The Crown Prince remained silent the entire time, his gaze fixed solely on Tang Qingwan.
By the time the figurative smoke cleared, the matter was already a foregone conclusion.
Tang Qingwan, the Crown Prince, and Liu Wanting knelt together, bowing their heads to express their gratitude.
The wedding date was set for mid-June, which was only a little over a month away.
With the main business concluded, the Emperor did not stay much longer for the ensuing palace banquet. Minister Liu accompanied him as he left.
Liu Wanting leaned against Madam Liu, her face bathed in tears like a rain-drenched pear blossom.
She had just been titled a County Princess, giving her the capital to stand on equal footing with Tang Qingwan. Yet now, she was being forced to enter the Eastern Palace through a side gate. How could she possibly be resigned to this?
Moreover, from the very beginning of this dual marriage of wife and concubine, what she had wanted was a grand wedding ceremony identical to that of the official consort.
Mother, Liu Wanting whimpered, the massive disparity leaving her feeling utterly suffocated.
Especially since the Cui and Tang families had so blatantly emphasized her status as a concubine in front of all the capital's officials, thoroughly humiliating her.
Enough now. The Cui family has also suffered a significant loss today. Do not push them too hard; going too far is as bad as falling short, and it might backfire.
Liu Wanting gritted her teeth tightly, looking at the Crown Prince with a pitiful, wronged expression.
She nearly choked on her breath in sheer frustration—the Crown Prince's eyes were practically glued to Tang Qingwan.
The rest of the palace banquet was incredibly dull.
Cui Yunchu lowered her eyes, pondering over something, when she noticed a gaze constantly lingering on her. It felt sticky and cloying, making her quite uncomfortable.
She looked up and met Shen Zilan's stare from across the room.
...
Cui Yunchu frowned in displeasure. Just as she was about to look away, another person's cold, heavy gaze caught her attention.
Shen Xiaobai.
He was staring at her, looking extremely displeased, his eyes even carrying a hint of warning and threat.
Ha, what crazy fit was he throwing now?
Cui Yunchu knew very well that earlier in the Fengluan Palace, the Emperor and Shen Xiabai had been putting on a coordinated act, having colluded well in advance to target her Cui family. Thus, she naturally had no good looks to spare for him.
Her face taut, she glared back coldly and mouthed wordlessly, What are you looking at, you dog of a man.
Was it her fault that his nephew was staring at her? Who was he trying to bully?
Uncle, was she just speaking to me? Shen Zilan's grip on his wine cup tightened slightly, his face full of delight.
... Shen Xiabai shot Shen Zilan an expressionless look.
Is it possible that she was cursing at you?
Shen Zilan froze for a moment, then shook his head. How could such a charming and gentle girl curse at anyone?
Besides, he had never offended her.
Gentle? Shen Xiabai's mouth twitched. He really wanted to give this idiot a good lashing with a whip.
It seemed he hadn't listened to a single word of the outside world's evaluation of that woman.
Perhaps you could be like Young Master Chen and ask around about the girl's character.
Young Master Wang would indeed be a good person to ask.
Why should I ask around? Shen Zilan said, displeased. The master taught that a gentleman should not believe in rumors, but rather trust what he sees with his own eyes. I only believe in the her that I know.
Bang!
A sudden loud crash rang out as Shen Zilan's chair splintered apart. He fell hard onto the ground, looking up at his uncle in disbelief.
Xiabai, what are you doing? Old Madam Shen hurriedly helped the deeply aggrieved Shen Zilan up.
I startled you, Mother. I simply couldn't hold back, Shen Xiabai said, still showing utmost respect to Old Madam Shen.
Old Madam Shen glared at him. Is there anything that couldn't wait until we returned home? Zilan is about to get married; couldn't you leave him some face?
The commotion at the Shen family's seating area was not small, but most people only cast a fleeting glance. No one dared to openly watch the spectacle of this newly risen noble.
Cui Yunchu watched lazily, the corners of her lips curling into a smirk.
Her undisguised posture of enjoying the show made it difficult for Shen Xiabai, sitting opposite her, to ignore.
His cold, fierce gaze shot over.
A chill ran through Cui Yunchu's heart, but she met his gaze head-on, showing no fear.
Their eyes clashed in the air, neither willing to yield.
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, Cui Yunchu consoled herself. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he wouldn't dare rush over and kill her.
Thinking of this, she let out a scoffing laugh, extended her middle finger, and flipped Shen Xiabai off.
Shen Xiabai's temple twitched, the back of his hand turning pale as he gripped his cup tightly.
He's just a child, why are you bickering with him? Old Madam Shen was still complaining.
Hearing this, the surging anger in Shen Xiabai's heart suddenly dissipated into nothingness.
Right. She was just a little girl, and a daughter of the Cui family at that. Why should he bother bickering so much with her?
If he was going to settle scores, it should be directed at Prime Minister Cui and Grand Tutor Tang.
After several rounds of wine, the palace banquet was finally coming to an end, but some matters were only just beginning.
First, the young eunuch beside the Crown Prince politely escorted Tang Qingwan away. Then came Cui Yunfeng, who was unable to set her mind at ease regarding Prince An.
With Consort Liang personally looking after him, I imagine His Highness Prince An will be fine.
Cui Yunfeng pressed her red lips together tightly. He was injured because of me, after all. I promised I would go visit him.
Grandmother, she looked at Old Madam Cui pleadingly.
Old Madam Cui remained silent, caught in a dilemma.
Privately, she did not want Cui Yunfeng associating with him. But today, they indeed owed him a favor. His feelings for Yunfeng were genuine; such sincere and burning devotion was truly rare.
What a pity that he was born into the royal family.
Second Miss Cui, someone suddenly called out, catching up from behind.
Cui Yunchu looked at the newcomer, her expression turning slightly cold.
It was Shen Xiabai's man. She would recognize him even if he were turned to ash.
She raised her eyes. Under the eaves of the corridor not far away stood Shen Xiabai, his hands clasped behind his back, the contours of his profile exceedingly cold and hard.
My master is Lord Shen, who oversaw the punishment of His Highness Prince An earlier. His Highness Prince An is severely injured. By the time he was carried back to Consort Liang's palace, he was breathing his last. My master specially sent me to inform Second Miss Cui.
Cui Yunfeng's face instantly drained of color.
Breathing his last? How could that be? Didn't he say he had thick skin and tough flesh? How could it be so serious?
Cui Yunchu looked at the servant, her mouth twitching slightly. Fifty strokes of the cane was not a small number, but the executioners were all veterans. Given Prince An's status, how would they dare to beat him to death?
Yunfeng!
Cui Yunfeng could no longer bother waiting for Old Madam Cui's permission. She turned around and sprinted toward Consort Liang's palace.
Cui Yunchu, ...
