The wicked imperial concubine is courting death again; the comments section teaches her how to win w

"Cousin, let's go home." Ignoring Ning Nishang's expression, Qi Yitang practically dragged her back to the carriage.

Her reaction was the best proof in Xie Jingyu's eyes.

—She was indeed jealous.

In fact, Xie Jingyu's feelings for Qi Yitang were less about liking her and more about a desire to conquer her.

From childhood to adulthood, he was always his father's favorite prince. Of all his older and younger brothers, he was the only one who grew up on his father's lap.

But everything changed after Xie Ling was brought out of the cold palace.

The emperor's praise shifted from him to others, with constant talk of the fifth prince, and even when seriously ill, he handed over the power of regent to Xie Ling.

He became nothing more than a bystander.

On the surface, Xie Jingyu is a gentle and kind older brother, but in private he wishes he could tear Xie Ling apart.

But he couldn't find Xie Ling's weakness. That lowly bastard who crawled out of the cold palace seemed invulnerable and invincible.

Until one chance encounter.

He held a banquet for his birthday, and Qi Yitang attended in full dress, smiling and saying "Happy birthday, Brother Yu" and even giving her a sachet that he had embroidered himself.

The sachet wasn't particularly outstanding; the only embroidery on it was crooked and uneven.

She said they were mandarin ducks, but Xie Jingyu didn't notice and didn't take it seriously.

But when he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Xie Ling in the corner, his face, which was usually so indifferent that he disdained to talk to anyone, was now as black as the bottom of a pot, staring intently at the sachet in his hand.

Afterwards, he heard that Xie Ling had gotten extremely drunk and almost missed important matters, and was unusually reprimanded by his father, the emperor.

This seemingly trivial matter allowed Xie Jingyu to glimpse a tremendous secret.

As if he had found the weakness of his prey, Xie Jingyu's eyes flashed with an extremely malicious interest—so he liked Qi Yitang.

That makes things easier.

Xie Ling stole his throne, so he's going to steal his woman, making him love her but not have her, causing him unbearable pain.

So what if he's the emperor? Isn't he still his defeated foe?

This has been the case for the past few years. Even after she became a concubine, her heart still leaned towards him, leaving the emperor to suffer the bitterness of being alone in his empty room.

Recently, however, things seem to have gone off track and some deviations have occurred.

However, Xie Jingyu was confident that Qi Yitang would not escape his grasp.

Seeing Xie Jingyu staring at the two figures for a long time without looking away, Qin Yuanchao said coldly, "His Highness Prince Gong is indeed the dream lover of the noble ladies of Shengjing, leaving his mark everywhere."

That was a sarcastic remark.

Xie Jingyu's smile remained unchanged. "The Crown Prince Qin is no less impressive. I've heard that Your Highness's wedding is approaching. Once your new wife arrives at the manor, Your Highness will surely be quite busy."

"No need for Your Highness to worry."

As the two men locked eyes, an invisible tension filled the air, as if something were exploding in the air.

Here it comes! A battleground of heroes, two men vying for one woman—how exciting!

Are you two alright? One of these guys is a rotten cucumber, and the other is about to get married. What's so interesting about them?

[Exactly! That scoundrel only cares about fighting and treating the female lead like a trophy. Get lost!]

Don't worry, the second male lead is virtuous; he's cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and he only loves the female lead.

The second male lead's wife is so pitiful; marrying into her family is practically like living as a widow.

……

On the carriage back to the Grand Tutor's residence.

Qi Yitang stared intently at the thing in Ning Nishang's hand, as if it were something that could sting.

Ning Nishang had been looking down, gently stroking the hairpin that was more exquisite than before, when she looked up and saw Qi Yitang's gloomy face. Her heart trembled slightly, and that inexplicable feeling vanished instantly.

She forgot...

Tangtang's possessiveness is extremely strong, and Prince Gong is her childhood sweetheart.

Ning Nishang admitted that Prince Gong had saved her life and that he remembered even the smallest details, so she couldn't help but feel a little flutter in her heart.

But she was also self-aware, knowing that the gap between them was as vast as an insurmountable chasm.

Prince Gong is a member of the imperial family; how could she, an orphan, possibly have any ambition for him?

Moreover, and most importantly, her relationship with Tangtang had just begun to improve, and she didn't want to cause conflict because of outsiders.

"...Tangtang, are you unhappy?"

Ning Nishang had asked this question often before.

When she first arrived at the manor, her mother, pitying her background, always gave her the best things first. Her elder and second sisters-in-law also frequently showed concern and care for her.

She was initially flattered and said she didn't want it, but she accepted it because she couldn't refuse.

After accepting the gift, he felt uneasy and delivered it to her, saying, "Tangtang, don't be sad..."

"Actually, I don't lack anything. As long as I have it, I can share it with you."

As a result, Qi Yitang had two of many things.

At that time, Qi Yitang only felt it was a provocation and an insult. She had already accepted it, yet they still sent it over. They asked her about it all day long, whether there was anything wrong or not. Couldn't she see that Qi Yitang was furious?

They really are getting a good deal and then acting innocent!

Seeing Ning Nishang's anxious expression, Qi Yitang felt a pang of sadness.

Wasn't Ning Nishang supposed to be the female lead? Isn't the female lead supposed to be the author's daughter? Why give her this kind of character design?

Weak, harmless, and submissive...

She swallowed all her suffering; is this the only treatment her daughter deserves?

Qi Yitang was about to explain to avoid making her overthink when Ning Nishang pursed her lips and spoke again, "Tangtang, don't worry, I have no improper thoughts about the prince, I can swear that."

Qi Yitang looked puzzled. Why tell her this?

The live chat exploded with comments like, "[My god, bro, you're the female lead! Why are you acting like a pushover?]"

I'm seriously speechless. Who exactly is the female lead? Can't we at least give a straight answer?!

Ning Nishang thought for a moment, then sat closer to Qi Yitang and whispered, "Tangtang, if you still like His Highness Prince Gong..."

Outside the carriage, someone who was ostensibly a guard sent to protect Qi Yitang, but was actually a secret agent, secretly pricked up his ears.

Qi Yitang looked disgusted. Who would like Xie Jingyu?

She must have either lost her mind or been kicked by a donkey.

She thought Ning Nishang was going to say something to advise her, but her next sentence was: "Then you must hide it well, it will be very troublesome if His Majesty finds out."

[Oh my god, what am I even watching? Is this supposed to be the female lead and her boyfriend?]

Is this what they mean by liking one person openly and honestly, but liking multiple people having to hide it?

[Someone please save this plot that's completely fallen apart!]

[What's wrong with this plot? I think it's wonderful. I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of lilies.]

Qi Yitang was also stunned. Is this the female lead? Her thought process is truly unique.

"How could I possibly like him?"

This was too complicated to explain, so Qi Yitang simply didn't. "Cousin, to tell you the truth, Xie Jingyu isn't a good person. I'm just worried that he might have ulterior motives towards you, so don't be fooled by him."

Outside the carriage, the guard wiped away non-existent cold sweat.

Thank goodness.

He didn't even dare to imagine that if the Empress said she still liked Prince Gong, and he truthfully reported it, he would be cut into pieces by His Majesty.

Ning Nishang's heart skipped a beat, filled with worry.

Tangtang was worried about her...