CHAPTER 285: CHAPTER 285: SHE DID IT ON PURPOSE

Noble Consort An was somewhat troubled. Attending the banquet at Duke Qi Mansion, she couldn’t overshadow Sister Meng, yet couldn’t be too ordinary.

Thus, the makeup and attire pairing almost exhausted those around Noble Consort An.

After trying various options, they finally picked a seemingly plain outfit with vibrant colors from the Costume Bureau’s delivery — the Liuxian Skirt.

The overall gradient of blue interwoven with silver shone like starlight as she moved.

The members of the Costume Bureau sighed in relief, finally having served her well.

In addition, Noble Consort An chose two elegant ones as backups.

With the leftover garments in hand, the Costume Bureau members prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment." Noble Consort An stopped Si Yi, "Unfold that pink one for me to see."

Another with gradient hues.

The hem of the skirt was adorned with blooming peach blossoms.

"Keep this one as well," said Noble Consort An.

Si Yi’s heart trembled, silently lamenting her luck. How did she become so unlucky? Noble Consort An had never liked this color in dresses, so she boldly brought it to fill the count.

At Concubine Jing’s place, while this skirt was still being embroidered, Si Yi had already set her sights on it and even slipped Silver over.

She had promised to deliver it to Concubine Jing later.

Yet now, Noble Consort An wanted to keep this peach blossom skirt.

How would she explain to Concubine Jing?

Although Noble Consort An enjoyed more favoritism, Concubine Jing wasn’t insignificant.

It’s just that these two never quite got along.

This really is a battle of divinities, causing trouble for mere mortals.

"Noble Consort, this peach blossom skirt is too gentle and might not complement your temperament," Si Yi said with a smile, cautiously.

"It doesn’t look good on me, but I never said keeping it meant I would wear it," Noble Consort An replied.

So, Noble Consort An was always watching Concubine Jing’s side?

Was it because she knew Concubine Jing liked it, and intentionally intercepted it?

Si Yi lamented inwardly; what should she do!

Never mind, she thought. At Concubine Jing’s side, I’ll tell the truth: the skirt was left by Noble Consort An, not intentionally given away.

Let these two masters fight it out then.

"Wan Yue, take my token and leave the palace once. Deliver this peach blossom skirt to Sister Meng. I feel this outfit suits her well," Noble Consort An said gleefully, "By the way, do I have a set of peach blossom hairpins there? Find them and send them along."

Si Yi, who hadn’t yet left, was somewhat confused. Who was this Sister Meng Noble Consort An referred to?

After exiting Changle Palace, Si Yi suddenly recalled that the granddaughter returned from the countryside who had been quite in the spotlight recently, granted the title of Le’an County Princess, seemed to be surnamed Meng.

So, the peach blossom skirt was for Le’an County Princess.

Si Yi understood, returned to the Costume Bureau, and sent a young palace maid to Concubine Jing’s palace to tell the truth: Noble Consort An chose the peach blossom skirt for Le’an County Princess.

Concubine Jing was on good terms with the Grand Princess.

The person favored by the Grand Princess was General Zhao; this wasn’t a secret in the palace.

Le’an County Princess had suddenly emerged as General Zhao’s wife.

As for what Concubine Jing would do, that was no concern of little Si Yi’s.

The garments from the palace’s Costume Bureau are unmatched by any embroidery shop outside.

The material alone is extremely rare outside.

Plus exquisite embroidery, a peach blossom skirt resembled a work of art.

"This was specially chosen by the Noble Consort for the County Princess, and paired with a set of jewelry. Noble Consort said that the County Princess should wear it on the day of the banquet," Wan Yue spoke courteously to Meng Yao, "Noble Consort said not to worry, she will come to support the County Princess on that day."

"Thanks to Miss Wan Yue for returning to the palace and expressing my gratitude to Noble Consort," Meng Yao replied.

Noble Consort An’s attention to her was deeply touching.

Moreover, she intended to personally support her.

This person was worth befriending.

"Our Noble Consort and the County Princess hit it off immediately; all this is genuinely from our Noble Consort," Wan Yue said, helping her master win Meng Yao’s favor.

After Wan Yue left, Meng Yao went to Duke Qi Mansion to find Qi Yunye.

With Noble Consort An coming, the original specifications needed adjustment, at least not to neglect Noble Consort An.

"Although not the first time ever, I have never heard of a Noble Consort lowering herself to attend a banquet at a subject’s home before. Always heard Noble Consort An’s actions are unpredictable, different from typical women. Indeed, it’s true," Qi Yunye lamented.

"True temperament," Meng Yao replied.

"Logically, such a person would have a difficult time in the palace, but contrary to expectations, Noble Consort An is indeed the foremost in the harem," Qi Yunye said, "Perhaps His Majesty prefers someone like this?"

Then Qi Yunye shook his head again, "Yet it’s not right, I heard at one point many concubines in the palace imitated Noble Consort An’s conduct, yet none received His Majesty’s favor."

"Clumsy imitations of a famed beauty are only laughable at best, how could they surpass Xishi?" Meng Yao replied.

Emperor Jing was not indulgent; perhaps, his true feelings for Noble Consort An were genuine, though how deep those feelings ran was unknown.

On the banquet day, Meng Yao arrived at Duke Qi Mansion early.

Huang Ying and Ming Cui accompanied her. Both were trusted aides to Old Madam Zhao. Huang Ying already served Meng Yao, while Ming Cui was specifically sent over.

They had seen grand scenes by Old Madam Zhao’s side, and with them accompanying her, Meng Yao felt more at ease.

The first to arrive were Madam Du and Du Ruyi.

"Sister Meng, I’ve not seen you for quite some days," Du Ruyi said, holding Meng Yao’s hand as she coquettishly greeted her.

"Ruyi, today the County Princess will be busy, don’t cause any trouble," Madam Du said.

"Sister-in-law, you’re treating me like a child again."

Recently, she felt like she returned to her maiden days; albeit her sister-in-law pampered her, she managed her quite strictly.

Meng Yao gracefully conversed with Madam Du, in an appropriately relaxed manner.

Until Huang Ying reported that Noble Consort An’s entourage was nearing the Duke Mansion, only then did Meng Yao end her conversation with Madam Du to greet her outside.

Better not to know, but knowing, Madam Du realized she couldn’t sit still and followed Meng Yao to welcome Noble Consort An.

At the same time, she secretly admired, indeed, Le’an County Princess was extraordinary.

She held a banquet, and Noble Consort An came, which meant so much.

Those attending the banquet, regardless of what they harbored inside, had to behave properly before Noble Consort An.

Meanwhile, Duke Zhen Country Mansion’s carriage arrived first.

Blocking the main entrance.

Huang Ying went forward to invite Lady An to disembark while also telling the coachman to quickly move the carriage.

Yet, the coachman was somewhat arrogant, "Why rush me? My carriage hasn’t even stopped completely, and you’re telling me to move. Are you implying you don’t want my lady to attend the banquet?"

The carriage was quiet, Lady Yun did not make a sound.

Huang Ying knew well that Lady Yun was doing this on purpose; otherwise, how would the coachman dare act so?