23 – Hutala’s Provocation
Fu Qingzi’s gaze gradually deepened, and only after meeting Qiao An’s eyes did she say, “Not here, but in another parallel space.”
Qiao An nodded with a semblance of understanding. A parallel space—so this was the real, proper Qing Dynasty? And the place where Yu Nian stayed was a parallel Qing Dynasty?
Fu Qingzi gave a slight tug at the corner of her mouth, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on her lips. “Whether it’s a parallel world or not, a person is still that same person. Kangxi is Kangxi.”
A sudden curiosity arose in Fu Qingzi’s heart. Would the Kangxi here vaguely remember Yu Nian, or would he simply treat it as a dream?
Today was the birthday of Tatara, and Fucha Yeqing had arrived early at the mansion to wait for Fu Qingzi.
Fucha Yeqing kept glancing at the sky outside, pulling up small weeds and squatting in a horse stance. After what felt like an eternity, she finally grew impatient and shouted inside, “Fu Qingzi, can you hurry up?”
Fu Qingzi’s lazy voice drifted from within. “Has anyone ever told you that women shouldn’t be rushed?”
Yin Zhen lay on the couch, his hands pillowed behind his head, watching Fu Qingzi as she sat before the dressing mirror. With eyeliner applied and lip rouge dabbed, she looked even more enchanting.
Fucha Yeqing waited outside for another half an hour before shouting again, “Fu Qingzi! Do you believe I’ll come in and drag you out?”
Fu Qingzi’s tone was calm yet carried a softness that sent a shiver down one’s spine. “Be good, don’t rush.”
Fucha Yeqing flushed awkwardly. What was that all about!
When everything was finally ready, Fu Qingzi naturally handed the Shaoye in her arms to Yin Zhen, not forgetting to remind him, “Remember to come pick me up, don’t forget.”
Yin Zhen took Shaoye, his large hand gently stroking the little one’s head, smoothing its jet-black, glossy fur. A soft hum escaped his throat.
Just as Fu Qingzi was about to turn and leave, Yin Zhen pulled her into his embrace, his large hand firmly cradling her head as his thin lips pressed against her soft ones. Only after a moment did he release her.
Fucha Yeqing peered through the window with resentment at the two. Did they have any idea how long she had waited? And here they were, cozying up inside without a care—did they even spare her a thought?
Fu Qingzi nearly stumbled, all because of Yin Zhen earlier.
When the Crown Princess saw Fu Qingzi, she beckoned her over. Fu Qingzi smiled slightly and took a seat beside the Crown Princess.
Envious glances were cast from all around, but Fu Qingzi sipped her tea indifferently, as if it had nothing to do with her.
That Ulanara would come was well within Fu Qingzi’s expectations. Given their close relationship, it would have been odd not to invite her just to annoy her a little.
Yirgenjueluo also gave Fu Qingzi a friendly nod before pursing her lips into a light smile.
Tatara greeted everyone except Fu Qingzi. Such rude behavior only made her lose face—why should Fu Qingzi care?
Fucha Yeqing, standing nearby, clearly couldn’t stand it any longer. “What, does the Fifth Princess look down on our Fourth Sister-in-Law?”
Tatara’s heart skipped a beat. Everyone knew the situation well enough, but what did Fucha Yeqing mean by this? Publicly embarrassing her? Tatara’s expression immediately soured.
“Look at what Fucha Gege is saying. How could this princess look down on the Fourth Princess? I hope you won’t take offense.” Though her words carried an apology, there was a hint of provocation in her tone.
Fu Qingzi cast a careless glance at Tatara, seemingly looking down on her for being so unsightly and unfit for proper occasions.
Tatara clenched her fist. So high and mighty, are we?
For the first time, Fucha Yeqing found Fu Qingzi’s gaze pleasing to the eye, and her heart suddenly felt much more at ease.
There was no need to be polite with someone like Tatara.
Tatara patted Ulanara’s hand smugly, smiling with ill intentions. “Our Yijia will be entering Fourth Master’s residence in a few days. We hope Fourth Mistress will be accommodating.”
Tatara had intended to provoke Fu Qingzi with these words, but to her surprise, Fu Qingzi remained unmoved. She merely chuckled lightly, paying no attention to her words, as if watching a clown.
It felt like punching cotton—frustrating and infuriating.
Ulanara quickly stopped Tatara, shaking her head at her.
This fool, Fourth Master hasn’t given a definite answer yet. How could she blurt it out? If Fourth Master refuses, who knows how humiliated she’ll be. Indeed, even she herself isn’t sure what Fourth Master is thinking.
Zhangjia couldn’t help but snicker, raising an eyebrow. “Oh really? I heard Fourth Master hasn’t given a definite answer yet.”
Donge also chimed in, “Yes, look at how confidently our Fifth Brother’s wife speaks, as if it’s already confirmed.”
Ulanara clenched her hand hidden in her sleeve tightly. She would repay today’s humiliation slowly.
Suozhuoluo, the side consort of the Fifth Prince, also nodded apologetically to Fu Qingzi.
The Crown Princess grabbed a handful of melon seeds and placed them in Fu Qingzi’s hand, giving her a comforting smile. Covering her lips, she whispered in Fu Qingzi’s ear, “Let’s ignore her.”
Fu Qingzi curved her eyes into a smile. “Mm.”
Aside from Tatara, the consorts and side consorts of the other princes were all helping her refute Tatara’s words.
It seemed that in the Fifth Prince’s residence, the only truly clever and reliable one was likely Suozhuoluo. No wonder the Fifth Prince doted on her.
Fucha Yeqing silently extended her hand toward Fu Qingzi.
Only then did Fu Qingzi calmly hand a handful of melon seeds to Fucha Yeqing, then patted her head.
Fucha Yeqing: “…” Did she just treat her like a dog?!
The group quickly ignored Tatara, shifting their stools to gather around Fu Qingzi. Zhangjia was the first to speak with a smile, “How can someone be so stunningly beautiful? Even I can’t help but adore her.”
Yiergenjueluo pretended to glare at Zhangjia in mock annoyance. “Oh, stop flattering. Such a delicate flower belongs to Fourth Master.”
Fu Qingzi’s lips twitched slightly. Why did she feel like she had just come out of a zoo?
Tatara felt a surge of anger with nowhere to vent. These wretched women, not a single one of them was any good!
Ulanara shot Tatara a look, signaling her not to embarrass herself further.
“Today is our Fifth Brother’s wife’s birthday,” Fu Qingzi reminded them. Their enthusiasm was truly a bit overwhelming for her.
Only then did the group reluctantly disperse, but still, no one paid any attention to Tatara.
Fu Qingzi chuckled softly to herself. Look at that—just how terrible must her reputation be?
With sharp eyes, Fu Qingzi spotted the birthday gifts placed in the corner. Indeed, the most inconspicuous one was the one she had sent. As for its fate, it would likely be given away to the servants.
Oh, Tatara clan, oh Tatara clan, how could you be so utterly foolish and inept?
With neither looks nor brains, how could the Fifth Prince ever take a liking to you?