Chapter 22

Shen Wei listened to these words but didn’t speak right away.

She understood what Liu Mengxian meant by “feeling wronged,” but she didn’t understand why Liu Mengxian would say such things to her.

From what she remembered, although the original body had some interactions with Liu Mengxian, their relationship wasn’t particularly close…

Liu Mengxian didn’t hear Shen Wei respond, but she didn’t say anything more. She simply kept holding Shen Wei’s hand and spoke gently, “I had originally planned to invite you to the palace earlier, but I heard that you were ill recently, and I was worried that the travel might tire you out…” After saying this, she asked, “Are you feeling completely better now?”

The next day.

The palace lantern banquet was scheduled for the evening, and because there were many noblewomen visiting the palace today, and she had to first go pay respects to the mistress of Weiyang Palace, Shen Wei was concerned about potential traffic congestion. She decided to leave early, around the time of the Shen hour. Today, she was dressed in the attire of a first-rank marquis’s wife, holding Lu Mizhi’s hand. As she was about to board the carriage, she heard a voice behind her: “Big sister, you haven’t been out for a while. There are many people coming and going at the palace today, so you must be cautious.”

“And you’re also bringing along a concubine’s daughter. Be careful not to cause any trouble or offend someone.”

Shen Wei had not intended to respond to Wang Shi, but noticing Lu Mizhi’s pale face, her previously smooth brows furrowed. She gently patted Lu Mizhi’s hand and then turned to glance at Wang Shi, her expression calm. From her elevated position on the footstool, looking down at Wang Shi, her voice was indifferent: “Thank you for your concern, second sister-in-law, but the guests invited by the Empress today are all ladies from distinguished families in the city. I’m sure no one would be foolish enough to approach carelessly.”

“I’m in a hurry to enter the palace, so I won’t trouble you with idle chatter, second sister-in-law.” Shen Wei said this and nodded, then led Lu Mizhi into the carriage.

Wang Shi watched as Shen Wei boarded the carriage, and as the carriage curtain fell, her hand on her arm tightened with anger. If they weren’t still outside, she would have exploded. Shen Wei’s words had been a clear insinuation that she was the one “foolish,” hadn’t it?

That wretched woman…

She was even sharper-tongued than before!

She clenched her teeth and watched the carriage disappear behind the shadow wall as it moved further away, muttering, “I don’t believe she can keep quiet.”

The ladies attending the banquet today were all from the noble families of Bianliang, and no matter where women gather, gossip is inevitable. This woman had always been proud and arrogant, and though they couldn’t speak openly because of the Empress’s presence, these discussions wouldn’t stop behind closed doors.

She didn’t believe that Shen Wei could endure hearing those words!

It would be best if this woman caused a scene, so that the palace’s masters would think poorly of her character… Even if the old lady dotes on her, what good would it do then?

Thinking this, Wang Shi finally felt a sense of relief. She watched as the carriage turned onto a smaller path and coldly said, “Let’s go.”

—-

Inside the carriage.

Shen Wei noticed that Lu Mizhi still looked pale, so she asked Mo Qi to bring the pastries that had been prepared earlier. She spoke gently, “Once we enter the palace, stay by my side. Don’t worry, the palace masters are all kind and won’t treat you poorly.”

Lu Mizhi lifted her head when she heard this. Still holding Shen Wei’s sleeve, she looked at her kind expression and whispered, “I don’t like second aunt, and I don’t like fourth sister either. Fourth sister always pulls my hair and takes my things… but my concubine mother doesn’t allow me to complain. She says I should get along with fourth sister.”

This was the first time Lu Mizhi had spoken of this. As she continued, her voice grew softer, and she lowered her head even further.

Shen Wei remained silent, her hand gently resting on Lu Mizhi’s head. After Lu Mizhi finished speaking, she finally spoke, “You don’t have to like them, and you don’t have to pretend to. Mizhi, no one can force you to accept something you don’t like.”

Lu Mizhi paused at these words, then looked up at Shen Wei, her eyes wide. After a while, she asked softly, “Really?”

Shen Wei smiled and nodded. Even Mo Qi, who had been quietly attending from the side, also smiled and said, “Of course it’s true. You are the young lady of our family; no one can bully you.”

Lu Mizhi looked at their smiles, and the pallor on her face finally disappeared. She shyly leaned a little closer to Shen Wei.

