Chapter 329: Chapter 327: Zhaozhao Kisses You
Lu Jiazhe chuckled, "Just sign it with the words ’Zhaozhao kisses you’ and the date. That should do it!"
After finishing the signature, Lu Jiazhe curiously asked, "Shen Sister’s handwriting is really distinctive. Can you mimic it that well?"
Wen Liluo blew the ink dry. "Time is tight. I’ve already ordered someone to trace her calligraphy samples and send them to twenty bookstores in the Capital. I’ve hired dozens of craftsmen to collaborate on movable type printing. Once the font molds are carved, we’ll typeset this love letter directly onto Xuan paper and print it. I have plenty of money and don’t mind spending resources."
Lu Jiazhe silently gave her a thumbs-up.
Having wealth is truly wonderful.
On the other side—
Shen Yinning had slept for another hour before she finally had enough rest.
As she sat before her dressing mirror, fixing her makeup and hair, she asked casually, "Is there a court selection today?"
Wei Yu, always quick to gather news, replied excitedly, "I’ve inquired, Your Grace. It’s set for this afternoon. Besides the Crown Prince and Prince Duan, there are two newly-of-age princes who haven’t been granted titles yet. It seems His Majesty arranged this selection specifically to choose Prince Consorts for them."
Shen Yinning picked out a pair of Bixi Jade earrings from her jewelry box.
As she put them on in front of the bronze mirror, her red lips curved into a grin: "We’ve got nothing planned for the afternoon, so let’s go to the palace and take a look."
After all, with her current title as a Commandery Princess personally appointed by the Emperor, entering the palace was much simpler than before.
And besides, that shameless Emperor still owes her a Red Book Iron Certificate—she might as well demand it while she’s there.
Afternoon—
The selection took place in the Imperial Garden.
When Shen Yinning arrived, she saw a display of elegant ladies gliding through the fragrant garden, their exquisite hairstyles and fine clothing catching the sunlight.
This selection was overseen by Noble Consort Zhang and several other concubines, though they hadn’t arrived yet. Instead, Shen Yunxi was already there, sitting in the Pavilion, chatting with several young noble ladies and wives.
The moment Shen Yinning stepped into the Pavilion, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
Shen Yunxi’s expression fell instantly. "Why are you here?!"
She loathed Shen Yinning with all her heart.
Just when she thought she had finally rid herself of her, with her family convicted and Yinning reduced to a criminal’s daughter, who could’ve predicted she’d ascend again as a Commandery Princess!
If it weren’t for this little wench already being married, she’d genuinely be afraid that she’d vie for His Highness the Crown Prince!
"Why, to watch the selection, of course." Shen Yinning sat down without haste and leisurely unfolded her gilded fan, her gaze flitting over the lively garden full of young ladies. "Blooming youth in all shapes and sizes—I must say, each one is lovely. I wonder who will have the fortune to marry into the Imperial Family."
Shen Yunxi’s eyes glimmered with disdain.
And what if they do marry into the Imperial Family? None of them could ever outrank her, the Crown Princess Consort.
With a smirk that didn’t quite reach her eyes, she said, "Cousin, hearing you talk like this... you’re not still harboring designs on marrying into the Imperial Family, are you? You’re already a married woman now; it’s time to curb such errant thoughts. Remember—this world has its divides: a phoenix will always be a phoenix, and a common barnyard hen, even draped in vibrant feathers thanks to royal favor, is merely a gaudy chicken!"
Most of the ladies in the Pavilion were Shen Yunxi’s allies.
Hearing this thinly veiled insult, they were quick to laugh along in mockery, their giggles tinkling like trinkets falling into a box.
Shen Yinning shut her fan with a snap, unfazed, her lips curved in a faint smile. "I’m a simple, honest woman. I’ve never dreamed of divorcing and remarrying. However, His Highness the Crown Prince has yet to choose a concubine. Perhaps he’ll use this selection to pick a few desirable ladies as side consorts? Sister, in your position as Crown Princess Consort, it’s only right to start planning for His Highness’s future. Adding a few concubines to the Eastern Palace would undoubtedly help ensure the continuation of his noble lineage."
Shen Yunxi’s smile froze on her face.
This damned woman!
