Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C028

"In my leisure, this Prince came with the shizi* of Marquis Huaiyin to offer congratulations on behalf of this Prince and the Old Madam. You may attend to the other guests; there is no need to remain by this Prince's side."

TN: the heir apparent for the title, so in this case, the future Marquis

Marquis Xuanping bowed and withdrew.

Zhou Dang chuckled, "Your Highness's casualness has startled Marquis Xuanping. I fear that when Prince Jin and Prince Qin learn of this, they will be unable to resist speculating as to why you have come to the Marquis Xuanping's mansion."

Prince Wei was silent for a moment, "This Prince did not expect Marquis Xuanping to be so apprehensive; it was indeed my oversight."

In truth, Zhou Dang was also pondering why Prince Wei had suddenly accompanied him to Marquis Xuanping's mansion. His father had instructed him yesterday to make a trip on his behalf today. After discussing matters with Prince Wei, he had casually mentioned it, and who knew that Prince Wei would say he would come along to take a look.

Take a look at what?

Although it was the Old Madam of Marquis Xuanping's birthday, such an occasion would not move Prince Wei. One must know that even his own father, Marquis Huaiyin, had not planned to come in person. What incense had the Marquis Xuanping's mansion burned to warrant Prince Wei's esteemed presence?

However, Zhou Dang also knew that Prince Wei had his own purpose in doing things. Since he said he would take a look, then let him take a look.

Fortunately, it was not his first time at Marquis Xuanping's mansion, so he went outside and instructed a servant to find a scenic and secluded place to enjoy the view.

Marquis Xuanping had left, but he had left the housekeeper behind. Before leaving, he had instructed him to attend to the honored guest with utmost care, to listen to whatever the guest said, and to provide whatever the guest desired.

The housekeeper also knew that this was His Highness Prince Wei, so he naturally dared not be negligent. He hurriedly went to make arrangements, determined to serve this master well.

Marquis Xuanping returned to the hall. Among the guests in the hall, some who were familiar with him asked who had come.

Although others did not ask, their ears were perked up.

Marquis Xuanping wore a profound and inscrutable expression. It was not that he was deliberately putting on an act; he was also confused in his heart. However, he could not openly say that Prince Wei had come, so he could only act this way.

And when others saw him like this, they engaged in even more speculation.

Some even made excuses to go out and have the servants who had followed them inquire. Some found out, and some did not, but they all knew that the shizi of Marquis Huaiyin had accompanied the person who was the honored guest that Marquis Xuanping had rushed out to greet.

But who exactly was it?

The housekeeper hurried over and invited Marquis Xuanping out, reporting the shizi of Marquis Huaiyin's instructions.

Marquis Xuanping said, "Then serve them well. Have a table of the finest dishes prepared. Since the shizi of Marquis Huaiyin is accompanying him, ask if they would like to have some singers perform, or any other arrangements. We dare not ask that master, but we can always ask the shizi."

The housekeeper went to make arrangements.

After a while, someone came again, saying that the shizi of Marquis Huaiyin had said that there were many talented young men in the mansion today. Since he had come, he would like to meet them, just to chat. He had even specifically named the second young master of Duke Zhao's mansion.

Marquis Xuanping was momentarily stunned, and could not help but entertain some conspiracy theories.

One must know that the current situation in the capital was clear to everyone. The Emperor had not established a crown prince, and Prince Jin and Prince Qin were fiercely vying for the position. Only these two princes had the greatest chance of ascending to the throne.

But that was before Prince Wei had returned.

Prince Wei had been away from the capital for too long, so long that people had forgotten him. But as soon as he returned, he instantly reminded people that this was the prince who held the most military power, and also the war god with the most military achievements in all of Great Liang.

Prince Jin and Prince Qin had been trying to win over Duke Zhao's mansion, a fact that Marquis Xuanping knew, since the two families were related by marriage. Could it be that Prince Wei also had this intention, which was why he had come today and specifically named the second young master Zhao to accompany him?

