An Jin and I refused to give her any opportunity to approach the Crown Prince. Finding no success with us, she turned to Song Sitian for help. Song Sitian’s older brother was a personal attendant of the Crown Prince, and he arranged a meeting between my sister and the Crown Prince. I learned these details later. The Crown Prince’s ambiguous attitude made my sister increasingly invested, and one day, while walking Yuan Xiang out, I encountered the Crown Prince Xia Zhiyuan’s carriage sending my sister home.
His complexion turned cold. “I haven’t provoked her; she came to me on her own.”
Indeed, a venomous beauty with a serpent’s heart. I tried to compromise again. “My younger sister is young and naive. Please, Your Highness, spare her.”
“What, being my woman is suffering?” He frowned. “How can we talk about sparing her?”
“Your Highness!”
“I said sternly, ‘My husband’s old grievances with Your Highness—if you have any anger, direct it at us as a couple. Involving family members is hardly honorable.’
‘Old grievances?’ Xia Zhiyuan pondered. ‘So that’s what he told you. Has my lady considered the matter I discussed earlier?’
I paused, recalling his offer to come to his side. ‘No discussion. I won’t leave An Jin.’
His expression showed slight regret. ‘My lady, have you considered that perhaps your husband isn’t quite what you imagine? His kindness to you might have other motives.’
I scorned him. That tactic had long ceased to work on me.
Seeing I was unmoved, Xia Zhiyuan smiled. ‘My lady will understand someday. As for your sister—’ he suddenly looked in my direction and said loudly, ‘Is my lady preventing me from associating with her sister out of jealousy? I sense my lady’s feelings. But since you’re married to An Shilang, why prevent your sister’s happiness?’
I was stunned into silence by his shameless words. The movement behind me caught me off guard—my younger sister stood nearby, eyes wide with surprise.
The Eastern Palace had clearly mastered the art of sowing discord. Having failed with me, he now succeeded with my sister. Satisfied, he mounted his carriage and left me facing my sister, who looked tense and broke out in cold sweat.”
“Second Sister, how could you—no wonder you never agreed to my associating with His Highness,” she accused.
