Chapter 132

Taking the daughter of a fourth-rank official as a concubine, even as a king, is not easily accomplished. The fourth-rank Superintendent of Learning held a modest position without real power, but his memorials could reach the Emperor directly.

Parental consent was always necessary; it wasn’t as simple as carrying her back to the residence in a small sedan chair.

Xiao Xun had already heard about Han Lin hosting a banquet for Pei Jian.

Pei Jian was willing to attend an insignificant imperial son-in-law’s engagement but repeatedly refused to give a face to Xiao Xun, a king. Xiao Xun’s patience had long been exhausted.

When he heard rumors that Lord Pei was deeply devoted and already had someone in his heart, it only solidified Xiao Xun’s resolve to bring Wen Nianxi into his household.

He wanted to humiliate Pei Jian. Let’s see if the ever-dignified and reserved Lord Pei can maintain his composure.

Moreover, Wen Nianxi, with her beauty as radiant as the moon, would make the perfect companion for a warm bed. Thus, he sent a mediator to discuss matters with Wen Yuanqiao.

Offering high official positions and double the bride price, it was expected to be a straightforward affair. However, before the mediator could finish speaking, Wen Yuanqiao furiously berated him and drove him out.

When Xiao Xun heard about this, his expression grew fierce, and a cold smile appeared on his lips. “If they don’t drink the toast, then they’ll have to drink the penalty wine.”

For a man to claim a woman was quite simple—the quickest way was to tarnish her reputation. But such methods were ultimately disgraceful.

Xiao Xun prided himself on his status and refused to stoop to such indignities. With his striking appearance, being the Empress’s only son and the Emperor’s legitimate heir, raised in luxury and wielding immense power, he was admired by countless women, as numerous as fish crossing a river. So, he asked his Consort to send an invitation, summoning Miss Wen to King Jing’s residence. He wanted to meet the beauty in person.

King Jing’s Consort was a gentle and quiet woman. She was like a piece of wood both in and out of bed. Apart from being obedient, Xiao Xun couldn’t see any other merits in her.

“If we only invite Miss Wen alone, it might be too conspicuous. Why not invite a few other ladies as well?”

Xiao Xun didn’t care about such trivial matters and replied indifferently, “Do as you wish.”

On the banquet day, the King Jing’s residence was adorned with flowers and bustling with activity. The air was filled with the fragrance of perfumes, and many ladies and noblewomen attended, chatting, drinking tea, and laughing. Yet, the most anticipated guest was conspicuously absent.

Xiao Xun waited in a pavilion within the residence and summoned the Consort. Without regard for the fact that they were outside, he unleashed a torrent of scolding: “I always thought you were virtuous, which is why I entrusted the management of the residence to you. But you dare to feign compliance while acting against my wishes? Where is the person I asked you to invite?”

In front of the servants, he showed no regard for the Consort’s dignity, speaking harshly with a chilling gaze.

The Consort lowered her head, standing alone, her expression showing neither joy nor sorrow. “Miss Wen sent someone early this morning to apologize, saying she caught a cold and cannot get out of bed.”

Xiao Xun swept the teacup at his side off the table. Tea splashed everywhere, soaking the hem of the Consort’s skirt. She didn’t flinch and stood as straight as ever.

Xiao Xun despised her lifeless demeanor the most. Rising to his feet, as he passed by her, he coldly said, “You can’t even handle such a minor task! Useless!”

After he left, the Consort, Xun Shuling, could no longer stop herself from trembling. She raised her hand, and the shattered fragments of the teacup left a cut on her pale, delicate hand. She could barely stand and was about to collapse.

Fortunately, someone caught her in time.

Xun Shuling did not have any maids with her. When she looked up, she saw a gentle, concerned face calling out anxiously, “Cousin, are you alright?”

“Wanxin?” Xun Shuling murmured.

Xu Wanxin’s mother was Xun Shuling’s aunt. Xun Shuling also invited her aunt and cousin to this banquet.

At this moment, Xun Shuling was in a very poor state. Her face was deathly pale as if she could faint at any moment.

Xu Wanxin helped her sit at a stone table.

Ignoring the fallen teacup, she poured a fresh cup of tea for Xun Shuling and said with concern, “Cousin, should we call a physician to check on you? You look very unwell.”

Xun Shuling shook her head. As the banquet host at King Jing’s residence, she felt she must endure until the event concluded, no matter what.

Xu Wanxin was the most understanding and empathetic person. She truly knew how to appreciate and relate to others’ suffering. Once Xun Shuling regained her composure and looked somewhat better, Xu Wanxin helped her change into clean clothes.

For the rest of the day, she assisted Xun Shuling in hosting the female guests, saving the Consort a great deal of effort.

…

Fusheng Banzhan was running smoothly, with a steady customer base, becoming the top choice for social gatherings among the noblewomen of the capital.

Nianxi devoted even more of her energy to Liuji Pavilion. Her cousin frequently teased her about this, saying, “You’ve turned into a Bodhisattva. You spend all day being charitable, earning some money here only to donate it to Liuji Pavilion right after.”

Then, with a sigh, she added, “Without you around, I don’t even get to see any handsome young men.”

This is about Zhou Yanli.

Zhou Yanli’s looks once made him the unrivaled star in Jinling, and even after arriving in the capital, he remained uniquely outstanding.

As Cousin Mu put it, Zhou Yanli has replaced Gu Ci and Pei Jian, becoming the new dream lover of the young ladies in the capital!

Nianxi asked, “And who came before Gu Ci?”

Wang Muyi rattled off the answer, “Xiaoqi’s father, Lu Wensheng!”

Having heard that Zhou Yanli was Nianxi’s younger brother, many young ladies in the shop openly and secretly sought to curry favor with her.

Nianxi was more than happy to see it happen. Whenever she was with Yanli, they would frequently “coincidentally” encounter other noble young ladies. After it happened several times, Zhou Yanli looked utterly aggrieved and complained, “Elder Sister, you’re doing this on purpose.”

Naturally, Nianxi would never admit it. But Zhou Yanli also had his own talent for being infuriating.

For example, when Miss Zhu had a darker complexion, he commented on how white her teeth were. When Miss Liu’s eyes were set farther apart, he said her eyes seemed like two kings unable to see each other. When Miss Qin had a rounder face, he remarked that it could accommodate all the rivers and mountains. In short, he managed to drive away every girl who tried to get close to him.

Nianxi was furious. “You’ve scared off all my guests!”

Zhou Yanli, however, was even more self-righteous than her. “With the way I look, simply standing next to less attractive people is, in itself, a form of cruelty to them.’

Nianxi: …