Almost everyone’s gaze fell squarely on Meng Yanzhi. Was this the so-called country bumpkin they had been talking about?
Honestly, even the capital could hardly produce a beauty like this!
The moment she caught sight of Meng Yanzhi, Meng Anxian’s face instantly turned pale. Almost instinctively, she gritted her teeth and shot a glare at Xu Yunrou.
Xu Yunrou, who had been smug just moments before, now didn’t even dare to lift her head, keeping it bowed as she twisted the handkerchief in her hands tightly.
“Sister!”
Meng Anxian quickly regained her composure and hurried over to Meng Yanzhi.
She affectionately took Meng Yanzhi’s hands, scrutinizing her from head to toe, her eyes sharp as hooks!
That wretched woman’s face was truly infuriating!
After all, Meng Anxian was an impostor—her looks simply couldn’t compare to Meng Yanzhi’s. Back in the Meng household, she had always suppressed Meng Yanzhi, making her dress like a gaudy peacock to overshadow her beauty. But now, this outfit only accentuated her breathtaking elegance.
“Sister, where did you get this outfit? It’s absolutely stunning!” Meng Anxian spoke through gritted teeth. Though her words praised Meng Yanzhi, in truth, she wished she could tear the woman apart.
Meng Yanzhi feigned shyness, blushing and lowering her head. “As someone from the countryside, what do I know about dressing up? I just thought the color of this outfit was subtle, so I wore it. It’s nowhere near as nice as the one you picked out for me, sister.”
Hearing this, Meng Anxian felt as though she had thrown a punch into cotton.
Her expression remained relaxed, but inwardly, she was grinding her teeth.
“Sister, you’ve never been to an occasion like this before. Come, let me introduce you.”
“This is Miss Lin, and this is Miss Liu. They are both noble young ladies. We should all get along well from now on.”
Meng Anxian held Meng Yanzhi’s hand as she introduced her so-called friends.
However, these young ladies held no fondness for Meng Yanzhi whatsoever, and their gazes were filled with unmistakable scrutiny.
“We heard the Eldest Miss Meng came from the countryside, but who would have thought she’d be so beautiful?”
“What a pity. Here in the capital, we value character above all else, not looks. That face of yours probably won’t do you much good.”
Miss Liu snorted disdainfully, clearly looking down on Meng Yanzhi.
“Eldest Miss Meng, have you read any books?”
Miss Lin was comparatively more reserved, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Meng Yanzhi.
Meng Yanzhi knew these people all too well. In her past life, they had barked at her like wild dogs, hurling insults every time they met and tarnishing her reputation behind her back.
As a result, Meng Yanzhi became a laughingstock wherever she went, her good name utterly ruined by these very individuals.
It was true that Meng Yanzhi had never received a formal education while in the countryside. However, in her previous life, after marrying that man, she had secretly studied to please her husband, reading many books of sages and virtuous men.
Her intention had been to win her husband’s favor, but in that life, she was constantly mocked for not knowing her place.
“Miss Lin, you flatter me. I’m merely from the countryside—I’ve never received much education, only learned a few characters.”
Meng Yanzhi lowered her head and spoke softly, her eyes slightly reddened.
When the Crown Prince arrived, he happened to witness this scene: Meng Yanzhi surrounded by a group of gaudily dressed young ladies. Amidst the vibrant colors, her simple and elegant attire made her stand out like a crane among chickens—instantly noticeable.
“What are you all doing?”
The Crown Prince approached hurriedly, frowning at the crowd.
He had already learned most of what Meng Yanzhi endured in the Meng household. He had assumed a prominent family like the Mengs wouldn’t easily bully a young girl, but never imagined people could be so malicious!
Now, whenever he saw Meng Anxian, he felt inexplicable disgust. After all, how could a truly kind person turn a blind eye to such matters?
“Crown Prince Brother, you’re here!”
Upon seeing the Crown Prince, Meng Anxian immediately put on an innocent and adorable expression.
She quickly stepped forward, linking her arm with his, and smiled cheerfully at the others. “This is my elder sister. Do you remember her?”
“Of course I remember. She is my lifesaver.”
The Crown Prince subtly withdrew his arm, his cold gaze sweeping over each person present. His meaning was clear: Meng Yanzhi was his savior, and anyone wishing to insult her would have to answer to him, the Crown Prince!
Though his tone remained even, Meng Anxian inexplicably sensed something amiss—especially when she noticed the Crown Prince’s eyes lingering on Meng Yanzhi, causing her expression to darken further.
“Crown Prince Brother, we were merely joking with Elder Sister.”
“Since Elder Sister has just returned to the capital, many people don’t know her yet. We only wanted to have a proper chat with her.”
After speaking, Meng Anxian directly took Meng Yanzhi’s hand, feigning intimacy.
The Crown Prince acted as if he hadn’t heard Meng Anxian at all, turning instead to Meng Yanzhi. “What were you discussing earlier?”
“Your Highness, it was nothing significant. The young ladies were merely asking what books I have read.” Meng Yanzhi kept her eyes downcast, her eyelids slightly reddened, and her voice carried a faint nasal tone.
Clearly, she felt wronged, yet stubbornly refused to let others see her distress. Her demeanor resembled a delicate white flower trembling in the wind—utterly heartbreaking.
Recalling Meng Yanzhi’s rough hands from earlier, the Crown Prince’s brows furrowed slightly. In full view of everyone, he took her hand and asked, “And how did you respond to them?”
“I come from the countryside and have not studied many books. I only recognize a few characters.” Meng Yanzhi shyly withdrew her hand, like a startled rabbit, her voice barely audible.
Because they stood close, the Crown Prince heard every word clearly.
“Being literate is already quite an achievement. Whatever you don’t know, you can learn gradually in the future.” The Crown Prince smiled at Meng Yanzhi, unconsciously softening his tone.
Clearly, he was standing up for her!
Meng Anxian’s expression was terrifyingly gloomy, yet she still approached with a cheerful smile: “Indeed, elder sister is already betrothed to Jinshi Xu. With such a learned husband, you can take your time learning from now on, elder sister!”