Everyone knew about the Lin Princess Consort’s former admiration for the Second Prince, but in the end, it spread all over the city and was rejected by Li Junche.
Half a year later, she finally arranged a marriage with the Third Prince, Li Zhilin.
Not long after entering the residence, the Third Prince married a secondary consort.
The Lin Princess Consort held the title of principal consort, but because her appearance was average, she never gained her husband’s favor.
If it weren’t for her father being the Chief of the Secretariat, she would have had to marry far below her status.
With just a few words, Wen Jinhe unearthed the Lin Princess Consort’s past, completely undermining her dignity.
Those present realized Wen Jinhe was not someone to be trifled with, and many quietly gave up their schemes.
People began gathering in small groups to talk amongst themselves.
Seeing that no one approached Wen Jinhe to greet her, they assumed she might feel awkward.
But to their surprise, she simply sat in her seat.
Two maids attended her: one carefully poured tea, while the other knelt beside her massaging her legs. She looked completely at ease.
She had no intention of socializing with the other ladies.
Seeing Lin Princess Consort embarrassed, the Heng Princess Consort didn’t bother to probe further.
A few words were enough to reveal the temperament of this marriage princess—she was not someone willing to suffer any loss.
Why bother going out of one’s way to provoke her?
After a few bites, Wen Jinhe felt unable to eat any more; the car sickness she felt earlier hadn’t yet passed, leaving her stomach uneasy.
She cast an impatient glance at the Heng Princess Consort, wondering when she could leave.
Just then, a woman brought a young girl to Wen Jinhe and knelt. “Madam Yang greets the Che Princess Consort.”
Wen Jinhe looked up—she didn’t recognize them. Whose family were they from?
Man Qiu whispered, “Princess Consort, this is the wife of Minister of Justice Song.”
Wen Jinhe suddenly understood—it was from the maternal family of Li Junche’s birth mother, Consort Yun.
Minister of Justice Song Zhiyuan was the son of Consort Yun’s maternal brother, making him Li Junche’s cousin. Yang was Song Zhiyuan’s wife.
“No need for formalities, cousin-in-law. And this must be your daughter?” Considering the generational difference, it was natural—the daughter was grown while he had only just married.
Yang respectfully said, “This is my young daughter, Ling Wei.”
“Greetings, Che Princess Consort.” Song Lingwei was twelve years old, only four years younger than Wen Jinhe, and her mother had started bringing her out to meet people.
Wen Jinhe naturally took the jade bracelet from her own wrist and placed it on Song Lingwei’s, “Since this is our first meeting, you should receive a small gift.”
From Wen Jinhe’s observations over the past few days, the Song family supported Li Junche, and Song Zhiyuan was his trusted aide in the Ministry of Justice.
“Thank you, Che Princess Consort.” Following her mother’s cue, Song Lingwei accepted the bracelet and returned to her mother’s side, moving with proper etiquette.
Yang then stayed by Wen Jinhe’s side, quietly introducing the other ladies present at the banquet so Wen Jinhe could become familiar with them.
Wen Jinhe occasionally responded politely, though she wasn’t sure if Yang’s actions were arranged by Li Junche.
Before long, the Heng Princess Consort brought out the star of the full-month banquet, Li Mi’er.
Wen Jinhe glanced at her from afar and immediately looked away.
The Northern Di royal family had few heirs. Emperor Li Jingxing was fairly good, with three sons and one daughter.
The next generation fared even worse.
The eldest son, Li Yuheng, twenty-nine, had only one legitimate son and one legitimate daughter.
The third son, Li Zhilin, twenty-four, had only one son, and he was illegitimate.
As for the second son, Li Junche, twenty-six, he had just married, with no children yet.
Although these princes were not young, the royal lineage was thin, a constant worry for the emperor.
Suddenly, the crowd heard the Heng Princess Consort scolding, “The county princess has delicate skin—how could you let her touch so easily?”
