Qiao Wanyan sobbed, her words tumbling out between gasps, "No, I have no intention of selling off Xiaoying. I know how important she is to you, but if she dares to push me into the water today, who knows what she'll do next? So listen to me, sister, Xiaoying really needs some training."
Seeing her genuinely concerned expression, a rare display of assertiveness amidst her tears, He Zhiyu said in a deep voice, his tone brooking no argument, "Yi Huan, you shouldn't keep such an ill-mannered servant around. Today, I will find a reliable person to serve you in her place."
Qiao Yihuan's eyes widened in shock, her carefully constructed facade momentarily crumbling.
She knelt down with a thud, the sound echoing in the sudden silence, her voice laced with desperation. "Your Highness, Xiaoying and I grew up together. We are like sisters. I really can't just stand by and watch her be sold off."
After saying that, she turned to Qiao Wanyan, her eyes pleading. "Sister, if you're still not satisfied, I'll jump into the water right now to make you feel better, how about that?"
As she spoke, she made a dramatic lunge towards the lake, her movements bordering on theatrical.
Zi Yuan, watching the spectacle unfold, was secretly delighted. Jump, jump now, you hypocritical shrew! I hope you freeze to death!
However, He Zhiyu, with surprising speed, released Qiao Wanyan and intercepted Qiao Yihuan in a few swift strides, preventing her from plunging into the icy depths. His eyes, fixed on Qiao Yihuan, were filled with a complex mix of emotions – heartache, frustration, helplessness and a hint of pity.
Seeing this thwarted attempt at self-sacrifice, Zi Yuan cursed inwardly. Suppressing her disappointment, she plastered on a concerned expression, rushed forward, and enveloped her young mistress in a tight embrace, hoping to offer some semblance of warmth amidst the emotional turmoil.
Qiao Wanyan, still trembling from her near-death experience and the ensuing drama, continued to sob, her words laced with sincerity. "You misunderstood me, sister. I truly have no intention of selling off Xiaoying. I'm just genuinely concerned that her behavior might affect you someday. I know I've been a spoiled brat in the past, but I truly recognize my faults and I'm trying to be better."
Her gaze was intense, unwavering, and for the first time, Qiao Yihuan felt a pang of genuine guilt. The force of Qiao Wanyan's sincerity was unnerving, piercing through her carefully constructed defenses. For a moment, she was thrown off balance, unsure of how to respond, and dared not meet her sister's earnest gaze.
He Zhiyu lowered his eyes, his gaze lingering on Qiao Yihuan for a fleeting moment before addressing the situation at hand. "Miss Qiao has indeed been wronged. A maid who disrespects her mistress must be punished. I will stand up for you and ensure justice is served. How about Xiaoying receives fifty strokes of the cane?"
He claimed he was standing up for Qiao Wanyan, but the subtle undercurrent of concern in his voice, the protective glance he had directed towards Qiao Yihuan, made it clear to everyone present whom he was really standing up for.
Qiao Wanyan bit her lip, her beautiful face, as delicate as a pear blossom kissed by spring rain, now stained with tear tracks. What is the best way to end this farce? she wondered, her mind racing. Her body was already protesting the prolonged exposure to the cold, and the prospect of another illness loomed large. Hearing the Crown Prince's pronouncement, she breathed a sigh of relief. She genuinely had no desire to see Xiaoying punished, despite the maid's egregious actions.
Turning to face the Crown Prince, Wanyan furrowed her brow, summoning the last dregs of her acting prowess. "No need to punish her," she insisted, her voice laced with weary sincerity. "Really, I have no intention of punishing her, whether you believe it or not."
She had exhausted all her acting skills and patience for the day. All she craved was to escape this chaotic scene, return to the sanctuary of her home, and collapse into a long, dreamless sleep.
Jingyuan, standing silently by his master's side, felt a surge of helpless frustration. It was undeniable that the Second Young Lady of the Qiao family had suffered a grave injustice. However, His Highness's blatant favoritism towards the Eldest Young Lady was becoming increasingly conspicuous, bordering on the absurd.
"Zi Yuan," Qiao Wanyan said, her voice barely a whisper, "I want to go home."
He Zhiyu, overhearing her request, interjected, his tone firm but not unkind. "Leaving the East Palace in your current state will not be good for your reputation, Miss Qiao. Stay here and change your clothes. If you do not wish to attend the banquet, I will have someone escort you back to your residence. However, if you are still in the mood for socializing, you are welcome to stay and wait for the banquet to conclude, at which point you can leave with your elder sister."