Song Chong and Consort Li passed by with a flicker of annoyance in their expressions, which Ah Chen observed closely.

Cui Jing didn’t enter, and Ah Chen walked out, glancing at her with a smile: "Why didn’t you come in? Didn’t you hear? Is your hearing bad? Should I summon an Imperial Physician to check on you?"

Her words were arrogant and disdainful, without any concealment. Of course, Ah Chen had no intention of a "grand reunion" with them, and certainly wouldn’t give any face—it was only a matter of seeing how long they could endure.

Song Chong and Consort Li’s faces flashed with hostility and hatred—how could Cui Chen be so annoying? She had learned none of the Cui Family’s humility and courtesy. Except for Cui Chen, see who else in the Cui Family is like her? If possible, Song Chong genuinely wanted to reward her with a cup of poison.

Clearly, her behavior was not enough for that.

He’s not an incompetent ruler; he cannot kill indiscriminately, especially not his most cherished daughter. If he truly did that, imagine the speculation it would cause. Cui Chen went and returned with accolades on her identity as the Ninth Princess, so certainly she couldn’t be killed.

There needs to be a reason, and even if there is one, it can’t be done openly.

Moreover, it requires waiting, as Cui Chen can’t encounter any problems at this moment.

Cui Jing’s face turned pale; the recent words were utterly normal. Originally, Father and Mother favored her as an adopted daughter for Consort Li’s sake, but hearing their words made her feel extremely uncomfortable, especially before Song Chen.

"Chenchen, don’t make things difficult for Jing’er." Lady Li found it unbearable, biting her teeth in hatred but unable to do much, "No matter what, my good health is thanks to Jing’er, who is a lucky star."

Indeed, her Jing’er is a lucky star, a necessity.

"Mother is worried that this lucky star won’t protect you? Don’t worry, Mother is Consort Li, with status here. Cui Jing wouldn’t dare not to shield you; she has the entire Cui Family behind her." Ah Chen said, raising her eyes to look at Cui Jing.

Cui Jing’s pale complexion hadn’t recovered. Initially, with the Emperor and Consort Li considering her an adopted daughter, she thought she could compete with Song Chen. Unexpectedly, things turned out this way. Indeed, she isn’t alone—she has the Cui Family behind her.

The Emperor and Consort Li are her adoptive parents, and she is Princess Changning now, but ultimately not their biological child.

Consort Li wanted to say something but feared exposing flaws, feeling particularly uncomfortable inside.

Song Chong was also furious, saying, "Chenchen is tired from the journey; let’s rest for today."

Ah Chen felt the day was enough and didn’t insist, replying, "Alright."

She then intended to return to her own palace. After taking a few steps, she turned back and said, "Father, Mother, your daughter hasn’t been titled or granted a residence yet."

Song Chong felt deeply troubled, realizing her desires so well—not only wanting a residence but also a title.

Yet he continued to smile and said, "Last time, it was too rushed; Bei Qi’s pressure was intense, unexpectedly making me overlook this. Now that you’re back, you will naturally receive what should be yours."

Despite unwillingness, he can’t be careless about such matters, lest anyone notices.

If Cui Chen hadn’t mentioned it, he would have genuinely overlooked it, even forgetting to mention it if he ever remembered. But she brought up the request, and it wouldn’t do for his cherished daughter to receive less than an "adopted daughter."

Ah Chen felt satisfied and left.

Staying longer would likely drive them to fury.

Inside, only Song Chong, Consort Li, and Cui Jing remained.

Seeing Cui Jing with her head lowered, seemingly very saddened, the pair dared not speak openly.

"Chenchen is of such character; sometimes, she’s rather wilful and competitive. Changning, don’t take it to heart," Song Chong comforted.

Consort Li added, "Yes, Jing’er, since we’ve acknowledged you as an adopted daughter, you’re also my daughter now. It’s just that Chenchen’s personality truly gives me headaches; I will speak to her later."

Cui Jing responded on the surface but felt less inclined towards them than before.

Thinking their words were overly light, had it not been for Consort Li’s illness, how would she become their adopted daughter or Princess Changning? Song Chen’s words were unpleasant, yet true. How could the Emperor and Consort Li adopt a girl without reason? This truth was evident, yet the ridiculous part was her previous pride in hoping she could outshine Song Chen.

In Song Chen’s eyes, does she appear as a joke?

Song Chong and Consort Li felt pity for their biological daughter but couldn’t reveal the truth. Apart from comforting words, they bestowed some items before letting Cui Jing leave.

This was their way of expressing love, yet Cui Jing felt even sadder receiving the gifts.

Indeed, there is a distinction between the close and the distant; they remain as eminent as the Emperor and Consort Li. Earlier, Song Chen insulted her like that, but a few comforting words and two gifts suffice.

Cui Jing felt hatred again, that kind of lofty imperial power pressed heavily on her heart.

Just like when Song Chen had sent her to Bei Qi—the feeling of powerlessness in resistance returned. She dared not refuse the gifts nor thank them. Even if those items were excellent, each exquisite and precious, some even invaluable, she felt hardly any joy.

As Song Chen said, she was merely a tool, a plaything—would she have had the chance if it weren’t for Consort Li’s condition? 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The carriage stopped outside her Princess Mansion, yet she didn’t enter, suddenly feeling some resistance.

"Your Highness, we’ve arrived," the maid reminded.

Cui Jing said, "To the Cui Mansion."

The maid was puzzled but instructed the driver to go to the Cui Mansion—the family was there, which wasn’t strange.

The Cui Family heard of Cui Jing’s arrival and quickly came out to lead her back inside.

Cui Yu was absent, leaving only the Ning Family, Cui Zhao, and Cui Chen.

When only the few of them remained inside, Cui Jing couldn’t hold back and suddenly started crying, worrying Cui Zhao and Cui Chen, who asked her anxiously what happened.

"Did Song Chen bully you?" Cui Chen asked angrily, "She’s too excessive, isn’t she? Just returned and already bullying you? Why is someone like her a princess? Nothing like Your Majesty and Lady Li’s kindness."

Cui Zhao queried, "Jing’er, what’s going on?"

Earlier, he had observed that his sister didn’t seem visibly hurt, likely from Song Chen’s unpleasant words causing her sorrow. It’s understandable—they grew up together, and she was previously worried for Song Chen’s safety. The latter repeatedly hurt her heart, showing no concern for her, though later said something discouraging.

"Brother, I’m fine." Seeing her family’s concern, Cui Jing felt somewhat better, wiping her tears, "I just suddenly realized the reality—I can’t return to the past with the Ninth Princess."

"Even if the Emperor and Consort Li acknowledge me as their adopted daughter, we can’t be sisters."

"They acknowledged me only because of Consort Li; if I could, I wouldn’t want to be this princess—I’d rather return to Qingfeng County for peaceful days."

Cui Zhao sighed, but that was already impossible.

Cui Chen felt for Cui Jing, but had no solutions.

The Ning Family’s mood was complex, not speaking a word; Your Majesty and Lady Li remained genuinely thoughtful for Jing’er.

And her daughter... continuing like this, who knows what lies ahead.

But she couldn’t do anything.