Unfortunately, the commotion in the courtyard was too loud, and Princess Ansheng did not hear.
The maid rushed to the princess’s side in a flash—then, with a clatter, the tray overturned, spilling an entire platter of fruit syrup onto her gown.
"Your Highness!"
The attending maidservant gasped in alarm, and Princess Ansheng immediately stood up.
Her resplendent court robes were now stained with large splashes of the syrup, the crimson liquid soaking into the golden embroidery, leaving an unsightly and humiliating mess.
"Wretched girl, how could you be so careless?" the maidservant scolded sharply.
The maid hastily knelt and begged for mercy: "Forgive me, Your Highness! Please forgive me!"
A storm brewed in Princess Ansheng’s eyes, but after a moment of silence, she shook her head. "Enough, Song’er. It was an accident." She then turned to Old Madam Cao and said, "Mother-in-law, given this mishap, I’m afraid I must return to the Princess's Mansion to change and freshen up."
It was well known that the princess was fastidious and abhorred filth—such a stain on her person would be unbearable.
Old Madam Cao had no choice but to agree. "It’s all my fault for employing such clumsy servants. Ah, I apologize for the inconvenience."
With a hurried nod, Princess Ansheng departed the courtyard.
A glint of cunning flashed in the maid’s eyes—but suddenly, a pair of delicate, jade-white hands pressed against her neck.
"Who sent you?"
Old Madam Cao was puzzled. "Chu Ruoyan?"
Chu Ruoyan’s gaze was icy. "Old Madam, you seem to have forgotten one of the reasons Princess Ansheng was invited today."
Realization dawned on Old Madam Cao. Indeed, only Princess Ansheng’s presence could keep Princess Qingping in check. But now that she was gone…
No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than an announcement rang from the gate: "Princess Qingping has arrived!"
The gathered women gasped in shock.
Why was Princess Qingping here?
Her reputation in the capital was notorious—she was known to exploit the emperor’s favor to torment countless young noblemen. Why would the Cao Family invite her to the wedding?
In truth, their suspicions were correct. The Cao Family had not sent her an invitation. The princess had come uninvited.
Dressed in a flowing azure gown with a sheer crimson shawl draped over one shoulder, she exuded an alluring charm. Behind her trailed a dozen or so male attendants, each with lips red as rouge and an air of seductive elegance that made the ladies present blush and hastily raise their sleeves to shield their eyes.
Chu Ruoyan frowned and whispered to Yulu, "Go to the front courtyard and fetch Lord Cao!"
"Yes."
Old Madam Cao rose to her feet, her expression guarded.
Princess Qingping giggled. "Old Madam Cao, there’s no need to be so tense. I heard your son was getting married—such joyous news! Why wasn’t I informed?"
With a wave of her hand, one of her attendants stepped forward, holding a small wooden box.
"Where is the bride? I’ve prepared a generous gift to present to her personally!"
Old Madam Cao’s voice was frosty. "That won’t be necessary."
Princess Qingping smirked and abruptly flipped open the lid.
A wave of metallic scent filled the air—inside the box lay a severed finger, still fresh with blood, as if recently cut.
"Heavens!"
"Blood!"
The crowd erupted in horrified gasps. These noblewomen had never witnessed such a gruesome sight, and their faces paled in terror.
Old Madam Cao was livid. "Qingping!! You dare cause trouble here?!"
Princess Qingping arched a brow. "What if I am? Old Madam, why don’t you ask whose finger this is?"
Old Madam Cao trembled with rage.
Then, a composed voice spoke from behind her: "It’s Yinghong’s finger. Princess Qingping, I accept your ‘gift.’ May we consider this matter settled?"
Old Madam Cao turned to see Chu Jing standing there in her wedding attire.
"Jing’er! Why have you come out? Go back inside at once!"
Chu Jing shook her head.
The princess was clearly here for her. If she didn’t step forward, the wedding would be ruined.
Princess Qingping lifted her chin and scrutinized Chu Jing with disdain. "So this is the so-called peerless beauty? How underwhelming. Has Cao Yang gone blind? To forsake a pearl like me for a mere pebble like you?"
Whispers spread through the courtyard.
Did this imply a past entanglement between Princess Qingping and Lord Cao?
Unfazed, Chu Jing replied calmly, "Cao Yang’s choice is his own. Even if you were the most flawless jade, you were never the one he desired. What use is your beauty then?"
"You!" Princess Qingping’s face twisted in fury. "How dare a twice-married woman speak to me with such insolence?!"
Before Chu Jing could respond, Old Madam Cao snapped, "The insolent one here is you, Princess Qingping! The Cao Family neither invited you nor sought your presence at this wedding. You’ve barged in unannounced and brought such a vile offering—are you determined to ruin this joyous occasion? Leave! Now!"
Only respect for the imperial family kept her from using harsher words.
Princess Qingping sneered. "And what if I refuse? Will you have me thrown out?"
A heavy silence fell.
Everyone knew that no matter how outrageous Princess Qingping’s behavior, the emperor’s favor shielded her from consequences.
Yet at that moment, a firm voice cut through the tension—
"I will!"
The women turned to see Cao Yang, clad in wedding robes, stride into the courtyard with a cold expression.
Princess Qingping’s breath hitched at the sight of him. "Cao Lang…"
Disgust flickered in Cao Yang’s eyes. "Princess, mind your words. Today is my wedding day. To avoid misunderstandings, I ask that you retract what you’ve said."
Princess Qingping faltered. "You… you truly intend to marry her?"
"Indeed."
"Is she more beautiful than I?"
"You were once the capital’s foremost beauty."
"Is her status as noble as mine?"
"Not in the slightest."
Princess Qingping’s chest heaved. "Then why choose her? My talents in poetry and art are no less than hers. And though I, too, have been married before, I never bore a child—unlike her!"
Cao Yang regarded the near-hysterical woman with calm detachment. "Princess, even if you surpassed her in every way, my choice would remain unchanged." He turned to Chu Jing, his gaze solemn. "Years ago, on Qingque Street, I met a young girl whose few words of encouragement stayed with me. I strived tirelessly in the years that followed. Now, by heaven’s grace, we’ve met again. I will cherish her for the rest of my days—without a single doubt."
Chu Jing was stunned as long-buried memories resurfaced.
She recalled an official’s sedan chair and a stuttering boy who had claimed to be his master’s attendant. A faint smile touched her lips, tinged with nostalgia. "So it was you inside that day…"
That seventh-rank official from back then had risen to the first rank.
How strange fate could be.
Princess Qingping watched the two exchange smiles, her jealousy and rage threatening to tear her apart.
Why?
How could a twice-wed woman outshine an imperial princess?!
With a sudden cry, she commanded, "Bring out the ‘Life-and-Death Plaques’!"
The crowd recoiled in horror.
The Life-and-Death Plaques were Princess Qingping’s own invention—two wooden tokens, one marked "Life," the other "Death," placed in a box for a blind draw.
Choosing "Life" meant safety. "Death" meant instant execution. Over the years, every person forced to play this game had met their end, leaving all who heard of it trembling in fear.
"Cao Yang, I won’t make this difficult for you. Have Chu Jing draw one. If she picks ‘Life,’ I’ll leave at once. But if it’s ‘Death’—" She smirked. "I won’t take her life. But this wedding will be called off immediately!"