The atmosphere in the carriage was warm and gentle.

Mo Qi, watching the two of them, also smiled. Although the madam’s temperament had changed a lot recently, she was now much kinder… and that was a good thing. Their only wish was for the mistress to be happy.

The carriage headed toward the palace.

As they arrived and the carriage stopped, Mo Qi lifted a corner of the curtain and said to Shen Wei, “Madam, we have arrived.”

Shen Wei looked out through the curtain at the magnificent palace and took a deep breath. She smoothed her dress and said, “Let’s go.”

—-

As Shen Wei stepped down from the carriage with Mo Qi’s assistance, an older palace attendant approached. The attendant, dressed appropriately and with an elegant appearance, greeted her and said respectfully, “Please be at ease, Empress Dowager knows of your arrival and specially sent me to escort you to Weiyang Palace to rest for a while.”

Noblewomen entering the palace typically paid their respects to the Empress, but since there were so many today, it was not possible for the Empress to meet each of them personally. Therefore, they usually just offered a formal bow and had a palace servant deliver a message of respect.

Shen Wei had planned to do just that, but she hadn’t expected the mistress of Weiyang Palace to personally send someone to greet her. She glanced at the towering palace from a distance, and as the evening sun dipped lower, the palace’s golden and jade-like structure gleamed even more brilliantly in the twilight.

The hall was peaceful and quiet.

Everyone seated there knew that the Empress had always favored the idea of the Changping Princess marrying the Crown Prince. The Princess’s grandfather was the King of the Southwest, who guarded the frontier with a powerful army. If the two were to marry, it would certainly be a great help to the Crown Prince. However…

They all looked towards the Princess of Qinghe, and indeed, they saw that her smile had faded slightly.

Seeing that she remained silent and was about to speak, a voice was heard from outside: “Your Majesty, please don’t worry. However, Feiguang’s temperament is still unsettled, and I’m afraid Your Majesty and His Majesty will have to worry for a few more years.”

The voice was clear and loud.

For a moment, everyone in the hall turned towards the source of the voice. Shen Wei also looked over and saw Huo Feiguang, wearing a red robe, walking in slowly.

The last time Shen Wei had only caught a brief glimpse of Huo Feiguang, but now she saw her clearly.

Huo Feiguang was taller than most women, with delicate features that resembled the Princess of Qinghe, but her lips were tightly pressed together, which made her look less gentle and more sharp, almost fierce.

She walked quickly and soon stood in front of everyone. When she was about a few steps away from Empress Liu Mengxian, she stopped and respectfully gave a bow.

Liu Mengxian looked at her with a faint shadow of displeasure in her usually gentle face. Even the hand resting on the armrest tightened slightly. Over the years, no one had dared to defy her in public, yet this girl repeatedly challenged her.

If it weren’t for the powerful backing behind Huo Feiguang, and the selfish thoughts she held…

She would have taught Huo Feiguang a lesson long ago.

Liu Mengxian thought this, then lowered her gaze. When she looked up again, the shadow had disappeared, replaced by her usual gentleness. She placed her hand on her lap and softly said, “You child, how can a young lady speak like that? Fine, fine, fine, your uncle and I only have you as our niece, it’s only right to worry about you.”

She ended the topic and waited until Huo Feiguang was seated before saying to the others, “Now that everyone has arrived, let’s begin the feast.”

The others quickly responded.

The hall was brightly lit, and the well-dressed maids moved gracefully through the space. People either complimented the Empress or conversed with those around them, creating a lively atmosphere. It wasn’t until the hour of the dog (around 5 p.m.) that, after nearly finishing the meal, Liu Mengxian said, “It’s almost time. The lanterns in front of Zhanghua Palace are almost ready, let’s go and take a look…” She then added with a smile, “The ministers from the court are busy composing poetry and discussing philosophy, we women shouldn’t be left behind. Today, let’s choose a winner. Whoever guesses the most lantern riddles will be richly rewarded.”

The Lantern Festival was always about enjoying the festivities.

Though being the winner didn’t hold much importance, gaining the Empress’s favor and reward would make for a proud tale to tell in the future, so everyone eagerly agreed with a smile.

Seeing that everyone had agreed, Liu Mengxian smiled and raised her hand. The attendant nearby quickly helped her to stand, and everyone followed her lead.

