Chapter 36: What Is a Side Consort?

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"Hmph, I know my daughter's character well. As for yours, the entire Heavenly Saint knows it. There's no need for questioning; it's clear. You've disrespected the Prince, shown irreverence to the Old Prince, and occasionally dared to contradict the Emperor. Your misdeeds over the years are as numerous as the mountains. And now you've burned down Wangchun Tower without remorse, refusing to even greet me, your stepmother. For years, I've watched as the late Princess treated you kindly, only for you to repay that kindness by harming my daughter. This is intolerable!" Consort Feng vented Li Yun's supposed crimes in one breath, her beautiful eyes narrowing with malice.

"Yes, you've treated me well these years. Therefore, I showed my elder sister some care yesterday by only injuring her hand instead of killing her, as punishment for her disrespect toward Grandfather," Li Yun thought to herself, astounded by the audacity of this woman to lie so blatantly. Given how those women had bullied her openly and Cailian's words, she knew exactly how "caring" this woman had been to the original owner of this body.

"You dare argue? You've harmed someone and show no remorse! Kneel!" Consort Feng, clearly infuriated, demanded.

"I've done nothing wrong, so why should I kneel?" Li Yun regarded her coolly. She had never knelt to anyone in her life.

"Seize this disrespectful wretch who has harmed her own sister!" Consort Feng ordered, her gaze fierce as she waved her hand. Today, no matter who came—Old Prince or even the Emperor—she intended to make Li Yun pay.

"Understood, Wangfei!" The maids and servants, already on edge, surged forward at her command.

Li Yun frowned, realizing that this woman had come prepared for revenge. Did she not consider the type of daughter she had raised before coming to blame her? With a cold snort, she warned, "Come any closer, and you might not know how you'll die. My wet nurse was killed by intruders hiding in my courtyard yesterday. You might end up like her."

The advancing crowd halted in their tracks, recalling the incident involving her wet nurse.

"Don't listen to her nonsense! She knows very well how her wet nurse died! Seize her!" Consort Feng's voice grew even more commanding. "I want to see who dares kill in front of me!"

The crowd stood frozen, their confidence wavering under Li Yun's expressionless gaze. Today, something felt different about her; she exuded an intimidating aura that sent shivers down their spines. They exchanged glances but found themselves too frightened to approach.

"Why aren't you going to seize her? Didn't you hear me?" Consort Feng noticed Li Yun's unyielding demeanor and grew increasingly agitated. She was determined to punish this insolent girl today.

The onlookers shuddered, recognizing they were in the presence of the formidable Consort Feng. Some of her trusted maids exchanged glances, taking a deep breath as they charged forward to capture Li Yun. Their movements were swift and coordinated, clearly a tactic they were accustomed to. Yet, as they approached, Li Yun merely snorted.

"Miss, run!" Cailian shouted, stepping in front of Li Yun and pushing her away.

At that moment, the attendants from Qianyue Pavilion also rushed in to protect Li Yun. The ones she had promoted yesterday were brave, standing before her despite their fear, urgently urging, "Miss, you must escape!"

"What a loyal bunch of servants! How dare you defy my wishes? Seize all of them!" Consort Feng yelled. She was baffled by the sudden change in the dynamic of Qianyue Pavilion.

"Step aside!" Li Yun gently pushed Cailian and the others aside, feeling a warmth in her heart. She understood well the principle of mutual loyalty. Observing that the attackers, while quick, were disorganized, she scoffed. Did they really think they could capture her? With swift kicks, she struck out, sending her assailants crashing to the ground, groaning in pain and unable to rise again.

Consort Feng's expression darkened. "Yun Qianyue, how dare you resist those I sent to punish you?"

"I told you I'm innocent. Why should I wait for you to capture me?" Li Yun's eyes turned icy.

"Innocent? Is your sister's hand ruined innocent? You won't shed tears until you see your coffin, clearly spoiled beyond reason! Today, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of the Old Prince, the Prince, and the late Princess!" Consort Feng called out, ignoring the writhing forms of the fallen. "Where are the hidden guards of the Prince's residence?"

"Present!" Dozens of figures in black appeared, bowing in unison to Consort Feng.

Li Yun was taken aback; she hadn't anticipated the extent of Consort Feng's power within the Prince's residence. She recalled the Old Prince mentioning hidden guards as well. Could she summon them too?

"Seize this wretch who has disrespected her elders and harmed her sister, and execute immediate punishment!" A ruthless gleam sparkled in Consort Feng's eyes. She took pride in having gained half the hidden guards from the Prince, believing this would be the day she dealt with Yun Qianyue decisively.

As the guards surged forward to capture her, Cailian's face turned pale with fear, her body going weak.

"What are you afraid of? Stand tall!" Li Yun turned back and glared at Cailian, thinking it was time to see if the Old Prince's hidden guards could be called upon. If they existed, that would be even better; if not, she would handle this herself. She wasn't eager to reveal her full abilities in front of so many people, especially since she still didn't fully understand this body's capabilities. Realizing this, she called out to the approaching guards, "Are my hidden guards here?"

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