Chapter 294: Resentment and Rage

County Princess Lin’an read the contents of the imperial decree, feeling both elated and furious!

She was overjoyed because she was about to get what she had wished for.

But she was enraged because that wretched Tang Nuan had dared to steal her man!

“Everyone, take a look! This is the imperial decree from the Empress Dowager, granting my marriage to Zhao Wei. Not a single word on it is incorrect!”

County Princess Lin’an held the decree high for all to see, her tone aggressive as she pressed Liu Dequan. “Why are you refusing to announce the decree? Ignoring the Empress Dowager’s command, feigning obedience while secretly defying her—are you not afraid of losing your head?”

Liu Dequan had only one thought in his mind—It’s over!

He truly couldn’t understand why the Empress Dowager would grant such an impulsive and brainless woman in marriage to Zhao Wei.

Forget about forming an alliance through marriage—using County Princess Lin’an to win over the Zhao family? This was clearly a path to making enemies instead!

Old Madam Zhao knew there had to be some hidden reason behind the commotion between Zhao Wei and Tang Nuan. After all, Zhao Wei had an excellent tolerance for alcohol—how could he have possibly gotten himself drunk before the banquet even began and acted so inappropriately toward a young lady?

What she never expected was that the Empress Dowager intended to grant Zhao Wei a marriage with County Princess Lin’an.

But County Princess Lin’an’s reckless and inappropriate behavior, regardless of the occasion, proved that she was neither intelligent nor virtuous. If she were to enter the Zhao family, she would undoubtedly become a source of disaster for the household.

“County Princess Lin’an, you are of imperial blood, a noble lady of the highest status. In every way, you are an exceptional match, and many prestigious families would consider you an ideal daughter-in-law.”

“Back when the Empress and the Eldest Princess intended to match you with my fourth son, I was already against it. He’s a rough man who marches to war, indifferent to comforts—how could he possibly be worthy of you?”

Out of consideration for the Eldest Princess and Princess Yongfu, Old Madam Zhao refrained from embarrassing County Princess Lin’an. “From now on, my fourth son will no longer be stationed in Guangling Prefecture but will be permanently assigned to the border. The terrain there is nothing but vast deserts and harsh sands, and a wife would have to accompany him. How could I allow you to endure such hardship?”

“So I suggested to the Empress that since Third Miss Tang and County Princess Lin’an come from the same lineage, her character wouldn’t be lacking either. It would be better for the Empress to grant the marriage between Third Miss Tang and my fourth son instead.”

“Yes, yes, exactly! This is all a misunderstanding. I made a mistake!” Liu Dequan was drenched in cold sweat, his anxiety mounting. “The marriage decree was meant for Third Miss Tang. I mixed it up—the wrong name was written!” This matter could not be allowed to escalate any further.

There was no choice but to go along with the mistake!

County Princess Lin’an refused to believe it. She screamed hysterically, “Impossible! There is no mistake in this decree! It was me… I personally asked the Empress Dowager—”

“Lin’an!” Princess Yongfu rushed in, cutting her off with a stern reprimand. Her expression was dark with anger as she commanded, “Hand the decree back to Liu Dequan. The name inside—was written incorrectly!”

County Princess Lin’an’s face turned pale as she clutched the imperial decree tightly, refusing to let go. She shook her head desperately and insisted, “Mother, no… it was Tang Nuan…”

“Pa—!”

Princess Yongfu raised her hand and slapped her across the face. Her expression was ice-cold as she scolded, “You must be possessed!”

Her eyes no longer held their usual warmth but were instead frozen with cold indifference. “Have you come to your senses now?”

County Princess Lin’an clutched her burning cheek, staring at Princess Yongfu in utter disbelief.

Princess Yongfu was filled with exasperation at Lin’an’s stubbornness. She pried open Lin’an’s fingers, took the imperial decree, and handed it back to Liu Dequan. “Hurry back to the palace and report this to the Empress Dowager.”

Liu Dequan expressed his gratitude repeatedly before hastily leading his attendants back to the palace to deliver the news.

Princess Yongfu adjusted her expression before turning to the Zhao family and apologizing, “Old Madam Zhao, Lin’an had an accident a few days ago and has been acting erratically ever since. Today, since she was feeling better, I brought her here to share in the joyous occasion, hoping to dispel any lingering bad luck. I never expected it to backfire and cause such a commotion, disrupting your birthday banquet. I sincerely apologize.”

