The Double-Chapter 567 - 167 Collision_5

Li Lian forced a smile and said, "May I ask, sister-in-law, where is Xiaoyao now?"

Princess Yongning glanced at Li Lian and chuckled, "That maid was simply too malicious. I thought that a maid like Xiaoyao shouldn’t be kept in the mansion, as keeping her would only spell trouble in the long run, so I had a broker come over and sold her. Without a contract of servitude, she was almost given away for free. That broker didn’t seem like a person from Yanjing; who knows, she might have been sent out of the city by now."

A jolt went through Li Lian’s heart as he looked at Princess Yongning, not knowing whether her words were true or false, nor if she had recognized Jiang Youyao’s identity, and even less about how Jiang Youyao had offended her—since there were no other people in the courtyard at the time, who knows what had happened.

Li Lian also didn’t know what to do. Others may not know, but he knew that she was Jiang Yuanbai’s own daughter, and an incident had occurred under their Li Family’s roof. If word got out, he wouldn’t be able to escape implication.

As if it were of no consequence, Princess Yongning continued, "Second brother need not be so sentimental; after all, it was just a lowly maid. Since she has been sold, she will probably never return to Yanjing City in this lifetime. I don’t attach importance to this matter and hope that second brother will not dwell on it either. The life or death of a maid is of no concern to anyone. You don’t need to worry about her seeking revenge; when I handle things, I don’t give her any chance of retaliation."

Li Lian was startled and looked up at Princess Yongning. Her words clearly indicated that she already knew Jiang Youyao’s identity and was telling him that there was no need to be anxious or afraid, that she would not give the Jiang Family any chance to uncover the truth or seek retaliation against him.

"Well, second brother?" Princess Yongning smiled at him, "You wouldn’t get angry with me over a lowly maid, would you?"

Li Lian hurriedly replied, "How could I? I am grateful that sister-in-law helped discipline the maid. In our mansion, aside from Mother, all the major and minor matters from now on will trouble sister-in-law to take charge. If there are any wicked servants who dare to overpower their masters, I will still seek sister-in-law’s aid in disciplining them."

Li Lian was someone who understood the times, and Princess Yongning was very pleased with him. She had a few more words with Li Lian and then returned to her room.

Li Lian waited for Princess Yongning to go back to her room before pausing, then slowly walked out.

He had thought it through; since Princess Yongning had already assured that no one would see Jiang Youyao again, no one would know about the matter. No one knew that Jiang Youyao had been in his residence—it was merely the handling of a lowly maid at the Li Family mansion.

The coup by Prince Cheng was imminent; upon success, their Li Family would bask in boundless favor. They could not afford to offend Princess Yongning. Whatever she wished to do, they would let her please herself.

Li Lian walked out the door, almost bumping into someone. He stopped and saw that it was Li Xian.

Li Xian looked at him and asked, "Is everything clear now?"

Li Lian nodded, "They say she’s been sold." Li Xian had also been informed about today’s events; after all, the first place Princess Yongning had visited was Li Xian’s courtyard. It was in Li Xian’s courtyard that she had seen Jiang Youyao.

"No worries, let her do as she pleases," Li Lian patted Li Xian’s shoulder, "Are you going in?"

Li Xian nodded.

"Then don’t provoke her," Li Lian cautioned before stepping out.

Princess Yongning sat on the couch, feeling her legs ache after her walk around Li Xian’s courtyard that day. She was thinking about getting Mei Xiang to fetch her some sour fruit preserves to eat when she heard Mei Xiang at the door saying, "Young master."

She looked up and saw Li Xian walk in.

Princess Yongning felt displeased inside but remained calm on the surface, "You’re here. I’m still unwell today, so please forgive me for not receiving you properly."

Li Xian replied, "It’s fine, princess, please stay seated."

The conversation between the two of them didn’t resemble that of a husband and wife, not even friends, and perhaps even strangers were more natural than they were, as opposed to the current atmosphere as tense as facing a formidable enemy.

Li Xian asked, "Princess, you visited my courtyard today?"

Princess Yongning answered, "You’re not here for the maid of second brother as well, are you?"

"It’s just a maid; she’s yours to deal with as you please," Li Xian said with a smile and a shake of his head, "I heard you went into my room."

"Yes," Princess Yongning replied, "I saw a room full of mutes."

Li Xian’s expression shifted subtly, but he managed to maintain a mild tone, "Those are the orphans I’ve adopted."

"Are you a good person or a bad one?" Princess Yongning sneered, "Adopting orphans, and then poisoning them to silence—isn’t that just unlucky for those orphans? If you don’t want your family’s secrets discovered, you might as well kill them all rather than leaving troubles behind."

On hearing this, Li Xian appeared a bit startled, but then he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and laughed, "It was a move of desperation. The princess must find it amusing."

Princess Yongning stayed silent as Li Xian stood up, causing her some anxiety. If Li Xian intended to share her bed, she would have to play the card of her illness again, which could invite unwelcome suspicion.

To her surprise, Li Xian did not approach but instead said to Princess Yongning, "You’re not well, so I won’t disturb your rest." With that said, he left gracefully.

Princess Yongning was somewhat stunned.

Li Xian stepped out of the room with a much lighter stride, even showing a faint smile. He murmured softly, "She didn’t notice... Such a fool."