Consort Fang had originally expected Xiao Yun to agree, which was why she had spoken as she did. She never imagined Xiao Yun would side with Wang Qingyao.
In front of so many servants, he had shown her no face at all.
For a moment, Consort Fang’s face turned purple, filled with rage.
Sorrow and anger churned in her chest, seeking an outlet.
"Today, I will take Ping Ge'er away. Who dares to stop me?!" Consort Fang was truly furious, acting recklessly.
She walked out of the main room and pointed at the wet nurses in the corridor, "Go and bring Ge'er out for me!"
Wang Qingyao also hadn't expected Consort Fang to suddenly become so fierce, intending to snatch the child.
She quickly sat up, intending to get out of bed. Xiao Yun held her down, "I'll go, you stay put."
Granny Nian quickly followed. She feared the maids might be too timid to confront those brought by Consort Fang. Besides, she was old and could afford to be a bit overbearing.
Wang Qingyao instructed Zhenzhu, "You're quick on your feet, hurry and invite the Old Consort."
Although Zhenzhu had been ordered not to leave Wang Qingyao's side, they were in Kangping Courtyard, and there were so many people around. After a moment's hesitation, she ran out as fast as her legs could carry her.
Yinzhu pulled on Shanhu, "Shanhu, you're strong, help me hold back the child."
Ye Lu also rolled up her sleeves, her fists clenched, and followed.
Zhizi shifted her feet, glanced outside, but still chose to firmly guard Wang Qingyao's side.
Meanwhile, the wet nurses, having received the order, were hesitant to act. They looked at Consort Fang, then at Xiao Yun, their faces full of difficulty.
Consort Fang was so angry her voice changed, "Are none of you listening to me anymore?"
The wet nurses mumbled "We dare not" and all knelt down.
Naturally, it was difficult to snatch a child while kneeling. They knew perfectly well who was in charge of Ding'an Prince's manor.
"Fine, fine, fine!" Consort Fang pointed at them, trembling with rage. "If I can't command you, can't I do it myself?"
Consort Fang felt immense sorrow. A tear was forcibly held back in her eye. She turned and strode towards the room where the wet nurses stayed. She didn't know which room held Ping Ge'er, and at this moment, she didn't care if it was Ping Ge'er or An Jie'er. All she could think of was taking a child back.
Granny Nian blocked her path, smiling apologetically, "Consort, please listen to this old servant's advice..."
Consort Fang didn't listen at all. With a "slap," she struck Granny Nian, "How dare an old hag like you block me?!"
Granny Nian, having been slapped, still maintained a smiling face and didn't move aside. "This old servant has overstepped. Your Highness is right to strike. If Your Highness is angry, you can vent it on this old servant. Whether you hit or scold, this old servant will not utter a sound. But a mother's heart is connected to her child. Your Highness is also a mother. Can you bear to see the Princess separated from her flesh and blood?"
Consort Fang could indeed bear it. She wished Wang Qingyao and the child would be estranged, and the child would only be close to her.
"Move aside!" Her voice was sharp and impassioned. She was furious that Granny Nian didn't know her place, truly a servant reflecting her master, just like Wang Qingyao.
Granny Nian nodded and bowed. "If Your Highness doesn't consider the Princess, you should at least consider the Prince. Are you really going to fall out with the Prince over this matter?"
Consort Fang's expression froze. She did hesitate.
Her mother-son relationship with Xiao Yun was already not as strong as the Old Consort's grandmother-son relationship with Xiao Yun. If she truly snatched the child away, Xiao Yun would hate her to death.
Xiao Yun also walked over at this moment.
"Mother." He knelt directly at her legs. "Your son is unfilial and has angered you. It is only right for you to hit or scold me. I only beg you not to hold your anger in your heart and harm your health."
He deliberately did not mention the child.
Tears welled up in Consort Fang's eyes.
"You are the Prince, how can you kneel so casually? Get up!"
"It is only natural for a child to kneel before a parent. If Mother does not forgive me, your son will kneel here forever. When Mother is no longer angry, I will rise."
Xiao Yun didn't mention taking the child, but Consort Fang knew his intention was for her to promise not to take the child away again.
In fact, she understood now. Wang Qingyao was different from other daughters-in-law. She wouldn't blindly obey her mother-in-law or even her great-grandmother. She had her own principles. Moreover, her husband stood firmly behind her, which was why she was fearless!
Consort Fang was destined not to take the child today. Xiao Yun's words were merely offering her a way to back down.
Consort Fang felt very uncomfortable.
"Get up, Mother is no longer angry," she said faintly.
Xiao Yun stood up and went to help Consort Fang. Consort Fang coldly turned aside.
Xiao Yun sighed inwardly. By protecting Wang Qingyao, his mother was still resentful of him.
"Oh, what's going on? Ayun, have you been mischievous again and angered your mother?"
The Old Consort arrived late.
Zhenzhu had already explained the situation on the way. The Old Consort was also annoyed that Consort Fang was so unreasonable and always caused trouble in the household.
However, she couldn't directly reprimand Consort Fang. She had to give her some face.
"Mother," Consort Fang wiped her tears and bowed her head to greet her.
The Old Consort beckoned her over. Consort Fang stood there aggrievedly. The Old Consort took her hand and said with a smile, "Have you seen the child? Come, let's go to my place and sit for a while, and you can keep me company."
Consort Fang hummed in response. The Old Consort glanced at Xiao Yun, gave him a look, and left with Consort Fang.