Zhanghua Palace was next to Gui Palace, and the large courtyard was filled with lanterns. The palace had gathered skilled craftsmen, so the lanterns were more intricate than those found elsewhere. As they walked forward, they passed by various shapes—rabbits, gourds, tigers, lotuses—and many other odd and delightful designs, like the carp leaping over the dragon gate, the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, and fairies holding flowers. The sight was truly breathtaking.

Lu Mizhī, still young at heart, had been a bit stiff earlier in the hall, but now, seeing the lanterns, she relaxed. She held Shen Wei’s hand and walked forward. When she saw something she liked, she stopped in her tracks and exclaimed, “Mother, mother, look over there.”

Shen Wei looked in the direction Lu Mizhī pointed to and saw a large glass lantern on a high platform.

The lantern was about three or four feet wide, made of five-colored glass, with intricate designs—portraits of beautiful women, landscapes, and poems. The most remarkable thing was that the lantern could rotate on its own. As it spun, the patterns on the glass reflected a dazzling light.

Many in the crowd were mesmerized by the lantern, and even Shen Wei, who was used to seeing fine objects, was momentarily stunned by its beauty. However, it was only a brief moment of admiration—such craftsmanship was not rare in the modern world, and because it wasn’t rare, it felt less precious.

Shen Wei lowered her eyes and looked at Lu Mizhī, seeing the awe and fascination in her eyes. She softly asked, “Do you like it?”

Lu Mizhī nodded, “I like it, but…”

She paused and looked up at Shen Wei with a playful smile, her dimples deepening as she said, “Although I like it, I don’t want to own it.” Lu Mizhī then pointed to another lantern and continued, “I prefer that rabbit lantern. Mother, will you help me win it?”

Shen Wei couldn’t help but gently stroke Lu Mizhī’s hair.

If Lu Mizhī truly wanted it, she was willing to win it for her, though it might draw too much attention from others.

Although Lu Mizhī was still young, she was very sensible. If it were another child, they would probably be demanding the best lantern by now. Thinking this, Shen Wei felt a surge of affection for her. She smiled warmly and said, “Alright, mother will help you win it.”

—-

The rabbit lantern was a common prize. If a noble liked it, they would just take it. However, seeing how happy Lu Mizhī was, Shen Wei decided to join in the lantern riddle game and exchange it for the lantern. Lu Mizhī was overjoyed with her prize. Meanwhile, the other noble ladies were still trying hard to guess the riddles to earn the Empress’s rewards. Shen Wei then accompanied Lu Mizhī to a nearby pavilion to sit.

This place was originally meant for noble ladies to rest, but since the other wives were still outside, it felt somewhat empty. Lu Mi Zhi didn’t know if it was because she had used up too many things earlier, but now she was feeling a bit of stomach discomfort.

Shen Wei asked Li Mama, who was next to Lu Mi Zhi, along with Mo Qi, to accompany her to the restroom.

As she looked at the bustling scene inside, she decided to stand up and walk outside, intending to find a quiet place to rest for a while.

Outside Zhuanghua Palace was a river. There were trees planted along both sides, and at this moment, the trees were adorned with lanterns that reflected the bright moon and the stars in the sky, making the river appear even more brilliant and sparkling. It was peaceful here, and Shen Wei, rarely able to relax, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, releasing all the tension with a sigh.

However, this peace did not last long.

Inside, the lantern riddles had mostly been guessed, and the winner had already been determined. The other noblewomen, who hadn’t received a prize, started talking in groups of three or five. When women gather to talk, it’s inevitable that gossip and rumors would come up… and soon, they started talking about Shen Wei.

“Look at how proud she used to be, but today, she seems much quieter than before.”

“Now that the Duke of Rong is gone, and someone else has come into the family, don’t be fooled by her pretending to be calm and acting like nothing is wrong. She must be seething inside. You see, today she even brought that illegitimate daughter of hers along. I bet she knows that her position in the Lu family is precarious, and that’s why she’s putting on this act.”

Shen Wei heard these words but didn’t open her eyes. She continued standing there with her hands behind her back, her expression calm and indifferent.

She stood in a hidden spot, and the women didn’t notice her. Soon, they were walking away, still chatting. Shen Wei was about to turn and leave as well, but before she could move, she heard a voice from above: “Aren’t you angry?”