Repeating Lifetimes

4.

"Your highness, apparently Consort Li found her pet at her backyard dead and barged into Consort Xuan's hall to get justice." I mouthed all in one breath mildly一 Ah, why did I make it seem like Consort Li is unrestrained and unreasonable to just accuse someone without any evidence?

Oh no, he's definitely going to think that I'm siding with Consort Xuan, which only one part of me does, not entirely! But, my status as the legitimate daughter still keeps me strong in this position.

He won't dote nor spoil me anyway. He never will, so the best I could only do is get out of trouble.

But, he won't do anything to me just yet. I glanced at Consort Xuan to see her reaction. I can tell she's angrier than before.

I want to help her. However, I do not know how! Suddenly, a thought crossed in my mind.

I turned to the both of them, eyeing their current expressions and posture. Consort Xuan still had her irritated expression but I can see a hint of nervousness flashing through her eyes.

On the other hand, Consort Li had pure anxiousness written on her face. I'd like to believe Consort Xuan but as the main wife, I should manage the prince's manor fairly and unbiased.

"Your majesty, it seems like we have to investigate this matter further as no parties have solid evidences." I turned back to the prince, my husband, and said. It is true that there isn't any evidence.

Claims or witnesses from the sides of each party can't be enough. In addition to that, these women just probably wanted to come find trouble with each other.

If Consort Li really loved her pet, she would still have her face red from bawling. However, those tears may be fake and that's troubling. This is really troublesome.

There are more concubines to meet. I wonder how it will be. Will they choose to scheme or just stay out of trouble? I won't truly know but I want to be careful in the least.

"Your highness, Your highness, Your highness," I snapped out of my thoughts. I looked up out of reflex and saw his highness, the prince, raising an eyebrow. Seemingly confused about my sudden out of sense.

I looked at the maid at my side softly calling out to me earlier, she looked worried. Of course, this could get us in trouble. "I'm fine, don't worry." I softly whispered back to her and forced out a smile before turning back to him.

"Pardon my lack of propriety, your highness." I inhaled a deep breath before saying so, I'm sure he must've heard it. But he didn't seem to care any less, he let out a sound of affirmation and just walked past me. He gazed at Consort Li in a warm expression.

"It's just a pet, I can always gift you an another one." He consoled her with a soft and doting smile.

However, Consort Li's face scrunched, "But your highness-!" She cried in her same anxious manner. It looks like she won't let this go easily.
There are many reasons why, but I shouldn't just judge immediately.

I sneakily glanced at the prince to see his reaction. His warm expression earlier to console her now had a mix of worry. "Have you grown attached to that cat?" He softly said with a breathy voice, his voice gentle.

It was low, as if to not hurt her with his booming voice. The way he spoke treated her like a precious and rare treasure. I could get that he loved her, but he shouldn't ignore his concubines.

He reached out a hand, aiming at Consort Li's head. His eyes curved into like a cresent moon as he did. But suddenly he stopped when his eunuch whispered things to him.

Maybe an urgent manner has appeared. His face turned serious but he averted it as if to not confuse her.

Ah, I almost forgot about Consort Xuan.

I glanced at Consort Xuan to see how she's doing, and apparently not very good. Her hand were tightly clutching her handkerchief as she looked at the loving couple with envy. Loathing envy.

We all curtsied when the prince was about to leave. He left Consort Li with a sincere affectionate smile and turned back once more. Consort Xuan looked at him with hatred and to Consort Li as well.

I could get her, but she needs to hide her emotions as to not cause trouble nor be a target. Having a man like this as a woman's husband is surely left into a more utterly cold and desolate despair.

I inwardly deeply sighed and turned to them. I bowed my head a little and turned to leave, not speaking a word anymore.

As much as I wanted to stay out of trouble, it'll be good to have some acquaintances and people to help me through. But, it seems like this problem isn't cared by his highness at all.

I stopped on my tracks and looked at the sky. The sky so bright and blue, happy and enchantingly calm. A place where no worries can possibly find you.

How wonderful it will be? To dance on the clouds being care-free and not worry about anything at all?

But, life always doesn't treat you with sincerity. To survive, you must fight your way through.

With that on my head, I continued towards my own hall to have a mind of peace.