novelraw Chapter 740 - 720 Princess Consort Yan
Chapter 740 - 720 Princess Consort Yan
Fengyu and the Princesses and Princess Consorts of Beiman gathered for an hour, after which the ladies and daughters of the prominent clans in the palace were also invited in. Since the Beiman Royal Family’s women would soon become part of the capital’s society, it was necessary for everyone to get acquainted. Mrs. Fang, who was most proficient in the Beiman language, took charge of introductions. Nearly all the major clan ladies were present, along with the principal Beiman women. The atmosphere was congenial, Fengyu managed the situation skillfully, and no one dared to stir up any unpleasantness on such an occasion.
She got along very well with the Third Princess and Fourth Princess. Even the strong-willed Great Queen, mindful of the fact that her daughters were treated kindly, exhibited a rare warmth. With both sides’ most distinguished women maintaining decorum, the banquet naturally proceeded in harmony.
The capital’s clan ladies were curious about the Beiman women, but language barriers made communication challenging. Fengyu assured them that in a few days she and Mrs. Fang would personally teach the Beiman women about Beining’s language and customs. Nevertheless, Beiman’s own traditions and practices could well be preserved, aiming to combine their strengths while avoiding weaknesses.
Mrs. Fang and her peers were particularly intrigued by Lan Ningzhen. Lan Ningzhen was aware of the many scrutinizing gazes directed at her. She felt somewhat uneasy and lacked confidence, likely due to guilt lingering in her heart. However, with Fengyu intentionally offering her protection, she managed to keep from feeling too uncomfortable.
Fang Lingjun, seated beside Fengyu, kept glancing frequently at Lan Ningzhen. Fengyu had already noticed this, as she and Fang Lingjun were very close, and Fang Lingjun was accustomed to sitting by her side without reservation. Fengyu enjoyed their whispered conversations.
"Why are you staring at Lan Ningzhen all the time?"
"She looks a little like my brother."
"Her brows and eyes do bear a resemblance, but... their temperament is vastly different," Fengyu said with a soft laugh. Even if they looked slightly more alike, others wouldn’t see the resemblance unless they were extremely familiar with Fang Chuning.
Fang Chuning’s demeanor was unrestrained and flamboyant, like a blazing fire.
Lan Ningzhen was restrained and tranquil, akin to an orchid blooming in a valley.
"Why do you seem to harbor some hostility toward her? Do you dislike her?" Fengyu asked.
"I don’t like her!" Fang Lingjun admitted, knowing she was merely taking it out on Lan Ningzhen. Xie Jue loved her, married her, and had children with her. Whether it was genuine affection or mere pretense, none of it had anything to do with Lan Ningzhen, and as an outsider, she had no right to meddle. However, thoughts of her brother made Fang Lingjun feel deeply conflicted. People are emotional creatures and tend to be protective. Fang Lingjun couldn’t help but imagine that without Lan Ningzhen, perhaps her brother could have had his wish fulfilled. Even if society deemed it scandalous, she wished for her brother to achieve his heart’s desire.
Fengyu gradually discerned some underlying sentiment and patted her hand to comfort her. Though Lan Ningzhen tried to stay inconspicuous, the ladies of the capital, upon learning she could speak the Beining language, could not resist their curiosity and began asking her about her relationship with Xie Jue. "Miss Lan, are you and Prince Yan truly married in Beiman? If that is the case, we should address you as Princess Consort Yan henceforth."
Among those present, only Fengyu’s rank exceeded that of a Princess Consort. The title was above that of any Beiman Princess Consort in attendance, including titles bestowed by the Beiman King. If the Beiman King were to confer royal titles, Beiman’s ranks would still remain a notch below the two-character royal prince rank of Beining. Thus, Lan Ningzhen would be the most highly ranked woman among the Beiman entourage.
Fengyu also awaited Lan Ningzhen’s response. Facing the probing, curious gazes, Lan Ningzhen nodded, saying, "Yes, we were married."
"Prince Yan has been renowned for his exceptional talents and striking appearance since childhood. Countless ladies in the capital harbored secret affections for him. Who would’ve thought the Princess Consort Yan would come from Beiman? Alas, the hearts of the capital’s young women must be breaking into pieces—it’s truly unfortunate." Mrs. Li’s voice carried an ambiguous undertone as she smiled and asked, "May we ask how the Princess Consort and the Prince came to know each other in Beiman?"
Lan Ningzhen noticed the faint malice in her words and replied calmly, "The Prince was the advisor to the Second Prince back when he was in Fox City. I am the Second Prince’s wife’s younger sister. Through our interactions, we became acquainted."
"Proximity begets opportunity, indeed."
Mrs. Fang, who had always disliked Mrs. Li, especially due to Lan Ningzhen’s resemblance to Fang Chuning, couldn’t help but interject, "Why are you bringing up matters from Fox City? What does it have to do with you?"
Fang Lingjun grew a bit anxious, thinking, Mother, I understand you dislike her, but you should let her speak! True, it has nothing to do with her, but it does involve our family!
Mrs. Li sneered, "Yes, Mrs. Fang is so elevated and disdainful, unwilling to hear trivial matters. But what harm is there if we’d like to indulge in curiosity?"
Seeing matters about to escalate, Fengyu coughed lightly and spoke gently, "Ladies, let’s not lose our temper. Today’s fruit wine is quite pleasant; we should drink a few more cups later. Princess Consorts, do try our Beining fruit wine and see how it compares to Fox City’s flavors."
With Fengyu’s few words, the tension dissolved. Fang Lingjun felt a sense of regret, as she genuinely wanted to hear more. Fengyu smiled and said, "If you wish to know, you can ask Lan Ningzhen privately later. She seems uncomfortable with public discussions, so let’s not put her in a tough spot here."
"I don’t want to make things difficult for her. I just don’t want people venting their frustrations on my brother," Fang Lingjun replied with a cold snort.