Chapter 12: A Fierce Clash

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Cheng Xueyang was known as the most beautiful princess. To have a statue of a goddess sculpted in her own likeness—how utterly narcissistic. Of course, many vain people have created numerous things modeled after themselves. The key point was this piece of white jade, and such a large one at that.

The Dalan Dynasty was not known for abundant jade, whereas the Chu Kingdom had plenty, with large quarries. Three years ago, envoys from Chu had presented many pieces of white jade, including one roughly as tall as this raw material. Before that, no record existed of such a large piece of white jade in the country.

If it belonged to Cheng Xueyang, then where did she acquire it?

As for the piece in Cheng Liuyi’s possession, it was said to be a gift from the emperor, permitting her to carve anything she liked.

But if it was Cheng Liuyi’s, why sculpt a goddess statue in this form?

Madam Gu’s younger sister claimed to have seen this goddess statue at the princess’s residence. Could it really belong to Princess Xuanyun and have been forcibly taken by Princess Yunxiang?

In an instant, all eyes turned to Cheng Xueyang, eager to hear her response.

Would she confront Princess Yunxiang head-on or bow before her?

Cheng Xueyang’s lips curved into a faint smile, gentle yet chilling. “Don’t you know whether the goddess statue is yours? Or do you lack confidence and need me to confirm it with my own mouth before you’re sure it belongs to you?”

Cheng Liuyi arrogantly lifted her chin. “Of course the goddess statue is mine. It’s just that Sister Anyu insists it belongs to Sixth Princess, so we went to ask her.”

Cheng Liuyi looked toward Gu Anyu. “Sixth Princess, tell her whose goddess statue this really is.”

Gu Anyu’s heart burned with anger. Cheng Liuyi was pushing her forward to pressure Sister Xueyang.

Cheng Xueyang gave Gu Anyu a reassuring glance and said calmly, “There is indeed a piece of white jade at the princess’s residence, what Miss Gu said is true.”

Cheng Liuyi taunted, “So you mean it’s yours?”

Cheng Xueyang shook her head. “The piece at the residence is just an uncarved raw jade stone. However, Princess Yunxiang has inspired me. I will carve that raw material into a goddess statue like this, to remember our late royal sister.”

But Cheng Liuyi refused to believe a word. This goddess statue was stolen from the princess’s residence; there was no way they had another. As for uncarved raw jade, her treasure vault in the royal palace held one.

A faint sneer curled at Cheng Liuyi’s lips, mocking coldly, “Sixth Princess, I know your life has been hard, but your pride is high. There’s no need to pretend before acquaintances. We are sisters. If you have troubles, just tell me—I wouldn’t stand by and watch you suffer. If you truly like jade, I can gift you a piece.”

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Cheng Xueyang replied, “You are considerate, younger sister. I appreciate the kindness. But truth must be seen with one’s own eyes. The jade remains at the princess’s residence; you may go and see for yourself.”

Her words flowed naturally and smoothly, her expression earnest, eyes focused and profound, without a hint of hesitation or evasion. It was impossible not to believe her.

How could this be?

The raw jade was in the palace—how could it be at the princess’s residence?

Cheng Liuyi still refused to believe it, but at least she had achieved one goal.

“Although Sixth Princess has much to say after such a long absence, today is the royal aunt’s birthday. It would be improper to overshadow the celebration, wouldn’t it?”

Cheng Liuyi stepped past Cheng Xueyang and addressed the Birthday Princess Consort, who had been watching the commotion. “I hereby present this goddess statue as a gift to the royal aunt, wishing her good fortune and the blessings of the gods.”

The Birthday Princess Consort was inclined to accept the gift, after all, such a large piece of white jade could be carved into anything else. Yet the face on the goddess statue sickened her as if she had swallowed a dead fly; she could not tolerate the one who had caused her nephew’s death.

Looking into Cheng Liuyi’s shifting eyes, she sensed ill intent. If she accepted today, tomorrow that girl would be at her door causing trouble.

The Birthday Princess Consort said with a pained expression, “Princess Yunxiang means well. Your attendance at the birthday feast is the best gift. This jade was a gift from His Majesty and is too precious; it’s best you take it back.”

Cheng Liuyi sighed deeply, “If the royal aunt insists, then I shall relent.”

Her sharp gaze swept Cheng Xueyang coldly as she raised her delicate fingers. “Bring me a hammer. There’s no need to keep something no one likes.”

Her attendants had prepared a hammer early, and at her command, they hurried forward.

Cheng Liuyi grabbed the hammer, ready to smash the goddess statue’s head.

The scene unfolded so swiftly that the crowd recoiled in shock, staring in disbelief.

Her hand raised mid-air was suddenly stopped.

“Before coming here, Suxin repeatedly reminded me to value harmony. But Cheng Liuyi, you really know how to court disaster.”

“Bang—”

The hammer fell to the ground with a dull thud, followed by a scream from Princess Yunxiang.

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The crowd saw Princess Yunxiang pushed down, Princess Xuanyun straddling her, hand raised high, poised to strike hard.

“Smack!”

The sharp sound indicated full force.

Cheng Liuyi’s eyes widened in shock, stunned and dumbfounded, staring blankly at Cheng Xueyang, forgetting to resist.

Gu Anyu almost cried out, quickly covering her mouth. Her look toward Cheng Xueyang was half worry, half admiration.

After one slap, Cheng Xueyang struck again and again, delivering a flurry of crisp smacks to Cheng Liuyi’s face.

In her view, since the fight had started, trouble would surely come her way later. Otherwise, Cheng Liuyi wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to provoke her. Now, she planned to get her due.

The noble ladies of the capital, long tyrannized by Cheng Liuyi’s arrogance, felt greatly satisfied watching her get punished. Finally, someone was putting the spoiled princess in her place.

“Ah! Save Princess Yunxiang!”

Only after six or seven slaps did people begin to react, rushing forward to pull them apart.

Cheng Liuyi was nearly in tears, her face burning with pain. This was nothing like she had planned.

She knew if she kept provoking Cheng Xueyang, that woman would inevitably lose control and hit her. So she had arranged for many secret guards to protect her and counted on the palace ladies present to never allow her to be beaten. All she needed was a show to implicate Lady Cheng.

But instead, she was thoroughly beaten.

Frustrated, she sought help, only to find half her guards blocked by Gu Anyu and the other half held back by the gathered ladies.

The third miss of the Pingnan Marquis’s residence had tried to stay far away, but the corridor pavilion was crowded and chaotic. Being pushed along by the crowd, she found herself in front of Cheng Liuyi. Putting on the air of someone who had braved great hardships to overcome obstacles, she helped the fallen Cheng Liuyi up, speaking with full concern.

“Your Highness, your humble servant has come to rescue you.”