"Ms. Su seems like a completely different person from before," Yang Mengchen observed quietly while watching Su Manru.
Su Manru’s expression changed abruptly upon seeing the slight smile on Yang Mengchen’s lips and her pair of pitch-black pupils as dark as stars, resembling the bottomless abyss at the end of the universe—one couldn’t help but feel drawn in after one more glance, yet they also contained much insight and clarity, leaving no room to hide. This caused an inexplicable fear in her heart. She tried hard to steady her mind and regained her composure, "People always change, don’t they, Commandery Princess?"
"Ms. Su speaks the truth," Yang Mengchen said elegantly, sipping the fruit juice from the Ceramic Glaze cup on the table, "but one’s true nature can’t be changed."
Caressing the Green Jade Bracelet on her right wrist, Su Manru chuckled lightly, "That’s also true, a person of low birth can wear silk and satin but cannot change their vulgar and ugly nature. Ah... My apologies, Commandery Princess, I wasn’t referring to you, nor did I mean anything by it, I was merely stating a fact."
Looking at Su Manru who was full of apologies and hurried explanations, Hai Tang and the others showed scorn and anger in their eyes.
Although Su Manru’s grandfather was a Cabinet Scholar, he was only of Second Rank, her father was merely a Fifth Rank Minister of Rites, and Su Manru herself was of no rank. The Crown Princess Consort, setting aside her transcendent rank, was also an imperial conferred Commandery Princess enjoying the treatment of an Eldest Princess. It was simply preposterous that Su Manru would discuss matters of status.
Yang Mengchen smiled faintly and placed the Ceramic Glaze cup back on the table, "If I remember correctly, Ms. Su is even a year older than me. Why haven’t you been betrothed yet? Has fate not arrived? Or perhaps, no man of Dong Chu is worthy of Ms. Su’s discerning eye?"
"Isn’t the Commandery Princess asking knowingly?" A flash of irritation and jealousy crossed Su Manru’s eyes as she hinted, "Since ancient times, a woman doesn’t marry twice, and with the promise made between the Emperor and my grandfather, in my heart, I am already the..." She paused and reassured, "Commandery Princess, rest assured, I have learned etiquette and rules since I was young and would not cause a rift between the Crown Prince and the Commandery Princess. I also ask that you show mercy and not interfere in my marriage."
With tearful eyes that looked at Yang Mengchen, her demeanor was graceful and delicate, yet her brows and eyes conveyed a softness paired with firmness.
Had the Crown Princess Consort not warned them in advance, Hai Tang and the others would have wished to kill Su Manru, glowering at her with cold murderous intent in their eyes.
Word by word, she clung to the Crown Prince and even acted like this, unaware people might think the Crown Princess Consort bullied her. It was utterly shameless and overly dramatic!
As footsteps grew closer, Yang Mengchen watched Su Manru with a trace of mysterious sneer tugging at her lips.
Soon, Princess Ning and a group of noblewomen approached. Several close acquaintances came directly to Yang Mengchen, discreetly ensuring she was unharmed and sighed in relief.
Lady Luo spoke with a hint of reproach, "Didn’t you say you’d just take a walk in the garden? Why wander to such a secluded spot? You should be more careful with your condition."
"Aunty Luo, don’t be angry, Ms. Su and I were having a pleasant chat, and before we knew it, we ended up here. I apologize for causing you worry. It’s entirely my fault," Yang Mengchen quickly apologized with a smile.
Lady Luo was worried for Yang Mengchen and upon seeing her act spoiled, couldn’t help but laugh, "I really don’t know what to say to you."
Arm in arm with Lady Luo and Lady Xiao, Yang Mengchen smiled.
"The banquet is about to begin, let’s all head back," Lady Xiao added.
The others agreed.
Looking at Su Manru who remained seated on the stone bench, her face covered with tears, Princess Ning looked at her with disgust, "For families like ours, we abhor constant crying and wailing, let alone on a joyous occasion for the Yang family like today. Your behavior could bring bad luck to the Yang family, and it’s simply unseemly!"
Upon hearing Princess Ning’s words, everyone turned their gaze to Su Manru, who indeed had the appearance of a weeping beauty. They couldn’t help but express criticism and disdain.
Standing outside the pavilion, Lady Su quickly approached, took out a silk handkerchief to wipe her daughter’s tears, and scolded her in a low voice, then apologized to the crowd.
After drying her tears, Su Manru got up, bowed her head, and followed her mother’s apologies, covering the confusion and deep-seated hatred in her eyes.
Why did it turn out like this? These so-called virtuous and upright ladies, upon seeing her cry, shouldn’t they ask why she was crying? Had she been wronged? She could have taken the opportunity to accuse this vile woman of humiliating her because of the Crown Prince, and then everyone would condemn the vile woman for being jealous and cruel, right?
By then, this vile woman would surely be unable to bear it and might even suffer from a miscarriage or worse due to the stress. As the victim, Su Manru naturally wouldn’t be held responsible, and she could even take the chance to marry the Crown Prince righteously.
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