3966

Chapter 3966: 4.1566 Nothing Without This Surname

As long as Qiaoqiao was by his side, no matter what desperate situation, hardship, or challenge he faced, Mo Lian had no fear.

The couple stepped out. The Crown Princess nonchalantly addressed the steward from Zheng Wang's mansion, "You can go back first. After some time, the Prince and I will go to Zheng Wang's mansion ourselves."

The young steward naturally didn't dare to neglect these two. He repeatedly nodded in agreement, watching them with a puzzled expression as they boarded their carriage and headed towards the imperial palace. Strange, why are the Crown Prince and Crown Princess returning to the palace at this time?

The steward returned to Zheng Wang's mansion and dared not conceal anything, relaying the events to Zheng Wang Mo Xikang and Zheng Wangfei exactly as they happened.

Zheng Wang Mo Xikang frowned slightly, naturally feeling a bit displeased. Earlier, he and his wife had humbled themselves to deliver the invitation, yet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess had suddenly changed their minds today?

Zheng Wangfei noticed the Prince's displeasure. She lowered her eyes and calmly said, "Your Highness, there's no need to be angry. Didn't the steward say that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will come after they finish their business?"

"We shouldn't let my small birthday delay the important affairs of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess."

Zheng Wang Mo Xikang said coldly, "The Crown Prince has been staying at the Crown Princess's maternal home every day these past few days. What important matter needs to wait until today to be handled at the palace?" In Mo Xikang's opinion, the Crown Prince was clearly trying to assert his dominance! He was telling him: with his unparalleled honor and nobility, if he wishes to come, it's out of respect for him; if he doesn't, there's nothing he can do about it!

Mo Xikang lowered his gaze and scoffed, "What a proud and spirited Crown Prince."

Zheng Wangfei frowned slightly. "Your Highness, such words are fine spoken only in front of your consort. Please do not display such an attitude in public."

Zheng Wang Mo Xikang slammed his palm on the table. "Bang!" he roared, "What? Does my consort also think that in front of the Crown Prince, I am merely dirt underfoot, to be trampled upon at will?"

Zheng Wangfei sighed, looking steadily at her husband. "Your Highness, don't forget. If you lose the surname Mo, you are nothing!"

"Presumptuous!" Mo Xikang grabbed a teacup from beside him and smashed it to the ground. The servants and maids waiting outside the courtyard immediately knelt, trembling with fear and barely daring to breathe.

"What's all this commotion about?" A commanding voice came from outside the door. Su He, with his hands behind his back, stepped over the high threshold, his eyes sternly scanning his son and daughter-in-law. Madam Liang followed closely behind her husband. Su Xitao, with an expression of someone who loved to watch drama unfold, also walked in with the two elders.

"Greetings, Father, Mother." Mo Xikang was extremely deferential to his parents. Upon seeing them, he immediately rose and bowed.

Zheng Wangfei, her plain face cold, also rose and bowed to her in-laws. "Father, Mother."

"Elder Sister-in-law, could it be that you've angered Big Brother again?" Su Xitao squinted, pouting. "As a wife, how can you be so disrespectful to Big Brother? Elder Sister-in-law comes from an esteemed family, yet I never expected her to be inferior to even women from humble backgrounds. Her upbringing is truly lacking!"

Zheng Wangfei's fingers trembled as she clenched them, wishing she could rush forward and slap her sister-in-law hard twice. She's lecturing me about etiquette and upbringing? A shameless woman who comfortably accepts being called 'Princess Tao' dares to lecture me about upbringing?