Free Web NovelChapter 266: Chapter 266: An Unwelcome Rival Appears
Suddenly, light footsteps approached from the entrance.
Another beautiful young woman entered the hall. She had delicate features, long flowing hair, and wore an elegant dress that shimmered softly.
The moment she saw the Empress, she smiled brightly and walked over with affectionate steps.
"Mother!" the girl called sweetly, leaning in to hug the Empress’s arm.
The Empress chided her gently, though her tone was full of fondness, "Why did you come here so suddenly, little one? I told you to rest properly today."
The girl pouted playfully but did not let go of the Empress’s arm. "I heard you were visiting Sister in law, so I wanted to come and meet her too."
The Empress smiled and turned to Yue Yue. "Yue Yue, this is Lirian. She is the daughter of my close friends. I have watched her grow up since she was a child, so she is just like my own daughter."
Lirian nodded politely toward Yue Yue and gave a beautiful smile. "It is nice to meet you, Sister in law. I have heard so many things about you."
Yue Yue returned the smile, but something felt slightly off. Lirian’s smile was perfect, yet her eyes carried a strange coldness when they landed on the cubs.
A flash of jealousy appeared in her gaze for a brief moment before she quickly hid it.
Lirian stepped closer and looked at Yue Yue with a sweet expression. "You look so young... What is your age, if I may ask?"
Yue Yue answered honestly, "I am nineteen."
Lirian’s lips twitched. Her expression became even uglier for a split second before she forced another smile. "You are so young... and you already have three cubs?"
Yue Yue did not know how to respond. It was not her fault, and the question felt awkward. She simply smiled softly and stayed quiet, feeling a little uncomfortable. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
The Empress noticed the strange atmosphere and gently squeezed Yue Yue’s hand. "You should not hurry with such thoughts, Lirian. Yue Yue is blessed by the heavens. Having so many healthy cubs is a wonderful thing."
Lirian immediately complained, "But Mother, do you not think it is so early for her? I have hardly seen any female so young but already the mother of three children."
"If I did not know my sister in law is good, I would think she is flaunting her rank in front of other females."
"She will ultimately make many enemies with other females. After all, there are countless females who have reached thirty but still do not have a single cub."
The Empress stiffened but then chided Lirian lightly, "Do you think it would harm Yue Yue’s health? The technology in our empire is very advanced. We take good care of our females during pregnancy and after birth. There is nothing to worry about. We can only hope there will be even more cubs in the future."
The Empress then added in a gentle tone, "I am still waiting for my Yuze’s cubs. I want to hold many grandbabies!"
Yue Yue’s face turned red at once. She suddenly remembered Cang Yuze’s naked upper body and his beautiful, powerful mermaid tail shining under the water.
The memory made her heart beat faster. "Mother in law, please stop... or I will really start thinking too much nonsense," she thought shyly, lowering her head.
Lirian’s reaction became even uglier. She could not hide the jealousy in her eyes anymore. Her smile looked forced, and her fingers tightened slightly on the edge of her dress as if she was trying hard to control herself.
At that moment, Yue Yue finally understood. This girl, Lirian, clearly liked Kang Yuze. No wonder she was giving her such strange and unfriendly looks. The jealousy was obvious now that Yue Yue paid attention.
The Empress continued chatting warmly, completely unaware of the tension between the two young women. She praised Yue Yue again for being such a good mother and joked lightly about how Kang Yuze had become much gentler since meeting her.
Lirian sat quietly on the side, smiling when spoken to, but her eyes kept drifting toward the playing cubs with clear envy. Every time the Empress mentioned Yue Yue’s cubs or Kang Yuze, Lirian’s expression darkened a little more.
Yue Yue felt the awkwardness in the air but tried her best to remain polite. She answered the Empress’s questions softly and played gently with Xiao Bai, who stayed close to her as if sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere.
After some time, the Empress stood up and said kindly, "I have taken up too much of your time today, Yue Yue. You should rest well with the little ones. I will come to see you again soon."
She gave Yue Yue a warm hug before leaving. Lirian followed behind her, but before stepping out of the hall, she turned back and gave Yue Yue a big hug.
"Sister in law, I hope you have a good life, but you should not interfere in others’ lives," Lirian whispered gently.
Yue Yue stiffened as her eyes met with Lirian, who was clearly giving her a warning, making Yue Yue’s lips twitch.
Lirian squeezed her hands. The smile on her face was beautiful, but her eyes were cold and filled with hidden hostility.
Once they left, Yue Yue let out a soft sigh. She looked down at her playing cubs and stroked their small heads gently.
Xiao Bai nuzzled closer to her waist, as if comforting her.
Yue Yue whispered softly, "Do not worry, little ones. Mama is here."
Even though the visit had started warmly with her mother in law, the appearance of Lirian had left a strange and uncomfortable feeling in the air.
Yue Yue could sense that this girl would not be friendly toward her. And she sighed heavily, wondering if she had gained an enemy here. Ahh, it seems her peaceful time is over.
She held the cubs a little tighter, feeling grateful that Cang Yuze, Han Soi, and the others were working hard to protect their family and the empire.
For now, she would focus on taking care of her babies and waiting patiently for everyone to return safely.
