Feng Tianlan smiled and, paying no heed, said, “She did not even succeed.”
Xi Lin nodded heavily and said, “Tianlan, you must believe that I will not destroy our decades-long relationship for any man.”
In view of Feng Tianlan’s trust for her, Xi Lin would rather not marry for life than to let down Tianlan’s trust.
“I know.” Feng Tianlan smiled.
Shen Yunya watched the two women talking and laughing over there and became incensed. Why was Xi Lin always good with Shen Qingdai? She was obviously the genius and undoubtedly the most gentle and easy to get along with.
But Xi Lin always favored Shen Qingdai. Even if she were deceived, it was still the same.
While they were talking, more and more guests arrived and could not help but glance over repeatedly when they saw Shen Yunya was also present. Then they would talk in whispers.
“She actually came to the wedding feast. Only a month had passed, and she is here to see the Crown Prince get married. I wonder how she is feeling.”
“What other feelings can she have? Calling off the engagement in public for an unknown man. She’s lucky that he did not blame her. But she is really thick-skinned to dare come to the wedding feast.”
“If she were not thick-skinned, how else could she engage in an illicit relationship with an unknown man? She even pretended to be a chaste woman to get married to the Crown Prince. It is simply a joke.”
“She’s really shameless to have a man on the side. She must be a loose woman. No matter how talented she is, it’s also useless. She can only be a concubine.”
Some women snuck glances at Shen Yunya and then whispered among themselves. They avoided others but did not avoid her. All kinds of ugly talk reached her ears.
Shen Yunya listened to them, grinding her teeth roughly together. But only she could hear these voices. She did not know how other people would see her if she flipped out. So, she could only force herself to endure.
Xi Lin had been watching Shen Yunya. When she saw some women look at her and speak in hushed tones, she gleefully said to Feng Tianlan beside her, “It is really delightful that she gets her comeuppance today. But she has gotten off too easily.”
Feng Tianlan looked at Shen Yunya’s stiff face and smiled slightly as she said, “These are just merely minor annoyances for her.”
“Hha, but you still have your ways.” Thinking of the secretive words toward Shen Yunya in Lin’an City, Xi Lin laughed more happily.
Feng Tianlan caught Shen Yunya’s eyes, filled with resentment, sweeping over them, and frowned. She advised Xi Lin, “Sister Lin, exercise some restraint. Otherwise, she will deal with you if she hates you.”
“I’m a princess. How dare she?” Xi Lin did not care at all.
Feng Tianlan lowered her voice and said earnestly, “Do you think she dares not?”
“I get it. Don’t look so tense. It’s not a good look. This is my Imperial Brother’s wedding feast. Just smile a little. You look good when you smile.” Xi Lin quickly compromised.
Feng Tianlan looked at her. She felt helpless and also very worried. Sister Lin basically did not listen to her words. She was afraid she would suffer for it.
He Lianhuang walked into the palace and lightly swept his eyes across. As he did so, he saw Feng Tianlan. His eyes narrowed and then he walked towards her.
“Lianhuang.” Seeing him, Xi Lin waved to him happily. She had not seen him again except when she last met him at the dinner party.
He Lianhuang nodded slightly and then looked down at Feng Tianlan to say, “Can you see me off when the banquet ends? I’m leaving tomorrow.”
The happy look on Xi Lin’s face suddenly froze. She took back her hand, embarrassed. She took an orange and started peeling it as if nothing had happened. Then she put it to her mouth to eat. The feeling in her heart was like the taste of this orange, somewhat bitter but very powerless.