Yun Jing pondered for a moment. The eldest princess, being the eldest daughter, was originally the most qualified to inherit the throne. Apart from not being of royal blood, she excelled in every other aspect. If it weren't for Xiao Man, the Imperial Daughter, then even the fourth or fifth princesses, or even the second and third princesses, would have turned their attention to the eldest princess, making her a target.
Even with the eldest princess's immense power, she could not withstand the combined forces of four princesses. Xiao Man's existence was more beneficial than detrimental to the eldest princess. However, he worried that if Xiao Man were allowed to grow stronger, and should she break free from their control, they would be in a very disadvantageous position.
"But if we allow Xiao Man to continue growing, I fear we won't be able to control her later."
"What are you afraid of?" the eldest princess scoffed. "Don't forget, His Majesty will never allow her to ascend the throne. Conferring her the title of Imperial Daughter was merely to appease the public outcry."
"She is, after all, of royal blood..."
"But she is the daughter of Empress Yue Xian. Don't forget how Empress Yue Xian died." The eldest princess smiled. "Xiao Man is stubborn and vindictive. His Majesty killed her mother. Do you think she can let go of her mother's vengeance and make peace with His Majesty?"
"But she seems quite obedient to His Majesty."
"She's just putting on a brave front," the eldest princess understood that Xiao Man was obeying the Empress's orders because she currently lacked the power to contend with her. However, it wasn't entirely at the Empress's behest. Take the selection of a consort ceremony for example. Xiao Man had disrupted it, much to the Empress's displeasure, yet she had endured it to avoid any further criticism.
"We still need to be wary of her," Yun Jing said with some unease.
"Don't worry, I am keeping an eye on her. Besides, dealing with one person is much easier than dealing with four." The eldest princess's lips curved into a calculating smile. "Oh, and prepare a generous gift for me to send to the Imperial Daughter's residence. The Imperial Daughter is injured; as her elder sister, I should offer my condolences."
"Should we send one to the fifth princess as well?" Yun Jing inquired. Since they were sending one, why not send to all, to avoid any gossip?
"She isn't as friendly to me as she is to the fourth princess. Besides, would she dare to accept it?" The eldest princess said with a smile. "She wouldn't dare to accept it anyway, so why waste the effort?"
"Building a good relationship with the fifth princess would be more advantageous to you."
"It's impossible for her to have a good relationship with us." The eldest princess looked at her consort. "After all, she is also a contender for the succession."
"Princess, aren't you worried that the fifth princess might join forces with the fourth princess?"
"She won't," the eldest princess sighed. "If there's anyone Lan Bing hates the most, it's Lan Yuan."
"I don't understand."
"Lan Bing and Lan Yuan were together in the refugee camp and were discovered by His Majesty's people, who brought them back together. They were once inseparable, but Lan Yuan betrayed Lan Bing for power. Otherwise, do you think Lan Bing would only return to Bianjing now?" The eldest princess sneered. Lan Yuan was also ruthless, betraying a sister she grew up with so readily. Anyone in that situation would want to flay her alive!
"This is indeed beneficial to us."
"Yes, everything is developing in a direction that benefits us." The eldest princess looked at her consort. "Tomorrow, you will visit the Yao family and gauge the words of the eldest young master of the Yao family. See if we can have Yao Chong serve in my household as a male consort."
The consort's expression changed slightly, but he dared not show any resentment. "Eldest Princess, Prime Minister Yao has always supported the Imperial Daughter and even had Yao Chong participate in the Imperial Daughter's consort selection ceremony. I fear he will not agree."
"Prime Minister Yao wishes for Yao Chong to enter the Imperial Daughter's mansion, but alas, the Imperial Daughter is deeply infatuated with that young gentleman named Wen and only wishes to marry him. Prime Minister Yao will eventually have to find a way out for his son." The eldest princess said unhurriedly. "However, we must thank Xiao Man for growing up outside and not being influenced by the customs of Lan Yue. She only seeks a devoted partner. Otherwise, if she were to take in many male consorts and win over ministers in court, my position would truly be precarious."
Yun Jing felt a pang of discomfort, but he knew he could not disobey. As a husband, planning for his wife was a matter of ethics and propriety. If he refused, he might be branded as jealous. Moreover, with several princesses returning to the capital one after another, it was a critical time, and he could not be a burden. He needed to plan well for the future. As long as the eldest princess did not threaten his position as the primary consort, it was fine to take in any male consort.
"Princess, rest assured, I will arrange this matter properly and do my utmost to fulfill your wish."
"You've worked hard."
"It is not hard for me to resolve your worries, Princess."
The eldest princess was very satisfied with Yun Jing's attitude. She liked men who were obedient and compliant. Although Wen Mo Han was very handsome, his temperament was truly unbearable. It was only Xiao Man who indulged him. Such a man, if he entered her household, would likely never amount to anything.
"Presumptuous!" A furious shout, followed by a loud slap, reached the eldest princess's ears.
The eldest princess, filled with suspicion, lifted the curtain and saw that it was Yelü Heng, the third prince of Beirong. Yelü Heng was holding a woman by the wrist, and the woman had just slapped him soundly.
Yelü Heng was also accustomed to getting his way and had never suffered such an indignity. "A mere woman dares to lay a hand on this prince? Guards, seize her and take her back!"
"Let go! You dog! You dare to snatch women in the street? This is a serious crime!"
Yelü Heng snorted. "A serious crime? I'll take whoever I like. Who can do anything to me? Take her away."
Yelü Heng's guards seized the woman and were about to drag her away. The surrounding crowd pointed and gestured, but no one dared to step forward to intervene. After all, Yelü Heng was dressed as an outsider and held a high status. Everyone had a "not my business" attitude.
"Third Prince, you have quite the audacity." The eldest princess was about to ignore the situation. After all, Yelü Heng was a prince of Beirong, and offending him for an unknown person would be a loss. However, she frowned when she heard someone step forward to intervene.
When Yelü Heng saw Xiao Man, he narrowed his eyes instinctively. "So it's the Imperial Daughter. Is the Imperial Daughter meddling in this?"
Xiao Man's gaze fell on the struggling woman before she withdrew her eyes. "Third Prince, this is Bianjing."
"What do you mean?" Yelü Heng asked arrogantly. So what if it was Bianjing? Did the Empress of Lan Yue really expect to go to war with Beirong just because he snatched a girl?
Xiao Man walked towards Yelü Heng with a smile. Yelü Heng's eyes were filled with desire. Xiao Man's court attire fit her perfectly, outlining her exquisite curves. He couldn't help but swallow. She was indeed a beauty. If she weren't the Imperial Daughter of Lan Yue, he would have truly wanted to snatch her away!