabs, just ask the palace servants to get more. I won't give you any extra crabs even if you glare at me."

She then looked at Wang Shuhui and Wang Shuyuan, "And you two, I only fell for a man on a whim, yet you're all so relentless. Anyone who didn't know better would think I have a criminal record!"

Wang Shuhui and Wang Shuyuan were stunned by her bold words and were speechless for a moment.

Xie Wanru's face alternated between pale and flushed; if looks could kill, Xi Lingxian would probably have been torn to shreds long ago.

Xie Wanyi's jaw was clenched. "Miss Xi, Wanru and the Wang family's sister meant no harm. They just didn't expect Brother Qingyu to..."

"If you didn't think of anything, just go ask him. What's with all this nagging? Are you all bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, too afraid to cause trouble for your good second brother?"

These words struck a nerve with the Wang sisters.

Even though Wang Shuhui, Wang Shuyuan, and Wang Jue were born of the same mother, they never dared to be too presumptuous in front of their cold and aloof second brother.

She had to be careful with her words even when speaking, not daring to break the rules, let alone bother him with these trivial matters of a young woman.

They wouldn't dare even if they had ten times the courage.

Xi Songse shrank back next to Xi Lingxian, "Sister... could we be a little more tactful in our communication?"

"Won't."

Xi Song: "..."

"Look at you, so cowardly. It seems your elder brother really should supervise you for a few months. Tomorrow at dawn, get up, practice martial arts first, then study. Do you hear me?"

Xi Song: "..."

Why did he provoke her with that foul mouth of his?

^

Wang Jue sat down again, and his attendant whispered something in his ear. His gaze toward his two younger sisters, Wang Shuhui and Wang Shuyuan, immediately turned cold.

The two sisters lowered their eyes guiltily, not daring to look directly at their brother.

As Xie Wanyi watched this scene, her unease grew stronger.

Why? What is the reason?

Why did everything change overnight, and all the men started chasing after Xi Lingxian?

Just because the Xi family has military power?

Are these people really that shallow?

I never thought about how a woman with such vulgar and domineering behavior could be a proper wife and mistress in the inner quarters, or how she could deal with the interactions and social obligations among the relatives and friends of each household.

They're all so blinded by lust that their minds have gone haywire.

It's one thing for others, but why is my cousin doing this too?

Like Xie Wanyi, Yu Xiyao and her daughter also harbored deep resentment towards Chongtian.

"Mother, did you see that? Wang Jue is actually peeling crabs for her! What's wrong with all these men? Have they all been bewitched by that vixen Xi Lingxian?"

"Mother, we can't let her marry into the Wang family. If she does, I'll be dominated by her for the rest of my life. I don't want that!"

Madam Yu took a sip of tea, her gaze fixed on Xi Lingxian, whose sharp tongue still held a captivating allure.

Unexpectedly, compared to Xi Rui and Xi Song, the one who bothered her the most was this little brat.

"Never again should you say things like 'eliminate someone.' It's the stupidest thing to start a fight that results in death."

Xi Yao was taken aback. "So you mean...?"

Madam Yu turned her head to the side, a cryptic smile curving her lips. "Xi Lingxian is arrogant beyond measure, she doesn't even respect the Crown Prince or the Heir Apparent. To deal with someone like that, death is nothing, crushing her into the dust is what makes her suffer more than death."

"The most important things for a woman in her life are her face and her chastity." Her voice was as soft as a wisp of smoke. "If her face is ruined, she can't marry into a good family; if her chastity is ruined, she has no choice but to marry."

Xi Yao's breathing became rapid instantly, and her previous grievances and resentment vanished, replaced by an almost fanatical anticipation.

Her hand, clutching the handkerchief, trembled slightly. "Mother, you...you have an idea?"

"In a few days, there will be a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at the Prince of Huainan's residence. With so many people and eyes, who knows who will be there?" Madam Yu paused, "Then, let her go where she needs to go and see who she needs to see; as for what happens afterward, I have no idea."

"No matter how capable your father is, he can't cover up such a scandal. In the end, he can only accept his fate and hastily marry her off. That's the proper thing to do."

Xi Yao finally smiled. Her face, which had been contorted with jealousy just moments before, now completely changed. "Mother is brilliant!"

"Xi Lingxian is beautiful, but with her temper, no one can stand it for long. Who knows, she might be beaten to death one day. A married daughter is like water spilled from a cup; even her father shouldn't interfere in her family affairs."

"Mother, you are so amazing."

"Alright, alright, let's talk about this after things actually work out. Don't get too excited yet."

Xi Yao, however, seemed to already see Xi Lingxian's miserable state after the scheme succeeded, being scorned and despised by everyone. She pursed her lips and laughed triumphantly.

……

The women were noisy, but the real undercurrents were running deep in the banquet where the emperor and the heads of various noble families were seated.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, but the one who truly commanded respect and fear was Wang Dun, the Grand Commandant of the court.

The emperor was used to it and had long since become numb to it.

He was nearing forty, yet he had never been able to grasp real power; throughout history, there has probably been no emperor more frustrated than him.

The country was built by powerful families, and he ascended the throne with their support.

He had no room to struggle or resist, otherwise he would have been replaced without mercy.

"Lord Xi defended the Jianghuai region and protected our land. I toast Lord Xi once again."

"Your Majesty flatters me."

Xi Jian, neither humble nor arrogant, raised his cup and drank.

As the music ended, the music in the hall suddenly changed.

The original majestic military music faded away, replaced by a lingering and melodious sound of string and wind instruments; dancers filed in, their clothes fluttering, the leading woman with a graceful figure, her face covered by a light veil, revealing only a pair of watery eyes.

Xi Lingxian frowned slightly. This woman…

The lead dancer's movements were graceful and elegant. Her gaze swept across the hall, her eyes sparkling with unspoken words, and she lingered on Xi Jian for a moment longer.

The men in the hall were engrossed in watching, and several generals stared wide-eyed. The emperor, however, remained unperturbed, holding his wine cup and smiling broadly.

As the lead dancer reached the height of her performance, she spun around, and the light veil covering her face fluttered down.

The moment Xi Lingxian saw that face clearly, her blood froze.

It was a face that bore a striking resemblance to her deceased mother, with eyes that sparkled with spring, and every smile and frown exuding a deliberately alluring charm.

Stepmother?

No, in my past life, she clearly appeared in Jiankang a year after my wedding, how could this be...?

Xi Lingxian froze abruptly, as if she had thought of something, and a cold sweat silently broke out on her back.

Not the same.

This life is completely different.

Xi Lingxian subconsciously looked at her father.

Xi Jian's face had completely darkened, and his hand holding the wine cup tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white.

Ling Xian's hand clenched tightly under her sleeve. She gritted her teeth and coldly swept her gaze over the people in the high hall.

Who sent this face that looks so much like my mother? And what is their purpose?

Across the clamor in the hall, Xi Lingxian met Empress Yu's unguarded gaze.

The other person raised an eyebrow and smiled at her.

Lingxian's heart skipped a beat.

She glanced at Xi Yao's side.

Yu's face was so dark it was almost dripping with water.