Chapter 492: She Missed Him a Little After Coming Out for Half a Day
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Since Liu Shimei started talking about Liang Sheng, Zhang Miaozhen’s mood gradually sank to the bottom. Hearing Liu Shimei ask this question, she felt somewhat lost.
She turned to look at Liu Shimei and answered, “I’m not really familiar with him. Little General Liang and my brothers are acquainted, but as you should know, we, noble ladies confined to our chambers, rarely participate in social gatherings. Attending poetry sessions where men and women mingle is already the limit for us. There can’t be any personal connections in private.” The fact was they weren’t familiar.
At least from Liang Sheng’s attitude, their relationship was basically a nod of acknowledgement within the elite circles of the Capital, and this nod was merely a matter of courtesy!
Liu Shimei’s modern soul, after occupying this body, behaved in a manner that was considered shocking and outrageous by society.
But her advantage lay in the fact that she had already earned a notorious reputation from the night she first appeared and then had the misfortune of having a fool as her fiance. It couldn’t have been worse. Therefore, society was relatively more tolerant of her.
In a less polite tone: Oh, Miss Liu? It’s not surprising that someone who lost her virtue before marriage would do such things!
It was this kind of attitude.
Thinking that Zhang Miaozhen was a candidate for the position of the Crown Prince’s consort, Liu Shimei decided not to delve further and asked, “It’s said that the selection of the Crown Prince’s consort will be finalized on the Mid-Autumn Festival, and there’s less than three months left now. Have I been too busy recently to notice any progress, or has there really been no movement?”
Changing the topic, Zhang Miaozhen became more composed and replied, “These matters should be left to fate.”
Looking around to confirm that apart from Lian Zhi and Lian Qiao, there was no one else nearby, Liu Shimei grabbed Zhang Miaozhen’s hand and leaned closer to her ear, whispering, “Miaozhen, what do you think are the chances of you being the chosen one?”
“Ah?” This question surprised Zhang Miaozhen more than before. She said, “This isn’t something I can decide. Even if I ponder the outcome, it seems futile, doesn’t it?”
Liu Shimei stared at her for a moment and said, “So, the Zhang family isn’t very enthusiastic about it?”
This delved into more secretive matters. Zhang Miaozhen glanced around and then whispered, “Our ancestors’ attitude is also laissez-faire. We haven’t thought too much about the result. And…”
She sighed imperceptibly and continued, “I always feel that the Crown Princess will choose one from the three of us. Does that mean the remaining two are truly rejected?”
Liu Shimei was startled.”!!!”
Well, someone as high-ranking and influential as Grand Secretary Zhang, a veteran statesman, would undoubtedly understand these dynamics. Even if Huangfu He’s position was secure now, he still had to consider the future. Stability at present didn’t guarantee eternal stability.
There were three remaining candidates for the Crown Princess position. Choosing one meant what for the other two?
There were two positions for secondary consorts!
So, considering these issues from the perspective of the Empress and the Crown Prince, it was undoubtedly wise to bring the Liu, Zhang, and Miao families under their influence. Marriages had always been the most effective way to consolidate power.
Seeing that she understood, Zhang Miaozhen lifted the corner of her mouth, her smile bitter. “To be honest, neither my father nor my mother is particularly eager for this matter. It’s just… we have no choice.”
Saying these words was a form of heartfelt confession.
She smiled faintly at Liu Shimei and said, “So, in reality, I envy you. Although King Dun Yu… lacks intelligence, he is sincere, and he treats you well. Children’s temperaments, well, they can still be taught to become better, right?”
“You’re right!” Speaking of her ‘silly puppy,’ Liu Shimei couldn’t help but smile.
Honestly, after being away for a while, she missed him a little..