How could they be such blood kin and yet guard against each other like this!

Consort Xian and the Crown Prince couldn’t help but harbor resentment.

Even though they hadn’t planned to make any moves today, being guarded against like this was downright uncomfortable.

After all, as a consort who climbed to high position in the palace, Consort Xian maintained a friendly demeanor throughout the meal, not betraying anything out of place. In contrast, the Crown Prince’s expression was far from as natural as his mother’s.

Though accompanied by Pei Yuxuan, Xie Wanqing was nonetheless extremely cautious.

Poisons in meals are too clumsy a method, and with two matronly women present, they wouldn’t dare take such reckless risks.

The burning incense would surely pose no problem either. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

She thought it over carefully, then suddenly heard an exclamation nearby.

A palace maid accidentally spilled tea on Pei Yuxuan.

Consort Xian expressed concern for a few moments and instructed a nearby matronly woman to take her to the side hall to change clothing.

This was clearly a move to ensure they’d talk alone.

As long as no tricks were played, she wasn’t afraid of saying a few words.

Xie Wanqing signaled to Pei Yuxuan with a glance, who then followed the matronly woman out.

The two female officials also went outside to wait.

The once lively main hall fell into silence.

Consort Xian gazed deeply at her niece, abandoning her polite pretense as her first words hit directly, "Aunt knows you’re wise, so I won’t elaborate on the implications. You just need to know, with your ties to Qi Ziyan, once he returns victoriously, not only will your cousin have no hope, but even the Pei and Xie families will be in grave danger."

As she spoke, her gaze fixed firmly on her niece, seeing Xie Wanqing’s expression change, she softened her tone, "Wanwan, would you be willing to help your cousin this time?"

Upon hearing ’Qi Ziyan’, Xie Wanqing was momentarily stunned, but soon composed herself, pursed her lips and said, "...I don’t comprehend your meaning."

"You do understand." Consort Xian smiled gently, "With Qi Ziyan’s obsession over you, as long as you cooperate with us, his defeat is certain."

Whenever this matter crossed Consort Xian’s mind, she couldn’t help but feel exhilarated; his arrogance reached the skies, yet he still stumbled before Miss Xie.

She had only glimpsed a fraction of Lu Ziyuan’s fixation, never regarding it as genuine affection, but simply felt what was unattainable was the finest, completely oblivious to his affection’s pathological state.

Nevertheless, she still believed this obsession with Miss Xie remained Lu Ziyuan’s sole vulnerability.

If this weakness was exploited well, Lu Ziyuan would not be invincible; he might perish.

"Qi Ziyan is our mutual enemy; for the Xie family’s sake, you should stand with us." Consort Xian said, "Once your cousin ascends the throne, the Xie family will be the Emperor’s maternal kin, and your family would maintain today’s glory."

No threats, no temptations, merely stating the reality.

"How to cooperate?" Xie Wanqing asked, "What does Aunt want me to do?"

"Disappear; as long as news spreads that you’re in trouble, given Lu Ziyuan’s regard for you, he might lose focus on the campaign, and rush back to the Capital City." The Crown Prince interjected.

"Cousin overestimates me; he’s cold-hearted with blood on his hands. How could you think he’d be swayed by a woman," Xie Wanqing tightly clenched her hands within her sleeves, yet maintained a serene façade, "Previously in Yunzhou, the reason he rushed back to the Capital overnight was because the conflict had concluded."

Indeed, last year when Lu Ziyuan hurried back to the Capital to stop a midnight intrusion, Yunzhou’s turmoil had already settled, and he hadn’t abandoned the war to rush home.

Yet the Crown Prince chuckled, "Even if it may not work, it’s worth a try. To be frank, Cousin, we’ve nearly exhausted all possible means these days. Every possible means gets trialed first; if news of your mishap flusters Lu Ziyuan, it would be a delightful surprise."

The main aspect is, this plan requires little effort.

Just need a woman to vanish, then relay the news to Lu Ziyuan.

If Xie Wanqing opts to voluntarily cooperate with this ’disappearance’, it simplifies the matter; should she refuse, they have ways to achieve it regardless.

Although she remains cautious, truthfully, they’ve nearly succeeded, even planning for more severe measures as per their agenda, unafraid of failing to unsettle Lu Ziyuan.

If not for Consort Xian’s concerns over blood kinship, sympathizing with her niece, how could today’s invitation have occurred?

Xie Wanqing was unaware of the Crown Prince’s ulterior thoughts.

She squeezed her palm long, eventually shook her head slowly and declined, "No, I cannot cooperate."