"Mother, you can't be deceived by this kind of woman. What other purpose could they have for approaching Father, if not for his power?"
Chu Qianqian and Chu Nandong were nothing like Consort Ling.
Even with women from outside showing up at their doorstep, they could still remain unfazed.
Consort Ling said helplessly, "I trust your Father. You two, stop overthinking and just believe in him."
"Mother..."
"Your Highness, there's a young lady outside claiming to be Chu girl's maid, and she wishes to see Chu girl."
From outside, a servant came to deliver the message.
Chu Qianqian became even more displeased. "Mother, look! Now even her maid is coming to our doorstep!"
"What's so strange about that? Your Father brought Chu girl over from the guest procession. Naturally, she would have a maid accompanying her."
Consort Ling simply smiled faintly and said to the servant outside, "Escort her to a courtyard in the manor. See if General Zang is willing to let her in. If not, arrange a place for her to rest first."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The servant turned and left.
Chu Qianqian snorted, stomped her foot, and declared, "No, I have to go and see what this enchantress looks like, and why Father dotes on her so much!"
"Qian'er, you are not to act rashly."
But Chu Qianqian paid no heed, turning and running out.
Consort Ling looked somewhat anxious, watching her eldest son. "You go and persuade your sister. Don't let her make things difficult for the other girl. Your Father will be angry."
Chu Nandong was completely unwilling to intervene. He wished his sister could drive that woman out of their manor.
However, if his sister were to anger their Father and face punishment, he would still feel distressed.
Chu Nandong reluctantly followed her out.
Aunt Lan, who had been standing beside Consort Ling without speaking, said in a low voice after both young masters had left, "Your Highness, are you truly not bothered?"
One must realize that this Chu girl was indeed the first woman the Prince had brought back to his own courtyard in many years.
Such a status was of no small importance!
"Aunt Lan, we have been through this for so many years. He is a Prince of a kingdom. To remain unchanged for over a decade is already an extreme stroke of luck for me."
Perhaps it was because some of their brothers occasionally possessed a bit of this fine tradition, like the current Emperor.
This pair of brothers, one remained unmarried his entire life, and the other had only ever had one woman.
Being fortunate enough to marry Prince Ling was a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes.
"Ultimately, even if the Prince were to take a concubine now, I would not object."
Consort Ling waved her hand, stood up, and walked towards the door.
"Aunt Lan, my good life has lasted for too long. As a person, one must be grateful. Moreover, I believe the Prince is not a lustful man at all."
Having been husband and wife for nearly twenty years, she understood Chu Lingyang.
"If there is no basic trust between a couple, how can they get along?"
Aunt Lan let out a long sigh and also smiled. "No wonder the Prince is so devoted to you, Your Highness. In the end, it's because you are worthy of it."
"Let's go. Don't learn this glib talk. You know I don't like it."
"Heh, alright. This old woman will speak less, speak less from now on."
"Heh."
... Consort Ling had originally intended to go out and see if there was anything she could help with at the Prince's side.
But she never expected to see the legendary Chu girl at the entrance of the courtyard.
The moment she saw her, she was completely stunned!
How could this be?
It was her! It was the girl she had met! It was her!