58 Schemes Within Schemes 2 (1/2)

”Just a lesson? This prince doesn't presume it as so. Don't neglect the fact she'll be my future princess consort.” A clear voice rang out from behind.

The Crown Prince!

The general stiffened. The garden wasn't far from the banquet, so if the general could hear the commotion, who couldn't? He appeared because of the sobbing and piercing wails. However, General Wei just didn't imagine he would see Hongyue here. He had thought someone had simply fallen and needed help. Presently now that the Crown Prince saw an injured Hongyue, how was he going to carry this out?

This was troublesome.

The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes at General Wei, ”I do hope great general provides me a fair explanation.”

-------------------

Under a rain of colorful lanterns, a banquet was festively set up. Outside, in the central hall, a seat of honor was established in the center and running down either side of the chair were spacious guest tables — jars of fine wine and different dishes of food adorned each table.Yet, instead of being interested in the food, all the guests were fascinated by observing the play in front of them.

General Wei grimaced. There were numerous essential state guests tonight including the Crown Prince himself. The general had proposed this dinner party to curry favors with higher-ups. The recent developments alarmed him enough to look for more assistance from others. Although he was distrusting, he still needed to obtain more help to maintain his power.

He sighed, if he knew this was going to happen, he wouldn't have handed over the <Roaring Dragon Token>.

The general sat down on his seat of honor and gazed at three figures kneeling in front of him. He kneaded his temples and dismissively waved his hand. Concubine Ruolan smiled sweetly and got up from the cold ground. Since his gesture wasn't intended for the other two, Hongyue and Qingyu remained still, their knees planted on the ground.

”Thank you lord husband,” Concubine Ruolan chirped, her garments stirring in the air.

General Wei only glimpsed at her before landing his eyes back on Hongyue. Wasn't she an obedient child a day ago? What happened?

”Tell this general what happened,” He commanded.

Concubine Ruolan nodded, biting her lips. Her eyes welled up with tears as she began to act like a pure white lotus disheartened by a raging child.

”It's like this. First Sister Concubine granted me her hair stick before her death as a parting gift. However, the eldest miss stole it from me. When I requested for it to be returned, the eldest miss brutally talked back to me, so I disciplined her.However, now the eldest miss is unreasonable acting like I bullied her. All these guest madams can be witnesses.”

Hongyue sneered.

This second madam is quite skilled at spinning lies, isn't she?

Hongyue already anticipated this, so she wasn't surprised. However, she thought as she tilted her head to her left, she didn't foresee Dumb Pig to come and assist her. What motive did he have? Seeing that Qingyu was still in this child-like form, he must not have been able to heal himself of his recent and previous injuries.

Why bother helping her then? Did he want to kneel with her for no purpose? From his powers, he couldn't be a small character. Did he have too much time? Did he want to perform in this play as well? Why help if he was going to be insulted in the end? His brain wasn't broken!

Puzzled, she pursed her lips.

If Qingyu could hear her thoughts, he would most likely curse his head off. Who would want to kneel so submissively in front of a mere general he could quickly kill off if he were in his true form?