Baili Chen nodded slightly: "You all disrespected the Princess Consort without regard for rank, disturbing my meal. All of you are impolite. Guards, drag Ning Yuechang away and beat her to death. The rest of you, each receive thirty strokes of the cane and must pay one hundred taels of silver. For every tael less paid, you will receive an extra stroke of the cane, until you have paid the full amount. Of course, my Prince Chen's residence doesn't like to keep idle people. If anyone feels that there are too many rules in Prince Chen's residence and doesn't want to stay, they can leave now. However, if you don't want to leave, then..." Baili Chen revealed a cold smile.
The dozen or so women immediately turned pale.
"Your Highness, spare me! Your Highness, I dare not do it again! Please spare me!"
"Your Highness, spare me! Your Highness, I dare not do it again! Please spare me!"
"..."
Cries for mercy echoed from the other side, but the guards of Prince Chen's mansion had already obeyed orders and dragged her away. Ning Yuechang kept screaming, "No, I was sent in by the Crown Princess! If you dare touch me, the Crown Princess will not let you off easily! Let me go! No... Ah!"
Then, screams, cries of pain, and the crackling sound of boards hitting bodies rang out from outside the courtyard.
"Spare me!"
"Your Highness, Your Highness, spare my life!"
Although those young ladies were not legitimate daughters of their families, but rather daughters of concubines from collateral branches, they had never suffered much hardship since childhood. When these blows landed on their bodies, they felt as if their bodies were being torn apart, and they all cried out in pain. However, they were much better off than Ning Yuechang, who was to be beaten to death. The beatings on them were painful, but the beatings on Ning Yuechang were cruel. The severity of the blows was ten or twenty times greater than on them. After only a few blows, Ning Yuechang's eyes rolled back in her head. After twenty or so blows, she was breathing more gasping for air than she could take in. By the thirty-second blow, her eyes had rolled back, and she collapsed to the ground dead with a "thud."
The women who had been groaning and moaning immediately shut their mouths, not daring to utter a sound, for fear of truly displeasing Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue, in which case they would be beaten to death.
Baili Chen sneered at them and said, "Listen carefully, everyone must prepare one hundred taels of silver for me today. If you are short by even one tael, you will receive an extra beating. If you are short by one hundred taels, you will receive one hundred heavy beatings. Remember that. Of course, if you leave the palace before this, it means you do not want to stay in my palace. You are not part of the Chen Prince's Palace, so you are not required to abide by the rules of the Chen Prince's Palace. Otherwise, hmph, do as I say."
The women turned deathly pale. One of them, dressed in green, also paled, but gritted her teeth and said, "Your Highness, this servant was sent here on Your Highness's orders..."
Bai Lichen's face was gloomy as he glared at the woman and hissed, "Shut up! Are you going to tell me that it was your third brother who ordered you to do something disrespectful to me and the princess? Guards! This woman dares to slander your third brother's reputation! Take her away and beat her to death!"
"No, no, this servant had no such intention! Please forgive me, Your Highness! This servant had no intention of ruining Your Highness's reputation! Your Highness... Your Highness... Ah!" The woman was terrified, her face pale, and she kept kowtowing and begging for mercy. However, the guards had already dragged her away very roughly. Another round of beatings began, and this time the beatings seemed to hurt even more. The woman screamed her heart out, as if she wanted to shout out all her grievances and pain.
At twenty strokes of the cane.
"Crack!" The board being used for the execution actually cracked upon impact, and as the broken pieces struck her back, the woman in green cried out in pain, coughed up blood, closed her eyes, and died.
A deathly silence fell over the courtyard. Two perfectly healthy people who had lived among them had been beaten to death in such a short time. The sight sent chills down their spines, their hearts pounded, and they trembled with fear. The wounds from the beatings on their bodies seemed to have forgotten their pain; only an overwhelming sense of terror washed over them. This Prince Chen was ruthless and cruel; if anything displeased him, he would have someone killed on the spot. They had heard rumors before that palace maids in Prince Chen's former palace often changed, and their families had some information, but it wasn't accurate, and they hadn't paid much attention. Now, thinking back, weren't all those people executed by Baili Chen? This was far too cruel!
