As soon as the Noble Consort spoke, tears welled in Meng Wenxian's eyes, threatening to fall. A dignified daughter of a general's household, when had she ever endured such public humiliation?
Not only was she openly called a lowly concubine, but she was also ordered to serve food like a mere maid.
"So that's the Crown Consort's younger sister? Just a lowly concubine?"
"Is the Noble Consort deliberately slapping the Crown Consort in the face?"
"Let's just eat. No use sticking our noses into this mess."
Whispers and mockery flitted through the banquet like flies. Meng Wenyao quickly realized the Noble Consort's true aim: this wasn't just about humiliating Meng Wenxian—it was a calculated move to disgrace her.
Too bad the consort had picked the wrong pawn.
Even if Meng Wenxian hadn't been dragged into this, Wenyao would've found an excuse to knock her down a peg or two. With everything Meng Wenxian had done in her past life, she deserved to die a hundred times over.
Still, now wasn't the time to stoop to the same level. If the two daughters of the Meng family were seen fighting in public, it would only sully the family name.
The Noble Consort's voice dripped with sickly sweetness.
"Come now, little sister. It's rare for the two of you to dine together. Sit close, chat a bit. Isn't that what sisters are for?"
Wenyao nearly gagged at the fakeness.
To her surprise, Wenxian quickly composed herself, kneeling properly beside the food tray, serving dishes to the consort like a well-trained servant. If Lady Liu could see this, she might faint from shame.
Ignoring the gossip, Meng Wenyao continued eating with calm grace. The more the Noble Consort degraded Wenxian, the more petty and arrogant she looked by comparison. And as for Wenxian's suffering? What did that have to do with her?
Honestly, if it weren't for the audience, she'd be clapping right now.
Realizing her scheme wasn't working, the Noble Consort narrowed her eyes. This girl… wasn't simple. Her sister had just been humiliated in front of everyone, yet she remained cool and indifferent. At such a young age, that kind of restraint was dangerous.
The consort gave her maid a subtle signal.
Moments later, a serving girl "accidentally" spilled wine onto Wenyao's dress.
Wenyao sighed. Is this the only trick the Wei family knows?
"I'll go with you to change, Sister."
"How thoughtful," Wenyao replied, rising to her feet.
As they left the hall, Wenxian suddenly asked, "Sister, why did you have Ru Yi trick me that day?"
The memory was sharp: lured to a secluded room, thinking she'd meet Prince An. Excitement turned to horror when the effects of an aphrodisiac kicked in—and then he arrived. Wei Quan. Fat, disgusting, and leering.
That day destroyed her.
Seeing her red-rimmed eyes, Wenyao chuckled coldly.
"Are you sure I was the one who told Ru Yi to deceive you? And why did you believe her in the first place?"
Wenxian froze. Ru Yi never said who sent the message. She just "tipped her off," and Wenxian, foolishly hopeful, ran off to meet her so-called lover.
The warm, sweet older sister she once trusted—was this her true face?
Fine, Wenxian thought bitterly. She tricked me once. I'll return the favor today.
They turned a corner and reached a side hall. The door creaked open, and that smell wafted out.
Wenyao wrinkled her nose. The Wei family's favorite perfume... or rather, their favorite aphrodisiac.
So that was the plan? Get a man—probably Wei Quan—inside the palace to ruin her? Did the Noble Consort really dare bring an outsider into the inner court?
Bold move. Desperate, too.
If it came down to it, Wenyao had no illusions—she'd flee. But she'd bought herself some time. Before coming here, she'd told Granny Hua to invite the Emperor to join her for lunch. If he arrived at the Cold Fragrance Hall and didn't see her, he might follow her trail to the Pepper Room Hall.
If he did show up, perfect. She'd let him see everything for himself. Let him decide how to deal with the Noble Consort's treachery.
If not… she'd run for it.
Wenyao stepped back, moving to the edge of the steps. Watching. Waiting.
"Sister, go inside and change your clothes," Wenxian urged sweetly.
"Tell me," Wenyao said suddenly. "Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?"
"What are you talking about?" Wenxian replied. "I've never hated you."
Wenyao scoffed. "You and your mother tried to send me away. You know where. Then you plotted to marry yourself to Prince An. Do you really think I don't know your scheme?"
Wenxian's mask cracked. Her face tightened. She snapped:
"So what if it's true? You've always had everything. Father doted only on you. Even my mother couldn't compare to your dead one. Of course I hated you!"
So it was jealousy. Plain and bitter.
Wenyao's heart turned to ice.
These two... they never saw Father and Brother as family. No wonder they were so ruthless in her past life. If these vipers live another day, it's because heaven's asleep.
She turned, taking a few steps—then caught sight of a flash of golden robes moving swiftly down the corridor.
A smile crept across her lips.
Leaning close to Wenxian, she whispered:
"I love watching you squirm—hating me, but helpless to do anything about it. Bye now."
Panicking, Wenxian grabbed her arm and shrieked,
"He's coming out! She's leaving!"
Right on cue, Wei Quan stumbled out from the room, dazed and drugged, moaning,
"Don't go, my beauty!"
Wenyao flinched, utterly revolted. How had Wenxian even gotten him in here?
She shoved Wenxian off and ran—straight into someone's chest.
Strong arms wrapped around her.
"Guards! Seize the intruder!" the Emperor thundered.
Within seconds, imperial guards tackled Wei Quan to the ground. Even as they restrained him, he kept howling,
"My beauty! Come back!"
Trembling in disgust, Wenyao looked up at the Emperor, tears threatening to fall.
"Your Majesty, he…"
But the Emperor gently pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her.
Wenyao blinked. Was he… protecting Wei Quan?
She bit her lip. Did he still side with the Noble Consort? Was he really just going to let this go?
Seeing the sadness in her eyes, the Emperor softened.
"Don't speak. If this gets out, your reputation will be ruined. Trust me—I will make them pay."
The Noble Consort arrived just then, out of breath, with a trail of consorts and attendants behind her.
"Your Majesty, what happened?" she asked, feigning concern.
The Emperor's expression turned dark, his voice sharp as steel.
"That's what I want to know. What is an outsider doing inside the palace, Noble Consort?"