She knew Shen Yunxi loved the Crown Prince deeply, yet she dared to suggest she arrange concubines for him! How could this be anything short of life-threatening?!
Shen Yinning enjoyed the fleeting storm across her cousin’s expression before mockingly withdrawing her gaze...
Only to catch sight of Lu Ying, Lu Zhengliu, and several other princes standing just outside the Pavilion.
All of their earlier conversation—every word—had evidently been overheard.
Uh-oh.
The smile that had danced on her lips stiffened.
Lu Ying stood there, hands clasped behind his back.
He had just arrived at the Pavilion in time to hear Shen Yinning’s remarks about selecting concubines for lineage expansion.
This wretched woman clearly had no place for him in her heart; to her, he was nothing more than a prop for squabbling with Shen Yunxi.
So then, what was the meaning behind that letter she had sent him at noon?
That letter was still tucked in his robes, its pages crammed full of syrupy endearments—"My beloved Ying," "Zhaozhao kisses you"—he had endured a furrowed brow the entire time just to finish reading it.
And now, here she was, speaking of him behind his back like this?
"Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness Prince Duan, the Eleventh Prince, and the Thirteenth Prince!"
The ladies in the Pavilion noticed their arrival and quickly rose to curtsy in respect.
Shen Yinning followed suit, offering an awkward but polite bow alongside them.
Without sparing her a single glance, Lu Ying walked through the group and headed directly toward the male counterparts’ seats on the other side of the Pavilion.
Trailing behind him, Lu Zhengliu shot Shen Yinning a teasing glance, his expression full of mischief.
Fortunately for Shen Yinning, she was not embarrassed for too long, as Noble Consort Zhang and the other concubines arrived soon after, officially beginning the selection process.
The first and second batches of candidates were from ordinary backgrounds and possessed unremarkable appearances. They were promptly dismissed.
The third batch included a candidate from the prominent Wen family in Luoyang.
The eunuch announced loudly, "Daughter of a merchant of Luoyang, Wen Kuixiang, aged fifteen!"
Wen Kuixiang stepped forward gracefully, bowing with practiced elegance.
Shen Yinning lightly fanned herself with her gilded fan, curiously taking in the girl who had caused Wen Liluo to storm into her chambers before dawn.
Despite being a northern girl, Wen Kuixiang had an unexpectedly delicate, petite frame, her features emanating a gentle and demure air. She resembled Wen Liluo faintly in her face and lips, but unlike Wen Liluo’s ethereal aloofness, this young lady exuded soft gracefulness. The materials of her outfit—luxurious silk brocade and intricate Suzhou embroidery—along with her head-to-toe jade jewelry, revealed the tremendous care and expense lavished on her appearance.
Truly befitting the daughter of Luoyang’s wealthiest family.
Noble Consort Zhang smiled kindly, "Come closer, child, let me take a good look at you."
No one was surprised.
The whispers of Lu Zhengliu’s impending union with the Wen family had long circulated. Ordinarily, daughters of merchants would be barred from such a selection, but His Majesty had bent the rules, decreeing that wealthy families who historically aided the army could put forth candidates. Thanks to this decree, Wen Kuixiang was allowed entry.
Wen Kuixiang stepped forward with measured grace.
Noble Consort Zhang held her hand and gazed at her warmly before turning to Lu Zhengliu. "Such a sweet, gentle girl—I’m very fond of her."
Lu Zhengliu smiled. "She pleases me as well."
Noble Consort Zhang nodded approvingly, patting Wen Kuixiang’s hand. "Good child, the Capital has excellent prospects, no worse than Luoyang’s. Stay here and keep Prince Duan company from now on."
Wen Kuixiang finally mustered the courage to glance at Lu Zhengliu.
Nineteen, dressed in brocade crimson robes, the young prince cut an exceptionally dashing figure. A faint red mole adorned his brows, exuding an effortless nobility.
Her face flushed instantly, her heart fluttering wildly as she shyly and softly assented.
Having secured a concubine for her son, Noble Consort Zhang moved on to assist the mothers of the Eleventh and Thirteenth Princes in selecting their future Prince Consorts.
Her gaze then landed on Lu Ying, and her tone turned unexpectedly gentle. "In recent years, many concubines in the Eastern Palace have... passed away. The Crown Prince should also consider choosing two side consorts to keep his residence lively."