Pei Yuan was clearly displeased with being called a shrew; his refined face immediately showed anger.
Seeing this, Xie Xuan quickly said, "This isn't my opinion. Everyone in the capital knows about Qiao Zixi's outburst at the yamen like a shrew!"
After saying that, fearing that Pei Yuan was unaware of the matter, she quickly gave a brief recount of the whole incident.
“You know what kind of person my father is. Just mentioning that Qiao Zixi makes his beard stand on end! How could that shrew be the woman who saved you? You must be mistaken!”
Pei Yuan thought of Qiao Zixi's charming and gentle appearance just now, and found it hard to believe what Xie Xuan had said.
"Brother Xie, have you ever met Miss Xi'er?"
Xie Xuan was taken aback for a moment, then honestly replied, "No, I heard that Qiao Zixi scratched her face when she was little and rarely went out. Even when she did go out, she would wear a veil. Her face was only healed after Su Muxi married into the Marquis of Anyang's mansion, so I have never met her."
"But my father wouldn't lie. If he says he's unruly, willful, arrogant, and domineering, then he's definitely right!"
Upon hearing this, Pei Yuan smiled nonchalantly, "Perhaps it's a matter of opinion? Don't worry, Brother Xie, I will find out the truth and won't make a mistake."
Since Pei Yuan had already said so, Xie Xuan couldn't say anything more.
However, during the flower viewing, Pei Yuan always seemed absent-minded. Xie Xuan naturally knew what he was thinking and became curious about what Qiao Zixi looked like.
Meanwhile, Qiao Zixi also seemed absent-minded, even forgetting the purpose of her visit to Bai Mengying.
She had never attended any gatherings of young men and women in the capital in the past because of her appearance, and apart from Qiao Ziming, she had never seen any other young men.
Seeing a tall and handsome man like Pei Yuan, she naturally couldn't help but feel a stirring of romantic feelings.
Bai Mengying looked at Qiao Zixi's fair and rosy face, her eyes growing darker and darker.
"Sister Xi'er, how is Zimo's leg? I'm at Huguo Temple and don't know what's going on outside."
Bai Mengying originally didn't want to mention Qiao Ziming, but now she had no choice but to use Qiao Ziming to distract Qiao Zixi.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Zixi immediately snapped out of her daze and recounted everything that had happened in the past few days to Bai Mengying. Of course, in her words, it was all Su Muxi's fault.
“Princess sister-in-law, that Su Muxi is too hateful. Not only will she not treat my brother, but she will also prevent others from treating him. I came here today to ask you to beg the Empress to order Physician Li and Physician Wang to treat my brother’s leg. The eighth day of next month is your wedding day with my brother. I think you also hope that my brother can stand up soon.”
Qiao Zixi spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, but Bai Mengying sneered inwardly.
Even such a trivial matter has alarmed her aunt, the Empress. Indeed, she cannot marry into the Marquis of Anyang's household!
But Bai Mengying said, "Don't worry, I'll write to the Empress in a bit. I believe Zimo's leg will get better soon."
She also hoped that Qiao Ziming's leg would get better soon, so that if she broke off the engagement, people wouldn't gossip about her.
Seeing that Bai Mengying agreed so readily, Qiao Zixi smiled and took Bai Mengying's arm, "I knew that Princess Sister-in-law was deeply in love with my brother. It's ridiculous that my mother was worried that Princess Sister-in-law would break off the engagement."
Bai Mengying's eyes darted away. "How could that be? Lady Anyang is overthinking it. But after hearing about Miss Su's matter, I feel a little guilty. Miss Su acted so heartlessly, probably because love turned to hate. If it weren't for my appearance, I think Miss Su would definitely be filial to her parents-in-law and have a harmonious relationship with Zi Mo."
"Pshaw! Su Muxi is so ugly, how could my brother possibly be a good match for her? Princess, you don't need to feel guilty. My brother has only ever loved you. Besides, I've already shown my gratitude by agreeing to be Su Muxi's concubine. It's Su Muxi who's ungrateful and caused all this trouble. A virtuous wife brings less trouble to her husband. Our Marquis of Anyang doesn't need someone like her!"
Qiao Zixi spoke with a sharp and sarcastic tone, completely different from her previous timid and coquettish demeanor.
This made Bai Mengying's lips curl into a mocking smile. How could someone like that compare to her?
Pei Yuan probably hadn't heard of Qiao Zixi's reputation outside, and if he had, he would probably stay far away from her!
Qiao Zixi went on and on about how bad Su Muxi was, then hesitated for a moment before taking out a purse embroidered with money plants from her bosom.
This purse was the one that had just fallen to the ground and been picked up by Pei Yuan.
“Sister-in-law, those ignorant people outside have been misled by the rumors spread by Su Muxi and are saying bad things about our Marquis of Anyang’s mansion. I heard that Xie Chi lost his wife early and has never remarried.”
At this point, Qiao Zixi revealed a mischievous smile, and then continued, "This is the purse that Su Muxi didn't take with her. If it were on Xie Chi, the old man and the young woman could probably create a beautiful love story, right?"
If it weren't for Xie Chi, she would have already tied Su Muxi up and taken her back to the manor to treat her brother's leg. If it weren't for Xie Chi, Su Muxi probably wouldn't have dared to go to the Jingzhao Prefecture to file a complaint.
So all of this is Xie Chi's fault!
Since Xie Chi is so protective of Su Muxi, then let them be together. She'll see what the people say when an ugly woman is paired with an imperial censor!
Bai Mengying feigned surprise, "Sister Xi'er, you mean... No, no! Lord Xie is an upright and honest man, a pillar of the court. How could you frame him! Don't mention this matter again, and I'll pretend I never heard you say that!"
Seeing Bai Mengying's resolute expression, Qiao Zixi had no choice but to give up on the matter. After all, she didn't know anyone and couldn't put the purse on Xie Chi's person.
After chatting for a while, Bai Mengying pretended to be sleepy, and Qiao Zixi said goodbye.
But before leaving, she hesitated for a moment, then blushed and asked about Pei Yuan.
"Sister-in-law, who was that young master Pei just now? Do you know him?"
Bai Mengying remained calm and said indifferently, "Young Master Pei is the eldest son of Minister Pei of the Ministry of Revenue. If Sister Xi'er has fallen for Young Master Pei at first sight, you can send someone to inquire about him."
Then you'll know who Pei Yuan likes!
Qiao Zixi was unaware of Bai Mengying's thoughts and thought Bai Mengying was teasing her, so she immediately put on a shy expression.
"What are you saying, Princess? Xi'er didn't say that!"
"Ugh! I'm not talking to you anymore, I'm going back!"
After saying that, he stomped his foot and jogged away, but he didn't see the coldness on Bai Mengying's face.
Bai Mengying waved to Mingyan, who was standing to the side, and Mingyan bowed and stepped forward.
"I want that purse."
"Send a message to Granny Wu, saying that Qiao Zixi looks better the way she did before."
Mingyan's eyes flickered slightly, and she softly agreed.
It seems the princess has come to hate Qiao Zixi.
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