Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 512 - 446: Slapping the Face

Chapter 512: Chapter 446: Slapping the Face

Oh, it’s been years since anyone dared to put on airs in front of her. The last one who tried was her younger sister, who made it to becoming the Imperial Concubine, thinking she could flaunt her power. In the end, she was taught a harsh lesson.

Even if the other party was the Crown Princess Consort—which she wasn’t—Liu Qingyun wouldn’t be fazed.

"Your lady seems quite the extraordinary figure, I must admit, I’m rather intrigued now. Fine, I’ve eaten a bit too much earlier anyway, let me go meet her, consider it a way to digest my food."

Hui Zhi gestured politely. "Madam, this way, please."

The two of them headed to the Rose Garden.

The courtyard was filled with blooming flowers, meticulously arranged. The carefully manicured handiwork was evident.

Yet, for all its beauty, it was missing a touch of natural grace.

Hui Zhi stole several glances to gauge Liu Qingyun’s expression.

Her lady had a penchant for gardening, and no woman who had ever set foot in her garden failed to be astounded by her horticultural skills.

This woman—what was her deal? Was she ignorant of true beauty, or had she simply seen better?

"My lady tends to the garden in her spare moments, just something she does casually."

Hui Zhi said with a practiced smile.

Liu Qingyun replied indifferently, "It shows—very casually done indeed."

Hui Zhi: "..."

Liu Qingyun thought to herself that the courtyard of her own mother was a true spectacle of beauty. Other people’s courtyards? They were nothing short of glorified vegetable patches.

Hui Zhi led Liu Qingyun into the residence.

Dou Qingyi was seated upright in a commanding position.

Liu Qingyun recognized her as the woman she had almost bumped into earlier. "So you’re the one who made me come give you tea in the dead of night?"

Dou Qingyi wore a lake-blue, waist-cinched gown with hazy, gauzy embroidery that perfectly highlighted her captivating figure.

Her hair ornaments appeared simple but every piece bore significant value, particularly the Dongzhu bead set into her forehead adornment—a gift bestowed by the Empress.

When they had bumped into each other earlier, she hadn’t been dressed like this.

Yet, Liu Qingyun didn’t notice any of the changes.

Once again, Hui Zhi sneaked a glance at Liu Qingyun. What was with this woman? Her lady’s outfit would arouse envy even in the hearts of the palace’s noblewomen!

Dou Qingyi lightly placed the teacup in her hand on the table and said gently, "Calling me that makes us sound so distant."

Liu Qingyun extended her hand. "Oh no, don’t. I’m definitely not your sister."

Dou Qingyi, ever dignified, said graciously, "Hui Zhi, grant her a seat."

What a phrase, "grant her a seat." With just a few words, she established the hierarchy between them.

Hui Zhi brought over a stool.

The stool was shorter than Dou Qingyi’s chair. Once seated, Liu Qingyun would appear to be a full head lower than her.

Liu Qingyun wasn’t so naïve as to fall for such petty tricks, even if she’d never actually handled pigs—she’d definitely seen them walk.

"Spit it out if you have something to say. Don’t waste my time."

Hui Zhi frowned. "This is the Crown Prince Mansion. Madam, you’d do well to watch your words here."

Liu Qingyun sneered. "Oh, so you’re aware this is the Crown Prince Mansion. Since when does a servant here get to lecture a guest of their master?"

Hui Zhi was left speechless.

Dou Qingyi spoke softly with a smile. "You’re new here, without a personal maid in tow. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll send someone to the Household Affairs Office to get your name into their registry. This way, they can assign you a few capable palace attendants."

The intent behind her words was unmistakable—she was pointing out that Liu Qingyun wasn’t formally acknowledged, not even as one of the mansion’s mistresses.

Liu Qingyun wasn’t interested in claiming ownership of a position in the Crown Prince Mansion, so the jab didn’t provoke her. "If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."

Dou Qingyi raised her teacup and asked softly, "May I ask you, when and where did you first encounter the Crown Prince?"

Liu Qingyun glanced at her sharply. "Oh? How do you know the Crown Prince and I met by chance?"

Dou Qingyi’s hand paused mid-air as she sipped her tea but remained composed. "You’re a stranger to me. I haven’t seen you before in the Imperial City."

