Chapter 366 Praise in Person
Liang Lan dismissed it: "It's just so-so. It's not even as good as peach blossom wine with honey. It's just putting flower petals in tea. Is that all they're going to brag about?"
Liang Lan was so unhappy because she felt that these people were too arrogant and condescending, and their words were full of disdain and contempt for them. In particular, those who fawned over Liu Zijun were clearly envious and jealous of Jiang Mi's appearance, but they were all belittling Jiang Mi, which was nothing more than jealousy.
"These young ladies from noble families are nothing special. I thought they were so generous. Despite having such good family backgrounds and conditions, they treat others so harshly. I thought only the gossipy old women in our village would act like this. What's the difference between them and the women in our village?"
These words made Jiang Mi suddenly realize that what was the difference between these young ladies from noble families and the village women? They thought they were so noble, but their thoughts were so narrow.
"Second sister-in-law, you're absolutely right."
At this moment, Consort Jing said, "I have seen quite a few unfamiliar faces today. It seems that there are many more daughters of officials in the capital. The fact that you can come here shows that you have a good relationship with Zijun. Since you all get along well, then get along well. Zijun is a little spoiled at times, but she has no bad intentions. You should be more accommodating to her."
Since Consort Jing had spoken in this way, everyone else naturally echoed her words, and no one dared to utter a single word of opposition.
Su Yindi muttered under her breath, "Why is this considered verbal blackmail? Everyone is spoiled at home, so why should Liu Zijun be spoiled? Besides, what she said was clearly biased. She was giving Liu Zijun face in front of everyone. It's so good to have an aunt like that. Anyway, I don't have that kind of luck. I just hope that our descendants can have that kind of blessing."
At this moment, Consort Jing looked at Jiang Mi and asked curiously, "This girl is really beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful girl in all these years. Come forward and let me take a good look at her."
Jiang Mi knew that Consort Jing was referring to her. She exchanged a glance with Huo Ran and saw peace in Huo Ran's eyes. Without fear, she stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Consort Jing.
Previously, fearing that she might encounter such a grand occasion, Jiang Xuan specially invited a nanny to teach Jiang Mi and her two sisters-in-law etiquette. Everyone followed along and learned, so although Jiang Mi came from a small place, she was very well-mannered.
As they got closer, Consort Jing was even more astonished by Jiang Mi's beauty. She was already incredibly beautiful from afar, but she was still stunning up close. No wonder even Huo Ran was captivated by her. Compared to her, Liu Zijun was utterly outmatched.
"Truly stunning! In all my years, I have never seen anything like it. Ziju often spoke of your beauty to me, saying that you are unparalleled and unique in the world. Seeing you today, I can confirm that it is indeed true."
Upon hearing Consort Jing praise Jiang Mi in such a way, Liu Zijun immediately objected. Just as she was about to retort that she had never praised Jiang Mi like that, Consort Jing glared at her, forcing her to swallow back the words she was about to say, and she pouted in dissatisfaction.
Jiang Mi remained unperturbed by the praise or criticism, and replied calmly, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty, but I dare not accept it."
Her composure surprised Consort Jing even more. Consort Jing felt that this girl was quite extraordinary. If it were any other girl, she would have been overjoyed to receive such praise from Consort Jing, but Jiang Mi had no reaction at all.
"I find you quite pleasing to the eye. Which family are you from? How old are you this year?"
Jiang Mi answered obediently, "My name is Jiang Mi, and my brothers are Jiang Xuan and Jiang Zhi. I just turned eighteen this year."
"Eighteen years old, such a beautiful age. When I was eighteen, I had just married the Emperor. At that time, the Emperor said that I was the most beautiful woman in the world. It turns out that there are always people more beautiful than you, and there are always higher heavens than you."
Jiang Mi lowered her head and quickly said, "Consort Jing is still very beautiful. In His Majesty's eyes, you are still the most beautiful."
Consort Jing gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Is that so? You're just saying that to make me happy. I know better than anyone what I look like now. When I look in the mirror, I see that I'm old and faded. How can I compare to young girls like you?"
Jiang Mi replied calmly, "Your Majesty should not wallow in self-pity. Although you are older, you have gained many qualities and composure that we do not possess, thanks to the passage of time. So you don't need to think like that. You are unique and irreplaceable."
Upon hearing Jiang Mi's words, Consort Jing's eyes sharpened instantly. She had been feeling down lately, believing that she had aged and lost her former confidence in front of the Emperor. But after hearing Jiang Mi's words today, she suddenly felt much better.