For a moment, Marquis Xuanping felt that he had discerned the truth.

He also found it extremely difficult to decide how to handle this. He could not make this decision, so he hurriedly went to find his brother-in-law, Zhao Rui, who was also the father of Zhao Jianzhi, the shizi of Duke Zhao's mansion, to seek advice.

***

Mei Wuxia finally found an opportunity to speak with Chen Yueyi.

"Yueyi, do you truly believe that I am such a wicked person?"

Chen Yueyi sighed, saying, "I didn't think that much. Just now, wasn't I asking what happened?"

In truth, Chen Yueyi already believed it. The matters were spoken with reason and evidence, truly not like something someone had fabricated. Moreover, regarding the matter of the female teacher surnamed Qin, Mei Wushuang had mentioned it casually when the Mei sisters had first arrived.

It was clearly a casual remark, yet who knew that someone would coincidentally know about this Teacher Qin's past affairs from several years ago, and the whole matter became known.

Furthermore, Wuxia indeed did not bring the other daughters of the household when going out, and each time she brought Wushuang out, she would watch her be mocked without doing anything, which was further proof.

In any case, Chen Yueyi now had a terrible headache. She had finally finished her work and could rest for a while, but Wuxia came to her to plead her case. She didn't know who to believe.

Mei Wuxia also knew that this matter could not be overturned. In truth, if someone had been intent on inquiring, they should have been able to find out that there was a female teacher surnamed Qin in the household.

There was no way to argue her way out of it. Now, it depended on who would take the blame. Mei Wuxia was very clear that her reputation could not be ruined. If her reputation was ruined, she would be ruined entirely.

Therefore, before coming to find Chen Yueyi, she had already decided that her grandmother would have to bear the blame for this matter.

Why not her parents?

Her parents' bad reputation would affect their children, but her grandmother was different. Her grandmother's domineering reputation was already well-known, and she was also old, so it could be said that she was senile. Moreover, her grandmother rarely went out, so her reputation was not important to her.

Mei Wuxia, with tears in her eyes, said, "The matter is true, but I didn't do it. Do you believe me?"

"Then what happened?"

Mei Wuxia looked as if she could hardly speak, and after hesitating for a long while, she said, "It was my grandmother. Yueyi, you are young and do not know the old affairs of my family. If it were the older generation, they should know some. Back then, my grandfather's favoring of a concubine and neglecting his wife caused a great uproar. Wushuang's grandmother was that concubine..."

After hearing the whole story, Chen Yueyi simply did not know how to react.

She had not expected that there would be so many twists and turns within it!

Mei Wuxia was still weeping, "You say that as a junior, I have no say in the affairs of the family. Grandmother's personality is domineering. My mother and I have advised her many times, but she would not listen. I really have no way. You say, if I really wanted to harm Wushuang, why would I bring her before people? It would not benefit me in any way."

"Then according to what you say, Old Madam Mei transferred her hatred for the old woman onto Wushuang. Then Wushuang is truly pitiful. With your grandmother's personality, she probably suffered a lot, right?"

Mei Wuxia bit her teeth secretly, but in order to clear herself, to have Chen Yueyi stand on her side, and to salvage their friendship, she could only nod and acknowledge that Mei Wushuang had been bullied very pitifully.

"Actually, I have been helping her. Like bringing her out, it was I who persuaded Grandmother. Each time Grandmother lost her temper, I would protect her, but some things are truly…"

Chen Yueyi sighed, "If that's the case, why didn't you say so earlier? You almost made me misunderstand you."

"I really didn't know how to say it, after all, the matter involves Grandmother."

"Actually, you shouldn't hold a grudge against Wushuang either. This matter really has nothing to do with her. Before, many people were pulling her to ask, and she specifically came to me to say that she wanted to avoid those people. Now that the rumors are like this, why don't we go find Wushuang and then find a few people to clarify things, so that everyone won't misunderstand you?"

