The concubine was charming and alluring, and the ruthless prince coaxed her day and night.

Chapter 149 is too extravagant.

Xie Peining's expression remained calm, but a dark undercurrent surged in her eyes: "Has everything been arranged in the palace?"

Wang Mama nodded slightly: "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is in order."

Upon hearing this, Xie Peining's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed across her eyes.

She originally thought that the Xu and Su families would fight like the snipe and the clam, and she would come and reap the benefits. Who knew that the Su family was incompetent, not only did they fail to win the favor of Prince Chen, but Prince Chen also wiped out the entire Su family.

Xie Peining, who originally wanted to remain aloof and uninvolved in trouble, had to personally intervene to deal with Xu Jiaojiao, a troublemaker who would hinder her and the Xie family.

The New Year's Eve palace banquet was such a solemn and dignified occasion that it would be incredibly easy for someone as lowly as Xu Jiaojiao, born a maid, to make a mistake...

The thought of Xu Jiaojiao being flustered and embarrassed at the palace banquet eased Xie Peining's gloomy expression slightly.

She took a phoenix hairpin from her makeup box, gently traced the phoenix's head with her fingertips, and handed it to the maidservant behind her who was doing her makeup: "Wear this..."

……

In the bamboo courtyard.

Cai Lian is skillful and quick-witted; with a flick of her wrist, she styled Xu Jiaojiao's hair into a low-key yet exquisite updo.

After finishing her makeup, Xu Jiaojiao put on the palace dress that Jia Rong had sent her.

The palace dress was predominantly azure, with delicate white lace embroidered on the collar and cuffs. The layered skirt cleverly concealed her protruding belly.

It was freezing cold outside, so to prevent her from catching a cold on the way, Cailian draped a white fox fur cloak over her, making her look gentle and elegant.

……

The sun is setting and night is approaching.

A servant from the Xu household came to inform us that the carriage was ready and we could depart for the palace.

Xu Jiaojiao nodded slightly and, accompanied by Cailian and Jingang, headed to the palace under the escort of the Xu family's guards.

To avoid it appearing abrupt that she was the only member of the Xu family to attend the banquet alone, Lord Xu and Xu Qingran were also exceptionally invited to attend the banquet with Xu Jiaojiao.

Inside the carriage, Xu Jiaojiao and Xu Qingran sat together, while Lord Xu had a separate carriage.

Unlike Lord Xu's simple carriage, Xu Jiaojiao's carriage was spacious and comfortable, with soft rabbit fur covering the seats and backrests.

There were also fragrant incense burners in the four corners of the carriage, making the whole carriage feel as comfortable as a warm spring day with flowers in full bloom.

Although she knew that the carriage was the work of Prince Chen and would not be too bad, Xu Qingran was still struck dumb when she actually sat in it.

Extravagant...too extravagant...

Seeing her in a daze, Xu Jiaojiao smiled, opened the pastry box and handed it over: "There are many dishes at the palace banquet, but most noble ladies don't usually eat much to save face. In case you get hungry at night, Qingran, why don't you eat some pastries to fill your stomach first?"

Xu Qingran's eyelashes fluttered, and she quickly accepted the gift with both hands: "Thank you, sister!"

Although Xu Jiaojiao's appearance was abrupt, she was really gentle and kind. Over the course of their time together, Xu Qingran gradually grew to like this beautiful older sister.

"Sister, have some too!" Xu Qingran took a small bite of a pastry and didn't forget to tell Xu Jiaojiao to have some as well.

The latter smiled and shook his head: "I don't have much of an appetite, so I won't eat."

Xu Qingran remained silent.

It seemed that ever since she met Xu Jiaojiao, she had never seen Xu Jiaojiao eat heartily.

She always seemed to have a poor appetite, and her face was somewhat pale, but strangely, she seemed to be a little plumper than when she first returned to the Xu residence.

Xu Qingran didn't think much of it and just nodded silently.

The carriage swayed and wobbled, and Xu Jiaojiao felt a little drowsy. She couldn't help but lift the curtain and look out at the bustling traffic.

Along the streets, every household was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the people's faces were filled with the joy of welcoming the New Year. On this festive day, everyone seemed happy, but Xu Jiaojiao felt uneasy, vaguely sensing that something would happen at the palace banquet tonight...

……

Prince Chen's Palace.

Xie Peining wore an elegant light purple palace dress and a low-key yet exquisite phoenix hairpin, making her look cold and noble.

With Wang Mama's gentle support, she walked toward the carriage that was already waiting at the door.

At that time, Prince Chen was already waiting by the carriage.

The man was tall and slender, with a slight frown and tightly pursed lips that revealed his impatience.

Xie Peining seemed oblivious and stepped forward to give a dignified bow.

Zhao Yunzheng remained indifferent, nodded slightly, and then turned and boarded the carriage first.

Despite the cold shoulder, Xie Peining remained composed, though a fleeting hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.

The Prince Chen's residence was not far from the palace. Before long, the carriage driver reined in the horse and reminded the Prince Chen and his wife that they had arrived at the palace.

Xie Peining glanced at Prince Chen, but he didn't look at her. He stood up first without hesitation and got off the carriage.

His decisive and efficient manner made it seem as if the person sitting in the car was not his princess, but some kind of monstrous beast.

Xie Peining's hands tightened suddenly, and her previously maintained composure and elegance almost crumbled.

The pent-up frustrations Xie Peining had endured for the sake of her family over the years were magnified infinitely in her heart at this moment, ultimately landing on Xu Jiaojiao.

If it weren't for that bitch Xu Jiaojiao, Prince Chen might not have been so cold to her...

She would never allow Xu Jiaojiao to block her way!

Suppressing her resentment, Xie Peining followed Prince Chen off the carriage.

Coincidentally, the Xu family's carriage arrived at the same time.

After the carriage came to a stop, Xu Jiaojiao put on a veil and, with Jin Gang's help, stepped down from the carriage, her skirt swaying. Xu Qingran followed closely behind.

As soon as Xu Jiaojiao stepped off the carriage, she saw Prince Chen not far away, and at that moment, Prince Chen was also looking at her.

In public, the two could not make overly intimate gestures, so they simply looked into each other's eyes and smiled to express their longing.

Xie Peining, who was following behind Prince Chen, saw this scene and her brows twitched. Reluctantly, she stepped forward and took Prince Chen's arm: "Your Highness, let's go to the palace..."

Prince Chen snapped out of his reverie, calmly withdrew his hand, and responded with a faint "Hmm."

Before entering the palace, he glanced at Xu Jiaojiao and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

The latter nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

Xu Qingran, who got off the carriage with Xu Jiaojiao, noticed their little interaction and couldn't help but ask in a curious and gossipy voice, "Sister, does His Highness Prince Chen like you?"

?

Xu Jiaojiao choked, almost choking on her own saliva.

She couldn't help but turn around and gently tap Xu Qingran's head: "Don't think like that at such a young age!"

Xu Qingran shrank back and gave an awkward laugh.

Although Xu Jiaojiao didn't say anything, her slightly red ears said it all.

She covered her lips and chuckled softly, teasingly saying, "Sister, even after you marry Prince Chen, remember to come back and talk to me!"

This adorable little face left Xu Jiaojiao both amused and exasperated.

Ahead, Zhao Yunzheng and Xie Peining walked one after the other, maintaining a just-right distance that was both polite and aloof.

At the palace gates, eunuchs were already waiting. Upon seeing Prince Chen and his consort arrive, they quickly stepped forward to bow and respectfully led the two into the palace…