However, they were already having second thoughts. They had been abandoned at home, and although they were raised, it was only to attract and retain others; they were of little use. Entering the Prince Chen's mansion was their way of rising to power, transforming from sparrows into phoenixes. If they could gain Baili Chen's favor, if he would even notice them, being a concubine would be a hundred times better than being the principal wife in many households, enjoying endless wealth and luxury. So when someone in the mansion suggested it, many of them agreed without hesitation. But at the time, no one mentioned that they could die at any moment in the Prince Chen's mansion. Now, two had died. What about the future? Even if the Princess Chen didn't seem to have any problems now, who could predict the future? Even if the Prince Chen truly stopped favoring her, she was still a princess of the country, with a powerful backer. Compared to them, who were beautiful but without any backing, she could be killed however he wanted. This was far too dangerous.
"I...I want to leave the manor! I want to leave the Prince Chen's manor!"
"Me too, I need to leave right away."
"I'm leaving the mansion too, I'm leaving the mansion too."
One person spoke up, and the others chimed in eagerly. One hundred taels might not be much for the people of Prince Chen's mansion, but it was a considerable sum for them. Most of them were disfavored at home and had botched any tasks assigned by their families. They probably wouldn't have been paid for with those one hundred taels. If they were given the money, some would have had to use their life savings, and in the end, they would have gained nothing. Fortunately, Baili Chen had just gotten married and hadn't touched them at all. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to leave even if they wanted to. This was a good opportunity to leave; at least they could save their lives. Who knew if they might encounter some great opportunity or even greater wealth in the future? Why risk their lives here? That was far too unworthy.
The women sent by the Prince Zhi's mansion exchanged glances, seemingly wanting to say something, but remembering how the green-clad man's words had angered Baili Chen and led to his beating to death, none of them dared to say anything more.
These women entered the manor without bringing anything with them. An hour later, they all left the Chen Prince's manor with their servants and bundles, limping away. The manor became much quieter, and the air seemed fresher. Baili Chen smiled and said to Ouyang Yue, "Indeed, without them, the air in this manor seems fresher."
Ouyang Yue laughed and said, "Are you really that willing to part with them? Those are twenty beautiful women."
Baili Chen looked at Ouyang Yue with a mournful expression: "Wife, please stop teasing me. I regret this behavior so much. If you continue like this, I'll cry for you."
Ouyang Yue chuckled softly, feeling incredibly pleased. She hadn't expected to resolve things so quickly when she brought these women into the manor. Sending them all away on the second day after the wedding might have been bad for her reputation, but she didn't care now. Just as Baili Chen had said, the air in the manor seemed cleaner without these women, relieving her of that subtle pressure: "Alright, this is the only time. I'll forgive you. Next time, you'd better tell me first, so I can at least be mentally prepared."
Bai Lichen's expression was extremely serious: "No, there will absolutely be no next time. I only want my wife. No matter how beautiful or good other women are, they are not what I want. This lesson has made me fully understand my wife's meaning: one life, one love, one partner. As long as my wife and I are together, there will be no third person between us."
Ouyang Yue gazed into Baili Chen's dark, bright eyes. Meanwhile, the servants in the flower hall, being quite tactful, had already withdrawn while the two were talking. Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue, naturally, had no reservations. Ouyang Yue stretched out her arms and gently wrapped them around Baili Chen's shoulders, her eyes sparkling. Finally, she smiled and said, "Yes, if that's the case, then I can love without worry."
Bai Lichen was taken aback, then grinned foolishly: "My wife, don't worry, I will reciprocate your love with sincerity, and I will never regret it."
Ouyang Yue's lips curled up, and she gently raised her eyes to look at Baili Chen. Baili Chen's body stiffened instantly, and he let out a low growl as he pressed his lips against Ouyang Yue's: "My wife is so hateful, actually seducing me at a time like this."
Ouyang Yue gently poked Baili Chen's chest: "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't."
“You are so alluring, my heart is racing. My wife is so captivating.” Baili Chen deepened the kiss. Ouyang Yue’s eyes were hazy with desire, and the next moment she was limp in Baili Chen’s arms, panting heavily.
Ouyang Yue felt that Baili Chen's hand was getting out of control, sliding around her waist and hips. She immediately grabbed it and said, "No, Yuexin hasn't left yet, and we have to go to the palace to express our gratitude. We can't do it now."
Baili Chen gritted his teeth, looking at Ouyang Yue with great dissatisfaction and resentment: "When the time comes, I will definitely make it up to you." But his eyes gleamed with a fox-like light. Ouyang Yue was taken aback, her heart tightening. What was this guy planning to do?