A gentle, soft voice followed, “Princess Consort, please forgive me. This servant was impolite.”
Wen Jinhe glanced over, and the crowd quickly parted.
On the ground knelt a woman and a young girl.
The Heng Princess Consort, holding the infant, glared angrily.
After handing the swaddled baby to the wet nurse behind her, she demanded, “I’ve heard Miss Wang is both talented and beautiful, but seeing her today is nothing special.”
Madam Wang lowered her head in acknowledgment. “It was my fault for not instructing her properly. I disturbed the county princess—please forgive us, Princess Consort.”
Yang, seeing Wen Jinhe’s interest, whispered, “That is the main wife of the Minister of Justice’s household, and kneeling beside her is Miss Wang.”
Leaning closer, she added quietly, “I heard the Heng Prince intended to take Miss Wang as a secondary consort to win over the Minister of Justice. The Heng Princess Consort, knowing this, is deliberately making things difficult.”
“No wonder. But since the Heng Prince seeks to win over the Minister, and the Princess Consort publicly reprimands the Wang family, this couple is quite… entertaining.” Women’s jealousy, after all, could never be underestimated; otherwise, one could suffer a major setback.
The Minister of Justice was Song Zhiyuan’s direct superior. If the Heng Prince married into the Wang family, Song Zhiyuan’s days would not be easy.
Since Wen Jinhe had already married Li Junche, she and the Song family were now on the same side—what benefited one benefited all, what harmed one harmed all.
If this marriage were ruined, it would be for the better.
Thinking this, Wen Jinhe stood and walked into the crowd, taking Miss Wang’s hand. “Your fingers are delicate and soft, surely you did not mean to hurt Mi’er. Today is a good day; Lady Wang, you should not be upset.
“Kneeling here in public damages your family’s reputation. Lady Wang, you should forgive her and let them rise.”
The Heng Princess Consort’s expression darkened. “This is the Heng Prince’s residence. You, cousin-in-law, have no say here.”
Wen Jinhe raised the corner of her eye meaningfully. “I only feel that it is not easy for a girl to marry well. If this incident causes Miss Wang to fail to find a good husband, it will damage the Heng Residence’s prestige. If you feel I speak too much, I will remain silent.”
The ladies who knew the inner situation secretly glanced at the Heng Princess Consort. The young bride had not even entered the residence and was already being bullied by the main wife. If Miss Wang truly married in, she would likely be mistreated at will.
Judging by today, the Heng Princess Consort had no intention of letting Miss Wang marry into the residence and was using this opportunity to ruin her reputation.
Madam Wang’s face had grown unpleasant, not to mention Miss Wang herself.
Seeing Wen Jinhe expand the matter with just a few words, the Heng Princess Consort worried that Li Yuheng might blame her upon returning. Suppressing her displeasure, she said, “I suppose Miss Wang did not mean any harm. No need to apologize—rise.”
The Heng Princess Consort had intended to assert authority before Miss Wang entered the residence, so she would not overstep her bounds. She never imagined the marriage would actually be ruined—Li Junche needed the support of the Ministry of Justice, and even Li Yuheng’s anger she could not bear.
Madam Wang rose and pulled her daughter aside, no longer speaking with anyone.
Back at her seat, Wen Jinhe contentedly ate a plum blossom cake.
Yang, observing Wen Jinhe’s faint smile, noted silently that Madam Wang would probably make a fuss once she returned home.
This marriage between the Heng Residence and the Wang family was likely to face complications.
After sitting a while longer, seeing the Lin Princess Consort leave with her entourage, Wen Jinhe stood to take her leave.
Everyone watched her graceful and confident departure, recalling how the Lin Princess Consort had spent the entire banquet mostly silent, angered by her.
And then there was the Heng Princess Consort at the main seat, forcing a smile.
It was hard not to admire the Che Princess Consort—not only was she stunning, but she spoke cleverly, managed her emotions effortlessly, and was not someone to be trifled with.