Chapter 12: 012 Conditions, Freedom in Marriage

In the courtyard, four or five physicians surrounded Han Xi'er. Even the most famous doctor in the Imperial Capital had been summoned, and they were diagnosing her with great anxiety.

Neither Prime Minister Han nor Han Xi'er could afford any mishaps at this juncture. The vast courtyard was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Prime Minister Han stared at Ziqing with a gloomy, hawk-like gaze. He had not said a word since the beginning, and the atmosphere was tense to the point of breaking.

Ziqing lay slumped to the side, her petite frame appearing incredibly fragile. Yet, her bright eyes were devoid of fear as she confronted the Prime Minister, her gaze even sharper and more imposing than his, enough to intimidate everyone present.

After a long while, the physician finally stepped forward in a hurry to report, "Prime Minister, the situation is not optimistic. The young lady's injuries are extremely severe. Even if we do our utmost, it will take at least a month and a half for her to recover!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Han Xi'er let out a wail, "Father, I don't care! You must seek justice for me! Wuwu... Father, she harmed me on purpose. You cannot be biased; you must stand up for me!"

Prime Minister Han remained silent, though his hands were already clenched so tightly they creaked. Ziqing also said nothing, the sharpness in her eyes undiminished.

"Father, I don't want to be disfigured! Father, I don't want Prince Yao to see me like this! Father, save me!"

"It’s all because of this bitch! Father, you must seek justice for me!"

"Wuwu... Father, make her heal me quickly... hurry!"

...

Only Han Xi'er continued to cry and make a scene, tugging at Prime Minister Han’s arm and shaking him incessantly.

"Have you made enough noise!"

Suddenly, Prime Minister Han erupted in fury. He violently flung her hand away and raised his palm, scaring Han Xi'er into immediate silence.

Prime Minister Han felt a lump of rage stuck in his chest, unable to go up or down. He gritted his teeth so hard they nearly shattered, yet he had no choice but to concede. If anything else happened to Han Ziqing, his years of hard work would truly be in vain!

The selection of the imperial concubines was entirely under his control. Aside from Xi'er, no one else was qualified to become the primary Princess Consort. How many people were waiting for Xi'er to meet with misfortune!

Yet, who could have guessed that Xi'er would fall at the hands of her own younger sister!

And he, having navigated the political arena for so many years, had never imagined he would be threatened by a mere slip of a girl!

A fine Han Ziqing indeed. He would endure it for now; once the selection of the Princess Consort was over, he would settle the score with her!

Prime Minister Han took a deep breath and coldly reprimanded, "Xi'er, this is all trouble of your own making, and you still dare to ask me to seek justice for you! Help your sister up! Give her the antidote!"

In this household, Prime Minister Han was the one who called the shots. No matter how unwilling Han Xi'er was, she had to hurry forward and provide Ziqing with the antidote for the Ten-Fragrance Soft-Bone Powder.

"Ziqing, this matter is entirely your sister's fault. I ask that you consider my face as your father and think of the Prime Minister's estate's grand plans—please, heal your sister's face immediately."

Prime Minister Han instantly changed his tune, playing the role of a conflicted elder perfectly.

"Father, Ziqing can guarantee that I will heal my sister's face within three days, but I have a request for you."

Ziqing did not let Han Xi'er help her; she stood up on her own, her expression earnest.

"What is it? Speak your mind. If it is within my power, I will certainly..."

"I wish to decide my own marriage. I will not marry into the Chen family!"

Ziqing interrupted the Prime Minister's performative threats, speaking with finality. The news of Young Master Chen's death would likely spread throughout the capital soon, and she had no intention of being married off to the Chen family only to live as a widow!

A sneer flashed across the depths of Prime Minister Han's eyes, and he agreed readily, "Fine, you may decide for yourself!"

Did this girl think that just because she had freedom of marriage, he would have no way to deal with her?

In this lifetime, unless she found a backer with more power than the Prime Minister's estate, he would make her pay for her two acts of defiance!

As a daughter of a concubine who had already lost her chastity, no one would be willing to marry her, even if she were to marry down into the lowest classes of society—let alone anyone of power and influence.

He would like to see just how she intended to find this "freedom"!