Baili Chen now wore a smiling expression, wrapped his arm around Ouyang Yue's waist, and said, "My wife, let's prepare to go to the palace to express our gratitude. I have nothing to do for the next few days anyway, so I'll stay at home with you."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow: "You're that free?"
Bai Lichen laughed: "No matter what happens, it's nothing in front of my wife. It's alright. Even if there is something, I have plenty of capable subordinates who can handle it." Bai Lichen continued with a smile, "My wife, let's go to the palace then."
Looking at Baili Chen, Ouyang Yue couldn't help but laugh, "Let's go. Ning Xihe has suddenly disappeared. We'll be busy in the palace." Ouyang Yue felt quite relaxed. Even if she punished these women and sent them out of the mansion, it was just to make an example of them. If Ouyang Yue hadn't deliberately pretended to be without a title, who knows how many people would have wanted to send people to Prince Chen's mansion. If you want to send someone, you have to bear the consequences. Can you afford to send someone?
Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue then traveled by carriage to the palace. Today's thanksgiving ceremony was to be held in the Empress Dowager's De'an Palace. When Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue arrived, the Empress Dowager, Emperor Mingxian, the Empress, and the various concubines, as well as most of the princes and princesses, were already seated. Today, Baili Chen wore a red and gold-trimmed prince's robe, with a golden crown that held up his dark hair. He was elegant and handsome. Beside him, Ouyang Yue wore a similar red and gold-trimmed princess's formal attire, with phoenix patterns on the front and back. Several lotus flowers bloomed quietly at the collar, making her look noble and serene. Her hairpins were casually placed, yet very naturally. A thumb-sized ruby necklace adorned her forehead, making her appear even whiter. Her eyes were bright and captivating, and her temples were tinged with a faint pink. Her gentle smile was like a spring breeze, pleasing to the eye.
"Grandson and granddaughter-in-law of the Emperor pay their respects to the Empress Dowager."
"Your subject greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty."
"Greetings to Consort XX, to Uncle Qia, to Imperial Brother XX...
Upon entering the De'an Hall, Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue immediately began to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager, seated in the superior position, looked at Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue with a kind smile: "Well done, well done, you are a perfect match, a truly handsome couple, Your Majesty."
Emperor Mingxian smiled and nodded: "When this seventh prince was not married, he looked very unruly and arrogant. Now he looks quite decent. Indeed, it is better for a man to settle down early."
The Empress laughed in agreement, "That's right. I'm getting old too. Seeing these young people finding beautiful wives and being happy makes me happy too."
The other concubines and princes also laughed happily in agreement, but how much of their smiles were genuine was anyone's guess.
The Empress Dowager smiled kindly and beckoned to Ouyang Yue: "Mingyue, come here, let me take a good look at you."
Ouyang Yue gave a slight bow and then walked steadily towards the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction. Someone inexperienced in worldly affairs, summoned by someone of such high status and power, would surely rush over as fast as possible, which would be extremely impolite and show a lack of composure. Ouyang Yue maintained a moderate smile, her steps neither too slow to appear disrespectful to the Empress Dowager nor too fast to be impolite, demonstrating excellent manners.
"Grandmother." As soon as she arrived, Ouyang Yue greeted her gently with a smile.
The Empress Dowager grabbed Ouyang Yue's hand and looked her up and down: "Not bad, not bad at all. As expected of the title of the most beautiful woman in Langya Continent, her appearance is indeed top-notch, and she also has a good temperament and noble birth. Your Majesty has made a good choice in this marriage."
Ouyang Yue smiled as she looked at the Empress Dowager, but her mind was racing. The Empress Dowager was the Empress's aunt and the Crown Prince's grandmother, seemingly more approachable than the other princes. Yet, she had never seen the Empress Dowager act coldly or distant towards anyone; she always appeared gentle and kind, a perfect candidate for a grandmother. Either the Empress Dowager was genuinely kind, or her acting was superb. Unfortunately, even with Ouyang Yue's careful observation, she couldn't find anything unusual about the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager smiled and waved her hand, immediately a palace maid handing over a box. The box wasn't large, but it was extremely exquisite. However, when the Empress saw the box, her expression changed. Consort Sun, who hadn't initially paid much attention, noticed the Empress's expression and then looked at her thoughtfully, her eyes widening.
