Chapter 54 Making Her Lose All Dignity

Tan Yunge was the Crown Princess of Prince Ding, a figure who naturally drew attention. Moreover, her words had been spoken loudly, so many people immediately turned to look at her and Tan Qingjiu.

Tan Qingjiu hurriedly retreated timidly, hiding behind Prince Duan. "I... Sister, am I not allowed to come?"

Sister?

Many in the crowd exchanged glances, whispering amongst themselves.

This woman called the Crown Princess of Prince Ding her sister—what was their relationship? And she had arrived with Prince Duan?

Tan Yunge quickly realized her mistake. She had been too surprised upon seeing Tan Qingjiu, hadn't thought it through, and her words had slipped out. Now that she had come to her senses, she recognized how inappropriate her remark had been.

Wretched girl.

All because of Tan Qingjiu, she had forgotten to conceal her feelings.

Tan Yunge swiftly raised a smile, just about to speak, when Prince Duan interjected coldly, "Divine Physician Tan was invited by me. Is there a problem?"

"I wish to take Divine Physician Tan as my princess. Is it not allowed for her to meet her future sister-in-law?"

"..."

Tan Qingjiu bit her lip in secret; she really shouldn't have come out with Prince Duan.

His words were like a giant stone cast into a tranquil lake, sending ripples everywhere.

"What? Prince Duan wants to marry her?"

"Who is she? How unlucky!"

The question was spoken loudly, and Tan Qingjiu couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Prince Duan swept his cold gaze over the speaker, who instantly felt a chill and hurried to hide among the crowd.

Tan Yunge was quick to react; after all, Prince Duan had said similar things before, though last time she'd merely heard rumors—this time, she'd heard it herself.

Tan Yunge bit her lip privately, but quickly greeted them with a smile. "How could that be? Sister, you jest. I was simply surprised to see you suddenly."

"It's my fault, really. I've been so busy lately that I forgot to send an invitation to my own sister. Mainly, you've only just returned after being missing for six years, and I haven't gotten used to it yet. Next time, I won't forget."

Tan Qingjiu watched Tan Yunge's smiling face and couldn't help but click her tongue inwardly.

No wonder this woman had managed to hold onto the Crown Princess's seat for so many years—the speed and sharpness of her changing face was remarkable.

"Prince Duan, sister, please come in. To make amends for my mistake just now, I'll personally escort you."

Shen Yingjue and Tan Qingjiu exchanged a glance, and Tan Qingjiu smiled. "Then, I'll trouble you, sister."

Tan Yunge led Shen Yingjue and Tan Qingjiu inside, turning to Shen Yingjue with a pleasant smile. "When my mother hears that Your Highness has arrived, she'll be delighted. Just days ago, she was wondering whether Your Highness would come this year, since you couldn't make it last year."

Tan Qingjiu raised her brows. Was Tan Yunge implying that Prince Duan and the Princess Consort of Prince Ding were on good terms?

The Princess Consort, though Prince Duan's sister-in-law, must be considerably older than him.

It seemed her investigation had not been thorough enough; she should look deeper—not only into Prince Duan and the Crown Prince of Prince Ding, but also Prince Ding, his consort, the Emperor of Qingning, and Prince Duan's mother. Only then would she truly understand their relationships.

Shen Yingjue paid no attention to Tan Yunge, focusing solely on Tan Qingjiu.

"Ah Jiu, watch your step. The floor is inlaid with jade—it looks beautiful, but it's slippery when wet. Someone spilled water here."

Tan Yunge nearly ground her teeth to dust, but her face remained smiling. "Most likely a careless servant. I'll have someone clean it up in a moment."

Tan Yunge led Shen Yingjue and Tan Qingjiu to the courtyard, where laughter drifted from within.

"These days, the peonies are in full bloom. My mother is holding a small gathering here, and her guests are keeping her company. Prince Duan, sister, please come in."

Shen Yingjue escorted Tan Qingjiu into the Peony Garden, where many guests had already gathered—some chatting in small groups, others intently admiring the flowers.

"Sister-in-law is over there. Let's go and offer our birthday wishes."

"Prince Duan has arrived."

The Princess Consort of Prince Ding heard the servant's announcement and turned to Shen Yingjue, her eyes full of joy.

"Ah Jue, you're here. I was just thinking about you."

Tan Qingjiu observed the Princess Consort, who appeared to be in her forties, gentle in demeanor, her eyes smiling as she looked at Shen Yingjue.

"Sister-in-law, may your fortune be as boundless as the Eastern Sea and your years as numerous as the Southern Mountain." Shen Yingjue took a gift from his attendant and presented it.

The Princess Consort received it with a smile, but did not open it immediately. Her gaze settled on Tan Qingjiu. "And who is this?"

Shen Yingjue answered openly, without hesitation. "This is the skilled physician Tan Qingjiu, who has been treating me. I've already petitioned Father for her hand; barring any surprises, she'll soon become Princess Duan."

Tan Qingjiu took a deep breath and bit her lip inwardly. She truly had no idea what role Shen Yingjue was playing at the moment.

But regardless of his motives, every time he introduced her in this way, she wished she could disappear into a crack in the earth.

Her skin was not as thick as Shen Yingjue's.

Tan Qingjiu stepped forward. "Your Highness is joking. I am indeed treating him, but the marriage is merely his way of teasing me. I wish the Princess Consort happiness, prosperity, and good health."

Tan Yunge finally spoke, smiling. "As it happens, Qingjiu isn't just Prince Duan's physician—she's also my sister, who was missing for six years."

"Oh?" The Princess Consort glanced at Tan Yunge. "That is a remarkable fate. In that case, Qingjiu and Ah Jue, stay and keep me company."

"Yes," Tan Yunge quickly replied. "Mother, I've brought those you wished to see. I'll leave you now to tend to my duties."

Tan Yunge exited the Peony Garden, her expression instantly icy, biting her lip. "That wretch Tan Qingjiu, what spell has she cast on Prince Duan to make him bring her here and protect her like this?"

"No, today's guests are all prominent figures in the city. Soon, word will spread that Prince Duan called Tan Qingjiu his future princess."

"If Tan Qingjiu marries Prince Duan, even if he's mad, her status will surpass mine. With Prince Duan protecting her, it will only become harder for me to deal with her."

Tan Yunge glanced back at the Peony Garden. "Since Tan Qingjiu is here today, with so many people in the house, I might as well seize the opportunity to make her a laughingstock—so she'll never dare show her face in the capital again."

"And then, once she's lost all dignity, I'll quietly get rid of her."