With the mention of Emperor Wen Hui, the domineering Consort Xu could not complain. Just as she was about to say something sarcastic, she suddenly saw her maid enter. Consort Xu asked, “Are they here?”
The maid nodded. Not long after, Luo Xueyan and Shen Miao walked in. After nodding to the maid, Shen Miao stood at the side with Luo Xueyan with her head lowered. She did not look up. A slightly sharp voice said, “Mrs. Shen, this must be your daughter, right? Look up and let me take a look at you.”
Shen Miao paused and slowly looked up. When she saw who was sitting on the right, her heart tightened and she felt her blood boil.
On the left was Consort Xu. She was the mother of Prince Zhou and Prince Jing, and on the right was Consort Dong. She was Fu Xiuyi’s biological mother. At this moment, Consort Dong looked at Consort Xu with a smile and said to her, “She’s really a delicate girl. Her face shows she has a bright future ahead of her.”
Consort Dong looked at Shen Miao with a gentle expression. Those who didn’t know better would have let down their guard.
Consort Dong was not favored in the harem. Emperor Wen Hui had countless women by his side. Some had a background, some were talented, some were beautiful, and some had personalities. Consort Dong, on the other hand, was gentle and calm. She did not fight for anything and did not snatch anything. On the surface, she was the one with the least status among the four consorts, but Shen Miao knew that Consort Dong was definitely not a harmless woman.
When Shen Miao married Fu Xiuyi in her previous life, Consort Dong also praised her for being delicate. However, later on, when Fu Xiuyi became more and more powerful, Consort Dong treated her indifferently. When she returned from the State of Qin, Consort Dong, who was the empress dowager, even worked together with Consort Mei to bring Shen Miao down. In Consort Dong’s eyes, Shen Miao was just a chess piece to rope in the Shen family, a vulgar chess piece that was not presentable. Later, when Fu Xiuyi abolished the crown prince, Consort Dong was the first to step forward and help Fu Sheng become the crown prince.
Shen Miao quickly lowered her head to hide the hatred in her eyes.
Consort Xu and Consort Dong thought that Shen Miao was shy. Consort Xu asked casually, “How old are you this year?”
“Your Highness,” Shen Miao said softly, “I’m fourteen.”
“Fourteen…” Consort Xu pondered for a moment before saying with a smile, “You’ll reach the marriage age soon.”
These words made Luo Xueyan inexplicably nervous. What she was most worried about now was Shen Miao’s marriage. If Shen Miao married into the palace and got involved into the power game… Luo Xueyan’s expression was very ugly. Seeing that Luo Xueyan all tensed up, Consort Xu chuckled and said, “Madam Shen, why are you so nervous? Are you afraid that I’ll be the matchmaker for Miss Shen?”
Luo Xueyan quickly said, “I wouldn’t dare!”
“Don’t worry.” Consort Xu said, “Even if I’m really going to be the matchmaker, I won’t just pick a random man for Miss Shen. I’ll help her choose the best man I know of. Speaking of which…” Consort Xu looked at Shen Miao and smiled maliciously.” Miss Shen, do you have someone in mind now?”
Everyone knew that Shen Miao had once loved Fu Xiuyi to the core. This question was also intended to embarrass Consort Dong in front of everyone. Consort Xu had always been arrogant and domineering because she was favored by Emperor Wen Hui. Among the four consorts, Consort Dong was the easiest to bully. Consort Xu had always enjoyed making fun of Consort Dong.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I don’t have anyone in mind yet,” Shen Miao said with her head lowered.
Consort Xu seemed to be a little bored. She felt that Shen Miao was dull and was not as stupid as the rumors said. Otherwise, she could still make some fun of her. She waved her hand. “Forget it then.”
