Reborn of the Rightful

The Prince of Yanbei then turned his gaze toward his birth mother, Consort Dowager Yun.

Consort Dowager Yun remained silent for a moment before asking the Old Princess Consort, "What you mean... is that the older the rules are, the better they are?"

The Old Princess Consort glanced at Consort Dowager Yun, thinking she intended to oppose her, and sneered, "This is the filial duty owed by descendants! There is no question of good or bad—only what should or should not be done! In families like ours, rules should naturally be paramount."

Faced with the Old Princess Consort's sarcasm, Consort Dowager Yun showed no displeasure on her face, only replying coolly, "What you say makes sense, but you may not know the earliest clan rules of the Xiao Family."

Consort Dowager Yun's words left everyone momentarily stunned. The Old Princess Consort particularly despised her dismissive attitude and immediately flared up, "What do you mean? If I don't know, do you?"

Consort Dowager Yun replied unhurriedly, "I do indeed know. Before you entered the Xiao Family, the clan rule was that only those who bore sons could be entered into the clan register, not simply those who bore children. So, if we follow your logic that the earlier the rule, the better it is, then there are more than just her who shouldn’t be in the clan register."

With just one sentence, Consort Dowager Yun left the Old Princess Consort so furious her face turned pale. She slammed the table on the spot, exclaiming, "Nonsense! Prince, will you allow your birth mother to slander your legal mother like this? Do the rules of Yanbei Prince's Mansion still exist?"

The Prince of Yanbei, unexpectedly called out, blinked and said, "Huh? Aren’t we discussing the matter of the new bride entering the clan register?"

Consort Dowager Yun said calmly, "We’re just discussing the matter at hand. Why take it out on him? What does it matter that I’m the birth mother? I was the one who went to guard the late prince’s tomb, not you. What more are you dissatisfied with? Shall we swap places and keep the late prince company? What we’re discussing now is the clan rule. Back then, the reason you could enter the Xiao Family’s clan register was because of your special status. Later, the late prince simply changed the clan rule to allow anyone who bore a child to enter the clan register. If you don’t believe me, go check the old family rules from decades ago and see if I’m lying to you."

The Old Princess Consort was left speechless by Consort Dowager Yun’s retort, nearly fainting from anger.

Such incidents had occurred countless times over the decades whenever these two were in the same room, so the Xiao Family members were no longer surprised. It would be shocking if these two suddenly got along harmoniously.

Seeing the atmosphere on the verge of turning hostile, Xiao Jingxi looked toward his mother.

The Princess Consort calmly stepped in to mediate, "Speaking of which, no family’s clan rules remain unchanged forever. These are all matters of the distant past, so let’s not bring them up today."

Consort Dowager Yun said nothing more, but the Old Princess Consort could no longer stay seated. She stood up and declared, "I shouldn’t have come today! Decide whatever matters you have among yourselves!" With that, she stormed out in a huff.

The Princess Consort quickly tried to stop her, but the Old Princess Consort had already left the side hall. The Princess Consort glanced at the Prince.

At that moment, Consort Dowager Yun also stood up, saying, "Decide whatever matters you have among yourselves. I’ll have this cup of tea another time." Without waiting for the Princess Consort to respond, she too left.

Ren Yaoqi stood below, watching. As a junior and a new bride, she had no place to speak in this clash of titans. However, as she watched Consort Dowager Yun’s retreating figure, she couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.On the surface, Consort Dowager Yun appeared cold and indifferent to everyone. Even when she mentioned going to guard the old prince’s tomb, she seemed to harbor some dissatisfaction toward the Prince of Yanbei. However, she had stepped in at the right moment to help them out of a difficult situation, as she was the only one present who could stand up to the Old Princess Consort.

Moreover, the reasons for Consort Dowager Yun’s departure and the Old Princess Consort’s departure were different. The Old Princess Consort had been angered into leaving by Consort Dowager Yun, while Consort Dowager Yun left because of the Old Princess Consort’s remark, "You can decide family matters among yourselves!"

If Consort Dowager Yun had stayed, it would have confirmed the accusation that the Old Princess Consort had been driven away by their united front. By leaving as well, she spared the Prince of Yanbei from further difficulty. To outsiders, it would simply look like another clash between the East Palace and the West Palace.

Everyone present fell silent for a moment before the Prince of Yanbei finally spoke up. "Both elders are getting on in years and cannot sit for long. You can offer them tea another day. For now, let’s proceed with what needs to be done. Once the ceremony is over, record the family register. It’s not a big deal!"

Xiao Jingyue grinned and asked, "Then what about Grandmother? Are we just going to ignore her?"

The Prince of Yanbei glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. "What do you suggest? Removing your grandmother’s name from the family register?"

Xiao Heng quickly hushed Xiao Jingyue in a low voice and apologized to the Prince of Yanbei. "He’s still young and doesn’t know any better. He’s always been outspoken. Please forgive him, Your Highness."

