Chapter 84 After the Princess, the Prince Argues

Chapter 84: After the Princesses Quarrel, the Princes Quarrel

"Do you realize this wine is quite strong, with a heavy aftertaste? Even a man would get drunk after two or three cups, let alone a woman."

Ji Yuntang said with a smile, "It's fine, I won't get drunk."

In her past life in the military, she often drank with the soldiers and had long developed the ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. In Ji Yuntang's view, the alcohol content of Xinglin Spring was far lower than the Baijiu and Vodka she used to enjoy.

Seeing that Ji Yuntang was truly unfazed, Luo Qingge felt relieved but still grumbled stubbornly, "Even if someone had to be punished, it should be the loser, not you, Third Sister-in-law!"

Ji Yuntang shrugged nonchalantly, "I've kept everyone waiting for so long, making the Emperor, Empress, and all the consorts and princes wait. I deserve the punishment."

Luo Qingge was still young and didn't understand some principles of social conduct.

It didn't matter; she could teach her gradually.

Everyone who could attend the palace banquet must have some merit, no matter how much she disliked them.

Showing off one's superiority is a major taboo in interpersonal relationships.

Ji Yuntang had won, but she also understood the principle of "the bird that sticks out gets shot first."

When one's strength wasn't yet formidable, it was best to compromise in public and plan in private, and know how to show weakness—that was the best weapon for self-protection.

Just then, Ji Qingqing came limping over.

Her hair was disheveled, her lips were pale, and she was biting her lip lightly. Her face was bruised and swollen, and her clothes had several large tears.

Ji Huaiche saw her and immediately rushed over and supported her by the shoulders.

"Qingqing, what happened to you? Did Princess Ye hit you?"

At his question, Ji Qingqing felt a surge of intense humiliation, and she burst into tears of grievance.

"Sister said she would teach me to practice martial arts, but I thought she meant dance. Without a word, she picked me up and threw me onto the ground. I barely got up to leave when she grabbed my arm and threw me again."

"I don't know what I did to offend Sister, that she would humiliate me like this in such a public setting. I look like this—please forgive me for embarrassing everyone."

As the delicate little flower began to cry, many young masters from noble families felt sorry for her and began to defend Ji Qingqing.

"Princess Ye, Second Miss Ji is still your sister. How could you treat her this way?"

"Second Miss Ji is a delicate young lady, so frail, and you've beaten her to such a state. How can she ever show her face in public now?"

"Second Miss Ji is truly pitiful. She only exchanged a poem, and her own sister beat her this badly. No wonder the Marquis Yongning's household prefers Second Miss Ji over Princess Ye. Marrying such a violent person would surely bring chaos to the household."

Ji Yuntang said nothing. Justice was in people's hearts; she didn't need to explain herself to people who didn't matter.

But she didn't care, even though others did.

Luo Qingge immediately bristled like a provoked rabbit, indignantly retorting, "Third Sister-in-law was just messing around with Second Miss Ji. What are you all shouting about? Don't you ever mess around with your sisters-in-law or brothers at home?"

"Making a big deal out of a small matter and turning it into a character flaw—does whoever cries the loudest get to be right? Besides, Second Miss Ji herself agreed to the bet. Everyone here, including the Emperor and Empress, heard it. If any of you dare talk nonsense again, beware—I'll tear your mouths apart!"

Everyone: "!!!"

Even this counts as just a little fun?

Has the Ninth Princess been brainwashed by Princess Ye?

While they were shocked, many were also envious.

To be protected by someone as loyal as the Ninth Princess was a blessing many sought but couldn't get. What did Ji Yuntang, this country girl, do to deserve this?

Ji Yuntang once again witnessed Luo Qingge's protective nature. She had to admit, their personalities shared a common trait.

They were both fiercely protective—unconditionally defending those they considered friends or loved ones, even if the other person's status or background didn't measure up to theirs.

"Your Majesty, Empress, Princess Ye has openly beaten my sister in this public setting. I beg you to seek justice for my sister."

A voice rang out in Ji Yuntang's ears. She turned to see Ji Huaiche pulling Ji Qingqing, both of them kneeling.

One was resentful, the other angry, both wishing they could give Ji Yuntang a beating.

Crown Prince Luo Jingshen also chimed in, "Father, I believe Princess Ye's actions are excessive. She has not only disrespected the royal family but also the Marquis Yongning's household. I think she should apologize to Second Miss Ji."

As he finished, Prince Qi Luo Feizhou immediately stood up and chimed in, "The Crown Prince is mistaken. Second Miss Ji is Heir Ji's sister, but isn't Princess Ye also his sister?"

"Ultimately, it's because Heir Ji and the Marquis Yongning household favor Second Miss Ji more. Putting oneself in her shoes, it's understandable that Princess Ye holds some resentment toward Second Miss Ji."

Luo Feizhou spoke with righteous indignation, but only he knew he wasn't really defending Ji Yuntang. He just didn't want Luo Jingshen to steal the spotlight.

If Luo Jingshen won Ji Qingqing's heart and gained the support of the Marquis Yongning household, it would be like giving him a powerful ally.

After all, the three young masters of the Marquis Yongning household were all exceptionally capable.

Luo Jingshen wanted to play the good guy, so Luo Feizhou would sabotage him. He was already adept at this, with no qualms about it.

Luo Qingge rolled her eyes and muttered, "Sycophant. He never misses a chance to meddle."

She knew well that Luo Feizhou and Luo Jingshen were sworn enemies. Wherever Luo Jingshen was, Luo Feizhou would inevitably interfere.

And vice versa.

Luo Qingge couldn't understand why her second brother, already the Crown Prince—second only to her father—was never satisfied. What more could he want? Was it really worth constantly bickering with Prince Qi?

Just as the two princesses had finished quarreling, Emperor Jingyang saw his two sons arguing again and felt a headache coming on.

Royal children should set an example for others. If they kept this up, the royal family's face would be utterly disgraced!

With that thought, Emperor Jingyang waved his hand impatiently and said sternly, "Enough! This is the Marquis Yongning's family matter. What is this bickering among you all?"

"Quickly arrange for someone to take Second Miss Ji to change clothes and summon a physician to examine her properly."

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