Chapter 109: Who Is the Wife? Who Is the Concubine?

When Xia Jiujiang realized that the person who had entered was Xia Mingxuan, a flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. Why was it the Xia family again?

Did the Xia family never learn? The recent turmoil involving the Ministry of Justice had only just subsided after a great deal of trouble, and barely had things quieted down when they were at it again. Although Xia Jiujiang knew the Xia family would not let her go so easily, she had expected them to remain dormant for at least a short while. She had not anticipated such a swift return to their schemes.

However, it seemed the Xia family only knew of Xia Jiujiang’s sharp tongue and remained ignorant of her mastery over medical poisons. Holding such a trump card, Xia Jiujiang did not take Xia Mingxuan seriously at all, her gaze filled with disdain.

Xia Mingxuan was in high spirits. He chuckled and said, "Are you wondering why we never seem to learn our lesson, and why we are still using such petty tactics against you?"

Petty tactics, indeed! They had gone to such great lengths to have her led to this room, only to lock her up and make a point of revealing themselves to her? There was a palace banquet at noon; if she were found missing when the time came, the palace would naturally be turned upside down. What, then, was Xia Mingxuan’s goal? Xia Jiujiang did not believe he had the audacity to do her real harm within the Moon Sparrow Palace.

At that moment, Xia Jiujiang caught a glimpse of a shadow near the window. The silhouette revealed a familiar outline. Xia Mingxuan had not noticed anyone approaching, and this person had likely followed him after seeing him skulking toward the side hall of the Moon Sparrow Palace.

Xia Jiujiang feigned confusion and said, "What are you trying to do? Aren't you afraid that if you try to deal with me, I’ll beat you black and blue? Have you forgotten the last time you tried to plot against me... and I turned the tables on you?"

Xia Mingxuan, perhaps trying to reassure himself, spoke to her dismissively: "Don't worry. This time, I have joined forces with the Seventh Prince. I truly don't know what he sees in you, wanting to make you the Seventh Prince's consort. Once you are sent to him, and Princess Anya wins over Prince Jin, you will lose your protector."

When Xia Mingxuan mentioned the title of "Seventh Prince's Consort," the figure outside the window visibly swayed.

Xia Jiujiang remained calm, her face devoid of any fear or panic. "I thought the ones targeting me this time were just the Xia family; I didn't realize the Seventh Prince was involved as well."

Xia Mingxuan boasted, "Well? Now you know to be afraid, don't you?"

Xia Jiujiang cut straight to the point: "It seems that by locking me in here, you intend for Jun Qianye to appear in this room later. When you arrange for people to come looking for me, with the Emperor present and the Southern Kingdom envoys in tow, my reputation will be ruined. I will have no choice but to divorce Prince Jin and submit to the Seventh Prince."

The Seventh Prince’s plan was sound, but Xia Mingxuan’s decision to gloat in front of Xia Jiujiang was his greatest blunder. Seeing her trapped, he couldn't resist coming to mock her. His greatest flaw was his own arrogance.

Seeing Xia Jiujiang’s relaxed demeanor infuriated him. "Stop acting so nonchalant! Aren't you afraid? Aren't you terrified of being branded a loose woman and reviled by everyone?"

Xia Jiujiang shrugged. "If I’m not relaxed, what should I be? Do you expect me to kneel and beg for mercy?"

Xia Mingxuan said triumphantly, "If you kneel and beg for mercy, I might consider letting you off the hook."

With the Seventh Prince, Jun Qianye, still in the deliberation hall, Xia Mingxuan had some time to toy with her. But Xia Jiujiang laughed loudly, refusing to play along. "Beg for mercy? Keep dreaming! Since you are working with the Seventh Prince, you wouldn't let me go just because I begged. You are just playing with me."

Xia Mingxuan’s face turned livid. "Fine, you’re sharp. But when the Seventh Prince arrives, let’s see how long you can keep that tongue of yours."

Ignoring his rage, Xia Jiujiang countered, "From what I know, Younger Sister Yue'er is very fond of Jun Qianye. As her brother, you aren't helping her; instead, you’re helping Jun Qianye scheme against me. Aren't you afraid your sister will be heartbroken once she learns the truth? As her own brother, how can you refuse to help her?"

Xia Mingxuan knew the situation she was describing. He gritted his teeth and said, "It can't be helped. Jun Qianye is the one who likes you, not Xia Yue'er. If the Prince liked her, I wouldn't be doing any of this. However..."

"However?" Xia Jiujiang raised an eyebrow. It seemed there was more to his words.

Xia Mingxuan continued, "However, Xia Yue'er is my sister, after all. I wouldn't leave her empty-handed. The Seventh Prince has promised me that if I can help him obtain you, he will agree to marry Xia Yue'er as well."

Xia Jiujiang retorted with sarcasm, "You truly are a 'good' brother."

Xia Mingxuan, taking it as a compliment, said, "Naturally..."

Xia Jiujiang laughed mockingly. "When Xia Yue'er was at the Xia family home, she fought for the status of the legitimate daughter, yet she never managed to secure it. You went to such great lengths, and all you secured for your sister is the status of a concubine. I wonder if she’ll be livid when she finds out."

Xia Jiujiang could feel the figure standing outside the room trembling violently.

At last, the person outside could hold back no longer. She burst through the door and stormed in, shouting, "You're spouting nonsense! I refuse to be a concubine!"

Xia Jiujiang had known all along that it was Xia Yue'er outside. Every time Jun Qianye was mentioned, the shadow outside had acted strangely. Xia Jiujiang had deliberately spoken of her becoming the primary wife and Xia Yue'er becoming a concubine just to provoke her into revealing herself.

Xia Mingxuan was stunned for a few moments when he saw Xia Yue'er rush in. "You... how are you here?"

Xia Yue'er clenched her fists. "I followed you to the Moon Sparrow Palace and saw you sneaking toward the side hall. I knew something was wrong, but I never expected you to be plotting with the Seventh Prince to frame Xia Jiujiang!"

"What power do I have to refuse the Seventh Prince's arrangements?" Xia Mingxuan explained anxiously, feeling that the situation was spiraling out of control now that Xia Yue'er knew the plan.

Xia Jiujiang interjected, "He’s right, he really had no power to refuse. It wasn't easy for him to find you a position as a concubine, after all."

Xia Yue'er flew into a rage. "Shut your mouth! Who said I would be a concubine? If I marry, it will be as the Seventh Prince's consort!"

Xia Jiujiang chuckled at the absurdity. "You don't want to be a concubine? Why don't you ask your dear brother what status he secured for you? The Seventh Prince went to such lengths to use this room to ruin my purity; even if he marries you at the same time, two sisters serving one husband—tell me, who is the primary and who is the secondary?"

Xia Yue'er looked at Xia Mingxuan. "Brother, tell me, did the Prince promise to marry me as his primary wife or as a concubine?"

There was a burning, anxious desperation in Xia Yue'er's eyes. Xia Mingxuan hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Since you've heard everything, I won't hide it from you."

Hearing this, Xia Yue'er's heart sank; she knew whatever Xia Mingxuan was about to say would not be good news.

Xia Mingxuan snorted. "When it comes down to it, you simply lack the charm. The Prince would rather have her, even though she is already married, than you. Since you are so infatuated with the Seventh Prince, getting you a position as a concubine is already quite a favor. You should be grateful."