Xiao Jingyue obediently followed his father’s lead and apologized. "Yes, Uncle, I’ve always been straightforward and speak without thinking. Please don’t take offense at someone as foolish as me."

The Prince of Yanbei looked at them with a meaningful smile. "I naturally wouldn’t hold a grudge against a junior. However, Jingyue, you’re not a child anymore. You’re about to start a family and establish yourself. You should be more mindful of your words and actions in daily life. At home, your elders may tolerate you, but once you step outside, you represent the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. If you act recklessly and then seek leniency from your elders, you’re asking them to show favoritism, and that won’t do."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Heng’s expression turned serious, and he cautiously asked, "Why do you say that, Your Highness? Has he done something foolish outside, and someone came to complain to you?"

The Prince of Yanbei replied, "I’m just giving him a reminder. His temperament is truly concerning. I hope he doesn’t wait until he makes an irreparable mistake to realize his error. As his father, you should pay more attention to him in daily life."

Xiao Heng quickly agreed. Seeing that Xiao Jingyue seemed about to speak again, Xiao Heng shot him a sharp glare. Xiao Jingyue shrugged and finally fell silent.

With Xiao Jingyue quieted, the rest of the ceremony proceeded smoothly, with no further disruptions.

Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi first offered tea to the Prince and Princess Consort, receiving two large red envelopes in return. Afterward, Ren Yaoqi greeted the members of the Xiao Family’s second branch according to seniority, and Xiao Heng and his wife also gave gifts. The Xiao Family was relatively small, so the ceremony concluded quickly.

Afterward, with the Prince’s approval, Ren Yaoqi’s name was smoothly added to the Xiao Family register. With the Old Princess Consort and Consort Dowager Yun absent, the Prince of Yanbei held the highest authority, so his word was final.

Aside from the initial unpleasantness, the morning passed relatively smoothly. At the very least, Ren Yaoqi had now officially and indisputably become a daughter-in-law of the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion.After leaving Chengde Hall, the Prince said to Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi, "Go and offer a cup of tea to Consort Dowager Yun, keep her company for a while before returning."

Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi agreed, and the Prince and Princess Consort returned to Jiuyang Hall first.

Xiao Jinglin looked at Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I won’t go today." Since Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi were going to offer tea to Consort Dowager Yun, it wasn’t appropriate for her to tag along. With Xiao Jingxi accompanying her today, Xiao Jinglin wasn’t worried that Ren Yaoqi would be mistreated.

Xiao Jingxi smiled and nodded. "Alright, you go back first. Yaoyao will come find you later." Second Young Master Xiao thought that when he wasn’t at home, his wife and sister could keep each other company, and Xiao Jinglin could also protect Ren Yaoqi from being taken advantage of. After all, the Princess Consort couldn’t keep Ren Yaoqi by her side at all times, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for Ren Yaoqi to frequently visit Jiuyang Hall when the Prince was home.

Xiao Jinglin nodded and left first.

Xiao Jingxi then dismissed the maids and elderly servants who were following them, and he and Ren Yaoqi strolled leisurely toward Consort Dowager Yun’s Lanxi Hall.

Xiao Jingxi lowered his head and whispered, "Are you tired?"

Ren Yaoqi was about to say she wasn’t, but suddenly remembered the playful banter they had shared in their private quarters earlier, and the words stuck in her throat. She simply glared at Xiao Jingxi.

Xiao Jingxi chuckled softly. "Why glare at me? I was just going to say that it’s still a bit of a distance to Lanxi Hall and ask if you’d prefer to take a sedan chair."

Ren Yaoqi continued walking without paying him any mind.

Xiao Jingxi caught up to her and asked softly, "Are you really angry?"

Ren Yaoqi glanced at him. "No."

Xiao Jingxi reached out discreetly to hook his fingers with hers. Ren Yaoqi felt a bit unaccustomed to it and slightly avoided his touch, but when his hand followed hers again, she didn’t pull away.

Their hands intertwined, hidden beneath their sleeves, as they walked all the way to Lanxi Hall.

Just before reaching the entrance of the hall, without Ren Yaoqi saying anything, Xiao Jingxi let go of her hand on his own.

Consort Dowager Yun was in the small prayer hall of Lanxi Hall and came out when she heard they had arrived.

Upon learning that the younger generation had come to offer her tea, Consort Dowager Yun didn’t say much. She instructed someone to bring two bowls of hot tea and, when they presented the tea, drank it without any fuss. She also took out two red envelopes she had prepared in advance from her maid and gave one to each of them.

After that, Consort Dowager Yun didn’t have much to say. Xiao Jingxi did most of the talking, with Ren Yaoqi occasionally chiming in with a sentence or two. Consort Dowager Yun listened from the side, nodding occasionally and giving simple responses to show she was paying attention.

