This kind of person completely disregards the life or death of their daughters at home, willing to sacrifice them for momentary wealth and honor.
Then there are those who are the father's sworn enemies, deliberately causing trouble.
There were also madams who refused to believe in superstition, gathering their courage to stay and attend the banquet.
From time to time, they would use their sharp, long nails to viciously jab the foreheads of the young girls accompanying them…
The palace gate was unprecedentedly quiet, with no one loudly discussing Wen Lingyi's affairs anymore.
Old Madam had originally been trembling with anger.
But after those few women left, she noticed that the exceptionally outstanding-looking young ladies present had actually decreased in number.
Even if there were any left, they were far inferior to Chen Wanrou.
After all, this was a replica of the old emperor's favorite, crafted by her good daughter-in-law.
Old Madam laughed in anger. She had wondered why Wen Lingyi was so aggressive today—it turned out she was deliberately driving away those who posed a threat to Chen Wanrou.
Truly… petty.
For a grudge from a year ago, she was truly willing to go all out, even discarding all face.
However, wasn't this indirectly benefiting the Dingyuan Marquisate?
Old Madam, believing herself to be a master strategist, appropriately "cooperated" with Wen Lingyi's "antics."
She naturally knew what the consequences would be if Chen Wanrou were taken into the old emperor's harem.
The emperor was so old that the likelihood of him leaving behind an heir was slim.
And a consort in the harem without children would undoubtedly be buried alive as a sacrificial offering.
But who cared?
It would only be Chen Wanrou who would be sacrificed, and after death, she could still earn the Marquisate a reputation for loyalty and martyrdom.
If the old emperor lived longer, it would be even better. Chen Wanrou was a replica of Consort Jiang. If the Jiang family could rise to prominence because of Consort Jiang, her own Wanrou should at least be able to make the old emperor show some favor to the Marquisate.
In any case, no matter how you calculated it, there was no loss.
This wasn't just Old Madam's idea alone. Those present with similar intentions had all brought their gaudily dressed illegitimate daughters to the banquet.
"Wen Lingyi, what trick are you trying to pull now?"
Chen Wanrou believed she understood this close friend of hers. She was definitely not the type to start conflicts with others in public.
Liu Pan'er, who had just left, had a grudge against her—Wen Lingyi was doing this on purpose!
In the past, Chen Wanrou would have thought this was her friend protecting her and standing up for her.
But now that they were at odds like fire and water, how could she possibly be helping her?
Wen Lingyi used a silk handkerchief to lightly wipe the rouge from Chen Wanrou's lips, smiling extremely gently. "Liu Pan'er once told me to stay away from you. Such a good girl—I must repay her in some way."
"I knew that wretch was spreading rumors! She—"
"Shh."
Wen Lingyi repositioned the light purple hairpin on her head. "Don't forget your current reputation as a celestial maiden descending to earth."
"It's time to enter the palace."
The palace walls were towering, the vermilion gates heavy. As the palace eunuchs approached from afar, the previously relaxed crowd gradually fell into order. The madams and young ladies straightened their skirts, smiles reappearing on their faces, now carrying an air of dignified composure as they followed the eunuchs into the palace one by one.
Everyone wore expressions of reverence, each step taken lightly.
Who knew what came over Chen Wanrou at that moment, but she suddenly tugged at Wen Lingyi's sleeve. "I'm a little scared… Lingyi, you will definitely help me achieve my wish, right? You'll help me, won't you?"
Wen Lingyi took a deep breath and pulled her sleeve back.
She was also a little afraid.
Afraid that Chen Wanrou would get herself killed before she could drag the Marquisate down with her.
After the Gongyan, should she make Chen Wanrou grow some brains?
Wen Lingyi ignored her, so Chen Wanrou could only suppress her panic and follow the others.
Inside the Zichen Hall, the lights were as bright as day.
Gilded palace lanterns hung from the coiled dragon pillars, their candlelight illuminating the gilded cloud patterns on the ceiling until they shimmered brilliantly. The floor was paved with mutton-fat jade, and footsteps made almost no sound upon it.
