How Many Times Last Night?

"The Prince said he did not want to spoil the mood, so this servant had no choice but to obey, but I absolutely had no intention of being disrespectful," she answered carefully.

"Hold out your hand!" Jiang Yushu commanded.

Jiang Jinxin closed her eyes in despair, clenching her hands, not daring to extend them.

"Step forward!"

She gritted her teeth and had no choice but to step forward and hold out her hands. Several old nannies stepped up to pin her hands to the table, and a maid beside them practicedly brought out a box. When opened, the box revealed embroidery needles of various lengths.

Looking at her, Jiang Yushu picked up a needle and asked, "How many times last night?"

Jiang Jinxin trembled with fear. "Once."

"Liar! Mama He was counting outside!" Jiang Yushu said coldly. Jiang Jinxin groaned inwardly, feeling even more hopeless.

"Three times."

Hearing this, Jiang Yushu's face darkened, and she viciously drove the needle into her thumb.

Jiang Jinxin cried out in pain and quickly fell to her knees. "Elder sister, please spare me. I will not serve the Prince anymore."

Her words did not appease Jiang Yushu's anger. She pinched Jiang Jinxin's chin. "Not serve him? You serve him well, making him unable to leave your body—that is your capability. But do not blame me for being ruthless. I must remind you, do not think that just because you have some tricks, you can ride on my head. Your mother and younger brother are still surviving under my mother's hand."

Looking at the larger embroidery needle, Jiang Jinxin instinctively pulled her hand back in fear. An old nanny pinched her waist hard, making her scream.

Just as she was about to drive the second needle in, someone entered from outside to announce that the Prince had returned.

Everyone quickly tidied up. The old nannies helped Jiang Jinxin up and pushed her to the back, while Qiao'er blocked her, whispering a warning: "If you dare to snitch, your end will be even more miserable."

At that moment, Prince Rui strode into the room. Jiang Yushu stood up joyfully. "Your Highness is not attending court today?"

"An urgent matter arose, so I took leave. I must go out later. I thought of your pregnancy and came to visit. Is the child in your womb behaving?"

Prince Rui helped her sit down, his eyes sweeping the room as if searching for something. Seeing a figure standing behind the maids, his brow arched, and he sat down.

Of course, Jiang Yushu did not miss his expression, and understanding his intent, she said to Jiang Jinxin, "Jinxin, come forward and serve the Prince his meal."

Hearing this, Jiang Jinxin closed her eyes, her heart sinking further into despair. Once the Prince left, she would surely continue to have needles driven into her nails.

She dared not delay and had to step forward to serve them food.

"You should sit down as well. You were tired last night; indeed, she should not have summoned you here to serve," Prince Rui said gently.

Jiang Yushu was stunned for a moment. Seeing the gentle gaze Prince Rui directed at Jiang Jinxin, she could barely keep her seat.

Yet she still had to maintain her image of a virtuous and benevolent wife, so she smiled and said, "Jinxin, since the Prince told you to sit, then sit."

Then, she looked toward Prince Rui: "It is all because this concubine was inconsiderate. Out of gratitude for her service, I called her here to receive a reward. I did not expect Your Highness to be so protective."

Being teased like this, Prince Rui could not help but frown, but said nothing. Jiang Yushu merely wanted to express her displeasure, not caring whether the Prince was angry or not.

"She was brought here by you. Since she is already serving in my quarters, it is only right that you grant her a proper title." Prince Rui continued.