Chapter 1033: A Display of Power

"Maternal Aunt Xia, the Princess Consort requests your presence!"

A maid came out to report.

Upon hearing the word ’concubine,’ Xia Ruyi’s whole face twisted in anger.

It was only when Pan Zhu tugged her sleeve that she returned to her senses.

"Yes!"

Xia Ruyi suppressed the hatred in her heart and followed the maid inside.

As she stepped into the main hall.

Xia Ruyi found herself blinded by the splendor and elegance of the grand hall.

With each step she took, her resentment grew deeper.

She walked through the layers of deep red Marriage-Bond Tent.

She saw a woman sitting gracefully and elegantly in the main seat, wearing a bright red wedding dress adorned with phoenix motifs and a gold crown inlaid with jade.

Beautiful maids surrounded her on both sides, and the Fragrance Cauldron produced a gentle stream of smoke around her.

The golden candlelight reflected on her face, highlighting her rosy cheeks and delicate eyebrows like creamy porcelain.

Her phoenix wedding dress emanated an opulent yet dignified air, exuding elegance amidst its weight.

As Xia Ruyi entered the room.

The Princess Consort was in conversation with a maid beside her.

Her face carried a radiant smile, her eyes as bright as stars.

She appeared like a blooming peony in the spring breeze, luxurious and proud.

As Xia Ruyi stepped through the door.

Everything she saw pierced her heart like a dagger, stabbing it over and over.

The profound pain seared through her soul.

’That position was mine!’

’This vile woman, how dare she silently usurp my position as Princess Consort!’

"And despite my countless efforts, I ended up as a mere concubine."

"Why? Why?"

The malice in Xia Ruyi’s eyes could no longer be concealed, and she began to tremble.

Pan Zhu watched nervously beside her.

"Miss, why aren’t you saluting the Princess Consort?"

"Miss, please salute quickly!"

Pan Zhu whispered to remind her, tugging at her sleeve.

The Princess Consort on the main seat noticed this.

An unusual flash passed through her eyes, disappearing quickly.

She then adjusted her posture and smiled with concern.

"What is troubling Maternal Aunt Xia? You look quite unwell, are you ill?"

Her voice was soft and slow, carrying a hint of concern.

Pan Zhu hurried to her knees.

"Replying to the Princess Consort, our... concubine is unwell; she fainted earlier this afternoon. We beg for your grace, Princess Consort!"

The Princess Consort smiled gently.

"Is that so? You may rise first!"

"Since you’re unwell, someone brings a seat for Maternal Aunt Xia!"

"Yes!"

Several maids responded and turned to bring a small stool.

The stool was very low, and it was below the high platform.

Once Xia Ruyi sat down, she was nearly at the Princess Consort’s feet.

Does it imply... being trampled underfoot?

Looking around, the hatred in her heart surged even higher.

This vile woman was trying to demonstrate her authority!

Realizing this, her face flushed with anger.

The Princess Consort at the top seemed quite satisfied and smiled sweetly.

"Maternal Aunt Xia, are you feeling better now?"

Xia Ruyi gritted her teeth.

"The servant feels much better, thank you, Princess Consort!"

The status of a concubine was extremely low; they were practically servants meant to warm the bed.

So she had to refer to herself as a servant in front of the mistress of the Prince’s Mansion.

The Princess Consort nodded in satisfaction.

"That’s good!"

The maid served tea.

The Princess Consort sipped gracefully and smiled softly.

"I’ve heard from my maid that you also arrived at the mansion today."

"In the future, we will all be sisters living under the same roof; it can be considered fate!"

"I will call you Little Sister Xia from now on, if you don’t mind?"

Xia Ruyi quickly stood up to respond.

"Honored that the Princess Consort does not abandon me, how dare I be displeased!"

Her eyes flickered with flames.

’What nonsense about being sisters, I have no desire to be sisters with you!’

’Fate? What ridiculous fate!’

’This is nothing but deceitful schemes!’

’If it weren’t for my own momentary oversight, how would I have fallen into their trap, leaving you to prattle on so high and mighty now!’

The Princess Consort had no idea what she was thinking.

But seeing her unwilling appearance, she couldn’t help but coldly scoff in her heart.

’Who do you think you are? Dreaming of becoming the Sixth Princess Consort!’

’Do you even look at yourself?’

’Back then, clinging to Princess Hai Feng, do you think I don’t know?’

’No rush; for every bit you were once esteemed and arrogant, I, the Princess Consort, will ensure you become equally humiliated and worthless!’

’The days are long; we’ll see!’

Both women looked down on each other, yet had to feign harmony.

After a few rounds of exchanged glances of light and fire.

The Princess Consort smiled.

"Little Sister Xia, you don’t seem fully recovered!"

"It was thoughtless of me to have you run around!"

"However... the rules of the mansion cannot be neglected. Since you entered today, the Princess Consort must instruct you!"

"Otherwise, wouldn’t it be embarrassing?"

Saying this, she didn’t wait for Xia Ruyi to speak.

She picked up a thick book of family rules.

And ordered the maid next to her to read them one by one.

During this time, Xia Ruyi had to maintain a respectful posture.

By the time the maid read it all, her legs were numb and senseless.

Cold sweat trickled down her face.

The Princess Consort pretended to be surprised upon seeing this.

"Oh dear, Little Sister Xia, what happened to you?"

"Why are you still standing? It’s my forgetfulness for not asking you to rise!"

Saying this, she hurriedly asked her to stand and continued.

"Since Little Sister Xia is unwell, I won’t keep you longer!"

"You all, escort Little Sister Xia back, and please send for a doctor to treat her properly!"

"Oh, and take this book of family rules and a few volumes of female conduct instructions!"

"In the coming days, there’s no need for you to pay respects; focus on recovering. It won’t be too late to come by once you’re well!"

"If you’re bored, copy these several times; it won’t be dull!"

She issued order after order from her high position.

And Xia Ruyi had no room to refute.

She could only leave obediently under the watchful eyes of several maids.

As for inviting a doctor, ha...

That was just the Princess Consort’s ploy.

It was meant to confine her to a small yard, preventing her from seeing the Prince, let alone sharing his bed!

So...

When Xia Ruyi returned, she smashed everything she could in the yard in fury.

"Ah!"

"Ah ah!"

"I refuse to accept this, I refuse to accept!"

"Why is that vile woman from a humble background the Princess Consort?"

"Why, why?"

She frantically pounded the door.

Pan Zhu was so frightened her face turned pale.

"Miss, Miss, please don’t be like this!"

"It’s just that you can’t leave; the days ahead are still long!"

Xia Ruyi could no longer bear it and slapped her.

"Wretch!"

"Useless wretch that brings nothing but trouble!"

"It’s all your fault that I’ve ended up like this, all because of you!"

"I can’t bear it any longer; if this continues, I will die!"

"Rest assured, if I die, I will take you down with me!"

"Die! Die! Go die!"

Pan Zhu was pinned harshly against the wall by her, being choked.