344 Report To The Crown Prince (1/2)

”Perhaps,” Li Xueyue finally said.

In an instant, everyone's attention latched onto her—like mosquitoes on flesh. It was almost comical that these women were attempting to insult her. Her thick skin was too tough to be cut by their words.

”You have trauma after the Crown Prince kicked you out from this estate yesterday,” Li Xueyue commented.

She placed a hand upon her chest as her brows came together in worry. Her eyes softened and she nodded in understanding.

Li Xueyue watched in satisfaction as Xu Jiaqi stiffened, her eyes snapping upwards.

”N-no, the Crown Prince doesn't frighten me—”

Li Xueyue offered the quivering woman a gentle, sympathetic smile. ”Then, were you worried about people finding out that you were last night even though you weren't summoned?” she added on.

Xu Jiaqi's throat went dry at Li Xueyue's words. Truthfully, she wasn't scared of anything.

She was in this estate just this morning but these women didn't know that. Most certainly, the Empress also didn't, whose gaze sharpened at the newfound knowledge.

”What were you doing here yesterday, Xu Jiaqi?” the Empress questioned, turning to the shivering woman. Her lips curled upwards in encouragement.

”Your Grace…” Xu Jiaqi trailed off, her voice dying off towards the end.

What was she supposed to say? She couldn't remember much about her drunken night, except begging for the position as a concubine—a title that every lady-in-waiting wanted.

Xu Jiaqi's attention briefly drifted to Li Xueyue. She could do nothing but gawk at the unwavering woman. A white lotus. That was exactly what the Crown Princess was.

”I wanted to…” Xu Jiaqi paused, unable to come up with a response that wouldn't put her in jeopardy. She pressed her lips together and stared at the floor.

Li Xueyue raised a brow. She expected more of her opponent, but it seemed Xu Jiaqi was just a small fish. She was instantly bored of this conversation. Her time could've been spent elsewhere.

”But, Crown Princess,” a woman quickly spoke up. ”How did you know our Lady Xu was excused from the estate? Were you also there?”

Li Xueyue tilted her head. Why did it matter? She was the Crown Princess. Did she need a reason to visit her soon-to-be husband? Her face said it all. Disappointment reflected in her eyes.

She merely gave the woman a look and kept her mouth shut. Her silence must've made them nervous for they quickly spoke up.

”Of course, I assume your presence is always welcomed here, Princess,” the woman stated. ”It's just… we wouldn't want illegitimate heirs running around the estate.”

Li Xueyue pressed her lips together. These women were brazen. It was broad daylight and they were in a public area. Anyone could overhear this conversation.

As another woman of high power, Li Xueyue hoped the Empress understood the meaning of her actions.

”There is no need to stand around here,” the Empress lightly commented. ”The sun is high above us. Let's enjoy tea in the gardens.”

The Empress decided this conversation would go nowhere. Li Xueyue remained unprovoked to all of the shameless comments. She wanted to know why Li Xueyue refused to fight back. In high society, words were weapons. Did she come unprepared to argue?

But then, she saw it.

The smallest lift of her lips. For a split second there, the Empress saw a genuine smile.

”Thank you for your generous offer, Your Grace,” Li Xueyue answered without hesitation. ”I'm afraid I will have to refuse.”

The Empress was shocked by her outright refusal. ”And why is that, Crown Princess?”

Li Xueyue briefly glanced at all of the ladies-in-waiting. Her intentions were clear. She didn't want to dine with these blabbering women.

”Too many voices in a discussion will drown out the purpose,” Li Xueyue explained.

The Empress fondly smiled at her words. She knew the real reason why. It was the rules of etiquette. Masters do not dine with their servants. Nor, do the higher class answer to the lower ranks.

It seemed her predictions weren't off. Li Xueyue exhibited great decorum. She was wise with her words, responding only to people she had to.