Chapter 51: How Did He Become Her Father?

Chapter 51: How Did He Become Her Father?

These young ladies were aware of Su Youyue's recent transformations, but they never imagined that her changes were not just significant—she had seemingly ingested the courage of a bear and the audacity of a leopard!

Observe how even Xiao Feiyan beside them refrains from speaking; the Jinghai Marquis Manor's influence is by no means inferior to Minister Su's residence!

This is considering Xiao Feiyan has several direct kin who hold official positions in the court. What does Su Youyue have? It's no secret that Minister Su has no son. Once he passes, the Su household will fall into decline for good.

Even Su Qian looked at Su Youyue with a touch of astonishment. Ever since Su Youyue had called off the engagement, she had sensed something amiss about her. Today's events only confirmed those suspicions. How could the previous Su Youyue have dared to challenge the Third Princess?

Su Rong dared not utter a word; the mere sight of the Third Princess made her so nervous that her palms were drenched in sweat.

"Courageous!"

The maid Gong behind the Third Princess suddenly wore a stern expression. Pointing at Su Youyue's nose, she scolded, "You dare to defy and question the words of the Third Princess! Miss Su must be suffering from a fit of madness or hallucinations. If you dare to show any more disrespect, this old servant won't hold back!"

These maids were seasoned veterans of the palace, accustomed to reprimanding noble ladies from outside its walls. Having attended to Princess San on a daily basis, they had inevitably adopted an arrogant and domineering demeanor.

For many years, any young lady from an influential family who slightly displeased Third Princess would be slapped on the spot by a few daring individuals. Let alone someone daring to defy her.

Yet, those officials ranked second-tier or above in the court were the pillars of the Emperor. They would still show a modicum of respect.

Despite the maid Gong's reprimand, Princess Three's face visibly darkened. She glared at Su Youyue with icy eyes and abruptly stepped forward, ready to slap her. "How dare a lowly servant like you question this palace's words!"

Seeing that Princess Three was about to lay hands on Su Youyue, a hint of satisfaction flickered in Su Qian's eyes. She had deliberately invited Princess Three here today precisely to teach Su Youyue a lesson, to make her realize her place and cease her arrogance before her!

As Princess Three moved closer, Xie Yuan's gaze behind Su Youyue sharpened intensely. He watched her back, seemingly awaiting something. His body was poised, ready to spring into action at any moment to intercept the impending attack.

Unfazed by Baili Wei's menacing approach, Su Youyue raised her voice in defiance. "If even the Emperor's words can be questioned by an inspector, why can't Princess Three tolerate any dissent? Does Princess Three believe herself to be more exalted than the Emperor?"

At this moment, they were at the entrance of Mei Garden, where a crowd had already gathered. With more people rushing over, Su Youyue's raised voice immediately reached many ears. Those who had been prepared for a spectacle perked up in anticipation.

Indeed, although the current emperor holds considerable power, he must also take into account his reputation and the traditions established by his ancestors. He dares not lightly censure the officials known as "yan guan," who are responsible for offering candid advice. It is well known that these officials often refute the emperor's suggestions, to the point where the emperor has been so enraged that he has thrown his memorials on the court floor on several occasions. Yet, in the end, what can he do but accept their rebuke?

Not even the Emperor dared to brook any dissent. Where did Princess San get the audacity? Did she think her status surpassed that of the Emperor's?

This Miss Su is indeed audacious, to dare invoke the Emperor to intimidate Princess San!

Yet, many onlookers held a tinge of anticipation, curious to see how the Third Princess would react. After all, they had long been displeased with her arrogance and disregard for others.

Should anyone dare to challenge her, they would be more than happy to watch the spectacle and even admire the courage of such a person.

Baili Wei abruptly halted her steps, glaring fixedly at Su Youyue's face as if she wished to rush over at that very moment and topple her, wheelchair and all, to the ground, forcing her to kneel and beg for mercy.

But—

How could she possibly respond to Su Youyue's provocation? How could she dare claim that her status surpassed that of her own father, the Emperor?

That would be tantamount to defying the entire world!

Yet, if she were to still rush forward and strike her, wouldn't it imply that she believed her own status was higher than the Emperor's, and that she couldn't tolerate any doubts about it?

Su Youyue, that contemptible servant! Daring to set a trap for her!

The proud maids and concubines behind the Third Princess also turned livid. They yearned to approach and slap the audacious one who dared offend the Third Princess, preferably leaving her face disfigured. However, if the Third Princess herself didn't dare accept Su Youyue's challenge, how could they, mere servants, dare to act?

No matter how exalted the Third Princess's status might be, it could never surpass the Emperor's. Her position was granted by His Majesty.

Seeing Baili Wei's silence, the veteran maid dared not delay. If outsiders were to genuinely believe this, they would surely face dire consequences upon their return to the palace.

"What nonsense is Miss Su spouting? How could Princess San ever think herself more exalted than the Emperor? She has always shown great filial piety to His Majesty. How dare you utter such treasonous words? Are you not afraid of His Majesty's punishment?"

Su Youyue appeared resolute. "It seems I misunderstood Princess San. However, this subject is not afraid of His Majesty's reprimand. He is a wise and righteous ruler who upholds the virtue of filial piety. If I failed to defend my grandmother and father's honor today, it would be I who would truly deserve His Majesty's censure.

Moreover, His Majesty loves his people as a father does his children, and so do I love him as both sovereign and parent. If he were to punish me, I would accept it willingly, without complaint."

The old maid almost choked on her own blood. The Emperor was clearly Princess San's father, not Su Youyue's! Yet, she dared not refute. Since ancient times, loving one's people as a parent was a compliment for wise rulers. Su Youyue's words were praise for the Emperor. By associating him with being a father to all, if the old maid contradicted, wouldn't that be disputing His Majesty's love for his people?

Was she eager to shorten her lifespan by arguing back?

When did the foolish Miss Su become so cunning? If the Emperor heard her words today, he would likely commend rather than punish her.

Everyone present secretly marveled at Su Youyue's audacity, using the Emperor's authority to suppress Princess San. This was a first.

Oddly enough, Princess San could no longer touch Su Youyue because of these words.

Who had labeled Su Youyue as foolish? She was now astute beyond measure. Could breaking off an engagement make one smarter?

Baili Wei, in all her life, had never been subjected to such humiliation. Her usually enchanting and radiant face contorted with anger, but despite her arrogance, she dared not refute Su Youyue's words in front of so many witnesses, nor could she lay a hand on her. To do so would be an immense disrespect to her royal father.

Beside her, Su Qian stood dumbfounded. She was aware that Su Youyue had become increasingly audacious lately, but she never imagined that it had escalated to the point where she would dare defy the Third Princess.

However, her astonishment quickly turned into wild delight. If Su Youyue dared to confront the Third Princess like this, she likely wouldn't have a moment's peace in the future!