Chapter 7: 007 Inquiry, A City in Turmoil (4)

"Pa!"

With a resounding crack, a slap was fiercely delivered across the face that Han Xi'er had voluntarily tilted upward.

The crowd was stunned into silence; no one had expected Han Ziqing to actually strike!

"Sister, Father is right. This matter is entirely your fault."

Even though the force of the blow had been significant, Ziqing’s expression remained as innocent as a little white rabbit, her clear eyes locking onto Han Xi'er’s gaze, which struggled to hide its fury.

Han Xi'er felt as if the right side of her face were swollen to the point of bursting, yet she had to swallow her pride and apologize with feigned remorse. "Yes, it is all my fault. Little sister, I have failed you... *sob*... Rest assured, even after you marry into the Chen family, I will certainly make it up to you!"

"This wasn't what you wanted, Sister. Please, get up."

Who would have thought that the moment Han Xi'er stood up, Ziqing would swing another fierce slap, sending her reeling away.

"Han Ziqing, do not push your luck!" Prime Minister Han finally roared.

Ziqing sneered inwardly. If she hadn't fought for herself today and had let Han Xi'er gain the upper hand, who would have told her to be forgiving and merciful?

She was absolutely not the type of person who would let things slide just because someone apologized after slapping her.

"Stepmother knew nothing, yet she slapped me in front of everyone and insisted that I was having an affair. This was also caused by Sister's mistakes. Stepmother doesn't need to apologize to me; I am simply returning this slap to Sister."

Ziqing spoke with such earnestness that even Prime Minister Han could not refute her. The blame had been placed entirely on Han Xi'er; could he and his wife really lower themselves to apologize to this wretched girl in public?

Madam Han was already too terrified to look at Ziqing again. Unable to manage anything, she was hurried inside by the servants. Han Xi'er sat slumped to the side, wishing she could kill Han Ziqing with her venomous glare!

"Take the young lady inside!" Prime Minister Han bellowed, flicking his sleeves as he stormed off. Han Xi'er covered her face and hurried away in a panic. "Find a doctor! Get the best doctor! If anything happens to my face, I won't spare any of you!"

These words were clearly meant for Ziqing to hear. She swore that after the imperial consort selection, she would send this lowly wench to a brothel to be trampled by thousands!

Ziqing took note of this. She then turned her gaze toward Young Master Chen, who was kneeling to the side, and felt a slight shock. Although she hadn't seen the face of the man from last night clearly, she was absolutely certain it was not this frail, weak-looking Young Master Chen!

Could it be someone else? Her sharp eyes bore into Young Master Chen, but he dodged her gaze and avoided her eyes.

Ziqing’s eyes darkened with malice. She turned and walked away without a word; it wasn't the right time to ask questions in front of everyone. But no matter who that man was, she would find him, and first, she would castrate him... then kill him!

The farce at the Prime Minister's residence had finally come to an end, but the storm brewing throughout the city was only just beginning. Whether inside the palace or out, in the streets or the alleys, almost everyone was discussing the matter, with the focus undoubtedly centered on the favorite candidate for Princess Yao, Han Xi'er.

"Goodness, I really didn't expect Han Xi'er to have such schemes!"

"She's her own sister, after all. Even if she is a concubine's daughter, there's no need to be in such a rush to force her out of the house. How petty!"

"Poor Second Miss, being bullied like this... who knows how much she will suffer once she marries into the Chen family!"

...

In a teahouse, a man in black sat by the railing, slowly sipping his drink. As he listened to the chatter in the room, he used his cup to shield his handsome face. His cold, black eyes, which had been like a pool of frozen spring water, gradually bloomed with a smile, like ripples on a still lake—utterly captivating.

"Master, it has been two days, and that girl still hasn't succumbed to the poison!" the guard beside him whispered.

"Wait longer," he said indifferently, setting down his teacup...