Back when doing the military examination, he secretly used Thunderbolt Grenades and ended up blowing his own leg crippled.
Later, he even led people to bully decent women in public.
Not a single piece of these scandals leaked out.
It was all suppressed by the Emperor. Do you really think nothing happened?
And then there’s the Fifth Prince.
On the surface, he looks proper and polite.
But in reality?
Others might not know, but Xia Ruqing is somewhat aware.
He’s not a simple character either.
Whether it’s sucking up to power or having deep schemes.
He’s certainly not as simple as he appears.
Empress Dowager Zhen’s own two sons are like this, yet she still has the nerve to criticize her.
It’s simply laughable!
Empress Dowager Zhen, hit back with sarcasm, felt like punching cotton, only to find sharp needles hidden within, her face instantly full of awkwardness.
Unable to retort, she can only swallow her pride and anger.
Those things were indeed done by Sixth Son, which she doesn’t want to mention now.
Noble Consort Xian, on the other hand, intentionally brings up sensitive topics, proving her extreme cunning!
After thinking about it, Empress Dowager Zhen grits her teeth.
"Noble Consort Xian is as sharp-tongued as ever, I see!"
Xia Ruqing quickly lowers her head humbly.
"Your Highness, I spoke without thinking!"
"If I said anything inappropriate, I beg your forgiveness!"
First, she retaliates bluntly to vent her anger.
Then she quickly apologizes, appearing both obedient and sensible.
This mix of giving a slap and then a sweet date forces Empress Dowager Zhen to swallow her harsh words back.
"Fine! Fine! Fine!"
Empress Dowager Zhen grits her teeth and says "fine" three times.
With her chest heaving up and down, it’s clear she’s quite angry.
Just as the pair of in-laws seemed ready to leave in defeat,
Hai Feng, standing to the side, suddenly speaks with a faint smile.
"After all, it’s the Xia family’s upbringing that shines through!"
"As the eldest daughter of the Xia Family, it goes without saying!"
"Second Miss is also gentle and virtuous, well-loved by the entire Yang Family after marrying into the Minister’s Mansion!"
"Oh, I’ve heard... recently there’s a Third Miss Xia!"
"Though I haven’t met her, she should be quite remarkable too!"
"When will Noble Consort bring her to the palace for us to see?"
Others may not know, but Hai Feng, who despises Xia Ruqing, is well aware of the happenings of the Xia family.
She’s long heard about the Xia family’s entanglements.
Knowing Xia Ruqing detests this Third Miss.
So... she is also intentionally bringing up sensitive topics.
Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing indeed feels disgust in her heart, but she still smiles on the surface and says.
"I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, Princess Consort!"
"My younger sister is new to the Capital City and not familiar with anything here. Bringing her to the palace and causing trouble, I cannot bear the responsibility as her elder sister!"
"But... Princess Consort Zhe seems quite interested in my younger sister!"
"She just arrived in the Capital City not long ago and is living at the Xia Family’s Separate Residence; even this you managed to find out."
"You must have put in great effort!!"
Hai Feng feels a bit awkward, but quickly adjusts her expression and smiles.
"It was nothing more than a chance finding!"
"It’s not a shameful thing, unless Noble Consort wants to hide it?!"
"Or... is it that you favor the Second Miss and not the Third Miss?"
Xia Ruqing laughs again.
"Listen to yourself!"
"Even if I were biased, I couldn’t possibly surpass Empress Dowager Zhen!"
Everyone in the palace knows Empress Dowager Zhen dotes on her youngest son so much, afraid he’d melt in her mouth or fall from her hand.
She’s not nearly as concerned about the Fifth Prince.
And yet.
No matter what flaws Fifth Master may have, at least he doesn’t make mistakes in public and hasn’t embarrassed the royal family.
As for Sixth Master, tut-tut!
As the saying goes, the child who cries the loudest gets fed the milk.
As expected, after saying this.
The faces of Empress Dowager Zhen and Hai Feng become a bit unpleasant.
Empress Dowager Zhen glances at Hai Feng, worried she might feel uncomfortable, and quickly tries to explain in a half-joking manner.
"From a young age, Zhezher has been sensible and obedient, never causing me any worries!"
"As for Wuwu...!"
At this point, she suddenly stops.
Thinking to herself, what was she doing?
Why was she discussing this with Noble Consort Xian!
It’s about her two sons, she can handle it however she likes, how did she get baited by a few words?
It’s simply!
"Ahem!"
"What you said isn’t right, Noble Consort Xian!"
"You are a mother too, don’t you have affection for your child?"
"As for me, my children are everything to me!"
Saying this, she turns to Hai Feng, her expression improving somewhat.
Empress Dowager Zhen suddenly breathes a sigh of relief, patting her chest.
’Almost fell into Noble Consort Xian’s trap!’