Chapter 18: Most respected man (2/2)
“The Han Family is a household of the world. Their upbringing is strict, so definitely nothing would have happened.”
“That’s right, that’s right. See how shy the new bride looks. We should just take away the handkerchief. How could there be anything wrong with the person chosen by your highness the Duke of Qin?”
……
The group of concubines took turns saying their part, seemingly out of goodwill. But their tongues hid needles as they raised Han Yunxi higher and higher, all the better to watch her fall and shatter. Han Yunxi lowered her head as if seemingly shy, secretly thinking that these imperial harem women really must be bored out of their minds.
The empress dowager smiled at the crowd of people and said laughingly, “There’s no need for you to say it. I know there’ll definitely be a drop of red on this handkerchief, but this inspection’s a matter of course passed down from our ancestors. It’s essential.” Her smile was especially happy and affectionate as she plucked up the handkerchief, showing it for all the world to see.
Red!
A fresh red stain!
“Ahh…!” it wasn’t clear who shrieked in the crowd below, but a sudden uproar took over the room. Nobody could hide their surprise!
How was it possible? The Duke of Qin bestowed favor on this woman last night? This was the most highly respected His Highness Duke of Qin, the same Duke of Qin that never showed interest in women, the one who stood out to the crowd as an immortal amongst men!
What did Han Yunxi count for?!
The concubines that had spoken of her before were now all mute and speechless from disbelief. It was as if someone had slapped their mouths. They were all waiting to see how much of a joke Han Yunxi would be, and how the empress dowager would punish the Han Family! The medical family of Han had failed to cure the crown prince’s illness for so many years that the empress dowager had long forgotten the kindness they’d given her in the past. She was preparing to ruin them.
Who knew that Han Yunxi had really become the Duke of Qin’s woman!