Chapter 19 Unfit for Public Display
Seeing Meng Yanzhi's appearance, Meng's mother was very dissatisfied and said irritably, "Look at you like this, how can you compare to Xian'er? As expected of someone from the countryside, you are just not presentable. I feel ashamed to take you out. If it weren't for the Crown Prince specifically requesting that a girl from my Meng family go, I wouldn't have taken you!"
Previously, Meng Yanzhi didn't understand why her mother would bring her to the palace. It turned out it was all because of Xiao Ce.
She didn't say anything else, but continued to silently look at the scenery. She was always so taciturn, especially in front of Mencius' mother, so even in this state, Mencius' mother didn't sense anything was wrong.
Meng Yanzhi had already cleared her name at the Crown Prince's residence last time, so today the young ladies from various families looked at her with more kindness. Even those who gossip were more amiable towards her.
Meng Yanzhi didn't say anything else, but quietly found a place to sit down, as quiet as a pretty doll. She didn't want to cause trouble.
But just because she doesn't cause trouble doesn't mean trouble won't find her. Xu Yunrou walked over and sat down next to Meng Yanzhi, saying with a smile, "Big cousin, is this your first time entering the palace? Are you very happy and proud of yourself?"
proud?
Upon hearing those two words, Meng Yanzhi couldn't help but burst out laughing.
She raised an eyebrow, looked at Xu Yunrou, and then said, "And you, cousin, are you also very proud of yourself?"
Xu Yunrou looked at Meng Yanzhi in disbelief. In the past, she would often say some inexplicable things, but Meng Yanzhi was always clueless and had no idea what she meant. This was the first time she had given such a sharp retort.
"Big cousin, you really were playing dumb before!"
Xu Yunrou looked at Meng Yanzhi with a smile.
"Big cousin, we're going to marry the same person in the future. Actually, to be precise, we're the closest people to each other, don't you think?"
Although Xu Yunrou's words sounded nice, it was obvious that she was deliberately trying to trick Meng Yanzhi and get closer to her.
Meng Yanzhi tilted her head and looked at Xu Yunrou: "We should all listen to our parents when it comes to marriage. How would I know so much?"
This matter was already a done deal, but unexpectedly, Meng Yanzhi kept refusing, as if she didn't acknowledge it at all.
She looked at Meng Yanzhi with some confusion. She had already agreed before, so why was she going back on her word now?
"Big cousin, you don't actually think that just because the Crown Prince glances at you a few more times, you'll actually marry him, do you?"
'How could the Crown Prince's residence possibly accept someone who cannot have children?'
Xu Yunrou looked at Meng Yanzhi with disdain.
"Consort Wang has arrived!"
Everyone rose to their feet, bowed, and knelt on the ground.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Imperial Concubine."
The current emperor is still young, so he has not yet established an empress. There is only one Consort Wang in the harem, who is the highest-ranking concubine.
Consort Wang was the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Wang, a true princess, elegant and graceful, with a beautiful and radiant appearance.
Two maids helped her over by the arms. After Consort Wang sat down, she smiled faintly and said, "Get up, both of you!"
"This year, the Imperial Garden is in full bloom, so please come and have a look and enjoy yourselves."
Consort Wang smiled slightly, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's.
Almost at first glance, Meng Yanzhi fell in love with this Consort Wang.
In her previous life, she had always been hidden in the Meng family's inner quarters and had never seen Consort Wang. This was the first time they had met before.
"It is truly an honor for us that Her Highness the Imperial Concubine is willing to share this joy with us."
The ladies began to talk to Consort Wang.
Meng Yanzhi kept her head down, staring at the pastries on the table.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
Immediately afterwards, Xiao Ce strode over, dashing and handsome, and gave a proper bow: "Greetings, Your Highness the Imperial Concubine!"
When Consort Wang saw Xiao Ce, her smile broadened, and she beckoned to him, saying, "Your Highness has finally arrived! Come here and try this crab roe pastry, your favorite!"
Xiao Ce bowed and smiled at Consort Wang: "Your Majesty truly dotes on your son!"
Although Xiao Ce and Consort Wang were about the same age, given their seniority, he still had to willingly address her as "Your Highness."
Consort Wang nodded with a smile, then said, "The Crown Prince studies hard all day long, he should also step out of his study and take a good look at the scenery of the Imperial Garden. Look, all the girls are like flower buds, how beautiful they are!"
As she spoke, Consort Wang covered her mouth and burst out laughing.
Xiao Ce smiled, then picked up a crab meat pastry and looked directly at Meng Yanzhi.
"Miss Meng, the crab roe pastry from Lady Wang's palace is the most delicious. Have you ever tried it?"
As soon as these words were spoken, almost everyone's eyes turned towards Meng Yanzhi.
Meng's mother was furious. She pinched Meng Yanzhi hard and said irritably, "His Highness the Crown Prince is talking to you. Why aren't you answering? You have no manners!"
Meng Yanzhi then came to her senses and hurriedly stood up, curtsying to Xiao Ce: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I haven't had a chance to try it yet."
"Then come over here and have a good taste." Xiao Ce beckoned to Meng Yanzhi and looked at her with a smile.
What exactly does this person mean?
Meng Yanzhi had no idea what Xiao Ce meant by putting on such a show for her in front of so many people, but she could only bite the bullet and step forward, kneeling opposite Xiao Ce and silently extending her hand.
"Thank you for the reward, Your Highness!"
Her voice was soft, yet it was like a feather, stirring Xiao Ce's heart.
Consort Wang's gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, then she smiled and said lightly, "I had long heard that the Meng family had a new eldest daughter, and seeing her today, she is indeed exceptionally beautiful and talented."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. I am unworthy of such praise."
Meng Yanzhi quickly bowed and looked nervously at Consort Wang.
"Why are you so reserved, girl?"
"I find you a novelty. Come, come to my side."
Consort Wang smiled and waved to Meng Yanzhi.
Meng Yanzhi was nervous, but she still silently walked towards Consort Wang and then obediently knelt down beside her.
Seeing Meng Yanzhi's obedient appearance, Consort Wang grabbed her hand and smiled gently: "I heard that you saved the Crown Prince last time? You saved the Crown Prince, so you are also my benefactor!"
"I dare not, I dare not!"
"It is His Highness the Crown Prince's good fortune and long life that I dare not take credit for!"
Meng Yanzhi hurriedly knelt on the ground and bowed respectfully once again.
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