Chapter 11 The Crown Prince's Favor Shocks Everyone

She came to ask for something, not to give something away. Besides, that jade disc was their token of love, and it was extremely precious. How could she just show it to anyone?

However, Xu Yunrou's refusal was so decisive that she felt somewhat embarrassed after calming down.

Xu Yunrou twitched the corners of her mouth and said softly, "It's not that I'm stingy, it's just that the things I'm taking are very valuable and I can't usually take them out. If they were to get bumped or damaged, I really couldn't bear the responsibility."

"If my sister is reluctant to part with it, then forget it. I don't necessarily have to see it anyway."

"I'm planning to host a banquet tonight for Young Master Xu. Why don't you join me, sister? We'll be family after all!"

Having moved to a new courtyard, Meng Yanzhi was determined to celebrate properly, partly to allow the two of them to meet more often and deepen their relationship, so that things would be easier to handle in the future.

Xu Yunrou originally wanted something more, but Meng Yanzhi wasn't talking about it at all. Helpless, she could only reluctantly nod and say, "Try my cousin's cooking, it's not bad!"

"Yunrou, you're the most thoughtful one. When Young Master Xu arrives later, he'll need you to dance to entertain him. You can't refuse!" Meng Yanzhi held Xu Yunrou's hand, looking at her somewhat shyly: "You know I'm always so uncouth, I don't know anything about music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. I'm counting on you!"

How could Xu Yunrou refuse? She couldn't wait to show off her skills in front of Xu Shize.

What does it matter if she is the principal wife or a concubine? As long as she has the husband's favor, she has a place to stand in the inner quarters!

Seeing Xu Yunrou's determined look, Meng Yanzhi smiled and then called Lu Huan over: "I've moved to a new courtyard and want to properly thank His Highness the Crown Prince, so I'd like to ask you to help me send a message to invite His Highness to come over for a drink tonight."

"Yes, I'll go right away." Lu Huan readily agreed and turned to leave.

Xu Yunrou's eyes darted around, then she made an excuse that she had something to do and left Qinghe Courtyard, heading to Lingxi Courtyard, which was not far away.

"Second cousin, eldest cousin is hosting a banquet tonight to celebrate moving into her new house!"

"He can't help but show off when he gets something good. He's just a petty person who's never seen the world before. He's a disgrace!"

When Xu Yunrou mentioned Meng Yanzhi, her words were full of disdain for her.

Upon hearing this, Meng Anxian's expression darkened further. She gritted her teeth and said irritably, "Holding a banquet? Who did she invite?"

"Young Master Xu and the Crown Prince."

"Second cousin, this crown prince is your future husband. If he gets too close to eldest cousin, I'm afraid it might..."

Xu Yunrou didn't spell it out too clearly, but she conveyed her meaning.

The main reason is that there are many mirrors in their courtyard, so Meng Anxian knows exactly what she looks like. She and Meng Yanzhi are simply not on the same level.

If the Crown Prince were to face that vixen-like face every day, he might really look down on Meng Anxian's demure and gentle appearance.

Thinking of this, Meng Anxian's face turned even uglier. She spat viciously and said through gritted teeth, "Pah! I thought he was someone who would behave himself, but I never expected him to be so shameless. He actually dared to try and take it from me. Doesn't he even know if he's worthy?"

Meng Yanzhi didn't care about anything else; she just told her subordinates to prepare well for the banquet that evening. She even remembered to send a message to her parents. As for whether the elders would come or not, that was not up to her.

Soon, night fell, and Xu Shize arrived early. After entering, he looked around and then his gaze fell on Meng Yanzhi.

Today, Meng Yanzhi wore a light purple dress, and her black hair was tied up with a fine white jade hairpin. She looked refined and elegant, truly embodying the image of a noble lady from a high-ranking family.

She was already beautiful, but now that she's dressed up, she's even more captivating.

Xu Shize had long known that Meng Yanzhi was a crude and uncouth country girl, but looking at her face and watching her every move, Xu Shize found it hard to believe that this was the kind of upbringing and mannerism that came from a poor, remote place!

"Young Miss, you look absolutely stunning today."

Xu Shize stepped forward and smiled gently at Meng Yanzhi.

Meng Yanzhi blushed and took a step back, saying softly, "Young Master Xu, you are too kind. I am but a plain-looking girl and do not deserve such praise."

"You are quite composed and calm, not arrogant or impatient."

"You should be the same after we get married. I don't like spoiled women."

Xu Shize felt a great sense of satisfaction as he watched her being so cautious in front of him, and he even started to tremble with arrogance.

Meng Yanzhi had already rolled her eyes several times in her mind. Even though she knew that the person in front of her was shameless, she was still disgusted by his shamelessness.

Fortunately, at this moment, Xu Yunrou walked over in a peach-pink dress. Even before she arrived, the scent of perfume on her body was already pungent, truly befitting the behavior of a courtesan.

Meng Yanzhi disliked the smell and silently took a step back, widening the distance between them so she could leisurely watch Xu Yunrou act coquettishly in front of Xu Shize.

"Young Master Xu, you've lost a lot of weight in the past few days. Have you been studying too much lately?"

Xu Yunrou's voice is sweet and irresistible.

But Meng Yanzhi found it quite amusing. Now that the imperial examinations were over, what was the point of studying?

It's just that some poor people suddenly become rich, and their bodies are hollowed out by wine and women.

Meng Yanzhi really wouldn't even look at such a rotten cucumber.

"The Crown Prince has arrived!"

The servants outside announced the news, and then Xu Shize pushed away Xu Yunrou, who was clinging to him.

The imperial court has laws that prohibit intimacy before marriage. Besides, even if she were to marry into the family, Xu Yunrou would still be nothing more than a concubine, someone who is not worthy of being discussed in public.

Being intimate with concubines outside the home is a breach of private morality, and in serious cases, it can lead to reprimand from the Emperor!

In front of the Crown Prince, Xu Shize really dared not break the law.

Seeing this, Xu Yunrou felt wronged, but still obediently knelt down beside Xu Shize and bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

Meng Yanzhi remained as well-behaved as ever, simply bowing respectfully in her place.

But unfortunately, she was beautiful, and as soon as Xiao Ce entered the room, his gaze was unconsciously drawn to her.

"Since this is a family dinner, please don't stand on ceremony!"

Xiao Ce walked to his seat, sat down, and gestured for everyone to dispense with formalities.

He looked at Meng Yanzhi and said, "I heard that Miss Meng has moved to a new courtyard. I don't have much to give you, but I did send you a fire coral from the South Seas. You can keep it and play with it. It will add some color to this courtyard."