Mei Wuxia was originally annoyed that Chen Yueyi was speaking up for Mei Wushuang, but seeing that the other party wanted to help her clarify things, she was secretly delighted and nodded repeatedly.

Afterwards, Chen Yueyi called for a maid to prepare water to help Mei Wuxia wash her face, and then she reapplied her makeup. Only then did the two of them go together to find Wushuang.

***

When Wushuang saw Chen Yueyi and Mei Wuxia appear together, she already had a premonition.

As expected, after Chen Yueyi explained her intentions, she sighed inwardly.

This Mei Wuxia's abilities were truly great. In such a situation, she could still find someone to take the blame. However, she had not expected that Mei Wuxia would push all the blame onto the Old Madam. By doing this, was she not afraid that the Old Madam would find out?

Wushuang bit her lower lip slightly, her face somewhat pale, "So it was Grandmother's idea. Actually, I had guessed it long ago. No wonder Grandmother doesn't like me..."

As she spoke, she lowered her head.

Chen Yueyi said, "I shouldn't interfere in your family's affairs, but Wuxia is quite innocent. Now those noble ladies are all discussing her. Wushuang, you know what the consequences are if a girl's reputation is ruined. Please help Wuxia explain."

"Explain? How am I supposed to explain?" Wushuang was somewhat flustered, saying, "Eldest Sister, you know I've always been a woman of few words. Besides, my mind is in such a turmoil right now, I truly don't know how to speak of it. I can't just stop everyone I see to explain, wouldn't that be like 'no silver buried here'?"

Chen Yueyi was also in a difficult position. She had only thought of explaining, but only when it came to the actual execution did she realize how difficult it truly was.

"Moreover, if I were to explain, I would inevitably have to slander Grandmother. To be honest, I dare not," Wushuang added.

Mei Wuxia's face stiffened. She had actually forgotten about this point. Now, with Mei Wushuang bringing it up, she remembered that if she wanted to clear herself, she would have to accuse another. She didn't care who she slandered, but she had overlooked their respective positions.

For a granddaughter to speak ill of her grandmother in front of outsiders, regardless of the truth, would be shocking and rebellious in the eyes of others.

"Lest it be said that I am unfeeling and unwilling to help Eldest Sister, how about this, Eldest Sister, you can find someone to explain, and I will speak in your favor then," Wushuang blocked the last possible avenue.

Mei Wuxia stared, not knowing what to do for a moment. She had always been one to let others speak ill of others while she reaped the good reputation. But now, she was being asked to take the lead?

As for Chen Yueyi, she also thought this method was not bad.

In her mind, Wushuang had already suffered much grievance. Grandmother was Wuxia's own grandmother, so there was no reason to have others do the work for her. However, at this moment, she also realized Mei Wuxia's predicament. If she didn't clarify, she would have to bear the blame for her grandmother. If she did clarify, it would be rebellious. Who knew what outsiders would think of Wuxia then?

The young girls might not think much of it, but especially the elders of each family would think, "To clear herself, she doesn't hesitate to speak ill of her elders in public. Who would dare to take such a junior?" Wuxia's marriage had not been settled yet, and doing this would push her into an extremely awkward situation.

How could Mei Wuxia not know the implications? For a moment, she only felt extremely aggrieved and indignant, yet helpless.

She wanted to marry into the imperial family, so her reputation must not be damaged. Being jealous and harming her sisters would damage it, and slandering her own grandmother would also damage it. And her current dilemma was all caused by Mei Wushuang.

Mei Wushuang!

She gritted her teeth in secret, tearing Wushuang to shreds a thousand times over in her heart, but on the surface, she appeared extremely wronged yet magnanimous, saying, "Forget it, let's not clarify anything. How could I speak ill of Grandmother?" 

She then stepped forward to take Wushuang's hand, "I only hope that Wushuang can understand and forgive me, and not hold a grudge against me because of Grandmother."

Wushuang was also happy to play along, her eyes filled with tears as she said, "Eldest Sister, how could I hold a grudge against you? Don't overthink it. I would never hold a grudge against you."

