Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chang’an Street was the largest and most bustling street in the Capital.

The road was filled with traffic, and the cries of passing peddlers and hawkers rang out continuously, full of lively human atmosphere.

“Cousin, it’s so stuffy inside the carriage. Let’s walk a bit to clear our minds.”

Then she turned to look at me: “Sister-in-law, such a noble and precious lady, you probably never leave the inner chambers, right? With so many people on the street, can you show your face in public?”

I smiled, tapping Wen Miaoyi’s forehead with my finger like the Empress did, to show intimacy.

“An unmarried young lady values her reputation the most. Miaomiao isn’t afraid, so why should I be?”

“Besides…” I changed the subject, looking at Deng Yuchen with a charming smile:

“I still have my husband by my side, don’t I?”

This was the first time I called Deng Yuchen “husband.”

He seemed to enjoy it.

Men always like to see women vie for their affection.

No matter how close a cousin is, can he be closer than a husband?

Deng Yuchen nodded in agreement: “My wife’s words are reasonable. Since Miaomiao wants to get off to relax, she should at least wear a veil.”

During this stroll, I got a good look at what kind of person Wen Miaoyi was.

Pretending to be down-to-earth, she wanted to eat wontons, but only took one bite after it was served.

She wanted candied hawthorn, but after buying it, the sugar coating almost melted and she didn’t eat a single one.

Instead, she played with a child’s rattle-drum, bouncing and turning it around, performing innocence with all her might.

Every time she was about to hop over and pull Deng Yuchen, I would suddenly grab her and chat about nothing in particular.

Leaving her no chance to cling to Deng Yuchen.

Wen Miaoyi was both angry and dared not show it, yet still had to keep up her hopping and performing.

To my eyes, it was utterly ridiculous.

When we returned to the palace, Deng Yuchen left first on official business, telling me to accompany Wen Miaoyi back.

As soon as Deng Yuchen left, Wen Miaoyi immediately changed her expression, tossing the candied hawthorn and rattle-drum out the carriage window.

Her eyes full of disgust, not even bothering to hide it in front of me.

We didn’t speak the whole way. Upon arriving at the residence, after seeing to her arrangements, I pleaded fatigue and sent her off.

Wen Miaoyi slowly stood up and stretched: “Sister-in-law, get some rest quickly. The days ahead are long; who will win is yet to be seen.”

These words were full of provocation.

I didn’t respond, but smiled and had Chenzhu see her out.

The Empress came from a small family, and the girls raised in her household are of the same caliber.

Compared to the schemes of Capital noble ladies, Wen Miaoyi’s straightforwardness actually gave me some amusement.

I instructed Chenlan beside me: “Send a message to Father, have him carefully investigate the Qianyang Wen Clan.”

Previously, the information on Lady Wen was gathered through my own connections.

But seeing the Empress and Wen Miaoyi’s actions today, they clearly don’t take me seriously.

Since that’s the case, I can’t just wait around.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. A little more investigation is always right.