Chapter 524: Chapter 15: Lingshuang’s Proud Spirit

Thinking of these years, Zeng Konghou’s meticulous manner had the Crown Prince completely subdued, the Emperor also felt that this daughter must enter the palace.

But a melon forcibly twisted will not be sweet, since she is contending with the Crown Prince, let the Crown Prince handle it himself.

With a cold eye, he looked at the Crown Prince’s expression. How could a father not see that he was interested in Miss Zeng?

So, he added fuel to the fire with his words.

"Oh? Really? I think she’s quite ordinary."

With one sentence, Miss Zeng felt the pressure from those in power.

At home, she had lived a free and easy life.

Her father and brothers had never instructed her to bring glory to the family.

So she had somewhat forgotten the majesty of imperial power.

Today’s matter seemed small.

She was merely being modest about her lack of beauty and virtue, not wanting to enter the Eastern Palace.

However, if one were to speak of it, this means not respecting the dignity of the Heavenly Family.

Rashly saying such a thing, Miss Zeng now felt some regret.

If she were alone, she would be fearless.

But if her father and brothers’ futures were implicated because of her, leaving no way to serve the country,

That would fill her with guilt.

The Emperor merely said one sentence, yet it broke down Miss Zeng’s psychological defenses.

At this moment, a fine sweat appeared on her forehead, and even the dry autumn wind could not take it away.

Instead, it made Miss Zeng’s back feel a bit chilly.

She remained silent for a long time.

Perhaps the Emperor intended to test her, so no one present helped her out.

Instead, the Crown Prince noticed that Miss Zeng’s hem trembled slightly and felt that it was not good for so many people to bully a "weak woman".

So he spoke to the Emperor with a cheeky smile.

"Father, I truly think Miss Zeng is quite good. Not necessarily to enter the Eastern Palace, but to accompany Third Sister, discuss poetry and essays, wouldn’t that be nice?"

The Third Princess loved reading since childhood, and was as quiet as Lin Wanyi.

But those who knew the inside story knew that the Third Princess was also very indifferent.

If not a close associate, ordinary people could not even dream of meeting her.

Saying that Miss Zeng wanted to enter the palace to be by the Third Princess’s side was just an excuse.

But at this moment, it served as a relief for Zeng Lingshuang.

"What the Crown Prince said is right, as a subject’s daughter, I am willing to enter the palace to be by the Third Princess’s side, grinding ink and adding fragrance."

These words were also her pretext.

How could the daughter of the esteemed Mr. Zeng become the Third Princess’s maidservant?

But it also showed Zeng Lingshuang’s determination not to enter the Eastern Palace.

Her attitude piqued the interest of many people while making them nervous.

The Han King and Prince Pei, watching the scene, even wondered if Mr. Zeng were present, would his always calm face show any other expression?

Unfortunately, the Emperor did not give them this chance to watch the drama.

He directly said,

"The Third Princess does not lack people to grind ink and add fragrance, in that case, take the silk flowers and go."

"Thank you for your grace."

As the Emperor spoke, Zeng Lingshuang was delighted, but the Crown Prince frowned.

"Father..."

He originally wanted to say something more, but was stopped by the Emperor waving his hand.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince had to keep his mouth shut.

Lin Wanyi looked at the Emperor curiously, with a puzzled expression.

The Emperor gave her a comforting look, which made Lin Wanyi settle down.

Zeng Lingshuang, unlike others, felt a sense of joy despite not being selected.

However, with so many ears and eyes in the palace, it was not appropriate to show it.

The Crown Prince, however, noticed.

After all, when she left, her quickened small steps revealed her thoughts.

Remembering how he used to joke with Fourth Brother about never wanting the Zeng Family’s daughter, now he felt a slap in the face.

Because it was the Zeng Family’s daughter who didn’t want him.

He sighed secretly, thinking that he would have to make amends later.

The palace selection continued, while those unselected like Zeng Lingshuang were sent to the palace gates by the nannies.

At this moment, many family servants, young male servants, and female maidservants gathered at the palace gates.

Each household showed a look of disappointment upon seeing their young lady coming out.

And if one looked closely, the eyes of several young ladies were red.

Even more so, a few stared at Zeng Lingshuang’s back with malicious intent.

The one coming to greet Zeng Lingshuang was naturally her personal maid, Qin Chu.

Seeing her young lady looking calm while other young ladies gritted their teeth, she was very puzzled.

So, once they got on the family carriage, she immediately asked,

"Miss, what’s happening? Why are you so happy despite being rejected?"

She had noticed it.

After all, having been with Zeng Lingshuang for more than just a year or two, she naturally knew her temperament.

But Zeng Lingshuang calmly gave her a look without saying anything.

Only when the carriage exited the palace gates and headed home did she explain to Qin Chu,

"The fate of the Eastern Palace doesn’t fall upon me, naturally, I am happy. But if outsiders knew I left joyously, wouldn’t they say our whole Zeng Family is ungrateful?"

What she said before the imperial court was already quite offensive.

If she had been selected, she would probably face severe backlash.

They would say she was retreating to move forward, intentionally doing so.

Fortunately, she was not chosen; those who disliked her could only make a few sarcastic remarks.

So, she did not want to make a big deal out of it, the best way was to merge with the dust.

Qin Chu nodded, not understanding her lady’s actions but wholeheartedly supporting her.

So the Zeng Family’s carriage headed back, while the palace selection continued as usual.

The concubines came up batch after batch, some even outstanding.

So either the Emperor spoke, or Lin Wanyi spoke, or the Han King suggested retaining them.

Among them, others watched with great interest, only the Crown Prince had lost his enthusiasm.

His mind was filled with the scene just now.

Why did Miss Zeng not want to enter the Eastern Palace?

And why did Father really agree?

Didn’t previous words and actions all imply that the choice for Crown Princess Consort was likely Miss Zeng?

Why had it changed now?

For a moment, without understanding these questions, the Crown Prince naturally could not focus.

Everyone could see his lack of interest.

Lin Wanyi wanted to comfort him with a few words but didn’t know where to start.

After all, the Crown Prince and Miss Zeng had only met once.

Even if it were love at first sight, it wouldn’t be so exaggerated.

From her understanding of her son, the Crown Prince had probably never encountered someone who openly rejected him, which is why he kept it in his mind.

It wasn’t really an infatuation with Miss Zeng.