Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 47

Pei Mingjiao was young, after all, and possessed a resilient constitution. After three days of proper rest, she was back to her usual lively and bouncy self.

She stood before the mirror, pinching the soft flesh on her cheek, and widened her eyes in disbelief. “It’s only been three days. Am I fat?”

Cui Yi, who was currently applying her makeup nearby, opened her eyes slightly and observed her carefully through the mirror. Mingjiao’s features were bright and vivid, her complexion ruddy and healthy; there wasn’t a single trace of weight gain. Cui Yi said helplessly, “You’ve only been lying at home for three days. How could you possibly be fat?”

Pei Mingjiao looked solemn. “Yi-niang, don’t try to coax me. I’m definitely fat.”

Cui Yi: “…Whatever you say.”

Pei Mingjiao was busy fiddling with her hairstyle to make her face appear thinner. The Palace was hosting a banquet today, and the Yan imperial clan was gathering. Pei Mingjiao, who carried a heavy “idol burden,” could not tolerate anyone seeing her and saying she had put on weight.

By the time Cui Yi finished applying her lip color, Pei Mingjiao’s hairstyle was finally set. Wearing a simple inner robe, she did a narcissistic turn in front of Cui Yi. “How is it? Am I not absolutely beautiful?”

With her dark hair styled in elegant temples and a high cloud-like chignon, she looked like a celestial consort.

Cui Yi watched her, her eyes full of affection as a gentle smile naturally flowed from her brows.

“Very beautiful.”

Pei Mingjiao controlled herself to avoid making any exaggerated expressions as she leaned in close to Cui Yi, asking with feigned nonchalance, “Then, am I the most beautiful girl you have ever seen?”

Cui Yi’s gaze did not leave her. Her eyelashes, like the wings of a butterfly, lowered gently.

“Yes.”

She spoke slowly, with a direct and earnest tone. “Jiaojiao, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

Pei Mingjiao blinked. A warmth spread from her heart all the way to her face. She felt lightheaded as she murmured, “Yi-niang, what should I do? I seem to like you even more.”

Cui Yi was startled for a moment, then she broke into a gentle laugh and answered:

“Then you must like me a little bit more.”

Until it turns into love.

The sugary atmosphere between the two was not hidden from the surrounding servants at all. Everyone exchanged knowing looks, the teasing expressions on their faces impossible to suppress.

Even the usually thick-skinned Pei Mingjiao felt a bit uneasy, but looking at Cui Yi—who was usually the easiest to embarrass—she found her expression calm and composed.

Pei Mingjiao pinched her warm earlobe and thought to herself: Yi-niang has truly changed a lot.

As the hour approached, the two changed into their formal robes to find Princess Royal Yan Linlang.

Mother and daughter were truly alike; both were dressed in an exceptionally bright and magnificent style.

The vermilion palace walls stretched on endlessly. Pei Mingjiao strolled along as if she were in her own home and soon reached the Linde Hall, where the banquet was being held.

Before they even drew near, the sounds of string and wind instruments drifted lazily toward them. Further inside, palace maids moved with swaying skirts and graceful postures. Cui Yi looked up to see the banquet hall filled with people dressed in magnificent silks and brocades, chatting and laughing.

As soon as Princess Royal Yan Linlang arrived, the gazes of the crowd converged from far and near; the family being watched remained perfectly composed.

While Yan Linlang went to socialize, Pei Mingjiao casually dismissed Pei Mingxuan and whispered into Cui Yi’s ear, “I wonder when Cousin Yuanyi will return.”

With constant good news from the disaster areas these days, Cui Yi said, “Soon.”

Pei Mingjiao didn’t dwell on it. She glanced at the Prince of Han nearby, who was acting with great social grace. The imperial clan of the State of Qi was generally well-provided for but held only honorary titles. The Prince of Han’s only real achievement was having many children; he was thirty-six this year and had twenty-one children, with an even more staggering number of grandchildren.

Ever since the case of the “true and false heirs” emerged in the Prince of Yue’s line, their bloodline had been called into question, leaving them with no chance of further advancement. This naturally highlighted the prolific Prince of Han.

Pei Mingjiao never concerned herself with the next emperor, but even her “not-so-bright” head could see the Prince of Han’s smugness. She said speechlessly, “If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was the protagonist of today’s event!”