She gave County Princess Lin’an a tug and commanded, “Apologize to Old Madam Zhao!”

These words were merely a way to smooth things over. Everyone present understood the true situation, yet no one would dare to speak openly and offend Princess Yongfu. Instead, they feigned concern with a few polite remarks.

“That won’t be necessary. Since Lin’an is unwell, she should return and rest,” Old Madam Zhao said, clearly unwilling to see this troublesome family any longer.

Princess Yongfu’s expression stiffened, realizing that Old Madam Zhao was not willing to accept her goodwill. Gritting her teeth, she ruthlessly pinched the soft flesh at Lin’an’s waist.

Tears immediately welled up in Lin’an’s eyes and spilled over. She quickly lowered her head, sobbing as she said, “Old Madam Zhao, I’m sorry… I… I’m not afraid of hardship…”

Before she could finish speaking, Princess Yongfu swiftly covered her mouth. While forcing a smile, she said to everyone, “I’ll take her away to rest now.”

As the mother and daughter headed toward the door, their gazes, filled with venomous hatred, swept over Tang Nuan—clearly harboring the intent to settle scores later.

Princess Yongfu despised Tang Nuan to the core. If not for her, how could Lin’an have lost her ideal match? How could she have been utterly humiliated in front of the noble families of the entire capital? And how could she have been forced to strike Lin’an with her own hand?

Every single grievance—she had etched them into her heart. Sooner or later, she would make Tang Nuan pay for them all!

Marrying into the Defender Duke’s household?

A fool’s dream!

The gazes of those around her felt like needles piercing her skin, unbearable and humiliating. Princess Yongfu quickened her pace, nearly fleeing in disgrace!

Tang Nuan quietly glanced at the retreating figures of the mother and daughter, picking at her fingers. She really had been too quick to celebrate.

“Madam Rong, take Third Miss Tang to rest.” Zhao Wei cast a glance at Liu Dequan and spoke unhurriedly, “After the banquet, I will personally escort her back to her residence.”

Madam Rong, having witnessed County Princess Lin’an’s aggressive temperament, was still shaken. In contrast, Tang Nuan was quiet and well-mannered, which naturally made her more likable. As a result, Madam Rong treated her with great courtesy and politely led her away.

As she left, Tang Nuan softly murmured a “thank you” to Zhao Wei.

When she turned around, she met Su Wan’s probing gaze. Pressing her lips together, she playfully blinked at Su Wan.

Su Wan couldn’t help but smile. She felt that County Princess Lin’an was unworthy of Zhao Wei. Though she had only met Tang Nuan once, it was clear that the girl had a kind and pure heart—far better than County Princess Lin’an in every way.

Tang Haoyue wanted to chase after Tang Nuan to interrogate her but was also preoccupied with carrying out County Princess Lin’an’s instructions. She could only hope everything would go smoothly so that Lin’an wouldn’t take out her anger on her. In the end, she chose to stay instead of leaving.

Old Madam Zhao addressed the gathered guests, “I’ve made a spectacle of myself today. The banquet time has arrived, please proceed to Tinglan Pavilion.”

With that, the guests moved together toward Tinglan Pavilion.

However, Old Madam Zhao stopped Su Wan and said, “Su girl, come with me.”

“Alright.” Su Wan, worried that Old Madam Zhao’s fluctuating emotions might affect her health, didn’t dare stray too far from her. “Let me help you over.”

Old Madam Zhao nodded in approval.

Madam Zhao observed Su Wan for a moment before noticing Gu Baozhu clinging closely to her. She stepped forward, took Gu Baozhu’s hand and led her toward the banquet hall.

A screen originally separated the male and female guests, but due to the earlier commotion, Elder Master Zhao had it removed.

Since the customs of Great Zhou were relatively liberal, no one found this inappropriate.

On the contrary, many felt more at ease being able to see the male guests, fearing that another disturbance might arise during the banquet.

Su Wan helped Old Madam Zhao to her seat and checked her pulse for reassurance. Once she confirmed that there were no issues, she lifted her gaze toward the men’s section, searching for Gu Huaizhi’s figure.

Suddenly, her eyes landed on the main table, where a man in a silver-white brocade robe sat. A mask covered his face, reflecting a cold, chilling light under the sunlight.

Su Wan quickly noticed that Tang Haoyue was staring at the masked man in a daze, her expression filled with excitement and agitation.

She raised her eyebrows and suddenly came up with a plan.