Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 385: The Scheme of Alienation

Just as Prince Qi was roaring in anger, the steward of the mansion came to report.

"Your Highness, Prince Wei has arrived to check on your condition."

Prince Qi, still fuming, scoffed coldly upon hearing this, "What is he doing here? Crocodile tears!"

"I won’t see him!"

Prince Xian tried to calm Prince Qi, "Meet with him. Let’s see what his intentions are. I’ll step aside for now."

Saying that, Prince Xian hid in an inner room. Prince Qi had always trusted Prince Xian’s counsel, so he reluctantly ordered for Si Jun to be invited inside.

Si Jun entered with his usual gentle and refined demeanor. "I heard my younger brother injured his leg. I came specifically to check on you."

Prince Qi glanced at the servant carrying tonic supplements into the room, then raised his eyelids with a half-smile. "Thank you, dear Brother."

"How did you suddenly fall from such a height? Have you investigated who might be behind this?" Si Jun asked with apparent concern.

"Of course, we are investigating; there’s no need for you to worry about it," Prince Qi replied in a detached manner.

Si Jun stood up and said, "Be careful. Someone might be trying to take your life. It’s best if we brothers stand together against our common enemies."

Prince Qi gave him a cold glance and said, "I don’t need your reminders. I don’t feel well and need to rest now. You may leave!"

Si Jun, unperturbed, left Prince Qi Mansion.

Prince Xian and Prince Qi maintained a close relationship, so he should have realized that Si Jun had not given up on trying to rope them in.

Prince Qi’s injury should also prompt Prince Xian to exercise caution. Without Prince Qi’s assistance, Prince Xian would eventually be compelled to ally with him.

After Si Jun left, Prince Xian emerged from the inner room and looked at Prince Qi. "I find it rather strange."

"What’s strange?" Prince Qi asked.

"How did Si Jun find out so quickly about your injury?" Prince Xian furrowed his brows.

Prince Qi suddenly realized, "Could it be that this incident was orchestrated by Si Jun?"

Prince Xian sighed in relief and said, "I am merely speculating."

Prince Qi, still furious, remarked, "Hmph, and he still dreams of pulling us into his plans. Wishful thinking!"

"Rest well. I’ll come to see you when I find the time." Prince Xian’s eyes darkened as he patted Prince Qi’s shoulder and then took his leave.

...

After departing, Prince Xian entered a secluded alley and arrived at a money house.

Inside the money house, the shopkeeper led him to a secret chamber.

Soon, he stood before a man and bowed, "Imperial Uncle!"

Mu Yan, with his back to him, said, "So, Si Jun visited Prince Qi?"

Prince Xian’s expression was grim. "Everything happened as you predicted, Imperial Uncle. It appears Si Jun was indeed behind this."

Mu Yan turned around slowly and said, "Everyone acts in their own interest. If you refuse to ally with him, you will undoubtedly be his next target."

"Imperial Uncle’s words of wisdom ring true. Please guide me on the path forward," Prince Xian said humbly.

Mu Yan smirked faintly, "The people hold you in high regard, and I have always believed in your potential. However, Si Jun is a cunning and deceitful man. Pretend to cooperate with him for now, and when the time comes, deal him a decisive blow. Rest assured, I will ensure your safe retreat. Only you and I shall know of this plan."

"Thank you, Imperial Uncle!" Prince Xian was acutely aware that if he wanted to emerge victorious in the Crown Prince succession struggle, Mu Yan’s support would be invaluable.

As Prince Xian left the money house, Mu Yan’s eyes gleamed with a thoughtful depth as he watched his departing figure.

This battle for the throne would only come to a swift conclusion when all four princes were pitted against one another, their alliances shattered.

...

Si Jun returned to Prince Wei Mansion.

One hour later, Prince Xian quietly came to visit.

Si Jun instructed his men to discreetly let him in through the back door. When Prince Xian saw Si Jun, he nodded and said, "Brother, you were right. It seems someone is intentionally targeting us. Now that Prince Qi’s leg is likely crippled, the two of us must band together."

Si Jun smiled and personally poured tea for Prince Xian.