Cui Yi squeezed Pei Mingjiao’s fingertip. “Jiaojiao, walls have ears.”

Pei Mingjiao knew her limits and was only grumbling to Cui Yi.

Today, the two wore color-coordinated robes and sat together at the same table, their posture possessing an intimacy that allowed no one else to intrude. Several unmarried girls watched them with fluttering hearts; some were envious, while others naturally looked down on them. Yan Shi, the youngest son of the Prince of Han, was one of the latter. His eldest brother was the heir who would inherit the title, and only a few other siblings had been granted titles. Although the Prince of Han doted on him, he had not yet petitioned for a title for him. Meanwhile, Pei Mingjiao had been born with a rank equivalent to a Commandery Prince, which could be passed down to her offspring. Yet, she had “degraded” herself by marrying a woman, essentially gifting her title to her brothers’ descendants for nothing. This made the title-less Yan Shi incredibly sour.

Judging others by his own standards, he spoke up “kindly”: “Cousin, a woman must eventually give birth to be complete. Otherwise, a hundred years from now, there will be no descendants to offer sacrifices at your grave. Wouldn’t that be too pitiful?”

Pei Mingjiao was stunned by this bewildering statement. It took a moment for her brain to process the meaning before she sneered, “How did the Yan family produce such a buzzkill like you?”

Cui Yi’s gaze was even more direct—it was the look one gives a fool.

The insulted Yan Shi thought aggrievedly that he was only offering a kind reminder; why was she cursing him?

The younger generation of the imperial clan beside them exchanged looks, all thinking: How can someone be this stupid? Their gazes toward the Prince of Han also became strange for a moment.

After a while, the protagonists of the banquet finally arrived.

Everyone rose to pay their respects.

The Emperor of Qi arrived accompanied by Noble Consort Zheng, his face devoid of any imperial sternness. “There is no need for such formality. This is merely an ordinary family feast.”

As he spoke, the atmosphere became lively again.

Noble Consort Zheng wore a headpiece of pearls and emeralds, her demeanor extraordinary as she hosted the ladies of the imperial clan with perfect grace.

Someone whispered in admiration, “Power truly nourishes a person.”

Indeed, there were many members of the Zheng family present at the banquet as well.

Seeing the atmosphere grow warmer, several young ladies crowded around Pei Mingjiao to ask for her beauty and dressing tips.

In Cui Yi’s eyes, Pei Mingjiao at this moment looked like a proud cat, her tail held high, looking extremely smug.

Yan Shi, who was left behind, wanted to find someone to talk to but realized no one was paying him any attention.

Yan Shi could only feel that his cousins looked down on him simply because he lacked a title.

The Crowd: “…” We just don’t want to talk to a fool.

Yan Zhen looked at the Emperor of Qi above, who held absolute power. He gripped his wine cup tight and drained it in one gulp.

The Princess of Yue was currently in a dilemma. Noble Consort Zheng was hinting in both speech and manner at betrothing her niece to Yan Zhen. Her family had always kept a low profile, while the Zheng family was currently as prominent as a raging fire. The Princess of Yue could only say vaguely, “Marriage is a matter of the utmost gravity. Thank you for your kindness, your Highness; I shall return and discuss it with the Prince.”

Noble Consort Zheng showed no displeasure and said with a smile, “That is as it should be.”

Just then, the Emperor’s personal attendant made a move.

The observant crowd followed the attendant’s movements and saw him walk to Pei Mingjiao’s side to whisper something. A moment later, he led Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi toward the Emperor.

The Emperor was the one who had decreed the marriage of Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi. According to protocol, they should have visited him after their wedding, but unfortunately, the Emperor had caught a cold and did not summon them. Combined with the year-end business, it had been delayed until now.

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on the two newcomers. From a distance, he had noticed the clever details in their attire. He laughed heartily. “Jiaojiao has grown up.”

Pei Mingjiao was defiant. “Of course I have!”

“You…” The Emperor pointed at her dotingly before turning his gaze to Cui Yi. “Cui Lingjun has raised a fine daughter.”

Cui Yi lowered her eyes and bowed to the feudal monarch. “I do not deserve such high praise, your Majesty.”

The Emperor spoke with Cui Yi for a few more moments. Seeing her answers were flawless and her conduct appropriate, he was very satisfied. The only issue was her poor health, which required nurturing—but that was no big deal. The Imperial Family lacked nothing in the way of fine things.