Liu Qingyun, with a meaningful gaze, remarked, "Judging by your words, I take it you’ve spent more than just three to five months in the Imperial City, seeing as you seem to think you’ve met every woman in the city."

Liu Qingyun could be obstinate about certain things, but she was clever on most occasions.

Dou Qingyi, breezy and collected, responded, "I am one of the Crown Prince’s women. Naturally, I’ve interacted with many prominent ladies and noblewomen. Please don’t misunderstand, sister. Today’s gathering was meant for tea; I had no idea it would upset you this way. My apologies for being inconsiderate. It’s getting late—I’ll have Hui Zhi escort you back to your courtyard."

Liu Qingyun, who had just uncovered a useful piece of information, seemed reluctant to leave.

Her eyes flickered before landing on the teacup on the table. She pointed at it. "You’re right. Since you entered this mansion before I did, by protocol, I should address you as ’sister,’ lest His Majesty accuses me of being disrespectful. I could take the scolding, but if it drags my son along with me, that would be far worse. Very well, then—I’ll offer you a toast."

Hui Zhi was dubious, momentarily wondering if she had misheard.

Had this woman’s attitude shifted a bit too abruptly?

Liu Qingyun shot her a glare. "Well? What are you standing around for? Pour the tea! Or should I not bother to toast your mistress?"

Hui Zhi cast a questioning look at Dou Qingyi.

Dou Qingyi gave a faint nod.

Hui Zhi stepped forward, poured a cup of tea, placed it on a saucer, and handed it to Liu Qingyun.

Liu Qingyun took the cup and moved in front of Dou Qingyi.

Just when everyone thought she was finally acknowledging her position and preparing to bow her head, her hand slipped.

The scalding tea spilled directly toward Dou Qingyi.

Dou Qingyi’s face was her most prized possession; she couldn’t tolerate any harm coming to it.

Instinctively, she grabbed the tray beside her and used it to block the splashing tea.

But in doing so, the tea was deflected onto Liu Qingyun instead.

Liu Qingyun’s deft wrist flicked effortlessly, and miraculously, the spilled tea returned to her cup without a single drop hitting her.

With a graceful spin, like a snow lotus blooming in the center of the room, she appeared again in the middle of the hall, holding in her hand a jade bottle that she had slipped from Dou Qingyi’s sleeve.

Liu Qingyun examined it. "Well, well. A Poison Bottle—a token of the Miaojiang people. So, you’re from Miaojiang?"

Dou Qingyi’s expression faltered.

At that moment, commotion erupted outside the courtyard as a servant’s voice cried, "His Highness is here!"

Hui Zhi tried to snatch the Poison Bottle back but instead knocked over Liu Qingyun’s cup.

"H-How dare you! How could you throw tea at my lady?"

Lu Zhaoyan entered the room just in time to hear Hui Zhi’s self-righteous accusation.

His eyes fell on the shattered porcelain on the ground, then instinctively turned to Liu Qingyun.

Dou Qingyi gripped her handkerchief tightly.

Hui Zhi fell to her knees with a thud. "Your Highness! Please seek justice for my lady!"

"So, you’re setting me up?"

Liu Qingyun asked with a bitter smile before striding toward Dou Qingyi, picking up the tea on the table, and without hesitation, splashed it into her face.

Then she spun around, glaring at Lu Zhaoyan. "There. Now, feel free to seek justice on behalf of your woman!"

A flash of coldness appeared in Lu Zhaoyan’s eyes.

Oddly enough, it wasn’t directed at Liu Qingyun.

Dou Qingyi stood up in disheveled fury. "Hui Zhi! Hold your tongue!"

Lu Zhaoyan took Liu Qingyun by the wrist and, with a curt order of "Beat her to death," dragged Liu Qingyun away.

Dou Qingyi helplessly collapsed back into her chair.

Even if she had borne him a son, would he still care this much for that woman?

Hui Zhi crawled to Dou Qingyi’s feet, crying out, "Madam—please save me—I don’t want to die!"

Dou Qingyi snapped sharply, "Foolish girl! Do you think His Highness, a man of such cunning, wouldn’t see through such clumsy tricks? He despises manipulation the most, and you nearly implicated me in your folly. Guards, take her away!"