WBSGVS Chapter 196 V2

But today, silence filled the air.

Finally, Sima Qinghe broke it. “Do you think she’ll just obediently go through with this political marriage?”

Sima Chang didn’t answer. Yi Han frowned. Fu Cheng’s face turned grim.

She was completely different from what they had expected—utterly unpredictable.

She dared to demand that Fu Cheng kneel and kowtow in gratitude?

Never mind whether her favor warranted such a gesture—Fu Cheng’s status alone should’ve made that unthinkable. She was just a neglected princess.

Yet she dared to say it.

Yi Han said, “Maybe she’s never experienced the perks of having power. Now that she’s suddenly a respected princess, she doesn’t know how to control herself.”

Fu Cheng immediately said, “Then let her have a taste of reality. This world isn’t just about imperial power. Even a princess can’t do whatever she wants!”

The others agreed, and all three of them turned to look at Fu Cheng.

Fu Cheng instinctively looked behind him. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Sima Chang smiled. “Your suggestion is a good one. Among us, you’re the only one who’s interacted with her. Why don’t you take her out and show her around a bit? You’re a man, and if she’s embarrassed by the women’s side, you can comfort her. Maybe then she’ll start taking etiquette seriously.”

Fu Cheng was reluctant, but like last time, he gave in to the majority.

To be fair, Fu Cheng was the most suitable person for the task.

He and Sima Qingli were cousins. It would be perfectly reasonable for him to ask the emperor to take his cousin out for some fun.

Fu Cheng sighed helplessly. “Fine. Where are we going?”

Sima Qinghe replied softly, “The prime minister’s daughter is getting married in three days. I’m not planning to attend, but a happy occasion like that will draw a big crowd. If she acts improperly, offending some of the influential women will be inevitable.”

Fu Cheng nodded slowly.

And just like that, the plan was set. There was the princess, Sima Qingli; Fu Cheng, the heir of the Fu family; Yi Han, the eldest son of a powerful military clan; Sima Chang, the emperor’s favored third prince; and Princess Leqin, the emperor’s most beloved daughter.

With powerhouses like them involved, all it took was a word to “arrange” a minor, insignificant palace figure.

Soon, Qingli received the verbal order: Fu Cheng, feeling sorry for his cousin after her years in the Cold Palace, wanted to take her out. The emperor even sent her a few pieces of jewelry to wear for the outing.

At the Prime Minister’s Residence

In their time, when a beloved daughter was married off, the family often hosted two banquets.

One would be held at the bride’s family home the day before the wedding, a farewell feast. Then the groom’s family would host a second banquet after the bride was brought over.

In most cases, only the groom’s family hosted a feast.

But the prime minister adored his daughter—he insisted on holding one himself.

And even this farewell banquet was lively. The groom’s family didn’t live in the capital, so once the daughter married, she’d move far away and might only come back in a few years—unless her husband passed the imperial exam and returned to take a government post.

In the carriage on the way there, Fu Cheng was explaining all this.

Not that he volunteered the information—Qingli had asked. At first, he gave vague answers, but she asked such well-structured questions that he realized there was no point in dodging. So he told her everything, including the groom’s name and background.

When they arrived at the prime minister’s estate, Fu Cheng handed over their identification and invitation. The welcoming attendant announced loudly, “Princess Leyi has arrived! Young Master Fu of the Fu family has arrived!”

With that shout, all the guests coming and going turned to look, including some who had already entered. They’d been curious about Princess Leyi for a while.

When they saw her, everyone drew a sharp breath. Then the chatter began:

“She’s gorgeous!”

“No wonder she was instantly called the most beautiful woman in Jin as soon as she showed up!”

“I’m stunned… What kind of fabric is that dress made of? I’ve worn blue before, but mine never looked that luxurious!”

“It’s not the fabric—it’s her face!”

Of course, for every amazed person, some weren’t so impressed. After all, Sima Qinghe had held the title of Jin’s most beautiful woman for years. She had looks, talent, connections—how could a mere pretty face take that away?

Someone scoffed, “Are you guys serious? That title was just for the sake of a political marriage. It’s not real.”

The conversations quieted, and the guests gave Qingli sympathetic looks.

No one cared that she could hear them—because she could, loud and clear. The original Qingli had been in similar situations in her past life, brought to events like this to “toughen her up,” only to be mocked mercilessly. It played a big part in her eventual fall from grace.

This time, though, as everyone stared, Qingli straightened her back, lifted her chin, and met their eyes calmly.

Wherever she walked, people quickly looked away—except for one girl who met her gaze with a mocking smirk.

That was Yi Yue, Yi Han’s younger sister and one of Sima Qinghe’s closest friends.

At that moment, Fu Cheng brought Qingli over to where they were.

Most of the guests were well-mannered and bowed appropriately. Not only did Yi Yue refuse to bow, but she even held back a younger girl from doing so.

Qingli suddenly stopped walking. In a voice just loud enough for everyone to hear, she said to Fu Cheng, “You said you brought me here to see how refined the noblewomen of the capital are. Well, looks like there are still a few bad apples.”

Yi Yue’s eyes widened. “What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t think you’re all that just because you’ve got that stupid title! My cousin Qinghe gave it to you out of pity!”

Qingli smiled and said loudly, “Well said! Then let me return the title right now. From this moment on, I declare the most beautiful woman in Jin is Princess Leqin, Sima Qinghe! Everyone, make sure you get it right from now on!”

The crowd looked stunned, but under Qingli’s gaze, they all awkwardly nodded. “Yes, Princess Leyi is right.”

Fu Cheng’s expression changed. He barked, “Yi Yue! Apologize now!”

Yi Yue’s face turned pale as she realized what she had done. If the title of ‘most beautiful’ returned to Princess Leqin, the political marriage arrangements might be upended!

Fu Cheng wanted to smack his forehead. Sima Qingli never played by the rules. The plan was falling apart before it even started.

He gave Yi Yue a stern look, took a step forward, and said coldly, “You were out of line. Princess Leyi is still a royal princess. Show respect—now.”

Yi Yue trembled. She wanted to run, but someone grabbed her arm. With red, tear-filled eyes, she knelt and muttered, “Princess Leyi, please forgive me. I shouldn’t have said that…”