"You're right. I am irreplaceable. Even if I'm not as powerful as I was back then, no one can shake my position. Jiang Mi, you're a very insightful girl. I admire you."
Consort Jing's remarks made everyone even more jealous of Jiang Mi, and they also felt that Jiang Mi was not simple at all. Liu Zijun, in particular, was almost bursting with resentment. After Jiang Mi returned to her seat, she complained to Consort Jing in a low voice: "Aunt, why did you praise her in front of so many people? Isn't this boosting the morale of others and diminishing our own?"
Hearing Liu Zijun's foolish words, Consort Jing was furious: "Look at your narrow-mindedness! Look at her, listen to what she said. Do you even know the difference between you and her? No wonder that Young Master Huo is interested in this girl. If it were me, I would also choose Jiang Mi."
Liu Zijun's face turned red with anger, and she said defiantly, "Aunt, what do you mean by that? Apart from the fact that I'm not as pretty as her, what do I lack compared to her? Anyone else would choose me. I'm the daughter of the Prime Minister!"
"Besides having a father who is a prime minister, you don't have any other advantages. If you really want Huo Ran to marry you, the first thing you need to do is to get along well with Jiang Mi, instead of revealing your jealousy. She will only think that you are jealous and will think from the bottom of her heart that you are not as good as Jiang Mi."
Liu Zijun sneered twice: "What? I'm not as good as her? I'm jealous of her? Although I'm not as seductive as her, I'm not bad looking either, am I? Aunt, do you have to make me sound so bad? Besides, I think I'm much better than her. I know more than her. I'm better than her in everything, from studying to playing musical instruments."
Consort Jing was too lazy to argue with her: "Enough! Look at your petty behavior. If you really want to marry Huo Ran, do as I say. Now shut up, put on a happy face, and be enthusiastic towards Jiang Mi. Be genuinely happy from the bottom of your heart. Otherwise, why did you invite others over? To show off?"
Liu Zijun remained silent. That was indeed her thought, but she was unwilling to admit it. She thought that inviting her aunt would help her teach Jiang Mi a lesson and vent her anger. Who knew that not only did she not teach Jiang Mi a lesson, but she also scolded herself. She should have known better than to invite her aunt. It was completely useless.
She had already begun to dislike Jiang Mi in her heart.
Consort Jing hadn't expected her niece to be so obtuse. Seeing that she didn't speak, she assumed that she had upset her. After all, she was a child she had watched grow up, and she couldn't bear to be too harsh.
"Alright, go and host your flower viewing party. Everyone is waiting for you, the little host, to speak."
Liu Zijun was still angry, but seeing that everyone was looking at her, she liked the feeling of being watched, so she walked up to the platform and said condescendingly, "Everyone can enjoy the flowers on their own. We have also prepared some flower cakes and flower tea for you to try."
So everyone got up to admire the flowers, walking in small groups. Liu Zijun was very happy to see everyone praising the flowers. She had always been like this since she was a child. She had to get what she wanted, and what she had had to be the best. She liked it when others surrounded her and praised her.
Jiang Mi remained seated and did not rise. Su Yindi looked around and said, "I don't know what's so interesting about this. You can just glance at the flowers and that's enough. Why bother looking at them closely? I don't understand these young ladies."
Jiang Mi smiled but didn't say anything. She took another sip of tea, but found it extremely bland. She looked up in Huo Ran's direction and saw Liu Zijun walking towards Huo Ran. After thinking for a moment, she followed her.
After learning about Huo Ran's intentions, Jiang Mi was no longer jealous, but she still wanted to see what Liu Zijun was going to do and say.
Liu Zijun walked shyly behind Huo Ran and whispered, "Brother Huo Ran, I'm so happy you could come today."
Huo Ran glanced back at her and said dismissively, "It's my honor."
Liu Zijun thought for a moment, then asked with a wronged expression, "Brother Huo Ran, do you also think Jiang Mi is very pretty? My aunt praised Jiang Mi like that just now, she must have been very happy, so do you think so too?"
Huo Ran, of course, guessed what she was thinking, so he said, "How do you want me to answer you?"
Liu Zijun lowered her head shyly: "Of course I'm telling the truth. I admit that Jiang Mi is indeed quite good-looking, but besides that, there doesn't seem to be anything else, right?"
Huo Ran's eyes were cold, but when he mentioned Jiang Mi, his tone became much gentler: "My thoughts are different from Consort Jing's."
Liu Zijun suddenly looked up at him, her eyes shining: "Right? That's what I think too. She's not as good as my aunt says. She's just a girl from the countryside and doesn't know any rules."
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