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "You've just married Chen'er, and your grandmother doesn't have much to give you. This is something I've always treasured, and seeing how much you like it, I'm giving it to you." Then the palace maid opened the box, and inside lay a fist-sized gemstone, its surface a vibrant, blood-red color. The gemstone's shape was extremely unique, resembling a real egg, and inside it seemed as if a layer of light red clouds were constantly floating, making it extremely eye-catching.
Ouyang Yue looked at it, her eyes flashing, and said with a smile, "I am not good at recognizing what kind of item this is, but since it is a gift from my grandmother, I will accept it with all my might."
The Empress and Consort Sun looked rather unwell, but the Empress Dowager gave Ouyang Yue a deep look and smiled, "Very well, it's true that elders should not delay in bestowing gifts. I like your straightforward nature and your dislike of playing tricks. This gem called 'Mingchenmeng' has the effect of promoting sleep and regulating the body. I've always carried it with me, but I'm giving it to you today."
Ouyang Yue was taken aback and quickly said, "It's such a valuable thing, then granddaughter-in-law can't accept it."
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "An elder's gift cannot be delayed. Isn't that what Mingyue just said? There's no reason for me to take back what I've given away. Just accept it with peace of mind."
Emperor Mingxian laughed and said, "That's right. Mingyue, you should accept Chenmeng. The Empress Dowager has a temper; once something is given away, she will never ask for it back. If you delay any longer, she will be unhappy."
Ouyang Yue looked terrified, but in the end, she accepted the gift. She then stayed by Baili Chen's side without saying a word, as if she was frightened by the Empress Dowager's action. When the Empress Dowager sent Chen Meng away, the other people in De'an Palace also had different expressions and were much quieter than before.
Afterwards, the Emperor and Empress, along with Baili Chen, expressed their gratitude because Ouyang Yue had changed her address, and bestowed gifts upon her. Of course, none of them were as precious as the Empress Dowager's. The day's business was thus concluded.
After expressing their gratitude, Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue naturally prepared to return to the Chen Prince's residence. However, the Third Prince was already waiting outside the De'an Palace. Upon seeing Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue emerge, he glanced coldly at Ouyang Yue and said to Baili Chen, "Seventh Prince, come here for a moment. I have something to say to you."
“Third brother…” Baili Chen said, glancing at Ouyang Yue before nodding, “Let’s talk over there.”
Baili Chen and Baili Qia left immediately, leaving Ouyang Yue with only Chuncao and Dongxue by her side. At this moment, a noble woman dressed in a golden peony-patterned dress walked out of De'an Palace. The woman looked at Ouyang Yue with slightly slanted eyes. It was none other than the Second Princess, Baili Jing: "Why is Princess Chen standing here alone? Where is the Seventh Prince?"
"The Prince and Prince Zhi have gone to speak privately," Ouyang Yue said with a smile.
Baili Jing looked at Ouyang Yue with a meaningful expression: "Perfect timing, I also have something to say to you. Do you have time to talk to me, Sister-in-law?"
Ouyang Yue smiled: "Of course, please, Second Princess."
Meanwhile, Baili Zhi and Baili Chen arrived at a rockery. Baili Zhi waved his hand, and immediately a group of people surrounded them to prevent unrelated people from entering and disturbing their conversation. Baili Zhi's face immediately darkened: "Seventh Brother, what's going on? I just heard the news that all the people I sent before, you sent them all back to the manor. Not to mention those who were injured, I heard that one person was beaten to death. Can you tell me what exactly happened?"
Baili Chen looked at Baili Zhi and said, "Third brother, you sent these women to the Chen Prince's residence with good intentions, which I know. However, these women are really annoying. This morning at breakfast, they lost their manners and made a scene in front of me, even resorting to violence and ruining the meal, all in an attempt to get food for me. That's bad enough, but some of them were so ignorant that they even argued with the Princess Consort over chopsticks. It was simply outrageous. I found it too offensive, so I had them flogged and sent them away."
Baili Zhi had heard similar things from his subordinates. If that was the case, then Baili Chen's punishment was justified. Regardless of who sent the person, they were still without any official status or title. How could they compare to the prince and princess of the court? It was indeed a disgrace and a breach of etiquette. However… “There’s no need to send them all back. You only have Mingyue in your household now. How can she manage? If these people aren’t good, I’ll send five more sensible and obedient ones. This time, I definitely won’t make things difficult for you.”
