Chapter 598: Chapter 598

When Fengyu was in West State, she held absolute authority as the City Lord, even Nangong Jin, who was known for his rigid adherence to etiquette, treated her with great respect. The noble ladies showered her with flattery and sought to curry her favor, and she responded with effortless grace. This was all familiar to her, unlike the initial restraint she exhibited upon her arrival in the Capital City. Occasionally, sharp remarks would reach her ears, but Fengyu brushed them off like the wind passing by. She had faced countless overt attacks and hidden barbs; if she were to take offense at every word, her days would become insufferable. This was why Fengyu, at such a young age, had developed a composure that even Su Yuejiao lacked.

Power and wealth are fine things. They can silently and subtly change many matters, including altering the disposition of one’s heart.

Even when someone deliberately brought up Lin Yu Yan, a person she had a long-standing conflict with, and mocked her, Fengyu felt nothing. Her heart remained as serene as a still lake; she would not go out of her way to trouble Lin Yu Yan, as long as Lin Yu Yan did not provoke her.

Considering Lin Xiao’s years of loyalty and shared trials with Xie Xun, Fengyu chose not to dwell on past grievances.

Yet, while her demeanor remained calm, there were always those who failed to grasp boundaries.

During the banquet, an older lady remarked casually, "The mourning period for His Majesty has passed. He’s now twenty-one years old but remains childless. It’s said that back in Ningzhou, there was no one tending the inner chambers. Third Miss, when you ascend as Empress, don’t emulate the ways of small families. Petty, jealous behavior won’t do. The imperial harem must cherish harmony and allow the Emperor to spread his branches early."

By referencing "small-family ways," the woman was disparaging Fengyu’s lineage. Despite her father being a second-rank General and her mother coming from a merchant household, Fengyu’s background never eluded the contempt of others. Fengyu raised her brow mildly and turned her gaze to the speaker.

"And this madam is?" Fengyu asked curiously. Public discussion of Xie Xun’s harem suggested ties to the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, yet Fengyu recalled that the Marquis Mansion’s extended family only comprised the Lin clan.

Mrs. Fang sniffed in disdain. "Third Miss, this is Mrs. Li Jiang, Third Madam of the Li Family, formerly the third wife of the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion."

The elder brother of Marquis Zhenbei, Xie Yuan, had wed and fathered children before his untimely passing. If not for that tragic incident, Xie Xun and Xie Jue would have enjoyed companionship with numerous cousins and siblings.

Following the demise of Xie Yuan’s brothers, several of their widowed spouses remarried within the Capital, maintaining close relations while the Marquis and Marchioness Zhenbei were alive. These ties lent Mrs. Li Jiang a semblance of authority, and as a former third wife of the Marquis Mansion, she now postured as Xie Xun’s aunt to belittle Fengyu’s alleged jealousy.

"So, you are Third Madam Li," Fengyu said warmly. "I had no idea my reputation for jealousy had spread to the Capital."

"A woman’s jealousy is never a commendable trait," Mrs. Li Jiang retorted.

Fengyu replied with a composed demeanor, "During wartime, Xie Xun and I had no grand ceremony, but the imperial decree of my title has already been proclaimed to the world. I am the Empress of Beining. By what authority does the Third Madam Li offer me advice?"

Mrs. Li Jiang responded coolly, "When His Majesty was young, the Marquis was stationed at the border, the wars were relentless, and the Marchioness suffered ill health. For a year, I cared for him under my roof, nurturing him as he grew. As such, I am undeniably one of His Majesty’s elders. Third Miss, as you and the Emperor have yet to hold a grand ceremony, your status as Empress is not yet absolute. Out of goodwill, I caution you: a woman consumed by jealousy will inevitably be spurned by her husband, and while the Emperor reigns supreme, how long can you hope to control him?"

Mrs. Li Jiang openly voiced her disapproval of Fengyu, particularly her hold over Xie Xun’s harem. The aristocracy in the Capital had thoroughly investigated the Emperor’s inner chambers and learned that women sent to serve him during his ascension were rejected. Rumors blamed Fengyu’s jealous nature, alleging that Xie Xun feared offending the wealthy Su Family, which she represented.

Fengyu’s lips curled into an amused smile as she replied, "Zhixu has never mentioned your role in raising him, nor was I aware of your nurturing care. However..." She chuckled softly, "Had you still been the third wife at the Marquis Mansion, I might accept accusations of insubordination for contradicting you as my elder. But now that you belong to the Li Family, wishing to assume the role of my mother-in-law and lecture me— I’m afraid you lack the qualifications."

"You—" Mrs. Li Jiang had not expected Fengyu, so young, to humiliate her in public. Her face flushed with rage. "You truly live up to your unruly reputation!"

Su Yuejiao sneered coldly, "Third Madam Li, even your household fails to control its concubines. Spare yourself the embarrassment of meddling in others’ family affairs."

Mrs. Li Jiang’s tone hardened. "Your daughter’s jealousy is known far and wide! Were there a senior figure in the Marquis Mansion, who would permit her such unbridled behavior? If not for her dominance, His Majesty, at this age, would already have offspring!" Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by noⅴelfire.net

Although Su Yuejiao wanted to defend Fengyu further, Fengyu interjected.

Fengyu laughed lightly and said, "I am jealous. That much is true."

The room fell silent. "... ..."

For a woman, jealousy was genuinely an undesirable reputation. Even those fiercely possessive of their husbands rarely admitted it publicly. Yet, Fengyu chose an audacious approach.

Her gaze swept over the crowd of noble ladies, whose minds brimmed with varied intentions. "My jealousy is my own business. His Majesty’s indulgence is his. If you wish to send your daughters into the palace, then convince him yourselves. Flattering me, currying favor with me, or trying to suppress me with your claims of seniority— all of it is in vain."