Chapter 1868 - 1806: Flattered and Courted
Chapter 1868: Chapter 1806: Flattered and Courted
Outside the plaza in front of the Cining Palace’s main hall, many noblewomen and ladies from various prestigious families dressed in luxurious attire were standing. It was already winter, and with the sun nearly setting, the cold wind was bitterly cold, making many people’s faces pale, yet they had no choice but to endure it.
"The Princess Consort of Jin has arrived."
Upon hearing this announcement, everyone turned to look and saw a magnificent lady in palace attire, cloaked in a silver-white fox fur, being helped out of a sedan chair by a maidservant, prompting whispers among the crowd.
Wufu had been in Beiyan for almost two months, but she rarely appeared in public. Even when invited to some banquets, she declined, using her mourning period as an excuse, not wanting to appear as if she were showing off.
Because of this, she became reclusive and very mysterious, so much so that many people had never seen the true appearance of the Princess Consort of Jin.
Some even wondered if she was perhaps of low birth and felt inferior, or if she was as ugly as a demon, and thus made excuses to avoid appearing?
Now they finally saw her in person. Inferior?
What they saw was a tall, graceful lady with delicate and dignified features. Her bright eyes sparkled like morning stars, her lips slightly curved into a gentle smile, exuding elegance and grace.
There was nothing of inferiority; she stood there, isolated from the world yet not out of place, as if she was naturally noble and incomparable.
The whispers grew louder like buzzing bees as someone approached, and Wufu glanced over, her eyes flashing momentarily.
"Madam Lu from Marquis Qi’s Mansion greets Her Royal Highness the Princess Consort."
"This young lady greets Her Royal Highness the Princess Consort."
The visitors were Lady Marquis Qi and her daughter, Miss Qi Yuyan, who was selected to be the Second Imperial Son’s consort.
"You may rise." Wufu lifted her hand slightly.
Lady Marquis Qi quickly straightened herself, discreetly examining Wufu from head to toe, a hint of disdain flickering in her eyes, though her face soon broke into a smile as she said, "I’ve always wanted to meet Her Royal Highness the Princess Consort. Now that I’ve seen her, she indeed is stunningly beautiful, no wonder Prince Jin is so enamored."
"Lady Marquis Qi flatters me. In terms of beauty, I am far inferior to Miss Qi." Wufu glanced at Qi Yuyan and said with a smile, "When I first met Miss Qi, who would have thought our fates were so intertwined that we would become family!"
Qi Yuyan twitched her lips and pretended to lower her head shyly, speaking softly, "Yuyan didn’t expect it either," though she was fuming inside. What did she care for becoming a consort?
Lady Marquis Qi’s smile grew even wider, "Yuyan is young. I hope the Princess Consort of Jin will guide her more in the future."
No matter how they viewed this royal consort, now that her daughter was chosen to be a prince’s consort, Marquis Qi’s Mansion was tied to the Second Imperial Son. Befriending her might bring benefits in the future and possibly even win over Prince Jin, aiding in securing the Crown Prince position for the Second Imperial Son.
With such thoughts, Lady Marquis Qi became slightly ingratiating and said to Qi Yuyan, "Yuyan, the Princess Consort has just arrived in Beiyan and is not yet familiar with the place. You should visit Prince Jin’s Mansion often to chat with her."
Qi Yuyan bit her lip, saying, "I’m just afraid the Princess Consort would find me dull and inarticulate."
Wufu continued smiling, understanding Lady Marquis Qi’s intentions—already trying to build connections for her future son-in-law. Tsk tsk, even before the wedding, they’re already vying for resources. Indeed, the inner court and political affairs of the former dynasty were inseparable.
Another madam came forward to greet Wufu; this time, it was a lady from the family of the Eldest Imperial Son’s in-laws, the Madam Liu family, lavishing flattery upon Wufu, causing Lady Marquis Qi to roll her eyes, muttering sarcastic comments.
The verbal sparring between the two sides was intense, filled with sparks, but fortunately, the Empress Dowager summoned Wufu to enter the hall, allowing her to escape and distance herself from the center of the whirlpool.