Chapter 356: A Little Guilty

The Princess Consort had already dodged the subject several times that morning. Seeing the Guardian Lady was still pressing the issue relentlessly, she steeled herself. "Yes, Yu’er will be turning twenty in the tenth month."

"A few days ago, my mother wrote from the Capital City. She said she’s found a good match for Yu’er."

"The Prince and I are both very pleased with it. Once Yu’er’s birthday has passed, it will be time to arrange his marriage."

"What!" the Guardian Lady blurted out, momentarily losing control of her emotions.

Nearby, Shen Qingluan had been paying close attention to the Princess Consort’s words. She was holding a teacup, and at this news, her hand trembled, sending the cup falling to the floor.

The floor was paved with bluestone slabs, and the cup landed with a sharp CLANG. The noble ladies all around turned to look.

Shen Qingluan knew she was in a public setting. ’I can’t lose face in front of everyone.’ She tried desperately to conceal her loss of composure, but the news was too much of a shock. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t control the muscles in her face, making her expression look utterly ferocious.

The Princess Consort glanced at the Guardian Lady, then at Shen Qingluan, feeling a little guilty.

The Guardian Lady’s hands were still trembling slightly, and her chest heaved, but her voice was calm when she spoke. "May I ask which family’s young lady the Duchess of Qin has her eye on?"

The Princess Consort smiled. "Well, since it’s still under discussion, it wouldn’t be right to reveal her identity just yet, for the sake of the young lady’s reputation. You’ll find out in due time."

The Guardian Lady was livid.

’This Princess Consort! She’s been stringing our family along all this time, letting our Qingluan grow older, and now she’s suddenly picking some noble girl from the Capital City? How could I not be furious?’

She tried to hold her tongue, but in the end, she couldn’t help but say in a low voice, "Princess Consort, that’s not what you said last time. You said that Qingluan was wonderful, and that you wished you could have her as a daughter-in-law—"

The Princess Consort gave a dry laugh. "Heh heh, I was only joking. Guardian Lady, you shouldn’t take it so seriously."

’Motherf***er!’

The Guardian Lady had the urge to grab the nearest teacup and smash it in the Princess Consort’s face.

The Princess Consort suddenly started rubbing her temples. "Oh dear, I got up too early today. My head is aching."

"Nanny Xu, have someone prepare the sedan chair. I must go back and rest."

Nanny Xu quickly sent a maid out to do so.

The Princess Consort stood up, putting on an air of frailness, like a willow swaying in the wind. "Well then, I’ll be taking my leave. Please excuse me."

The Guardian Lady was so stunned she couldn’t even bring herself to stand and see her off. She glared daggers at the Princess Consort’s back as she walked out of the flower-viewing hall.

Shen Qingluan was in an even worse state than the Guardian Lady. She didn’t know whether she should burst into tears or smash everything around her to pieces.

To have years of hope shattered in a single day—it was a blow that few could withstand.

Seeing the Princess Consort had already reached the entrance of the hall, Shen Qingluan, fueled by a sudden surge of courage, shot to her feet and strode quickly toward the doorway.

The noble ladies in the hall were all a bit puzzled. ’The Princess Consort left so abruptly, and the expressions on the Guardian Lady and Miss Shen changed so drastically. Something must be going on.’

There had long been rumors that Miss Shen was to become the Heir’s wife. Could it be that the engagement was in trouble?

Everyone had their own theories, but no one dared to voice them, and a tense atmosphere settled over the hall.

Xiao Xuan, seated in the men’s guest area, watched the Princess Consort leave, then saw Shen Qingluan follow her out with a ferocious look on her face. The corner of his mouth couldn’t help but curl up. ’It seems my time has come.’

Shen Qingluan caught up to the Princess Consort and blocked her path. With a twisted expression, she demanded, "Princess Consort, I don’t understand. What is it about Qingluan that is so lacking that I am unworthy of your consideration?"