Six needles pointing at each other (2)

  In the past, the Tang Dynasty was very open-minded, women wore low-cut tops and exposed their faces, feeling quite free. However, by the Song Dynasty, the status of women gradually declined, and by this dynasty, it became even more severe, to the point where respectable women were not allowed to leave the house, nor step out of the second door, and were also not allowed to casually meet with men outside their family.

  At the beginning of the Daejoyeong dynasty, after Emperor Taizu conquered the country, he gradually reused literati. By the time of Emperor Gaozu, the power of the literary faction had gradually expanded, while military generals gradually faded out of the core of political power. Under the leadership of the literary group, men's rights in the family were unprecedentedly enhanced, while women were gradually confined to the inner house, dependent on men for survival, and could not easily go out. Especially in families with a strong emphasis on propriety, such as those who valued the sound of cooking vessels, the speech and behavior of women were strictly regulated. The Fang family, proud of their scholarly heritage, also placed great importance on the education of young girls.

  Although she was a transmigrated woman, after arriving here, apart from trying her best to adapt, she couldn't find any other way. She didn't have the courage to fight back and strive for herself like Ruxin, nor could she be as proud as Rutian and Rumeng who were born with noble status and could look down on others even if they weren't as good as themselves, even in front of high-ranking noblewomen, she would still stand up straight.

  As for those sympathetic, pitiful, sarcastic or disdainful eyes, she no longer cares much about them. However, when encountering a few exceptional ones, she would also get extremely angry. For example, the previous time at the Dai Wang Fu, she met the Junzhu, and now this Li Xiao who always finds trouble with her, people who know their noble identities and wouldn't dare to offend even if they were killed... But, but, when seeing these arrogant faces, she really wants to throw caution to the wind and hit them with a shoe.

  Li Xiu was immediately rebuked, and then raised an eyebrow, saying: "So, it seems that the young lady is blaming our great ancestor for being incompetent?" This remark was somewhat severe, and also involved questioning and blaming the great emperor's guilt. The people present gradually changed their expressions.

  Zhi Yi's eyebrows furrowed even more fiercely, and he glared at Li Xiao with dissatisfaction. Just as he was about to speak, Ruyue suddenly spoke up first: "Your Highness, this remark is going too far. The great achievements of the Taizu Emperor are countless, and it would take three days and three nights to recount them all. The rules set by His Majesty must have their reasons. How did it sound to your ears, like Your Highness has some dissatisfaction with the Taizu Emperor?"

  Li Xiu's eyes narrowed slightly, "Miss, you're really interesting. Obviously, it was you who complained and blamed the rules issued by Emperor Taizu, but now you're turning things around."

  "Your Highness, this is going too far. Ru Qing has always followed the rules set by the great Emperor Taizu, never leaving the main gate and not easily meeting with outsiders. But Your Highness is questioning Ru Qing's adherence to these rules, what fun can be said about that? Isn't it clear that Your Highness is criticizing the wise and powerful Emperor Taizu?" Seeing Li Xiao's expression as if he wanted to swallow her whole, Ru Qing became even more pleased and continued: "This was said by you yourself, oh, all the esteemed elders present are witnesses." Then looking at Li Xiao's expression as if he had swallowed a bitter melon, she felt refreshed in her heart, finally venting out her resentment.

  You think you can turn things around and get away with it? No way!

  Zhi Yi's eyebrows gradually relaxed, but others were shocked and rushed to Li Xiao, who had a gloomy face, saying: "Your Highness, it has nothing to do with me, I didn't hear anything, I didn't hear anything."

  Li Xiu felt suffocated, he was actually left speechless by a little girl. Pian Ru covered her mouth and sneered: "The king is indeed extraordinary, with just one glance, everyone bows their heads in submission, I admire him."

  At this point, Li Xi's face turned even darker. This...this... detestable smooth talker and silver-tongued devil of a stinky little girl.

  Others who heard this were frightened out of their wits and could only force a smile to say to Li Xiu: "Your Highness, I have something at home, I'll take my leave first." Then others followed suit, getting up one after another to bid farewell, fearing that they would be dragged into the mess by Li Xiu.

  Li Xiang did not stop these people from leaving, but stared at Ru Jing with all his might.

  Although she was pleased for a moment, seeing these people leave also made her a little flustered, especially Li Xiang, who looked very strange, staring at her with an uninterpretable gaze that didn't seem to be angry, but rather had a weird light in his eyes.

  "What a formidable mouth, able to turn black into white. I've lived this long and it's the first time I've encountered someone like that." He gave Zhiyi a cold glance with his eyes: "Younger brother is really lucky to have such an eloquent sister."

  He smiled faintly and said, "You're overpraising me. Anyway, the one who will be unlucky in the future is my future brother-in-law. My sister's temperament won't affect Your Highness."

  Li Xiu glared at Zhi Yi again, but Zhi Yi ignored him and turned to Ru Qing instead: "I heard that the young master of the Yang family sent a letter before the new year, but there's still no news from him now. I reckon he must have been delayed at the post station. Let's go ask around." Then he bowed to Li Xiu and bid farewell.

  At this time, Li Xiao was staring at their backs, gritting his teeth. After they disappeared on the stairs, he suddenly felt a suffocating feeling in his chest.

  "This damned stinky girl." Li Xiao slammed his fist on the table, causing the cups and plates on it to clatter.

  The little eunuch behind him looked at him with a strange expression, while the new guard beside Li Xiao was startled and looked at his master with concern and surprise.

  Li Xiu took a sip of wine and still couldn't quench the anger in his heart. "Xiao Shunzi, tell me, isn't this girl very detestable?"

  The little eunuch stood up straight and bowed his waist, "The prince is right, this Fang family girl is indeed hateful."

  "A woman like her, and yet there's still a family willing to marry into hers, is there any justice in this world?"

  "It's unreasonable."

  "So, for my younger brother's sake, I cut off contact, which shouldn't be wrong, right?"

  "The king is thinking of Uncle Lao's family with all his heart, and I really admire him."

  Li Xiao slightly smoothed out his breath and muttered to himself: "My nephew is gentle, kind-hearted, and honest. If he marries this little girl, I'm afraid he'll be peaceful for the rest of his life?"

  Xiao Zhu Zi didn't dare make a sound, and only softly persuaded: "Wang Ye, this young lady was personally chosen by the Empress Dowager for the Young Master."

  Li Xiu suddenly became angry and said: "I don't know what kind of eyes the empress dowager has, among all the noble ladies in the capital, she actually chose her."

  Xiao Zhu Zi didn't dare to speak again. On the other hand, Zhou Yong, the newly appointed guard, volunteered and said: "Your Highness, that stinky girl is so hateful, provoking Your Highness into such a great anger. Why not let me sneak into the General's Mansion tonight, grab her out and give her a good beating? Wouldn't that be better to vent your anger?"

  Li Xudun paused for a moment, suddenly glared at him and abruptly shouted: "How dare you?"