"Rest assured, Prince Xian. The tea is poison-free." Si Jun smiled as he tested the tea with a silver needle. "I have always been sincere. I merely wish for us to weather this storm together."

Prince Xian took a sip of the tea, set the cup down, and continued, "Since we are to form a covert alliance, we must look out for one another."

"Naturally," Si Jun replied, setting his cup aside. "How did you celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival today, Prince Xian?"

"Father is gravely ill, and the Empress has no interest in hosting a palace banquet. It’s better for everyone to celebrate privately," Prince Xian said bleakly.

Si Jun’s eyes burned with intensity. "What you said is true, but tonight, would you join me in accomplishing something?"

Prince Xian leaned in to listen to Si Jun’s whispered words and smirked faintly as the corners of his lips curled up.

...

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day meant for family reunions, Zhan Xuerou returned to the General Mansion.

Though Si Jun did not accompany her, he approved of her decision.

After all, maintaining the relationship with the General Mansion still depended on Zhan Xuerou’s efforts.

In the afternoon, Zhan Xuerou brought gifts and arrived with Qiuyue at the General Mansion.

Although Si Jun had assigned her a new maid, Xia He, she found it hard to adapt to her.

For one, she was accustomed to Qiuyue’s service. And for another, Qiuyue had been raised in the General Mansion. When Qin Shuang and others saw Qiuyue, they could reminisce about the past, making interactions warmer.

As Zhan Xuerou entered the room, she bowed to Zhan Beicang and said, "Godfather, Rou’er has come to see you."

The man who had once showered her with boundless affection as her father was now merely her godfather. Zhan Xuerou was the only one who knew how much it hurt to utter that word.

Zhan Beicang’s feelings for Zhan Xuerou were immensely complicated. On one hand, he had raised her for eighteen years, and his love for her was still profound.

On the other hand, his friendship with his sworn brother weighed heavily. Ever since he learned that Zhan Xuerou was not his biological daughter, he often struggled with how to face her.

"Since you’re back, have dinner with us tonight." Zhan Beicang refrained from calling it a "family banquet."

Zhan Xuerou’s heart felt like it had been stabbed, her throat tight, yet she maintained a smile and answered, "Yes."

She learned that Qin Shuang was feeling unwell, so she went to visit her.

When Qin Shuang saw Zhan Xuerou, she greeted her politely yet distantly, "You’re here."

Zhan Xuerou responded obediently, "I heard you’re not feeling well, so I came to check on you."

She naturally walked to Qin Shuang’s side.

Qin Shuang shifted her shoulders and said, "My shoulders have been hurting lately; it’s a little uncomfortable."

"Moth...," Zhan Xuerou began to call her "Mother" out of habit but quickly corrected herself, "Your health always struggles during the season change from autumn to winter. Let me massage them for you."

Zhan Xuerou stood behind Qin Shuang and began kneading her shoulders.

Qin Shuang was reminded of years past when Zhan Xuerou would do the same for her.

But now, things were different. Qin Shuang could no longer treat Zhan Xuerou as her own daughter because doing so would hurt Lan’er’s heart.

Qin Shuang placed her hand on Zhan Xuerou’s and said, "That’s unnecessary. You are now the Consort of Prince Wei. Leave such tasks to the servants."

Zhan Xuerou’s heart felt as though it was being twisted cruelly. Ever since her identity had been swapped with Zhan Lan’s, Qin Shuang’s attitude toward her had grown increasingly distant.

The mother who once lavished her with endless love and care no longer cherished her as before.

Qin Shuang smiled faintly and said, "Stay for dinner tonight."

Qin Shuang had watched Zhan Xuerou grow up, from an infant to a young woman.

As a mother, she had worried endlessly—afraid she might get hurt, afraid she might feel pain, afraid she would suffer while taking medicine—nurturing her with utmost care.

To sever such deep emotional bonds so quickly was impossible.

But the guilt she felt toward Zhan Lan made her determined to distance herself from Zhan Xuerou.

Fortunately, today Lan’er and Mu Yan were celebrating the festival privately in the mansion. Otherwise, meeting them would only lead to another mess.

As Qin Shuang silently reflected, Zhan Lan called from the doorway, "Mother, I’m back!"