Chapter 351: Seeing You in the Crowd
The Imperial Palace was magnificent. The wealth of the entire world supported such an estate.
Every treasure could be piled up here. Gems paved the paths, gold formed the roofs, snow-silk lined the walls, coral served as chopsticks, and pearls and jade made up the plates. The opulence exceeded human imagination.
That was why countless people broke their necks trying to squeeze their way in. Some people simply sliced off parts of their bodies to squeeze in. Differentiated competition. It made things much easier.
Eunuch Yan was wearing black clothes today. His daily uniform. Yet it was still low-key and luxurious.
As the Grand Eunuch beside the Emperor, during the prime of eunuchs, he could control the Emperor in every aspect; ministers and imperial concubines had to bribe the eunuchs first to see the Emperor.
Although it was not that exaggerated now, their status remained very special. They were the legitimate whisperers in the Emperor’s ear. A single word from a eunuch could sometimes save a life, and sometimes it could take one.
Sitting not far away, the Seventh Princes Consort, Jiang Yuluan, watched Eunuch Yan with a hint of curiosity.
For some reason, looking at the stiffly dressed Eunuch Yan, she actually felt a sense of familiarity. She suddenly thought of Heir Han.
Jiang Yuluan had met him once. Perhaps because they hadn’t interacted much afterward, they were not close at all. Moreover, it was very awkward because Heir Han had actually married her eldest sister-in-law as a secondary consort.
When her mother wrote to her, one line said that Jiang the Second had no sense of morality and harbored ulterior motives toward the eldest sister-in-law.
She had been disgusted at the time and had never doubted that her mother would lie about such things.
It wasn’t just about a woman’s reputation; her eldest brother would also be very embarrassed. Her eldest brother and sister-in-law had grown up as childhood sweethearts.
As it turned out, Jiang the Second had nothing to do with the eldest sister-in-law. Instead, it was her own brother, Heir Han, who had directly married the eldest sister-in-law and even brought the child along.
The Imperial Son-in-law Han was no longer an imperial son-in-law; the princess had divorced him. Although it was exaggerated, it was not strange; Princess Huiyun had always been willful and unrestrained.
Everyone felt the Imperial Son-in-law was rather wronged, and also affectionate and righteous.
Anyway, most of the people listening to the gossip didn’t know the specific situation, but they still couldn’t help but take sides, sympathizing or condemning…
Jiang Yuluan glanced at Eunuch Yan with curiosity a few times, then withdrew her gaze.
The 9th Prince’s Consort pulled her into casual conversation. “How is that secondary consort in your manor? I heard she is an extremely beautiful beauty.”
Jiang Yuluan:…Her expression was unhappy. Bringing up sore subjects. Although the Seventh Prince had coaxed her into a good mood at home, she still felt repulsed.
Now, out of necessity, she had to give up something, but what about in the future? If, in the future, you really ascend the throne, will there be more unavoidable situations? All of them imposed by others, forcing you to refuse… Every forced retreat was actually just an excuse.
“My sister-in-law has several secondary consorts at home; which one is more beautiful?” Jiang Yuluan asked back unhappily.
The 9th Prince’s Consort covered her mouth and laughed: “The beauty of beauties naturally has its own merits. My 9th Prince has good taste; those younger sisters are both beautiful and obedient. We play cards and have fun together; it couldn’t be happier. Sister-in-law, you are just too possessive. But in the future, when your niece from your maiden family becomes your daughter-in-law, you certainly won’t be lonely anymore.”
After the 9th Prince’s Consort finished speaking, Jiang Yuluan’s expression became even uglier. She hated two things: first, her husband taking concubines.
She had grown up with Princess Huiyun and firmly believed in a lifetime of only one partner. Second, marriage between relatives.
She looked down on the practice of marrying a niece from one’s maiden family into one’s own home, thinking it was unnecessary and ignorant. Yet, the things she hated, she was now doing herself. Her face stung; she was embarrassed and depressed.
The 9th Prince’s Consort covered her mouth and chuckled. She simply couldn’t stand Jiang Yuluan’s aloof appearance; who was nobler than whom, anyway?
Beside them, Jiang Wan spoke unhurriedly: “Auntie couldn’t bear to see me marry far away. I have no one to rely on, so I’m just clinging to my aunt. It’s not like you, 9th Prince’s Consort. I heard that in your household, it is the 9th Prince who cannot bear to let your niece get married and wants to keep her. You two turned from aunt and niece into sisters; what a wonderful story.”
The 9th Prince’s Consort’s face turned black instantly. How could a young girl like Jiang Wan know about such dirty inner-chamber affairs?
But remembering that she and Fairy Liu were the same person, the 9th Prince’s Consort wanted to say something but closed her mouth instead. People still had reservations about ghosts and spirits.
Jiang Wan sat indifferently. Neither humble nor pushy. If she had feathers behind her at this moment, they would probably be bristling. Jiang Wan’s beauty was among the best present; several people seeing her would think she was the real Princess Caiyi.
Sitting there, she seemed to have a glow, naturally attracting people’s gaze.
Princess Huiyun arrived with her daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She sat not far away.
Everyone saw Princess Huiyun at a glance, and then noticed the little girl beside her. Some elderly people almost immediately recalled what Huiyun looked like in the past.
Truly, all the beauties in the world were gathered here today. Yet, few people’s gazes fell on Qin Luoxia. Miss Dong was also here, talking to Mianmian with poise. Upon seeing Miss Dong, Princess Huiyun liked her immediately. Miss Dong had the kind of appearance that elders would like; she was too endearing.
The crowds gathered. To be conspicuous and outstanding, one clearly needed an advantage in appearance, especially at first glance. Inner temperament had to be discovered slowly afterward.
With so many people at a glance, Qin Luoxia was also slightly nervous. She always felt her own shallowness and feared that her shallowness would be discovered by others. She tried hard to do what she was good at, hoping that this way, others would not notice her shallowness and ignorance.
In a place like this today, she saw Sister Yu, who could already handle things on her own while talking to people.
She saw little Mianmian, who was still the same as before to everyone, looking more like a princess than a real princess. Miss Dong was also cute and lovely, and there was no need to worry about them.
It was only herself. In her mind, she inadvertently thought of her days in Kaner Village. Back then, she was also the capable Luo Xia in the mouths of others in the village. Here, people, people, everyone was a person. Her palms inside her official gown were wet. Qin Luoxia was still very nervous.
She turned her head inadvertently and saw the place where the men gathered not far away. Her husband was speaking seriously to others, his expression very earnest and grave, as if they were discussing something important.
Qin Luoxia couldn’t help but look a few more times. Jiang Changtian looked up and happened to look at her. Across many people.
The serious Jiang Changtian revealed a smile toward Xia Mei. He then turned his head to speak to others again.
When he looked up again, he saw Xia Mei was still watching him. He couldn’t help but smile and look back. Perhaps seeing that she was still watching, her husband beckoned a little eunuch.
After a while, the little eunuch trotted over, carrying a plate of small kumquats. “Lord Jiang says this is for the Madam; it is very sweet.” A group of noblewomen immediately cast glances. Qin Luoxia nodded slightly, her face turning a little red. Her clenched hand gently opened.
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