Chen Yueyi was also very moved, "It's good that the feelings between you sisters haven't been harmed. As for the clarification, let's take it slowly. After the storm has passed, I'll host a gathering and find a few close friends to speak on your behalf. Everyone will surely understand you then, Wuxia."

For now, this was the only way.

The three returned to the crowd. Wushuang excused herself, saying she felt unwell, and left. Chen Yueyi, however, stayed with Mei Wuxia, which surprised many noble ladies.

Logically, Chen Yueyi knew about the matter. Someone had specifically spoken to her about it before. Yet, things were still like this now. It seemed that either this woman was brainless and easily deceived, or Mei Wuxia's methods were so clever that she had deceived her again.

Therefore, when Chen Yueyi spoke to others later, they were willing to talk to her, but the way they looked at her was strange no matter how one looked at it.

Chen Yueyi wanted to explain, but there were too many people now. Plus, her cousin Zhao Lanzhi called her over to talk, so she could only suppress the matter.

***

The small flower hall where Zhao Lanzhi was located was a very special place among the noble ladies today.

Very few people could enter, all because Commandery Princess Minghui had also come today.

This Commandery Princess Minghui was the daughter of Princess Yong'an and the current Empress Dowager's own granddaughter. Among the noble ladies of the same age, her status was undoubtedly above everyone else. Although Commandery Princess Minghui had no relation to Marquis Xuanping's mansion, she was related to Duke Zhao's mansion, so she was also very familiar with Chen Yueyi.

Mei Wuxia had been following Chen Yueyi, and Chen Yueyi couldn't very well tell her not to follow, so the two entered this small flower hall together.

Several noble ladies were sitting in the flower hall. Commandery Princess Minghui was sitting at the head, looking bored. Only when she saw Chen Yueyi enter did she perk up a bit.

"Yueyi, you've finally arrived."

After a round of greetings and small talk, Zhao Lanzhi said, "Yueyi, go call that Third Miss Mei over, let us have a look at her."

Chen Yueyi asked, puzzled, "What do you want to see her for?"

The others exchanged smiles. One of the noble ladies said, "It's just that Shuhua's relative came in just now and told us some interesting things from outside. Everyone is quite curious."

Chen Yueyi understood at once, finding herself in a difficult position.

It was simply that, after entering, Mei Wuxia had not had the chance to introduce herself at all. Nor was this a place where she could speak freely. Had she not seen that even the relatives of that Shuhua had no names? This indicated that those who could enter were merely there as foils, and foils naturally had their place.

But Chen Yueyi knew what amusing stories they were listening to, and naturally felt awkward.

Seeing the troubled look on her face, Zhao Lanzhi stood up and pulled her towards the outside, saying to the others, "Yueyi and I have some things to discuss; we'll be out for a while."

Once outside, Zhao Lanzhi led Chen Yueyi into a deserted corridor. Mei Wuxia followed behind, but Zhao Lanzhi glanced at her, stopping her from continuing further. Mei Wuxia could only stand in place.

After stopping, Chen Yueyi asked, "Cousin, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"It's about that Third Miss Mei."

"Cousin, it's not that I don't want you to meet her, but the one who was just by my side was the eldest Miss of the Mei family…"

Zhao Lanzhi frowned. "She is that eldest Miss of the Mei family? Alright, let's not talk about her for now. Do you know why Commandery Princess Minghui came today?"

Chen Yueyi was also quite curious about this. This was Commandery Princess Minghui's first time visiting the Marquis Xuanping's mansion. Previously, the two had always met at Duke Zhao's mansion, as Commandery Princess Minghui had no familial ties with the Marquis Xuanping's mansion, being separated by a layer.

"She came for that Third Miss Mei."

Chen Yueyi revealed a look of surprise. Not far away at the corner, another person also showed a look of astonishment; it was none other than Mei Wuxia, who had been told not to follow but had still come.

"How could this be?"

"Let me tell you, some time ago, Prince Wei returned to the capital, and Minghui, she…"