Bai Lichen's face darkened: "Third brother, I don't want to recruit any more women into the manor; it won't do me any good."
Bai Lizhi's face darkened: "But what Mingyue said is that you used to be fearless, but now you're so afraid of a woman. Aren't you ashamed if word gets out?"
Baili Chen said, "Third brother, you can't understand my feelings. Once you have someone who is devoted to you, you won't want to be apart from them. I like Mingyue very much and want to give her the best. Why would I want to cause trouble between the two of them?"
Baili Zhi sneered, "It seems this Xuanyuan Yue is quite capable. Look how well she's tamed you. What do you mean by 'unhappy to give her away'? I think it's her who's unhappy. Such a jealous woman, why did you insist on marrying her in the first place? Fine, let's put that aside for now. If you listen to her so much, you'll find it increasingly difficult to control her in the future. You're destined for great things; how can you be troubled by petty love affairs and narrow-mindedness? Rest assured, if I decide to give her away, neither the Princess Consort of Chen nor Princess Mingyue will dare to stop me."
Baili Chen's expression was uncertain. After a moment of silence, he said, "Third brother, I don't want you to worry about this anymore." Baili Zhi's face was gloomy when Baili Chen continued, "Third brother, what do you think of the eldest daughter of the Leng family?"
Bai Lizhi suddenly paused for a moment, but still said, "She's quite good at stirring up trouble, but I don't care about her."
Baili Chen nodded and said, "Yes, Third Brother doesn't care about Leng Caidie at all, so he can be indifferent. But I'm different. Third Brother, have you thought about Mother?"
Baili Zhi was taken aback, because the "mother" Baili Chen was referring to could not be the current empress, but the former empress, Empress Bai, their birth mother: "Third brother, do you think our mother suffered a lot back then? Don't you feel sorry for her? Have you never felt hatred?"
A cold glint flashed in Baili Zhi's eyes: "Hatred, that's natural. I will avenge my mother one day."
When Baili Chen was born, he didn't really remember the former Empress Bai. But from Baili Zhi's description, he knew she was a gentle and loving woman. If he had lived a few more years, Baili Chen could have received the same kinship and maternal love he longed for. But he didn't have that chance. And because of this, he hated the cause of Empress Bai's death even more: "Third brother, can't you think about it from the other side? Treat Yue'er as our mother. Don't you want the people you care about to be happy? That's how I feel right now. Why should I do anything to hurt Yue'er for women I don't care about at all? It's not worth it, is it?"
Baili Zhi remained silent. Baili Chen said, "I appreciate Third Brother's kindness, but I hope you will not send anyone in again. No matter what problems we encounter in this matter, Yue'er and I can face and solve them together. Such a solution that makes both sides unhappy will not only not help us, but will also hurt us."
Bai Lizhi sighed, "You're blaming me."
Bai Lichen shook his head: "No, I know that my third brother cares about me, but sometimes too much concern can lead to confusion. I don't blame my third brother."
Baili Zhi glanced at Baili Chen, but didn't say much: "I understand." However, a glint flashed in his eyes. Hmph, that Xuan Yuan Yue, I must find an opportunity to have a good talk with her! However... Baili Zhi looked at Baili Chen, who already had a slight smile on his face, and sighed in his heart. It was too rare to see the seventh brother so determined about something.
In the outer hall of Baili Jing's Ningjing Palace, Baili Jing and Ouyang Yue took their seats. Baili Jing waved her hand, and immediately palace servants brought tea and snacks. Baili Jing smiled and said, "My sister-in-law, you are from my palace. These pastries are one of the three most famous pastries in the palace. As for the tea, it is brewed with frost and dew water and has a special brewing process. The aroma of the tea is wonderful. It is a rare delicacy."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Now that you mention it, my sister, I'm quite curious." As she spoke, she picked up an exquisite teacup, gently sniffed it, then took a sip and smiled as she savored the tea, saying, "Indeed, it's a royal delicacy. It's delicious, truly excellent."
Baili Jing smiled very approachably and said, "If you like it, I will have the palace maids prepare more later so you can take it back and enjoy it at your leisure."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "That's not necessary. Listening to my sister, the tea picking and cooking are very particular, and it must be hard to come by. I won't take what others like. I'm not particularly particular about these things anyway, so I don't want to waste this good tea."
