"Second Madam, the Second Young Miss is waiting for you in the inner hall." The maid informed Han Yunru as she stepped back into her own residence.
Han Yunru had just returned from her successful meeting at Old Madam Bai's courtyard, her mind still buzzing with the satisfaction of her scheme.
"Very well." Han Yunru replied with a sharp nod, dismissing the servant.
She swept into the courtyard and spotted her eldest daughter, Bai Chunhua, waiting gracefully. Every time Han Yunru looked at her, she felt a surge of immense pride. Bai Chunhua was the jewel of the family; her extraordinary spiritual abilities had manifested when she was a mere four years old, far earlier than the average child, who typically showed such signs at five or six. She was destined for greatness, and Han Yunru intended to ensure nothing stood in her way.
"Mother." Bai Chunhua greeted her, her voice calm and melodic, showing the poise of a future empress.
"Mmm. Sit with me." Han Yunru said, gesturing to the stone bench beside her.
"I heard that Huiling managed to get herself beaten by that girl once again." Bai Chunhua began, her tone dismissive. She didn't even care to say Bai Xifeng's name.
"That little bitch has indeed become unruly lately. She's forgotten her place." Han Yunru said, her eyes narrowing into cold slits.
"And what of the plan?" Bai Chunhua asked, leaning in slightly.
"I have already spoken with your grandmother regarding the matter. She was easily swayed, especially once I mentioned her own safety. She has officially agreed to summon a priest to 'cleanse' the courtyard." Han Yunru revealed with a thin smile.
"I thought as much. To assist the process, I have already instructed my people to spread rumors throughout the city, claiming that Bai Xifeng has been possessed by a demonic entity." Bai Chunhua said, a cruel smirk playing on her beautiful face.
"Excellent work, my daughter. Between the priest and the rumors, her reputation will be utterly ruined. She would not be able to show her face in this kingdom again,. Han Yunru added, her own smirk matching her daughter's.
While the women of the Bai family were busy plotting, a similar shadow was falling over the Eastern Palace. Crown Prince Liu Jun sat in his study, his mind fixed on the same target, though for very different reasons.
"Your Highness, I have an update that may be of great interest to you." Lee Hang said, bowing low before the Crown Prince.
"What is it? Give me the news." Liu Jun said, looking up from the scrolls on his desk.
"I have come across information that could allow Your Highness to terminate your engagement with the Third Young Miss Bai swiftly and without any political backlash." Lee Hang said, a confident smile spreading across his face.
Liu Jun leaned forward, his eyes alight with interest. "Oh? I am listening. Tell me everything."
"Reports from within the Bai household suggest that the Third Young Miss has undergone a disturbing transformation. Word is she is suspected of being possessed by a malevolent devil. Apparently, the Bai family is so desperate that they are calling for a high priest to intervene." Lee Hang explained.
"And how does this news serve my purpose?" The Crown Prince asked, his smile mirroring his aide's.
"Your Highness can take this directly to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress. You can argue that a woman tainted by something so unclean is fundamentally unfit to marry the future of the empire. It would be a stain on the royal bloodline." Lee Hang answered smoothly. "Furthermore, you can suggest that instead of wasting the alliance with General Bai, she should be married off to the Third Prince instead."
The Third Prince was known to be a man with no political standing and no path to the throne, marrying Xifeng to him would effectively neutralize her and the General's influence while freeing the Crown Prince.
"I see... Yes, that is perfect. Let us strike while the iron is hot. I shall request an immediate audience with my Imperial Father." Liu Jun declared, standing up with renewed energy. He could finally see a path to his beloved Bai Chunhua.
"As you command, Your Highness!" Lee Hang and Qin Xiao Di replied in unison, bowing deeply as the Prince prepared to leave.
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. It breaks my heart when someone steals my hard work. Can you consider reading it on the original website for those who read my novel on another website besides w e b n o v e l .c o m, as your support to me? Thank you, from, your shameless author, ZerahNeko***
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