Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 215 - 199: The Arrogant Mother-in-law

Chapter 215: Chapter 199: The Arrogant Mother-in-law

"I’m... tired, I want to sleep!"

Liu Qingyun "chased" Meng Qianqian out, shut the door, patted her chest, and exhaled a long breath.

Meng Qianqian raised an eyebrow, "No rush, there’ll come a time to get her to talk."

The night was dark, and the wind brought a chill.

Shangguan Ling led a group of Jinyi Guards, escorting Miaojiang’s carriage to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

He dismounted from his horse, courteous and respectful, saying, "Young Master Bai, Miss Bai, we’ve arrived at the Xun Family."

Bai Yuwei peeked out from the curtain, gazing at the grand plaque overhead, "So this is the renowned Prime Minister’s Mansion?"

Bai Qingchen smiled indulgently, "Come down, now."

The siblings got off the carriage.

Bai Qingchen said to Shangguan Ling, "We’ll trouble Lord Shangguan to take care of our guards as well."

Shangguan Ling cheerfully responded, "The Prime Minister has been awaiting Young Master Bai and Miss Bai’s arrival for a long time; please, this way."

Bai Yuwei clasped her hands behind her back and said freely, "I gather the person your Prime Minister is waiting for is my grandfather, no?"

Bai Qingchen shook his head helplessly, "Wei’er, mind your manners."

Yet, Shangguan Ling showed no displeasure at all, "The Miao King, along with Young Master Bai and Miss Bai, are all esteemed guests of the Prime Minister’s Mansion. You don’t need to stand on ceremony—please make yourselves at home."

The three proceeded to Xun Prime Minister’s study.

The air was stiflingly hot, and Madam Wei couldn’t sleep, so she stepped out for some fresh air.

As soon as she left her courtyard, she saw her son gazing fixedly in a certain direction, looking utterly spellbound.

She stepped forward and asked skeptically, "Xuan’er, what are you looking at?"

Wei Mingxuan tugged at Madam Wei, signaling with his eyes, "Mother, which family does that young lady belong to? Is she a relative of Aunt’s?"

Madam Wei followed his gaze and saw two people from Miaojiang; her expression darkened immediately.

"Another Miaojiang vixen! Do you think your aunt would have such disgraceful relatives?"

Wei Mingxuan’s eyes lit up, "Not relatives? Then... could she be a maid? A senior maid? Mother! Go ask Uncle to give her to me!"

"You—" Madam Wei choked on her son’s uselessness.

A mere maid might not be a big deal.

However, she suddenly recalled something.

"Your uncle mentioned this afternoon that distinguished guests would visit the mansion and specifically told me to keep a close eye on you so you wouldn’t bump into them."

Wei Mingxuan hastily reassured her, "Mother, do I seem like someone who’d cause trouble? I just—"

Madam Wei interrupted him, "Just what? Haven’t caused enough trouble already? Let me warn you, any reckless ideas, and if you anger your uncle, don’t expect your father to retain his official position!"

"I know, I know."

Wei Mingxuan waved her off, clearly annoyed.

Madam Wei glared at him, "Why are you still standing there? Go back to your room!"

Wei Mingxuan muttered, "I can’t have her and now I can’t even look?"

"You... not worth dealing with!" Madam Wei flung her wide sleeves and turned to the nearby maids and servants, "Watch the Young Master closely."

The staff responded in unison, "Yes, Madam!"

Once his mother had left, Wei Mingxuan scoffed, "I don’t have to pursue her—maybe she’ll come chasing after me."

Speaking of pursuing, Wei Mingxuan couldn’t help but remember the fleeting glimpse from the Lu Family’s wedding banquet.

"What kind of luck did that punk stumble upon? Am I any less eligible than he is? My uncle is the Prime Minister, and yet he—a nobody—can marry such a stunning wife?"

-

"Prime Minister Xun is most gracious. My sister and I accept humbly; we will trouble you for the days ahead."

Bai Qingchen said with a polite bow.