Baili Jing narrowed her eyes: "Look at what you're saying, sister-in-law. It's just some tea leaves. Even if they're hard to collect, would we, as family members, be reluctant to use them? Sister-in-law, please don't delay. You and Seventh Brother are getting married, and I don't have any good gifts to give, so this will count as one."
"Since my royal sister has said so, I really can't refuse to accept it."
Baili Jing smiled, then seemed to remember something and hurriedly asked, "By the way, my sister-in-law had her wedding last night, so there must be many things she doesn't know."
Ouyang Yue asked curiously, "What are all the things that Second Princess mentioned?"
Baili Jing sighed softly, "Speaking of which, the Crown Prince has been quite troubled lately. His former sister-in-law was poisoned by a concubine in his household, another young lady died during a talent selection, and just yesterday, the new sister-in-law mysteriously disappeared. Everyone searched everywhere, but there was no trace of her. Does the Seventh Sister-in-law have any objections to this? Now there are more and more rumors outside, saying that this is caused by a conflict between the Seventh Sister-in-law and the Crown Prince's sister-in-law."
Ouyang Yue smiled meaningfully: "Oh, I only learned of this when I first entered the palace. It's quite strange, really. Although the Crown Princess and I had a conflict in the main hall, and blood was drawn, indicating an ominous sign, the Crown Princess immediately met with the Empress. The Empress is the Empress of the nation, the mother of the people. If the Emperor, as the Son of Heaven, is protected by a celestial dragon, then the Empress, as the mother of the nation and the head of all birds, is protected by a noble phoenix. If the Crown Princess truly suffered an ominous sign because of the blood..." "This evil spirit... Logically speaking, even the Empress Dowager could have dispelled it for him, so how could he have disappeared so mysteriously? I heard he hasn't even left the palace yet?" Ouyang Yue's eyes widened slightly, her expression incredulous. "Speaking of which, it's my bad luck. Because of the previous exhaustion, my period became irregular, and it came early yesterday. If I hadn't also started bleeding, and if it hadn't clashed with the Crown Princess's blood in the main hall, thus dispelling the evil spirit, I might have stayed in the bridal chamber with the Prince last night, and some unavoidable disaster might have befallen us."
Baili Jing's expression was somewhat unpleasant. Ouyang Yue kept using these supernatural and superstitious claims to refute her words, even dragging the Empress into it. It made sense; Ning Xihe had been perfectly fine until she met the Empress and then disappeared shortly after leaving. Not much time had passed, and she hadn't even left the palace. Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue were newlyweds at the time; even if he truly had some grudge against Ning Xihe, there was no need to rush into doing these things on their wedding day—that would only make things difficult for himself.
On the contrary, Ning Xihe's behavior in the palace was unbecoming. The Empress has always been the most concerned about these rules and regulations. If we really want to investigate, the Empress should be the first one to be questioned and investigated. At that time, Ouyang Yue was actually the victim in the palace.
"That's true. After this incident, Father and Grandmother spoke with Mother. Mother is a very kind-hearted person. Although she was a little angry at the time, she only scolded the Crown Prince's wife a few times. However, the palace is indeed very large, and the Crown Prince's wife must have gotten lost. Although Mother doesn't particularly like the Crown Prince's wife, she wouldn't treat her badly over such a small matter." Baili Jing sighed, "I just don't know if the Crown Prince's wife is really in grave danger. The Crown Prince is very sad about it."
Ouyang Yue sighed, "Yes, I truly hope the Crown Princess can escape this calamity. Otherwise, if such a villain takes advantage of this, even the Crown Princess won't find peace in the afterlife. The murderer is still alive, while she has to bear all sorts of inexplicable speculations even in death. The biggest victim now is the Crown Princess, but it's me, the Princess Consort. Alas..."
Bai Lijing smiled faintly, noticing the strange look flashing across Ouyang Yue's face. Ouyang Yue narrowed her eyes and sneered inwardly.
Inside the carriage returning to Prince Chen's residence, Baili Chen recounted his conversation with Baili Zhi as soon as he entered. Ouyang Yue smiled and nodded, shaking Baili Chen's hand. The latter said, "What is Baili Jing trying to do by saying this? Does he suspect you?"