Meng Yanzhi remained composed as ever, though her eyes now held a newfound determination. “It’s true.”
Excellent!
Mingchu was absolutely overjoyed. While outsiders believed Meng Yanzhi was merely fortunate to be adopted by the Meng family, everyone within the household knew the truth: Meng Yanzhi was the genuine eldest miss of the Meng family, while Meng Anxian was nothing but an impostor. It was only due to the master and mistress’s favoritism toward the second young miss that the eldest miss had been wronged at every turn.
Initially, Mingchu had been deeply resentful and frustrated by Meng Yanzhi’s unwillingness to fight for what was rightfully hers. Now that Meng Yanzhi had finally decided to stand up for herself, Mingchu felt as if the sun had broken through the clouds!
“Eldest Miss, should we quickly reclaim the husband who rightfully belongs to you?”
After all, Mingchu was just a young girl whose greatest aspiration was to marry into a good family, leave the Meng household, and live a peaceful life.
But Meng Yanzhi had been reborn not to dutifully marry someone. She knew perfectly well that Crown Prince Xiao Ce was no suitable match. If Xu Shize could be compared to a big bad wolf, then Xiao Ce was a venomous snake hiding in the grass—more concealed and far more dangerous.
Moreover, in her previous life, the entire Meng family had treated her so terribly that she met a miserable end. Having returned to this life, she vowed to seek revenge—she would not be human if she didn’t!
However, these thoughts were something Meng Yanzhi couldn’t share with Mingchu. She needed to keep all her plans hidden deep within her heart.
Meng Yanzhi took Mingchu’s hand and said with a gentle smile, “Silly girl, relying on men is unreliable. We must depend on ourselves, understand?”
Mingchu understood these words, yet didn’t fully grasp their meaning.
Nevertheless, Mingchu had never been one to overthink things. Whatever Meng Yanzhi said, she would follow.
“So, Miss, what should we do next?”
Mingchu looked at Meng Yanzhi with curiosity.
“We should eat when it’s time to eat, and drink when it’s time to drink.”
“Such good food and drink are hard to come by—we should cherish them properly.”
Meng Yanzhi smiled at Mingchu, then picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, closed her eyes contentedly, and took a bite.
Hearing this, Mingchu nodded in agreement, took a piece of pastry from nearby, and handed it to Meng Yanzhi, watching her eat with a happy smile.
“You have some too.”
Meng Yanzhi proactively picked up a piece and offered it to her.
But Mingchu shook her head. “This servant is happy just watching you eat, Eldest Miss!”
“Eat.” Meng Yanzhi smiled, then directly stuffed the pastry into Mingchu’s mouth, saying, “From now on, I will never let you suffer again.”
Upon hearing this, Mingchu was deeply moved. With reddened eyes, she knelt down and hugged Meng Yanzhi’s waist, whispering, “Miss, you treat this servant far too well. I want to stay with you forever and ever!”
This silly girl.
Meng Yanzhi knew all too well that in her previous life, Mingchu had indeed stayed with her always, yet never experienced a single good day, ultimately meeting a pitiful and unjust end.
For three to five days in a row, Meng Anxian remained secluded in her courtyard. Strangely, the wounds on her face showed no signs of healing—instead, they appeared to be worsening!
“Ah!”
Meng Anxian screamed loudly upon seeing her reflection in the mirror, then violently smashed the bronze mirror.
She glared at her maid Winter Jujube with gritted teeth: “Why? Why hasn’t it gotten better after so many days of using the medicine?”
“Young lady, please calm your anger!”
“Exactly, exactly, Second Cousin, you mustn’t get too agitated.”
At this moment, Xu Yunrou arrived with numerous medicinal items. Looking at Meng Anxian, who resembled a toad, she struggled to suppress her laughter.
Biting her lower lip hard, she managed to hold back her amusement.
“What are you doing here? Who allowed you to come!”
“Get out, all of you get out!”
“Quickly call my mother!”
Upon seeing Xu Yunrou, Meng Anxian continued her hysterics, grabbing a teacup and hurling it violently.
Meng’s Mother, hearing about the incident, immediately came over.
“What’s going on? What exactly is happening? Why are you throwing a tantrum again for no reason?”
Meng’s Mother looked at Meng Anxian with confusion. She couldn’t understand why the girl had been losing her temper so inexplicably lately.
Seeing the bumps and lumps on her face, Meng’s Mother felt a wave of disgust, then said helplessly, “I know you’re unhappy about this, but the physician already said that with continued medication, it will get better.”
“When will it get better!”
“Mother, tomorrow is the palace flower-viewing banquet! How can I enter the palace looking like this? How can I face my Crown Prince brother!”
Meng Anxian gazed pitifully at Meng’s Mother, heartbroken.
Hearing this, Meng’s Mother could only sigh helplessly. “Alright, don’t worry about these matters. I’ll go alone.”
“You’re going alone?”
“The palace specifically requested that the Meng family daughters attend! If I can’t go, what should we do then!”
Meng Anxian sat dejectedly on a nearby chair, her face full of misery.
“The Meng family has another daughter – Meng Yanzhi.”
“Since you cannot go, let her attend instead.”
Meng’s Mother sighed resignedly; this was merely a stopgap measure.
Yet this so-called temporary solution completely broke Meng Anxian’s composure!
“Mother, what do you mean by that? Are you going to let Meng Yanzhi steal the spotlight and meet the Crown Prince?”
“Second Cousin, don’t be so agitated. First Cousin is just a country girl. Even if she goes to the palace, it’s unlikely she’ll stand out. It would be fortunate if she doesn’t embarrass herself.”
Xu Yunrou gave Meng Anxian a reassuring look.
Meng Anxian clenched her fists tightly, immediately understanding Xu Yunrou’s implication, yet she remained deeply resentful.
Gripping her fists, she snarled viciously, “It’s her fault! It’s all Meng Yanzhi’s fault! That wretched woman!”
Meng’s Mother looked at her daughter with exasperation. “This temper of yours – you must work to control it properly. If you lose your composure at every problem, how will you manage after you marry into the Crown Prince’s Residence?”
These words finally calmed Meng Anxian down.
“I’ve been thinking carefully these past days – your knowledge of palace etiquette is far too lacking. You must request the palace consorts to assign you a palace instructress to properly teach you.” Meng’s Mother looked helplessly at Meng Anxian. “Xian’er, you must remember – you’re destined to become Crown Princess Consort and future Empress. Do you understand?”
Although Meng Anxian disliked learning etiquette the most, she understood perfectly well that her mother’s words made complete sense. She immediately nodded obediently: “Yes, Mother. I’ve always known you care for me most, and I know everything you do is for my benefit!”
“I knew you were the most sensible child.” Meng’s Mother nodded gently, reaching out with a handkerchief to softly wipe her tears. “There now, don’t cry anymore. Look, your face is all streaked.”