Chapter 39 Want to show off? Doesn't your face hurt?
Dou Wenyi followed behind her, walking through the winding tree-lined path. The golden chrysanthemums on both sides of the road were in full bloom, arranged in an elegant and charming manner, with a pleasant fragrance.
Not far away, a delicate beauty knelt straight on the bluestone slab. Her hair was obviously a bit messy, her expression was panicked, and one cheek was red and swollen, as if there was still a handprint on it.
Her clothes were gorgeous; she didn't look like a palace maid at all, but rather a concubine. The women in this palace are truly pitiful.
She had a striking red mole at the corner of her eye, and Dou Wenyi felt that she looked very familiar. Suddenly, she remembered that she was Jiang Wan.
In her previous life, she was labeled a "femme fatale who brought ruin to the country" by the civil officials and scholars.
Because she bore a striking resemblance to the late empress, she would enjoy Emperor Muzong's exclusive favor for the next ten years, with both Consort Zhang and Consort Tan being defeated by her.
The downfall of the Zhang family was inextricably linked to her.
Unfortunately, she never had children.
As if seeing through her thoughts, Steward Chen kindly reminded her, "She is Consort Jiang. Look at the ivory-white brocade she's wearing; that was the late Empress's favorite, and no one dares to wear it. For a mere Consort like her to dare to break the taboo, isn't she just trying to provoke our Empress?"
"Our lady just got really angry, so don't feel sorry for her and please don't plead for her."
Dou Wenyi was puzzled. It seemed that Jiang Wan had not yet gained the Emperor's favor at this time. Unfavored concubines were not qualified to accompany the Emperor. So why would she come hunting with him?
Inside the palace, Consort Zhang, adorned with jewels and possessing a beautiful face, sat on a chaise longue, playing with a snow-white Persian cat.
Dou Wenyi stepped forward respectfully and bowed.
"I often hear Chengxian mention you. You are indeed very beautiful and blessed." Consort Zhang smiled and offered her a seat, without the need for formalities.
Consort Zhang and Empress Shen were like sisters. They had only two princesses and no princes, so there was no competition for the crown prince position. However, she regarded Pei Siyan as her own son since childhood, so she was naturally a member of the Crown Prince's faction.
"Your Majesty flatters me."
“Chengxian’s mischievousness has caused a lot of trouble for our Zhang family, which is really a headache. But recently he seems to have become a different person and has improved a lot.”
Dou Wenyi recalled Zhang Chengxian from her previous life and said with a faint smile, "Young Master Zhang is hiding his talents. Who knows when he will make a name for himself and become a pillar of the country? Your Majesty need not worry."
In short, his words made Consort Zhang feel completely at ease.
Consort Zhang gestured to the palace maid to take Xueqiu away. "My brother suggested that we help your father change his official position. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites will be promoted soon, and this position is a real vacancy. What do you think?"
Is Dou Bochang worthy of being promoted from a fifth-rank official to a fourth-rank official?
Dou Wenyi concealed her dissatisfaction and spoke sincerely, "My father has been an official for more than ten years and is used to a leisurely life. If I entrust him with important responsibilities, I am worried that his health will not be able to withstand it. I hope Your Majesty will be understanding."
"Oh? You really think so?" Consort Zhang raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest.
Dou Bochang was, after all, the Crown Prince's prospective father-in-law, and should have been more respectable, but she showed no interest in wealth or power, which was truly remarkable.
Dou Wenyi nodded solemnly.
Consort Zhang found her to be poised and elegant, calm and refined, with outstanding bearing and appearance. However, she was unusually quiet, like a pearl deliberately concealing its brilliance.
She can still keep Zhang Chengxian in check, and besides, she has already saved the Zhang family twice.
Since staying at Zizhu Mountain Villa, Xiaoqi's symptoms have really improved a lot. She is truly a lucky star for the Zhang family.
The thought of her getting together with Zhang Chengxian made her excited!
Consort Zhang smiled and said, "Very well, there's plenty of time in the future. But the debt of saving your life is greater than heaven. If you have any other wishes, you may speak freely."
Dou Wenyi lowered her eyes and said, "Your Majesty, I do have a request, and I hope Your Majesty will be lenient and spare Consort Jiang from punishment."
