Meng’s Mother looked at Meng Yanzhi with evident dissatisfaction, saying irritably, “Look at you—how can you possibly compare to Xian’er? It’s true what they say: those from the countryside simply can’t hold their own in polite company. I feel ashamed to take you out. If the Crown Prince hadn’t specifically requested that the Meng family send a daughter, I wouldn’t have brought you at all!”
Previously, Meng Yanzhi hadn’t understood why her mother had suddenly decided to take her to the palace. So it was all because of Xiao Ce?
She didn’t say anything more, continuing instead to quietly gaze at the scenery. She had always been this reserved, especially in front of her mother, so even her current demeanor didn’t strike Meng’s Mother as unusual.
During her last visit to the Crown Prince’s Residence, Meng Yanzhi had already cleared her name. Today, the young ladies from various families regarded her with considerably more kindness. Even those prone to gossip treated her with greater civility.
Meng Yanzhi didn’t engage further, merely finding a seat and settling quietly like a beautiful doll. She had no desire to invite trouble.
But avoiding trouble didn’t mean trouble would avoid her. Xu Yunrou approached and sat beside her, smiling as she said, “Cousin, this is your first time entering the palace, isn’t it? You must be so happy and proud, right?”
Proud?
Hearing these words, Meng Yanzhi couldn’t help but laugh.
She raised an eyebrow, looked at Xu Yunrou, and replied, “And what about you, cousin? Are you proud too?”
Xu Yunrou stared at her in disbelief. She had often made such ambiguous remarks before, but Meng Yanzhi had always been too naive to grasp her meaning. This was the first time she had retorted so sharply.
“Cousin, you really were playing dumb all along,” Xu Yunrou said with a light laugh.
“Cousin, we’re both going to marry the same man. In fact, you could say we’re the closest of allies, don’t you think?”
Though Xu Yunrou’s words sounded pleasant, it was clear she was deliberately testing Meng Yanzhi, trying to cozy up to her.
Meng Yanzhi tilted her head and looked at Xu Yunrou. “Matters of marriage should be left to our parents. How would I know anything about that?”
The arrangement had seemed all but finalized, yet to her surprise, Meng Yanzhi now repeatedly refused to acknowledge it, as if denying the matter entirely.
Xu Yunrou gazed at her in confusion. She had agreed before—why was she going back on her word now?
“Cousin, you don’t actually think that just because the Crown Prince glanced at you a few times, you can marry him, do you?”
“The Crown Prince’s Residence would never accept someone who can’t bear children,” Xu Yunrou sneered at Meng Yanzhi.
“Consort Wang has arrived!”
Everyone rose and knelt in salute.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
The current Emperor was still young and had not yet appointed an Empress. Consort Wang was the only high-ranking consort in the rear palace, holding the highest position.
Consort Wang was the eldest legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Wang—a true child of privilege, graceful and dignified, with a radiant complexion.
Two maids supported her by the arms as she approached. After taking her seat, Consort Wang smiled faintly and said, “Rise, everyone.”
“This year, the Imperial Garden is in full bloom. I’ve invited you all to enjoy the sight and have a pleasant time together.”
Consort Wang smiled gently, her voice as melodious as an oriole’s song, truly pleasing to the ear.
Almost instantly, Meng Yanzhi took a liking to this Consort Wang.
In her previous life, she had been confined to the inner quarters of the Meng residence and had never met Consort Wang before. This was their first encounter across both lifetimes.
“It is truly our honor that Your Highness is willing to join us in celebration,” several noblewomen began speaking around Consort Wang.
Meanwhile, Meng Yanzhi silently lowered her head, gazing at the pastries on the table.
“The Crown Prince has arrived!”
Immediately after, Xiao Ce strode over with dignified grace, executing a proper bow: “I pay my respects to Consort Wang!”
Upon seeing Xiao Ce, Consort Wang’s smile deepened as she beckoned him: “The Crown Prince has finally arrived! Come quickly and try your favorite Crab Meat Pastry!”
Xiao Ce bowed again, smiling at Consort Wang: “Consort Wang truly dotes on this son!”
Though Xiao Ce and Consort Wang were similar in age, protocol dictated he willingly address her as “Consort Wang.”
Consort Wang chuckled and nodded, then remarked: “The Crown Prince works diligently at his studies, but he should also leave his study occasionally to appreciate the scenery of the Imperial Garden. Look how these young ladies resemble flower buds—so delightful!”
Covering her mouth, Consort Wang laughed heartily.
Xiao Ce smiled faintly, picked up a piece of Crab Meat Pastry, and turned his gaze directly toward Meng Yanzhi.
“Lady Meng, the Crab Meat Pastry from Consort Wang’s palace is the most exquisite. Have you tried it yet?”
His words drew everyone’s attention toward Meng Yanzhi.
Meng’s Mother grew particularly agitated, pinching Meng Yanzhi sharply as she chided: “His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is speaking to you! Why aren’t you responding? Such impropriety!”
Snapping back to reality, Meng Yanzhi hurriedly rose and curtsied to Xiao Ce: “Thank you for Your Highness’s concern. This humble subject has not yet had the chance to taste it.”
“Then come here and try it properly.” Xiao Ce beckoned to Meng Yanzhi, watching her with an amused smile.
What exactly was his intention?
Meng Yanzhi couldn’t fathom why Xiao Ce would single her out so publicly, yet she had no choice but to brace herself and approach. Kneeling respectfully opposite him, she silently extended her hand.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s generosity!”
Her soft voice, delicate as a feather, gently stirred Xiao Ce’s heart.
Consort Wang’s eyes shifted between the two before she smiled lightly and remarked: “I had long heard the Meng family had gained a young mistress. Seeing you today, you truly embody grace and beauty—utterly captivating.”
“Your Highness flatters me. This humble subject is unworthy of such praise.”
Meng Yanzhi promptly bowed, nervously watching Consort Wang.
“Why so reserved, child?”
“I find you quite refreshing. Come, sit beside me.”
Consort Wang chuckled and also beckoned to Meng Yanzhi.
Though inwardly anxious, Meng Yanzhi quietly moved toward Consort Wang and obediently knelt beside her.
Observing Meng Yanzhi’s docile demeanor, Consort Wang took her hand and smiled warmly: “I heard you were the one who saved the Crown Prince last time? By saving him, you’ve become my benefactor as well!”
“I dare not claim such honor, Your Highness! I truly dare not!”
“It is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s own great fortune and destiny, this humble subject dare not claim credit!”
Meng Yanzhi hastily knelt on the ground, once again performing the proper ceremonial bow with utmost decorum.