She had come to retrieve something, not to deliver gifts. Moreover, that jade disc was their precious love token—how could she casually show it to others?
However, Xu Yunrou’s refusal had been so blunt that even she felt a bit awkward upon calming down.
Xu Yunrou forced a smile and whispered, “It’s not that I’m being stingy, but that item is extremely valuable. I usually don’t even take it out. If it were to get chipped or damaged, I truly couldn’t bear the responsibility.”
“Since you’re reluctant, sister, let’s forget it. It’s not as if I absolutely must see it anyway.”
“This evening, I plan to host a banquet and invite Young Master Xu over. Why don’t you join us, sister? After all, we’ll be one family soon!”
Having moved to a new courtyard, Meng Yanzhi was determined to celebrate properly. It was also an opportunity for those two to meet more often and deepen their relationship, making future arrangements smoother.
Xu Yunrou had originally intended to ask for something, but Meng Yanzhi was skillfully avoiding the topic. Left with no choice, she reluctantly nodded. “It would be nice to sample the culinary skills at your place, elder cousin.”
“Sister Yunrou, you’re the most considerate. When Young Master Xu arrives later, you must dance to liven up the atmosphere—no refusals allowed!” Meng Yanzhi took Xu Yunrou’s hand, looking at her apologetically. “You know how uncultured I am, with no talent for music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. I’m counting on you!”
How could Xu Yunrou refuse? She was eager to showcase her talents in front of Xu Shize.
What did it matter if she was the principal wife or a concubine? As long as she had her husband’s favor, she would have a secure place in the inner household!
Seeing Xu Yunrou’s confident demeanor, Meng Yanzhi smiled and summoned Lu Huan. “I’ve moved to a new courtyard and would like to properly thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Please deliver a message inviting him to share a drink with us this evening.”
“Yes, I’ll go right away,” Lu Huan replied promptly before turning to leave.
Xu Yunrou’s eyes shifted thoughtfully. She then excused herself under the pretext of having matters to attend to, leaving Qinghe Courtyard and heading to the nearby Lingxi Courtyard.
“Second Cousin, Elder Cousin is hosting a banquet tonight to celebrate moving to her new courtyard!”
“Flaunting every little possession—such provincial behavior from someone with no exposure to the world. Utterly disgraceful!”
Xu Yunrou’s every word dripped with contempt when she spoke of Meng Yanzhi.
Hearing this, Meng Anxian’s expression darkened further. Gnashing her teeth, she snapped, “A banquet? Who did she invite?”
“Young Master Xu and the Crown Prince.”
“Second Cousin, the Crown Prince is your future husband. If he grows too close to Elder Cousin, I’m afraid…”
Xu Yunrou left her sentence unfinished, but the implication was clear.
Their courtyard was filled with mirrors, and Meng Anxian was acutely aware of her own appearance. She and Meng Yanzhi were simply in different leagues. If the Crown Prince were constantly faced with that fox-like visage, he might genuinely lose interest in Meng Anxian’s modest, delicate beauty.
At this thought, Meng Anxian’s expression grew even uglier. She spat viciously and gritted her molars, saying, “Pah! I thought she was someone who knew her place, but I never expected her to be so shameless! How dare she try to compete with me? She should look in the mirror and see if she’s even worthy!”
Meng Yanzhi paid no mind to others, simply instructing her servants to carefully prepare for the evening banquet. She even remembered to send word to Father Meng and Meng’s Mother, though whether the elders would attend was beyond her control.
Soon, night fell. Xu Shize arrived early, glancing around after entering before his gaze settled on Meng Yanzhi.
Today, Meng Yanzhi wore a light purple gown, her jet-black hair tied up with nothing but a fine white jade hairpin. She appeared pure and elegant, noble and refined—truly embodying the demeanor expected of a high-born lady.
She was naturally beautiful, and now adorned, she became utterly captivating.
Xu Shize had long believed Meng Yanzhi to be a crude country bumpkin, yet faced with her appearance and observing her every gesture, he found it hard to believe such grace and poise could come from someone raised in the backwaters.
“Young Miss looks exceptionally beautiful today,” Xu Shize approached and smiled gently at her.
Meng Yanzhi blushed shyly, stepping back quietly as she murmured, “Young Master Xu flatters me. My humble appearance hardly deserves such praise.”
“Neither arrogant nor impatient—your temperament is indeed steady,” he remarked. “After we marry, you must remain this way. I dislike overly willful women.”
Watching her cautious demeanor in his presence, Xu Shize’s base vanity swelled with immense satisfaction, and he even preened a little.
Internally, Meng Yanzhi had already rolled her eyes several times. Though she had long known this man to be devoid of shame, his audacity still disgusted her.
Fortunately, at that moment, Xu Yunrou approached in a peach-pink dress. Before she even drew near, the overpowering scent of her perfume assaulted the senses—a truly coquettish mannerism.
Disgusted by the smell, Meng Yanzhi subtly stepped back to widen the distance between them, calmly observing as Xu Yunrou fawned over Xu Shize.
“Young Master Xu, it’s been days since I last saw you. Why have you grown so thin? Have you been studying too hard lately?” Xu Yunrou’s voice was cloyingly sweet, almost impossible to resist.
Yet Meng Yanzhi found it utterly ridiculous. The imperial exams were over—what studying could he possibly be doing? It was merely a case of a pauper turned nouveau riche, his body drained by debauchery. Such a rotten cucumber was truly beneath her notice.
“The Crown Prince has arrived!” announced a servant from outside.
Immediately, Xu Shize pushed away Xu Yunrou, who had been clinging to him.
According to court regulations, intimate behavior before marriage was strictly forbidden. Moreover, even after marriage, Xu Yunrou would merely be a concubine—a disreputable plaything. Public displays of affection with a concubine would be considered a breach of propriety, and in severe cases, could warrant reprimand from the Emperor.
In the Crown Prince’s presence, Xu Shize dared not test the law.
Seeing this, Xu Yunrou felt aggrieved but obediently knelt beside Xu Shize to pay respects.
“Your humble servants greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!”
Meng Yanzhi remained as composed as ever, properly performing the ceremonial bow from her place.
Yet, she was exceptionally beautiful, and the moment Xiao Ce entered, his gaze was involuntarily drawn to her.
“Since this is a family banquet, there’s no need for formalities!”
Xiao Ce walked to his seat, sat down, and signaled for everyone to dispense with the courtesies.
He looked at Meng Yanzhi: “I heard that Miss Meng has moved to a new courtyard. I have nothing special to give you, but I recall that a fire coral was previously offered as tribute from the Southern Seas. Keep it for your amusement—it might add a touch of color to the courtyard.”