"Have you been to Shou’an Hall yet?" Consort Dowager Yun suddenly asked.

Xiao Jingxi replied, "Not yet. Since your place is closer, we came to Lanxi Hall first."

Consort Dowager Yun nodded. "Then you should go to Shou’an Hall. There’s nothing more for you here."

Xiao Jingxi smiled. "It’s still early. We’ll keep you company a little longer. I heard you wanted someone to copy Buddhist scriptures. Yaoqi’s handwriting is passable—let her write a few characters for you to see. If you’re satisfied, she can copy them for you? After all, she doesn’t have much else to do."

This wasn’t Xiao Jingxi acting on his own. They had already discussed this topic on their way here, and Ren Yaoqi had no objections.Ren Yaoqi also understood that maintaining a peaceful coexistence with Consort Dowager Yun in Yanbei Prince's Mansion was crucial. After all, on occasions like today, only Consort Dowager Yun could openly confront Old Princess Consort. The prerequisite was that Consort Dowager Yun was willing to protect you.

Consort Dowager Yun glanced at Ren Yaoqi, thought for a moment, and said, "There's no need to write. I saw her calligraphy at the Thousand Gold Banquet last time—it was quite good. However, what matters most in copying Buddhist scriptures isn't the quality of the handwriting, but whether one is sincere and understands the essence of Buddhism."

Ren Yaoqi modestly replied, "Your granddaughter-in-law is dull-witted and dare not claim to understand the essence of Buddhism. I have merely read a few basic Buddhist scriptures, but I do have sincerity."

Consort Dowager Yun said calmly, "If you count as dull-witted, then there are no clever people left."

Ren Yaoqi's performance at the previous Thousand Gold Banquet had left a deep impression on everyone, including Consort Dowager Yun. At least half of what Xiao Jingxi had said about her being virtuous and talented had been proven true.

Xiao Jingxi was pleased with Consort Dowager Yun's straightforward praise and even smiled at Ren Yaoqi.

"Which scriptures have you studied thoroughly? Tell me," Consort Dowager Yun asked.

Consort Dowager Yun emphasized "studied thoroughly," so Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment before naming a few scriptures she remembered well.

Consort Dowager Yun nodded and mentioned a few other scriptures, asking, "What about these?"

Ren Yaoqi replied reservedly, "I've read them a few times."

Consort Dowager Yun glanced at her and asked a few questions, which Ren Yaoqi answered one by one from memory.

Consort Dowager Yun waved her hand and frowned slightly, "Enough. You know them better than I do."

Ren Yaoqi fell silent, while Xiao Jingxi chuckled beside her.

Consort Dowager Yun said, "Come tomorrow afternoon. Copy for half an hour each day. If you have something to do on any day, just send word. It's fine if you can't come."

Ren Yaoqi breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head in agreement.

Consort Dowager Yun looked at Xiao Jingxi and said, "I won't keep you for a meal. Go to Shou'an Hall."

This time, Xiao Jingxi heeded Consort Dowager Yun's words and rose with Ren Yaoqi to take their leave.

After the two left Shou'an Hall, Xiao Jingxi noticed Ren Yaoqi deep in thought and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and answered truthfully, "I was thinking that Her Highness Consort Dowager doesn't seem as difficult to approach as I imagined." It was just that she still didn't particularly like her granddaughter-in-law, but not making things difficult for her was already a good thing.

Xiao Jingxi smiled and said, "Well, you're so wonderful. Naturally, everyone should like you."

Second Young Master Xiao's skill in sweet talk was nearing perfection. Talent was something that, once mastered, applied to everything. Clever people grasped things quickly without needing to be taught.

Ren Yaoqi blushed at Xiao Jingxi's praise.

When they reached the entrance of Shou'an Hall, they didn't enter directly this time. Instead, they had someone announce their arrival at the door and obediently waited outside for instructions.

Before long, a maid from Old Princess Consort's courtyard came out and apologetically said to them, "Old Princess Consort felt unwell after returning just now. Perhaps you two could come another day?"

Xiao Jingxi asked, "Has a physician been called? We should still go in to visit her."

The maid hurriedly replied, "No need, no need. Old Princess Consort has already gone to bed. It's just an old ailment acting up. She just took a dose of medicine prescribed by the physician earlier and will feel better after resting. Please, you two should return for now."Xiao Jingxi asked a few more questions and persisted a few more times, but was rejected each time. In the end, he could only take Ren Yaoqi and leave with regret and disappointment.

In truth, they both knew that the Old Princess Consort was unlikely to meet them today. However, whether she would see them was one matter, and whether they would come was another.

After leaving the Shou'an Hall, the two of them planned to return. Halfway there, a subordinate came to report something to Xiao Jingxi. Xiao Jingxi had no choice but to first send Ren Yaoqi to Xiao Jinglin’s place before attending to official matters.