342 Good News (1/2)
Yu Zhen finally understood what was bothering her today. She thought Xu Jiaqi walked away unscathed. He revealed a dark smile and released her from the embrace. Disappointment instantly flooded her face as he walked off.
He approached his desk, knowing she was watching his every move. He picked up a rolled-up parchment and approached her again. He tipped the scroll in her direction.
Li Xueyue stared down at the object. She was curious about what it was. She took the scroll from him and unraveled it. Immediately, the seal of the Imperial Family could be seen. She quickly skimmed the contents. It didn't take long for her head to shoot up.
”Is this a punishment for her or me?” she stated.
”For her,” he chuckled.
Li Xueyue shook her head. ”No, I don't want her as my maidservant.”
Yu Zhen wrapped his hand around her fingers. ”Consider this offer carefully,” he said.
Li Xueyue knew her anger was misplaced. She was being ungrateful of his gift. She knew the benefits of having Xu Jiaqi as her handmaiden. It would put the woman in her place.
Xu Juaqi would be commanded around like a servant. Whatever Li Xueyue wanted, Xu Jiaqi would have to do.
”Do you want me to be suffocated in the morning, poisoned in the afternoon, and killed during my sleep?” she said.
Yu Zhen raised a brow. He hadn't seen this dramatic side to her before.
”Xu Jiaqi is of noble birth. Waiting upon you and getting her to tend to your every whim will tarnish her reputation beyond repair,” she said.
Li Xueyue's fingers tightened on the piece of parchment. ”There are more consequences than benefits in this.”
”Lu Tianbi told me something amusing this morning before she left to see her suitor,” he said.
”What is it?” she asked.
”Xu Jiaqi is one of the more well-known women vying for my attention.”
”And yet you still keep her around,” Li Xueyue gritted out, stepping to the side and escaping from him.
Li Xueyue didn't want to be near him. She knew he'd try to kiss and caress her into agreeing.
”You want me to use her as an example,” she stated. ”To the other women competing for you.”
Li Xueyue understood where this conversation was going. Right now, all eyes were on her and Xu Jiaqi. She hadn't realized this sooner. The people of the palace would be curious to see where this relationship would go.
She ignored his smile—proud, and wide.
”You're wise beyond your years, Xueyue. You'll know what to do,” Yu Zhen said.
Li Xueyue sighed through her nose. Was this her first challenge in the palace? To find the biggest fish, gut it, and hang it up as an example? If she was able to turn the crazy Xu Jiaqi into a pawn, it'll scare away other competitors. Though, she had yet to meet them.
Would that woman be crazy enough to kill the Crown Princess?
Li Xueyue would have to find out. ”And Yanxi?”
”Yanxi will stay by your side. Xu Jiaqi will also follow her orders,” Yu Zhen said.
Li Xueyue looked at the scroll again. A few seconds of silence passed by. ”Fine, I'll allow Xu Jiaqi to serve me.”
- - - - -
Li Xueyue knew Yu Zhen was looking out for her. He always was. It would explain his decision. She would be taming Xu Jiaqi whilst warning other women to stay away. It was killing two birds with one stone.