Chapter 24 Fondness for Male Companions

Chapter 24: The Prince's Proclivity

"Indeed, there is such a thing, but it was just a casual gesture..."

Before Jiang Shuning could finish, Jiang Yaozhen cut her off: "Sister Wanying, after the Chrysanthemum Banquet, she went to the palace. Not only did she meet the Crown Prince, but she also met other princes. Now, several princes are smitten with her. The Third Prince has even come to our Jiang residence several times to propose marriage!"

A shock rippled through the room.

Several noble maidens exchanged glances, their eyes like fine needles piercing Jiang Shuning.

Jiang Shuning knew that Jiang Yaozhen was determined to roast her over the fire today.

A noble maiden in a goose-yellow gown suddenly interjected: "The Third Prince? I previously heard that the Third Prince was sweet on you and even gifted you a painting?"

Jiang Yaozhen immediately put on a tearful act: "That was before he had any contact with my sister. After meeting her at the Chrysanthemum Banquet, he became completely besotted and has long since forgotten about me..."

She paused and sighed softly. "Sister Wanying, I truly envy you. If the Empress hadn't arranged your engagement early, who knows who the Crown Princess-designate might have been!"

Her words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring ripples.

Gu Wanying's face instantly darkened.

Jiang Shuning inwardly admired Jiang Yaozhen's skill—with just a few words, she had convinced everyone that Jiang Shuning was a cunning femme fatale.

Facing the hostile gazes of the noble maidens, Jiang Shuning remained calm and spoke unhurriedly: "What a clever thing to say, sister. Could it be that you believe Miss Wan Ying's position as the Crown Princess-designate is solely due to her aunt, the Empress?"

Jiang Yaozhen was momentarily speechless and hurriedly waved her hands in denial: "I didn't mean that at all! I just..."

Before she could finish, Gu Wanying coldly interrupted: "My cousin the Crown Prince and I have been close since childhood. Even without my aunt's decree, given our years of affection, he would still make me his Principal Consort. Although my cousin is physically weak, he is anything but weak-willed. If he were unwilling, no one could force him!"

Jiang Shuning seized the opportunity to add: "The Crown Prince has such strong convictions and holds the position of the Eastern Palace. How could he be so easily led astray? Whether it's true that a single visit to the palace could make princes fall for me is debatable, but to suggest that the position of Crown Princess-designate could be taken away is quite an exaggeration."

Only then did Gu Wanying suddenly realize that Jiang Yaozhen's earlier words were deliberately meant to sow discord between her and Jiang Shuning.

With just a few sentences, she had made Gu Wanying feel jealous and resentful toward Jiang Shuning—what cunning!

Although she disliked Jiang Shuning, she refused to be used as a tool by Jiang Yaozhen.

She cast a mocking look at Jiang Yaozhen: "Sister Yaozhen actually believes that a single visit to the palace can enchant princes? Could it be that the Sixth Prince was ensnared by you in the same way?"

As soon as she said this, the surrounding noble maidens burst into derisive laughter.

Jiang Yaozhen flushed crimson. She wanted to retort but feared offending Gu Wanying, so she could only swallow her anger and say softly: "Sister Wanying, you jest. I don't have such capabilities."

Gu Wanying snorted coldly: "Don't sell yourself short, sister. I witnessed your talents just now, and they truly cannot be underestimated!"

With that, she turned and left, followed closely by the noble maidens.

Jiang Yaozhen looked at Jiang Shuning, her resentment unconcealed: "Sister, what a clever scheme! With just a few words, you drove a wedge between me and Sister Wanying!"

Jiang Shuning smiled: "Likewise. This move was used skillfully by you first; I merely learned from the master!"

Unable to out-argue her, Jiang Yaozhen stomped her foot in anger and left.

At that moment, Gu Yiting, seeing Gu Wanying reach the entrance of the Jiang residence, quickly stopped her: "Are you leaving just like that?"

"What else? Stay and be used as a pawn by the two Jiang sisters?" Gu Wanying retorted irritably.

Gu Yiting hesitated for a moment, as if making a decision, and whispered: "Help me call Second Miss Jiang out. I have something to say to her alone."