On both sides of the hall, gilded lacquer tables were arranged in neat rows. The glass bowls, jasper plates, and gold-patterned cups upon them—any one of these items, if taken out, would be a treasure.
In the corners of the hall, musicians dressed in brocade robes plucked the strings of their instruments with their fingertips, producing a melodious and lingering tune that filled the palace.
On the right side, court officials had already taken their seats, while the left side remained empty, reserved for the female family members.
As a group of women entered, all eyes turned toward their own wives and daughters.
Some affectionate husbands nodded with a smile, others maintained stern expressions, but most simply ignored them.
A man must maintain his dignity, he must…
"My daughter!"
From the foremost seat, a middle-aged man with a goatee suddenly stood up.
This was a privilege reserved only for the Emperor's favored ministers.
Regardless of how others looked at him or where they were, he strode into the group of women and led his precious daughter out.
"Sit with your father."
Wen Lingyi was taken aback.
This wasn’t part of the plan, was it?
When Chen Wanrou behind her tugged at Wen Lingyi’s sleeve, she instantly understood her father’s intention.
She felt both touched and amused.
This was to draw the Old Emperor’s attention to Chen Wanrou right away.
But, Father, this is the Imperial Palace. The Old Emperor is no fool—isn’t this a bit risky?
"Uncle Wen, I’m Rou’er! Zhao… Lingyi’s best friend. It’s my first time entering the palace, and I’m a little scared. May I sit with you, Uncle Wen?"
"Hmph. I don’t care if you die." Wen Bai pretended to ignore Chen Wanrou’s plea.
He nearly made Wen Lingyi doubt herself.
[Make her cling to you on her own.] Wen Bai gave Wen Lingyi a look that only a father and daughter could understand.
Wen Lingyi: "…"
She lowered her voice in warning: "The seat below that one is reserved for today’s guest of honor. Don’t follow me recklessly."
Guest of honor?
Chen Wanrou’s palms were sweating. She clung tightly to Wen Lingyi’s sleeve, refusing to let go.
Her shameless persistence drew everyone’s attention.
"Don’t mind her!"
Wen Lingyi appeared quite annoyed. Following behind the Prime Minister, she shook Chen Wanrou off.
The Old Madam sensed something amiss.
She took hold of Chen Wanrou’s other hand. "Stop making a scene."
"Young General, you’ve finally arrived! His Majesty ordered this humble servant to await you here!"
A eunuch’s voice sounded from outside the hall.
Chen Wanrou turned around and caught sight of a figure in crimson.
He wore an official robe woven with gold, its collar and cuffs trimmed with cloud-patterned borders. On his chest, a mandarin square was embroidered with a brocade leopard pattern. A jade belt cinched his waist, complementing the red robe and accentuating his tall, straight posture, like a pine tree.
His eyes were clear and bright, his nose bridge high, and the corners of his lips held a faint smile. He possessed the refined elegance of a civil official, yet also carried the spirited vigor unique to a military officer.
The intensity of the red robe could not overshadow his noble bearing. As he walked, his sleeves fluttered lightly, and his jade belt swayed slightly…
It was enough to dazzle many eyes.
Suddenly, his footsteps paused for a moment.
The corners of his lips curved into an even brighter smile.
It was different from the polite, distant smiles he had worn before—like winter sunlight breaking through the clouds, warm, intense, and open. His brows relaxed, and the light in his eyes seemed capable of melting ice and snow.
Chen Wanrou stood frozen in place, her mind completely blank.
He…
That libertine!
Why was he smiling at her so… provocatively?
This was only their second meeting.
Could it be… he fell in love with her at first sight that day?
Actually, it wasn’t so strange. After all, wasn’t she, Chen Wanrou, currently the most talked-about Noble Lady in Jingdu City?
Presumably, the young General had already thoroughly inquired about her appearance and character.
Chen Wanrou, not knowing where her courage came from, abruptly shook off the Old Madam, who was also stunned, and gracefully moved to Wen Lingyi’s side as he turned to look back.
“Uncle Wen, as a junior, I won’t hold it against you. Hurry and leave—the young General will surely be grateful for your help today.”
Wen Bai: ?
Wen Bai: !