Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 59: She Won’t Marry Anyone But Zhou Junlin

Song Xilan was very popular among the young ladies from official families. The moment she appeared, Zhuang Qiaoyue pulled her over and whispered, "Prince Ling was just here. You have no idea! Cao Ying deliberately pranced around in front of him, striking a pose. She even dropped her handkerchief on purpose, thinking the Prince would pick it up and return it to her. Who would’ve thought? Prince Ling didn’t even glance at her. He just got up and left! Oh, the look on her face—she was so embarrassed! You came late; you missed a great show."

At this, Zhuang Qiaoyue couldn’t stop laughing.

Cao Ying was the eldest daughter of the Imperial Censor, Cao Yuexue, and Zhuang Qiaoyue’s sworn enemy.

It was no secret that Cao Ying was in love with Zhou Junlin. Long ago, she had declared she would marry no one but him.

Worn down by his wife and daughter’s constant crying and pleading, Cao Yuexue had no choice but to swallow his pride and request the marriage before the Holy Emperor. At that time, the Old Duke Xuan Chang had not yet left the city. Upon hearing the news, he rushed to the Imperial Palace and pointed a finger right at Cao Yuexue’s nose, cursing him. His precious granddaughter hadn’t even married into the Ling Prince Mansion yet, and this man was already trying to steal her fiancé? Did he have no shame?

It was said that many people saw the Marquis Xuan Chang enter the palace carrying a spear. The area outside the palace gates was unusually lively that night, filled with servants, maids, and old women from various mansions who had been sent to watch the spectacle.

The entire Ling’an City knew that the Marquis Xuan Chang was fiercely protective of his own. Years ago, when Song Xingfeng had promoted a concubine to the status of primary wife, the Marquis had cut off all contact with him in a fit of rage.

His daughter, Song Lianhe, was his only tie to that family. If not for the constraints of propriety, he would have brought his granddaughter back to the Marquis Mansion long ago!

The Old Duke Xuan Chang was a meritorious official who had followed the late emperor in conquering the realm. If he decided to act unreasonably, even Emperor Xiaocheng had to show him some deference! Since he was upright and never took sides or formed cliques, he was considered a leading figure of the "pure stream" faction in the Court. Furthermore, the current Minister of the Secretariat was the Marchioness Xuan Chang’s own brother. Thus, his lack of a faction had become a faction in its own right, making him a target all the princes were eager to win over.

Ever since Cao Yuexue returned to his mansion that night, he never again mentioned the matter of marrying Prince Ling. Even if his daughter wasted away her youth, even if she was already past the age of eighteen, he would rather keep her at home for the rest of her life than suffer that humiliation again!

This time, it was the Empress hosting the banquet, so Cao Yuexue had reluctantly agreed to let his wife bring their daughter to the palace.

The moment Cao Ying saw Zhou Junlin, she couldn’t contain the love in her heart. Unfortunately for her, Zhou Junlin had always ignored her. Mortified, Cao Ying picked up the handkerchief herself and returned to her seat.

Who knew that just as she sat down, she would see Zhuang Xilan gracefully approaching.

And Zhuang Qiaoyue had pulled the girl right over, whispering in her ear while glancing in her direction and snickering from time to time. Cao Ying didn’t need to guess to know that Zhuang Qiaoyue was badmouthing her again!

Cao Ying sneered and said deliberately, "This is the Empress’s banquet. Some people should take a look at their own status. The daughter of a mere concubine, daring to show her shameless face here and embarrass herself! It’s an insult to the Empress!"

Her voice wasn’t loud, but everyone who was meant to hear it, heard it.

Song Xilan’s face paled, and she clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

But Cao Ying hadn’t named anyone. If Xilan were to respond, it would be the same as admitting the insult was directed at her! So, even if she had to grit her teeth until they broke, she had to endure it.

She could endure it, but Zhuang Qiaoyue could not!

"Cao Ying! What are you talking about? Xilan came because she received an invitation from the Empress!"

The moment Zhuang Qiaoyue’s words left her mouth, faint, suppressed laughter could be heard from all around.

Song Xilan’s face flushed red, then drained of all color. Even if she had wanted to play dumb, that simpleton Zhuang Qiaoyue had just thrown her into the eye of the storm.

As expected, Cao Ying scoffed.

"Oh? Did I say it was her? Why are you in such a hurry to defend her?"

"It was so obvious who you were talking about! Anyone could tell!"

The laughter from the crowd grew louder.

When it came to being simple-minded, if Zhuang Qiaoyue claimed to be second among all the noble ladies, no one would dare claim to be first!

"Heh, then it seems I was in the wrong..." Amidst Cao Ying’s unrestrained laughter, Song Xilan suddenly spoke up, "I do not know what Sister Cao has heard to make her deliberately choose the Empress’s banquet to humiliate me. The innocent need no defense, yet slander can melt gold. I do not wish to explain myself, nor do I need to. I only wish to remind Sister Cao of one thing: Sister Cao, this is the Imperial Palace, not the Cao Mansion... Oh, that’s right, I almost forgot. Sister Cao has been confined to her home for some time now. I imagine you’re finally seeing the light of day again and became a little overexcited, which led to this nonsense. If that’s the case, then I can’t blame you. The Empress is also a benevolent person, so she certainly won’t hold it against you either."