Princess Lingâan looked at Li Hongyuan with admiring eyes and poured out the injustice she just received without hesitation.
Li Hongyuan glanced at Jiang Ning, clarity in his heart that Jiang Ning was not using this method for choosing women for the selection process; she was just messing with Princess Lingâan.
She really held grudges.
Li Hongyuan took back his sight, saying, âSince Emperor Father and Queen Mother have entrusted the selection to the Princess Consort, I donât have a say in how she handles it. Princess Lingâan, if you feel wronged, you can complain to the Empress and ask her to do justice for you.â
He passed the buck directly to the Empress, the implications clear that he didnât want to deal with this trivial matter.
He had known Princess Lingâan since childhood, and they were distant cousins, but he didnât like this domineering and arrogant woman, and found her voice annoying and unbearable.
Even disregarding their respective backgrounds and identities, he would rather marry Jiang Ning who has a limp than want Princess Lingâan.
Princess Lingâan stomped her feet in grievance, âCousin Crown Prince, she just had her maidservant hit me! Are you going to allow that? See, my leg is bruised!â
âOh? Which maidservant hit you?â
âHer!â
Princess Lingâan reached out her delicate hand, pointing at Gufeng.
Li Hongyuan glanced at Gufeng with a smile, âSome unfamiliar face indeed, I didnât know that there was a new person in the Princess Consortâs chamber.â
Jiang Ning knew that he was playing dumb on purpose, but still remained patient and said, âI mentioned it to you a few days ago.â
âOh, maybe I forgot about it because I was busy,â said Li Hongyuan, âThis maidservant daring to disrespect her superior by hitting Princess Lingâan, logically, shouldnât she be punished?â
âOf course not.â Jiang Ning suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, âPrincess Lingâan was disrespectful to me. I had someone teach her a lesson. Whatâs wrong with that? As the dignified Princess Consort, canât I even discipline a mere princess?â
âIf thatâs the case, then thereâs nothing to be done.â Li Hongyuan nonchalantly said, âPrincess Lingâan, you should understand the rules. Not everyone spoils you like your parents. If you keep defying them, do you still expect to be selected? As for this last card -â
His gaze swept over the remaining ladies.
They all brightened up at the attention.
Being chosen directly by the young and handsome Crown Prince would indeed be a cause for celebration.
Isnât following the young, handsome Crown Prince more promising and enjoyable than being with the old emperor?
However, before Li Hongyuan could decide, Jiang Ning directly took the card from Li Quanâs hand and threw it into Princess Lingâanâs arms.
Princess Lingâan: â???â
Her hand clenching the card, she looked at Jiang Ning and then at Li Hongyuan, confused about this sudden turn of events.
Jiang Ning smiled and said, âPrincess Lingâan, you are of noble birth, elegant and beautiful, well-educated and far superior to others. This last card should naturally belong to you.â
Princess Lingâan: ââ¦â@@novelbin@@
The turn of events was totally unexpected, and she was momentarily at a loss for words.
Li Hongyuanâs eyes narrowed as he surveyed Jiang Ningâs face, but he said nothing.
Jiang Ning waved a small hand, âYouâve all been standing all morning, you must be tired and hungry. Everyone, go back and rest. Those chosen will have their bodies checked by the Nannies in the afternoon. Have a good rest tonight, because youâll be presented to the king tomorrow.â
Body checking referred to examining whether they had any physical defects or blemishes, and whether they were virgins.
Hearing that they were going to be checked, the chosen maidens were a bit scared and nervous.