Chapter 104
In less than half a day, the Yongning Marquis's mansion became the laughing stock of the entire capital.
Some people genuinely despise the actions of the Marquis of Yongning, while others, like the fox who couldn't reach the grapes, are simply sour grapes and wish they could send their daughters to the palace like the Marquis of Yongning, seizing every opportunity.
But they didn't have that much confidence in their daughter, and she wasn't the most beautiful woman in Beijing.
Ding Caiwei's nemesis laughed loudly in the mansion, mocking Ding Caiwei's bleak future and her disgrace.
Because of her beauty and exceptional talent, even though the Yongning Marquis's mansion had fallen on hard times, there were still quite a few young men from prominent families in the capital who admired Ding Caiwei.
Ding Caiwei is the white moonlight in many people's hearts, and her reputation and image have always been very good.
The talent show incident damaged Ding Caiwei's image, much to the delight of her former rivals who were jealous of her beauty.
"Hmph, I'll wait and see how horribly she dies. I hope our future Empress won't disappoint us!"
Judging others by their own standards, these people outwardly believed that the new queen would quickly get rid of Ding Caiwei, but deep down they were also deeply afraid that Ding Caiwei would actually gain favor.
They even envied Ding Caiwei for having the opportunity to gain favor. Fortune favors the bold, and if things went well, Ding Caiwei might be able to win the Emperor's favor before the new Empress's illness took hold.
Regardless of what outsiders thought, at this moment, Ding Caiwei's face was calm in the Yongning Marquis's residence, as if she had resigned herself to her fate.
Knowing that her daughter was going through danger, Lady Hou finally shed tears and hugged her daughter tightly in her arms. But no matter how hard she cried, she never mentioned that she would not allow Ding Caiwei to enter the palace.
Ding Caiwei pouted. She already knew what her family was like, and this time she was completely heartbroken.
Those unaware of the situation would assume that Ding Caiwei must be extremely frightened and heartbroken at this moment.
Outside, besides the voices mocking Marquis Yongning and Ding Caiwei, many people felt sorry for Ding Caiwei. Some young ladies even rejoiced that they didn't have Ding Caiwei's beauty or a father like Marquis Yongning.
Those in the know were filled with envy and even jealousy towards Ding Caiwei!
This was because they had visited the Grand Princess's residence and met Rong Rong.
The mere thought of Rong Rong's stunningly beautiful face drove them to utter madness.
Being Rongrong's foot-washing maid was not an insult, but a favor, so that they could stay by Rongrong's side every day and see her divine face every day.
"Father! I also want to enter the palace and become the Empress's foot-washing maid. Father, please send your daughter to the palace!"
Many young ladies tugged at their fathers' sleeves and pleaded repeatedly.
However, their father, his face ashen, forcefully shoved his daughter's hand away, shouting, "Shut up! Your father can't stand the shame!"
"How is it shameful? It's not shameful at all!" The young ladies waved their hands repeatedly. "Everyone will be envious and jealous of me! How could they possibly laugh at me? Laugh at Dad?"
"Madman! Madman!"
The fathers stormed off, their anger barely contained by their daughters' desperate shouts, "I'm not crazy!"
Ding Caiwei quietly packed her things, completely ignoring her mother's tears and her father and brothers' comforting smiles.
Lady Hou felt a growing sense of unease, as if her daughter was drifting further and further away from her.
On that day, Rong Rong met Ding Caiwei.
"This is the maidservant His Majesty ordered to be sent to the Empress for washing her feet," Nan Shi introduced with a smile.
Rong Rong looked at the newcomer with curiosity. She was a great beauty, that was Rong Rong's first reaction.
But why would Li Tianyi specifically send such a beautiful woman to be his foot-washing maid?
Before Rong Rong could think it through, Ding Caiwei knelt down and said, "This servant Ding Caiwei is willing to serve Your Majesty for the rest of my life. I will never marry and only hope to stay by Your Majesty's side!"
"If I break this oath, I will commit suicide to atone for my sins!"
"From this day forward, my life belongs to Your Highness, and I will obey Your Highness's commands!"
Ding Caiwei spoke solemnly and solemnly. If there were truly a power in this world that could bind those who made the oath, then Rong Rong would surely have seen the power of the oath descend upon Ding Caiwei, because she was truly speaking from the bottom of her heart.
Rong Rong said helplessly, "What would I do with your life?"
After saying that, he waved his hand at the person and said, "Get up quickly."
Before Rong Rong could ask anything else, a voice came from outside the door.
“You are quite sensible, smarter than your father.” Li Tianyi walked in from outside the door, went straight to Rong Rong’s side and sat down, and put his arm around Rong Rong. “If you continue to behave yourself, I don’t mind sparing your life.”
Li Tianyi's words were laced with murderous intent, as if he would kill Ding Caiwei on the spot if she showed the slightest dissent.
Ding Caiwei quickly pressed her forehead to the ground, "This servant will certainly behave herself and wish His Majesty and Empress a long and happy marriage! May they have a son soon!"
"Hahaha." Li Tianyi laughed heartily. Although he knew that he and Rong Rong would not have any children, it did not stop him from being happy to hear such a blessing.
"Of course, my promise is contingent on the Empress's consent," Li Tianyi said with a smile to Rong Rong.
Ding Caiwei reacted instantly, then turned and kowtowed to Rong Rong, "Please, Your Majesty, take me in!"
Rong Rong glanced at Li Tianyi sideways, her eyebrows slightly raised, her face showing dissatisfaction. Her expression seemed to be blaming Li Tianyi for causing her trouble.
Li Tianyi chuckled and pinched Rong Rong's nose, unaware that his smile at that moment overlapped with his smile from twenty years ago.
The servant standing next to him felt his eyes well up with tears. He hadn't seen his young master smile so happily and energetically in a long time.
Rong Rong angrily turned her head away from Li Tianyi's hand, but when she saw Ding Caiwei in front of her, she smiled again.
"I can take you in, but you don't have to serve me for life. If you ever want to leave the palace to get married, just tell me anytime, and I will provide you with a generous dowry so you can have a splendid wedding!"
"Your Majesty!" Ding Caiwei's voice choked with sobs, and she couldn't say anything more, afraid that she would burst into tears if she opened her mouth.
At this moment, all her unease and hesitation vanished without a trace, replaced by peace of mind, emotion, and deep love and gratitude for Rongrong.
Even though she was delighted to be able to serve Rongrong every day before entering the palace, her lack of understanding of Rongrong's temperament and her dishonorable way of entering the palace made her unsure whether Rongrong could accept her and be willing to keep her.
Now, she finally felt at ease. It didn't matter that her parents didn't love her; there would always be people in this world who were kind to her and willing to love her.
Rongrong is the best person in the world. She not only has the most beautiful appearance, but also the most beautiful soul and the most beautiful heart.
"This servant thanks Your Highness!"
Ding Caiwei kowtowed deeply and lingered for a long time, unwilling to get up. She didn't say that she would not get married, but actions speak louder than words, and she would show everything through her actions.
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