“Mother, why do you always speak up for her? I truly don’t understand what that woman has, apart from her status and position, that makes you all treat her so well. I just don’t get it. Even my own brother—when he returned, I took the initiative to speak to him, but he ignored me. Yet when that woman says a word, he listens as if it were an imperial decree. Not just him, even Father is the same. I really…”
The gentle voice was unmistakably that of Lady Nangong, while the proud, resentful tone belonged to Leng Mingye’s half-sister, Nangong Fang. The woman they were referring to, along with the princess, was clearly Wanqing.
It seemed Wanqing’s mother-in-law and sister-in-law had quite a few grievances against her.
No wonder these women felt this way. She had been exhausted from the journey, and upon returning, she had immediately participated in the ancestral rites with Leng Mingye, followed by accompanying them to the palace to meet the Emperor. Then, discovering the Emperor’s odd behavior and witnessing her mother’s troubled demeanor, she had gotten involved in this matter. She truly hadn’t had the time to bond with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.
“Qing’er, greet your mother-in-law and sister-in-law. I should have come to see you both earlier after returning, but I’ve been preoccupied with matters, so…”
As they were speaking, a maid entered to announce Wanqing’s arrival with her attendants. The two women fell silent and looked toward the entrance, where a petite figure appeared, clad in a flowing bright yellow gauze skirt, a padded jacket embroidered with delicate petals, and a white fox fur draped over her shoulders. Her features were exquisite, and she was accompanied by a maid in light blue robes, who, though a servant, was strikingly beautiful.
Previously, they had only seen her from afar. Now, up close, Nangong Fang couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Mu Wanqing, despite being a princess raised in the humble quarters of a minor marquis’s residence, had grown into such a beauty and had even won the heart of a man as exceptional as her brother.
Thinking of her own marriage—despite her noble upbringing and pampered childhood—she had only wed an ordinary man. An inexplicable jealousy toward Wanqing welled up in her. Forget the elegant princess; even the maid by her side was enough to stir envy. How could she keep such a pretty maid around without worrying about her brother being seduced?
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Wanqing approached and bowed respectfully, instructing her maid Chunlan to present gifts.
“How thoughtful of you, Qing’er. Please rise. You’ve just returned and have been busy with the Emperor. It must have been exhausting.”
Lady Nangong, though initially displeased that Wanqing had spent her time following Leng Mingye around instead of paying her respects, was mollified by her proper etiquette and rose with a smile to help her up.
“It’s my duty as your daughter-in-law. These are gifts for you, Mother, and for Sister. I hope you’ll accept them.”
Wanqing had no strong impressions of Lady Nangong or Nangong Fang, but out of respect for her mother’s words and considering they were Leng Mingye’s family, she had come. She had been worried about not visiting her mother-in-law and sister-in-law sooner after returning to the estate.
Seeing Lady Nangong’s relatively warm reception, she smiled lightly and presented the gifts from Chunlan, explaining each one.
“How thoughtful! Since it’s your kind gesture, I’ll gladly accept them.”
Lady Nangong was delighted to receive a deep purple bracelet made of prayer beads and a white jade statue of Guanyin, perfectly suited to her devout Buddhist practices. She motioned for a maid to take the gifts.
“It seems you understand Mother’s preferences. But these two items don’t look particularly valuable. As a princess, you’re giving me such modest gifts? Quite the gesture.”
Nangong Fang watched as her mother fawned over the gifts, unable to see their worth. She pursed her lips but remained silent until she examined her own presents: a deep purple pearl necklace and a white jade hair ornament.
“Miss, you misunderstand. These gifts from Her Highness are no ordinary pearls or jade…”
Chunlan couldn’t hold back upon hearing Nangong Fang’s disdainful remarks about her mistress.
“Chunlan…” Wanqing chided her maid softly, though she privately shared her disdain for Nangong Fang’s lack of discernment.
“So, it’s my ignorance, then? Well, my upbringing and knowledge can’t compare to yours, Sister. In that case, I’ll accept these gifts. By the way, I heard from Mingye that you’re no ordinary woman. Our Nangong family—indeed, all of Bohai—reveres martial arts. I have no particular talents myself, but how about a friendly spar? What do you say?”
Nangong Fang smirked, watching Wanqing’s reaction as she accepted the gifts. Wanqing remained composed, her serene demeanor unchallenged by the provocation. This only fueled Nangong Fang’s frustration—why wasn’t she losing her temper? Instead, she stood there, exuding quiet dignity.
“Fang’er, the princess is of noble birth. She’s not like you, neglecting feminine arts for swords and spears…”
Lady Nangong, though concerned about her daughter’s hostility, tried to mediate, knowing her son’s position as heir might be at stake with Leng Mingye’s return.
“Mother, stay out of this. Didn’t Mingye and Father say she’s extraordinary? If she can’t even accept this challenge, then her ‘exceptional’ reputation is just empty words, isn’t it?”
Nangong Fang brushed off her mother’s interference, resentful of the favor Leng Mingye and Wanqing had received from their father. She wouldn’t dare confront Leng Mingye, but this delicate princess was another matter.
“Sister, though I’ve not experienced much of the world and lacked guidance, I understand propriety and respect. I’m certain I’ve done nothing to offend you, yet you seem determined to antagonize me. Has our return caused some misunderstanding?”
Wanqing was genuinely puzzled. This was their first meeting, yet Nangong Fang seemed intent on provoking her. What grudge could she possibly hold?
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