Seeing Meng Yanzhi’s change in attitude, Meng’s Mother thought to herself that Yun Rou was merely the orphaned daughter of her deceased common-born brother, merely residing with the Meng family. It would be just as well for her to accompany Yanzhi as part of the marriage.
“Since it’s what you want, how could I refuse? Let her accompany you to the Lu family,” Meng’s Mother feigned maternal affection.
Meng Yanzhi sneered coldly.
In her previous life, she had supported Lu Shize, helping him rise from an obscure scholar to the center of power, becoming an Imperial-decree-bestowed Noble Wife.
Yet at that time, her mother had sent Xu Yunrou to reside with the Lu family.
In the end, the two had an affair behind her back.
Upon investigation, she discovered that the two had already been exchanging flirtatious glances before her marriage. At that time, they still had some semblance of shame, but as Lu Shize rose in power and became increasingly arrogant, he would secretly rendezvous with Xu Yunrou every time he accompanied her back to the Meng family. It wasn’t until Xu Yunrou became pregnant and could no longer conceal it that she was sent to reside with the Lu family.
Meng Yanzhi was furious and confronted her mother, only to be told, “You cannot bear children. Let Yun Rou bear a child to be your legitimate heir, so you can maintain your hold over Lu Shize. This is for your own good.”
At that time, though heartbroken and disappointed, she deceived herself into believing her mother had her best interests at heart.
But now things were different. She would use this very blade to sever this ill-fated bond with Lu Shize.
Now that she had Xu Yunrou as part of her dowry…
With Xu Yunrou holding the status of a concubine, how could the two resist each other?
If such relations occurred before marriage, it would be considered illicit relations, punishable by law.
Once this was exposed, even with his status as the Crown Prince’s benefactor, would Lu Shize still be able to marry her?
Meng Yanzhi agreed. After a few more instructions from Meng’s Mother, who then took Meng Anxian to inspect the dowry, Meng Yanzhi left her mother’s courtyard.
Halfway through her journey, a shabbily dressed scholar who appeared rather destitute blocked her path. His features were somewhat handsome, but his face carried an air of aloof isolation from the world. When he looked at her, there was a hint of scrutiny and dissatisfaction. “I presume you are aware of our marriage arrangement.”
Lu Shize…
Just the sight of his face made the stagnant blood in Meng Yanzhi’s chest boil and churn.
In her previous life, to make Lu Shize an asset to the Meng family, she had meticulously arranged everything. She helped Lu Shize, a reclusive and arrogant man, integrate into official circles, assisted him in handling practical affairs, benefiting the people, and aided his steady rise through the ranks. She even managed his concubines and handled household affairs for him. In return, he had an affair with her cousin, delivered her to his superior’s bed, and caused her to die a tragic death with grievances unredressed.
How could she not hate him?
Lu Shize said, “Let me be blunt. Originally, you are not worthy of me, but out of respect for your parents’ efforts, I can grant you the position of principal wife.”
Meng Yanzhi nearly laughed out loud three times. She had seen many shameless people, but someone as blatantly shameless as Lu Shize was truly one of a kind.
Meng Yanzhi smiled gently, her enchanting and expressive face appearing particularly radiant under the flickering light.
Seeing this, Lu Shize was momentarily dazzled.
Regardless of anything else, although Meng Yanzhi was not favored by the Meng family, her face was indeed far more beautiful than Meng Anxian’s. At least in terms of appearance, she could be considered a match for him. However, her inability to bear children was a sticking point.
Suppressing the murderous intent in her eyes, Meng Yanzhi lowered her gaze. “I understand what Scholar Lu means. Yanzhi is deeply grateful. After all, given my flawed condition, I naturally know how to be considerate.”
“I have already persuaded Mother to allow my cousin Yunrou to accompany me as a concubine when I marry into the Lu family. This way, Scholar Lu need not worry about the matter of heirs. Once Yunrou bears a child, it will be registered under my name, and I will surely raise it with care.”