Consort Zhang's phoenix eyes flashed with a hint of confusion, and she sighed, "Since you've brought it up, then so be it."
As soon as he finished speaking, Steward Chen understood and immediately withdrew from the palace.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Dou Wenyi felt a chill run down her spine. This move was too risky, but she hoped to take this opportunity to make a good connection.
At this moment, a palace maid came in to announce, "Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has come to pay his respects with his future Crown Princess."
Dou Wenlian felt a chill run down her spine. The next moment, she saw Pei Siyan leading a little girl in a peach-colored pleated skirt into the room excitedly. She was about six or seven years old, with delicate features and eyebrows that were very similar to those of Consort Zhang. She was none other than the Seventh Princess, Pei Shuyue.
Dou Mingyan, dressed in a plain dress, followed closely behind and entered the hall.
She was dressed very simply today, with only a white jade hairpin in her simple hair bun. This outfit would be considered pretty on a normal day, but it was really disappointing among the noble ladies who were adorned with dazzling jewels.
Pei Shuyue snuggled into Consort Zhang's arms and said coquettishly, "Mother, when are we going to have our meal? I'm hungry."
Consort Zhang gently poked her forehead with her hand, her face full of affection, "Are you still hungry? There will be plenty of delicious food at the bonfire banquet later. Someone, bring some pastries for the Seventh Princess."
The eunuch then brought over two plates of exquisite pastries.
Pei Shuyue stuck out her tongue, then noticed her and smiled, her eyes crinkling, "This older sister is so beautiful, even prettier than Sister Mingyan!"
Dou Wenyi paused for a moment, then immediately bowed, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Seventh Princess."
Pei Siyan glanced at her indifferently and dismissed her formalities.
"Sister, what are you doing here?" Dou Mingyan exclaimed in shock, almost losing her voice.
Consort Zhang was practically Pei Siyan's mother, and she had reservations about his insistence on marrying her as the Crown Princess.
She tried desperately to please her, but she could never find a way. Every time she submitted a token to enter the palace to pay her respects, Consort Zhang would politely refuse nine times out of ten.
What tricks did Dou Wenyi use to catch her eye?
Consort Zhang frowned slightly, glared at her coldly, and said in a warning tone, "Is it wrong for me to send her?"
"This humble woman dares not..." Dou Mingyan trembled, tears welling up in her eyes, and huddled behind Pei Siyan, feeling wronged.
Consort Zhang was even more dissatisfied; she couldn't stand Dou Mingyan's petty attitude of 'using her looks to please men'!
In the palace, which of these concubines who pretend to like weak and delicate women isn't actually full of evil intentions?
"Mingyan, I recently obtained a beauty and skincare formula from Doctor Ge, and I'd like to present it to you as a token of my respect." Pei Siyan's tone was indifferent, as if it were a routine matter, seemingly unaware of the undercurrents between the two.
Consort Zhang ordered someone to offer her a seat.
Dou Wenyi didn't want to stay any longer, so she got up and took her leave.
Consort Zhang said with a smile, "Don't be too reserved at the bonfire dinner later, go and have some fun."
Dou Wenyi nodded. She had already made an appointment with Lin Zhiyi to catch up.
"Crown Prince, these pastries are so delicious, why don't you try some?" After washing her hands, the Seventh Princess ate several pastries in a row, and then picked up another one for Pei Siyan.
Pei Siyan's voice was light, "Mmm, delicious."
Dou Wenyi left the hall, inevitably shocked. It was not hard to see that Dou Mingyan was not favored by Consort Zhang, but Pei Siyan was very protective of her.
A bitter smile appeared on her lips. If Dou Mingyan insisted on being her enemy, then let's fight to the end based on our own abilities!
Unbeknownst to her, she had already stepped onto the terrace where the banquet was being held. Even though she was dressed modestly, her appearance still caused quite a stir among the unmarried men.
She was graceful and elegant, with a beautiful face and a radiant spirit, which made the group of noble ladies, adorned with flowers, secretly compete with her. However, they all breathed a sigh of relief after learning that she was already engaged.
Dou Wenyi looked around and quickly spotted Lin Zhiyi.
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