Prime Minister Xun, fatherly and kind-eyed, replied, "Young Master Bai is too modest; it is truly our honor to have both you and Miss Bai at our humble abode. Alas, as an older man, I am ignorant of what you young folks might enjoy—Yu’er."

"Father."

Xun Yu stood up.

Prime Minister Xun instructed, "You will assist me in hosting the distinguished guests well."

Xun Yu smiled, "Of course."

The Xun Family steward escorted the siblings to their temporary courtyard.

Misters Gongsun and Yu emerged from an adjacent chamber and stepped into the study.

"Gentlemen."

Xun Yu bowed respectfully.

"Young Master."

They returned the gesture amiably.

Soon, Mister Gongsun, barely containing his glee, said to Prime Minister Xun, "We sought after them to no avail, yet they fell into our lap with zero effort. Who would’ve thought the Miao King’s grandchildren would arrive so smoothly?"

Mister Yu added, "I wonder why they suddenly left Miaojiang."

Shangguan Ling interjected, "They claimed it was to celebrate the Empress’s wedding, but I suspect that’s not their only motive."

Mister Gongsun smiled, "Good—motives are welcome."

Turning to Xun Yu, he continued, "Young Master, over the next few days, you must become close friends with the Miaojiang Young Master, earn his trust, and build rapport with his sister. Then, when the Miao King arrives in the Capital City, the Prime Minister’s Mansion will have every reason to propose a match between you and Miss Bai."

Xun Yu’s face remained expressionless; he simply nodded.

He had always known his marriage was a bargaining chip, valued not for lineage but for what his wife could bring to the Mansion.

Marrying a Princess was out of the question, as it would tether the Prime Minister’s Mansion to restrictions on its power.

And the noble daughters of the Capital City? None could rival the little princess of Miaojiang.

Xun Yu replied solemnly, "Father, rest assured—I will not disappoint you. I will secure Miaojiang for you."

-

The next day.

Meng Qianqian noticed Liu Qingyun rising exceptionally early as well.

Blinking her eyes, she looked at Liu Qingyun, sitting gracefully on the swing and ethereal like a fairy, "Mother, so early?"

Liu Qingyun responded with indifference, "Weren’t you going to tour the Capital City?"

Meng Qianqian opened her mouth, "Ah, right, let’s go!"

"Hold on."

Liu Qingyun stopped her.

Meng Qianqian smiled, "What are your orders, Mother?"

Liu Qingyun cleared her throat and said casually, "Your Capital is too warm—find me some cooler attire."

Meng Qianqian fetched a brand-new pale-purple dress, "Mother, let me help you change."

Liu Qingyun snobbishly answered, "Fine."

The two entered the room.

Meng Qianqian helped Liu Qingyun out of her Miaojiang outfit; it was clear Liu Qingyun wasn’t accustomed to being dressed by others, her face full of discomfort.

Yet, to maintain the dignity fit for a mother-in-law, she gritted her teeth and endured.

Meng Qianqian found it amusing—was she tormenting the daughter-in-law or herself?

Swapping into attire befitting women of the Central Plains, Meng Qianqian styled Liu Qingyun’s hair into a simple bun.

Though she didn’t possess Ban Xia’s hairstyling skills, Liu Qingyun’s natural beauty allowed even an elementary bun to look ethereal and graceful.

The outfit came with a lavender forehead ornament and a matching face veil.

After dressing Liu Qingyun up, Meng Qianqian couldn’t help but marvel at her otherworldly beauty.

Liu Qingyun, too, seemed pleased with her ensemble, glancing at Meng Qianqian through the copper mirror and sneering, "All you have that’s passable is your face and taste."

Meng Qianqian: My mother-in-law thinks I’m pretty, and she compliments my taste!

Meng Qianqian hadn’t brought Bao Shu along yesterday; the girl felt utterly betrayed and insisted on tagging along this time.

Tan’er embraced Bao Shu closely, "Treasure Piggy, we’re off!"

Bao Shu flinched, her baby fur bristling: No! Not you carrying me—!

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