The words sounded innocent enough, seemingly expressing genuine happiness for Meng Yanzhi, but in reality, they were meant to inform the Crown Prince that Meng Yanzhi was already betrothed.
“Jinshi Xu? Which Jinshi Xu?” The Crown Prince’s expression shifted as he frowned at Meng Anxian.
Meng Anxian maintained her innocent demeanor: “It’s this year’s newly appointed Jinshi, Lu Shize!”
Lu Shize?
Xiao Ce genuinely tried to recall the man’s appearance but ultimately shook his head. “The Meng family is certainly in a hurry.”
After speaking, Xiao Ce walked directly to the head seat and sat down.
The guests glanced between Xiao Ce’s expression and Meng Anxian, sensing something amiss.
Everyone knew about Meng Yanzhi saving Xiao Ce’s life, but due to circulating rumors, they had assumed it was merely a crude country woman taking advantage of the situation.
Yet seeing Meng Yanzhi’s inherent elegance and noble bearing, their perceptions shifted—the Meng family truly had good judgment, adopting such an exceptional girl.
Meng Anxian glared fiercely at Meng Yanzhi before pulling her down to sit together. However, consumed by rage, she gripped Meng Yanzhi’s wrist so tightly her nails dug into the flesh.
The sharp pain reminded Meng Yanzhi of Meng Anxian’s current fury.
Quietly withdrawing her hand, she examined the bleeding marks and whispered aggrievedly, “Younger sister, you’re hurting me.””
Her voice was so soft only the two could hear, yet Meng Anxian still cautiously scanned their surroundings before confirming no one had overheard and pulling Meng Yanzhi down to sit.
Originally, Meng Anxian had intended for Meng Yanzhi to leave a poor impression on the Crown Prince today. She never expected Meng Yanzhi to be so cunning—she had truly underestimated this country bumpkin!
But that wasn’t the main concern. The purpose of today’s banquet was for the Crown Prince to announce his marriage to the Meng family. Meng Anxian thought that as long as her engagement with the Crown Prince was confirmed, whether Meng Yanzhi lost face no longer mattered.
Yet for some reason, Xiao Ce remained seated, drinking with the young nobles, showing no intention of announcing the engagement.
Gradually, Meng Anxian’s anticipation turned to disappointment. She stared eagerly at Xiao Ce, her eyes full of expectation and even a hint of urgency.
Meanwhile, Meng Yanzhi focused solely on the dishes before her, her eyes equally expectant—but while Meng Anxian anticipated her future status, Meng Yanzhi coveted only the plate of food in front of her.
Xiao Ce’s gaze inadvertently fell upon Meng Yanzhi. Noticing her expression, he found the girl somewhat endearing. Yet thinking of her situation in the Meng household, he frowned slightly—could it be she wasn’t even fed properly there?
“Alright, let’s not just drink. Come, try the dishes—sample the culinary skills of my Crown Prince’s Residence!” Xiao Ce smiled faintly and was the first to pick up his chopsticks.
From a distant raised platform, a man observed all the interactions among the younger generation.
The shadow guard stood silently by the man’s side, whispering, “This woman’s methods are truly despicable, yet the Crown Prince… seems quite taken with them?”
The man’s gaze darkened as he stared at the woman’s mouth, his throat bobbing.
At this moment, Meng Yanzhi was wholly absorbed in eating the dishes on her plate, unaware of anyone watching her.
Her small lips parted and closed, strikingly reminiscent of how she had begged for mercy on the bed that night.
The man’s body inexplicably ignited with her movements, growing increasingly restless and feverish.
“Pathetic.”
The man snorted coldly and turned to leave.
The shadow guard glanced at the man’s retreating figure, utterly confused about whom he was referring to—the Crown Prince?
Throughout the meal, Xiao Ce spoke at length but never mentioned his engagement to Meng Anxian. The banquet thus passed without any significant developments.
Xiao Ce personally arranged for the Meng sisters to be escorted home and rode his horse behind their carriage.
“Cousin, the Crown Prince… surely he intends to propose in person, doesn’t he?”
Xu Yunrou cautiously observed Meng Anxian’s expression, offering a flattering smile.
Meng Anxian, however, fixed a piercing gaze on Meng Yanzhi: “What did you say to Brother Crown Prince?”
“The Crown Prince? I said nothing at all.” Meng Yanzhi wore a look of genuine bewilderment.
Admittedly, the food at the Crown Prince’s Residence was excellent. She had eaten so much that she now felt uncomfortably full and had little desire to engage further with Meng Anxian.
Seeing Meng Yanzhi’s demeanor, Meng Anxian began to wonder if she had overthought things. Her brows furrowed tightly before she gritted her teeth and said, “Elder Sister, you cannot bear children and come from the countryside—you are utterly unworthy of the Crown Prince. Even if our parents marry you off to him, you would only bring shame to the Meng family. Jinshi Xu is an excellent choice. Elder Sister, you must cherish this opportunity!”
Meng Yanzhi understood clearly that Meng Anxian was warning her, albeit in a relatively restrained manner. After all, before the engagement was finalized, Meng Anxian could not afford to completely alienate her.
With an innocent expression, Meng Yanzhi nodded, “Whatever Father and Mother arrange for me must be the best. Besides, I’ll be marrying alongside Yunrou, so we can look out for each other.”
Upon hearing this, Xu Yunrou’s face filled with disdain, her eyes laced with mockery as she looked at Meng Yanzhi.
She had encountered fools before, but never one of this caliber—who actually believed herself to be a prized catch?
Nevertheless, Xu Yunrou refrained from saying more and simply smiled, “Cousin, you would be the principal wife if you marry him, while I would merely be a concubine—hardly worth mentioning. I only hope you will take good care of me then!”
“We are sisters, so of course I will care for you. Mother said that when you have children with your husband in the future, they will be raised by my side. Rest assured, I will cherish your children dearly.” Meng Yanzhi spoke with the same artless innocence.
Although these arrangements had long been agreed upon, given that they were all still unmarried maidens, Xu Yunrou found the conversation unbearable and flushed crimson.
“Cousin, this is the capital, not the countryside. You mustn’t speak so recklessly, or people will laugh at you.”
Frowning, Xu Yunrou could no longer hold back her words.
“Oh, it’s all my fault. You’re not angry, are you, cousin?” Meng Yanzhi blinked her eyes, staring at Xu Yunrou with genuine curiosity.
She truly wondered how someone so shameless could utter such words.