Jiang Yunqiao listened intently, her eyes focused on Bai Chen’s fingers. After the song ended, she smiled and said, “Ah Yao, I didn’t expect you to invite me. I hope I didn’t offend you with what I said last time.”
“We’re still sisters, right?”
I returned her an understanding smile. “Not just sisters, but friends. Yunqiao, I want to ask you something.”
“You want to know why I suddenly changed my mind?” She laughed, looking at Bai Chen, her gaze lingering on him. “Ah Yao, what do you think of Master Bai’s performance?”
“Very good,” I replied, surprised by her change of subject.
She stood up, walked to Bai Chen’s side, and unexpectedly bent down to hold his hand.
I was at a loss for words. In Nanrui, her noble birth meant that having another consort was not a big deal. However, I felt uneasy and sensed something was amiss.
“Alright, you’ve fulfilled your wish to be with him, which is fine. You want the heir’s position and to become empress, which is also fine. But if you still consider me a sister, at least tell me who his enemies are. What do you want to reclaim for him?”
Her expression stiffened, and she lowered her head: “Sorry, I cannot say.”
I was choked up, wanting to shake her and make her speak, but I suppressed this impulse.
“Fine, if you won’t tell me, so be it.” I forced myself to calm down and glanced at her. “Before the truth is revealed, I won’t give up the heir’s position either. As you said, let’s rely on our own abilities.”
Throwing out such harsh words was momentary anger. Later, I realized that becoming heir meant nothing to me. Why compete with her? If she could convince Emperor Hong to change his mind and pass the throne to her, I’d be content being a nominal King Yu or receiving a piece of land, living happily with my family. As long as she treats Afu and her consort well, whether she seeks revenge or does anything else, I wouldn’t mind.
However, An Jin disagreed. He believed I should not only hold onto the heir’s position but actively fight for it.
