Immediately after, the servants brought in a fire coral over six feet tall, brilliantly red and dazzling to the eye.
Originally, Meng Anxian had managed to contain herself, but upon seeing this fire coral, she could no longer hold back.
Who didn’t know the value of fire coral? Even a small piece was expensive, let alone such a large one!
It was likely that not a second one could be found in the entire capital!
“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince truly dotes on my sister. This fire coral is so beautiful—I can’t help but feel a little envious,” Meng Anxian rose, speaking in a coquettish tone, her eyes like hooks as she gazed toward Xiao Ce.
However, Xiao Ce’s attention was entirely fixed on Meng Yanzhi, completely oblivious to Meng Anxian’s emotions.
At this, Meng Anxian’s expression turned even uglier. She gritted her teeth and then turned her gaze toward Meng Yanzhi.
Meng Yanzhi, in turn, rose with trepidation, knelt on the ground, and cautiously said, “Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, this fire coral is far too precious. I am unworthy of such a gift! I beg Your Highness to rescind this generous offer.”
“You are my savior; this is only fitting.”
Xiao Ce’s eyes held an indescribable tenderness.
“Please rise.”
Xiao Ce gently stepped forward and helped her to her feet.
Meng Anxian’s hands twisted the handkerchief in her grip fiercely. Her eyes shifted, and then she turned to Xu Shize: “I’ve heard that Mother has already begun preparing my sister’s dowry. Future brother-in-law, you must treat my sister well, you know!”
As soon as these words were spoken, an awkward silence fell over the courtyard, especially for Xu Shize.
He was no fool; he could clearly see that the Crown Prince treated Meng Yanzhi with unusual regard. If he were to act too presumptuous now, it would be tantamount to challenging the Crown Prince. So, he could only force an awkward smile and say, “Second Young Lady, you jest. I would naturally never mistreat the Eldest Young Lady.”
“With your status, it’s rather demeaning for my savior,” Xiao Ce frowned, casting a glance at Xu Shize.
Originally, Meng Yanzhi should have been his Crown Princess Consort, but the Meng family had come forward, claiming that Meng Yanzhi was infertile. At that time, she was also considered too unrefined for public appearances, so Xiao Ce had directly changed his choice for Crown Princess Consort.
But now… vaguely, he found himself feeling a twinge of regret. What was going on?
Meng Yanzhi blushed, cautiously glanced at Xiao Ce, and then said with a smile, “Since ancient times, matters of marriage have been decided by parental orders and matchmakers’ words. I will abide by whatever my parents decide.”
No sooner had she spoken than Father Meng and Meng’s Mother arrived belatedly.
Standing side by side, they bowed in unison to Xiao Ce.
“We pay our respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!”
After rising, Meng’s Mother scanned the surroundings and then spoke with dissatisfaction, chastising, “Why is the meal so simple? To entertain His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in this manner is truly discourteous!”
“Your Highness, please do not take offense. How about moving to the main courtyard? This humble woman will arrange a new feast to properly entertain Your Highness?” Meng’s Mother was intent on minimizing any interaction between Xiao Ce and Meng Yanzhi.
Xiao Ce glanced at Meng’s Mother and replied indifferently, “I came today solely to celebrate Yanzhi’s new residence. Since the congratulations have been given, I shall not linger. I have other matters to attend to and will take my leave now.”
With that, Xiao Ce raised his wine cup, drained it in one go, cast one last look at Meng Yanzhi, and then strode away.
No sooner had he left than Meng Anxian immediately changed her expression, crossing her arms and glaring coldly at Meng Yanzhi. “Sister, surely you haven’t forgotten that your betrothed is Young Master Xu? Why were you making eyes at the Crown Prince? Such improper behavior—do you hold Young Master Xu in such contempt?”
Xu Shize, being a man of strong pride, grew even more displeased upon hearing this.
He snorted coldly and turned his gaze to Meng Yanzhi, speaking with clear dissatisfaction. “Does the young lady feel that I am unworthy of her?”
This man was truly simple-minded, easily swayed by others’ provocations until he lost all sense of direction—what a fool!
However, Meng Yanzhi said nothing in response. She merely shook her head pitifully, remaining silent, her expression full of grievance and sorrow.
Meng’s Mother walked over to Meng Anxian, patted her hand, and then spoke with displeasure. “It’s just a matter of moving to a new courtyard—why must you make such a scene? You’re utterly disgraceful!”
“After all, she comes from a remote backwater—she simply lacks refinement,” Father Meng added with a dissatisfied huff.
This was the Meng family, and this was their attitude toward Meng Yanzhi!
Even though in her previous life, Meng Yanzhi had long grown accustomed to such treatment, seeing the three of them standing together now, unanimously accusing her with their sharp words, still brought a dull ache to her heart.
She had always known she meant nothing in the eyes of the Meng family, but experiencing it all over again, the pain remained.
“Yes, it is all my fault. I was only thinking that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had previously misunderstood that my parents treated me poorly, so I specifically invited him to see that you both still care for me in your hearts,” Meng Yanzhi said, bowing her head as tears began to fall. “But I truly never expected His Royal Highness to bring so many gifts. I deserve to die!”
With that, Meng Yanzhi knelt directly on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
She bore a strong resemblance to Meng’s Mother, and now, dressed as she was, her weeping evoked even more pity.
In the past, no matter how they accused her, Meng Yanzhi would only accept the blame and apologize, never defending herself. But now, she had learned how to evoke sympathy.
Seeing her like this, the expressions of Father Meng and Meng’s Mother softened noticeably.
They had never imagined that Meng Yanzhi had such intentions—they had truly misunderstood her.
“Enough. From now on, discuss any family matters with your mother first.”
“Child, you come from a small place and are unfamiliar with the complexities of the capital. Do not bring shame upon the Meng family, understand?”
Father Meng stepped forward, helped her up, and then smiled gently.
Looking at her face, which also bore some resemblance to his own, he felt a surge of paternal affection and tenderness.
“A young lady should read more. A mind enriched by poetry and books naturally exudes elegance. In your spare time, feel free to go to the study, read more, and learn well from your younger sister!” This time, Father Meng was genuinely beginning to make plans for Meng Yanzhi.
This was something that had never happened in either of her two lifetimes!
But Meng Anxian’s expression darkened, and she cried out sharply, “Father, Sister is about to be married! Shouldn’t she be staying quietly in her courtyard, embroidering? Why should she go to the study to read?”
“The dowry will be prepared by the servants.”
Father Meng shot a warning glance at Meng Anxian.
Previously, Father Meng only favored Meng Anxian because Meng Yanzhi held no value whatsoever—she was merely a freeloader. But now, the situation had clearly changed…