Who would have thought that behind this charming and alluring face lay such broad-mindedness.
Lu Shize had initially been quite displeased about Minister Meng forcing his eldest daughter upon him, especially since the woman came from rural origins. But seeing her so understanding, his dissatisfaction gradually dissipated.
Hearing that Xu Yunrou would accompany her as a concubine, he paused slightly, “Oh? You’re having Miss Yunrou accompany you?”
Meng Yanzhi nodded.
Lu Shize hadn’t expected that the gentle and obedient cousin would come along too. A wave of pleasure washed over him, “I never thought you’d be unlike those women with long hair but short sight. You’re actually quite clever.”
Meng Yanzhi sneered inwardly, suppressing her disgust, “Actually, I didn’t do much. It’s mainly because Cousin Yunrou felt an immediate connection with Scholar Lu. As her elder sister, how could I not help fulfill her wishes when I saw this?”
“Immediate connection???” Lu Shize hadn’t realized his charm was so potent, capable of making even Meng Yanzhi so considerate and virtuous, while also winning another’s heart long ago. No wonder Xu Yunrou had blushed so shyly when she saw him that day. He couldn’t help but curl his lips, “I will certainly not let down either of you sisters. You may rest assured and prepare for the marriage.”
Meng Yanzhi knew Lu Shize had taken the bait.
She let out a soft, cold laugh.
“Alright then…”
Her gentle reply was tantalizing.
Lu Shize felt his bones go slightly weak, his voice turning hoarse, “So obedient.”
Meng Yanzhi felt as if a hundred ants were crawling all over her body. After Lu Shize left, she immediately returned to her courtyard and drank several mouthfuls of refreshing green tea to suppress the nauseating feeling.
“Young mistress, what’s wrong?” Mingchu looked at her mistress with concern.
Meng Yanzhi gazed at Mingchu, at that innocent, guileless face, and remembered how in her previous life, this was the only person who had genuinely cared for her. Mingchu had been caught and beaten to death while trying to deliver a message warning that Lu Shize planned to sell his wife for personal gain. The memory sent waves of pain through her heart.
“It’s nothing,” Meng Yanzhi smiled gently.
Mingchu nodded, “Tomorrow we’re going to the Crown Prince’s Residence. Does young mistress plan to wear the outfit Second Young Lady sent?”
Back when the Crown Prince was inspecting the southern regions and stayed with the Meng family, an incident occurred where someone fell into water. The entire Meng family benefited from this, receiving the Crown Prince’s favor and moving from Jiangzhou to the capital.
Now the Meng residence was arranged right next to the Crown Prince’s Residence, separated only by a single wall.
Tomorrow the Crown Prince had invited the Meng family for a gratitude banquet.
This was essentially the formal announcement of the marriage alliance with the Meng family.
Who knew how many nobles would attend tomorrow.
In her previous life, Meng Anxian had deliberately chosen this extremely vulgar outfit for her to highlight her own elegance, making her the laughingstock of many later on.
Meng Yanzhi looked at the clothes Mingchu was holding, “I’ll wear it.”
Mingchu hesitated, “But these clothes are really quite…”
Meng Yanzhi chuckled softly, “You can tell they’re tacky too, right?”
Mingchu nodded.
“It’s fine. We’ll wear one set and bring another. Try to choose something more elegant for the other set.”
Mingchu didn’t understand but complied, “Yes.”
“Oh, young mistress, Granny Zhang is here. She says it’s time for your tonic.”
Tonic…
Meng Yanzhi sneered. Meng’s Mother didn’t dare to administer too strong a dose of the sterility drug, fearing the physical changes would be discovered. Thus, she only dared to secretly feed her a certain amount daily. With long-term use, pregnancy would naturally become impossible.
Now, perhaps there was still a chance to turn things around.
Meng Yanzhi said, “Let her in. Also, send for a physician from outside the residence. Make sure no one finds out.”