"What could you possibly have to say to that scheming girl?" Gu Wanying suddenly thought of something and looked at him in disbelief. "You couldn't possibly... Brother, have you lost your mind? She's Chancellor Jiang's daughter and is now the betrothed of the Sixth Prince. How could you have such feelings for her?"

"Don't concern yourself with that," Gu Yiting's expression darkened. "Just lure her to the back garden. I'll leave after saying a few words."

Gu Wanying, too lazy to persuade him further, simply sneered: "Fine, let you run headfirst into a brick wall and shatter this foolish delusion!"

With that, she turned and walked toward Jiang Yaozhen, leaning close to whisper in her ear: "Go to the back garden. My brother wants to speak with you. Don't let anyone else know."

Having just offended Gu Wanying, Jiang Yaozhen was thinking of how to make amends and naturally couldn't refuse her request now. So she quietly made her way to the back garden.

Gu Yiting was indeed waiting there.

Seeing Jiang Yaozhen arrive alone, a flicker of joy crossed his eyes, mixed with a hint of melancholy.

"Second Miss Jiang, you absolutely must not marry the Sixth Prince!"

Jiang Yaozhen was already well-versed in handling suitors' advances and declined with practiced ease and tact: "Master Gu, your affection is misplaced. I cannot return your feelings. I am now betrothed and, in this lifetime, have no fate with Master Gu. Perhaps in the next life..."

"Second Miss Jiang, I am serious. You cannot marry the Sixth Prince. He..." Gu Yiting leaned close and whispered two sentences in her ear.

Jiang Yaozhen's face instantly turned deathly pale, her voice trembling slightly: "You... such words cannot be spoken lightly!"

"Second Miss Jiang, what I say is absolutely true, without a single false word!" Gu Yiting's expression was solemn as he raised three fingers and vowed earnestly: "If what I say today is untrue, may I be struck by lightning and die without a proper burial!"

Seeing him make such a solemn vow, Jiang Yaozhen's mind was thrown into turmoil. Could it really be true?

She composed herself and said: "How do I know you have no ulterior motives? I need to investigate this matter privately. You must keep it absolutely secret and not mention it to anyone else. Do you understand?"

"How dare I speak of it recklessly?" Gu Yiting let out a bitter laugh. "If not for fearing your lifelong unhappiness, I would rather keep this secret buried in my heart forever."

To speak recklessly about a prince could easily bring about a death sentence.

If he weren't genuinely concerned for her well-being, why would he take such a risk?

Jiang Shuning stood at a high vantage point, observing every move of the two.

The corner of her lips curved upward slightly: It seems someone has already informed Jiang Yaozhen of the Sixth Prince's secret.

She was curious how her sister, who was the center of attention, would resolve this situation.

After the banquet ended, Jiang Yaozhen was restless. Returning to her own courtyard, Qili Yuan, she immediately ordered someone to send a message to Xiao Lingchuan, asking him to meet her the next day at Laifu Tavern.

The following day, Xiao Lingchuan arrived as promised.

Pushing open the door of the private room and seeing only Jiang Yaozhen, his eyes darkened slightly with displeasure.

"Per our arrangement, I have secured a marriage into the royal family for you. Now, Second Miss Jiang should also fulfill her promise and arrange for me to meet your mother, shouldn't you?" Xiao Lingchuan said coldly.

Jiang Yaozhen stared at his handsome yet icy face and gritted her teeth in anger: "The Sixth Prince prefers the company of men! How could you, Your Highness, allow him to become my betrothed?!"

Xiao Lingchuan was unperturbed: "Second Miss Jiang initially only asked to marry into the royal family; you never mentioned being unable to accept a prince with such preferences. You sought a respectable marriage, and my sixth brother needs a Prince's Consort to conceal his preferences. Isn't this a mutually beneficial arrangement?"

So he had known about the Sixth Prince's secret all along!

Jiang Yaozhen was instantly furious: "Some perfect arrangement this is! I, the legitimate daughter of a chancellor's household, how could I marry a man who prefers men? You are deliberately trying to ruin me!"