Consort of a Thousand Faces

cess Consort Hao, are you really Nanzhao’s Eldest Imperial Princess, Ning Rulan?” Her expression lacked any menace, and she looked as if she was genuinely curious.

Pei Qianhao gently held Su Xi-er’s hand, but both his and Du Ling’s eyes grew cold as they fixed the woman with a stare.
Under their combined scrutiny, the woman felt goosebumps on her skin.

Su Xi-er tried to alleviate the tension with a polite smile.
“What do you think? Does it seem that way?”

“This official’s woman thinks that although Ning Rulan was a beauty, she was also an esteemed hero, while Princess Consort Hao is a beauty who doesn’t belong to the mortal world.
I don’t think the two are alike.” The woman in the pink changqun gave a brief statement.

“You already have the answer then.” Su Xi-er replied graciously with all the required mannerisms, stunning the woman in the pink changqun.

Suddenly, a mocking voice could be heard.
“Princess Consort Hao, was that a denial I heard? Why did Prince Yun insist that you are Ning Rulan then? Don’t tell me that Prince Yun mistook someone for his fiancée.”

“Everyone knows how Nanzhao’s Eldest Imperial Princess died.
You are being unreasonable here.” Su Xi-er’s tone remained calm.

The woman who had spoken was left speechless despite her indignance.

“Princess Consort Hao, please don’t blame us.
My daughter was just curious.
After all, Nanzhao’s Eldest Imperial Princess had a very resounding reputation.” A married woman clad in palace attire said meaningfully.

Pei Qianhao didn’t step forward to cull the jabs sent towards Su Xi-er, but stood firmly behind her instead.. My Xi-er is not a pushover; she can handle these clowns without breaking a sweat.

Contempt hung at Du Ling’s mouth, but he similarly observed from the side.

Su Xi-er responded with a faint smile.
“They are nothing more than rumours.
I believe that the truth will come to light, and I’m looking forward to that day.”

There was no trace of anger in her voice, and her expression was placid, captivating those present.

Hua Ziqing had also caught all of this from his hiding spot, the corners of his mouth curling into a sneer.
His confidence in a particular idea in his mind was now further cemented. 

1.
’Taohua’ is peach blossoms.