Chapter 14: Offering Tea-Após renascer e mudar meu destino, minha irmã mais nova legítima se apressa em se casar com uma família humilde no meu lugar(Corvo)

Prince Duan smiled as he took the cup, blew on the tea, and took a sip.

Shen Mengli then picked up another cup of tea to offer to the Princess Consort. The teacup was scorching, and Shen Mengli’s fingertips were reddened by the heat. Yet, she held the cup steady, her etiquette impeccable.

After a long moment, the Princess Consort accepted the cup with satisfaction and took a light sip.

"You may rise."

The Princess Consort’s smiling words reached Shen Mengli’s ears.

She replied respectfully, "Yes, thank you, Mother."

Shen Mengli stood up and moved to the side, maintaining a composed and proper posture.

"From today on, you are the Crown Princess of Prince Duan's estate, and you represent the face of this household. When you are out in public, you must conduct yourself with propriety and discipline; do not do anything that would bring shame upon this house. As for the Crown Prince, as his primary wife, you must be attentive. Do not let base and unworthy people lead him astray, and pray that you will soon bear a legitimate heir for him."

"Yes, your daughter-in-law will hold your teachings close to heart."

After the instruction, the Princess Consort gestured for her maid to bring forward the gift of welcome.

Shen Mengli took the box from the maid and opened it, rendered speechless by what she saw. The box was filled with an array of exquisite headpieces and jewelry inlaid with jadeite and precious stones, looking incredibly luxurious. The bottom was lined with pearls, each one round, plump, and shimmering with a pale pink luster, the size of pigeon eggs. In the small compartments to the side lay jade bracelets and pendants of immense value.

"These trinkets are for you to enjoy. I have plenty more; if you like them, I shall have more sent to you. I heard about what happened last night. You were wronged, and the Crown Prince was foolish, easily misled by the trifles and words of some insignificant creature. Another day, I shall have his father give him a stern lecture. You are a woman of grace; do not take this minor matter to heart, and focus on living a good life with the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mengli realized that the Princess Consort knew Qi Yunyan had left their wedding chamber midway. Now, she was offering compensation.

"The Crown Prince is elegant and refined, talented and handsome, with a frank and open temperament. To be married to such a man is my good fortune; I do not feel wronged at all," Shen Mengli said with a smile.

Seeing that Shen Mengli not only held no grudge against Qi Yunyan but even spoke well of him, the Princess Consort’s impression of her improved even further.

"Baihe, go fetch the cloud brocade gifted by the palace. That shade is delicate and suits a young lady; it will be perfect for a set of robes for the Crown Princess."

Baihe acknowledged the order and immediately went to the Princess Consort’s storehouse, returning with a bolt of fine silk. The Princess Consort smiled and patted Shen Mengli’s hand, gesturing for her to accept the brocade.

"Indeed, this color suits you perfectly. You will surely look radiant wearing it, and I fear even the Crown Prince will be charmed by your grace."

Looking at the cloud brocade in her hands, Shen Mengli marveled once more at the Princess Consort’s generosity. This cloud brocade was a tribute item with limited production, worn only by favored consorts within the palace. She remembered that in her previous life, as a lady of the first rank, she had once been honored with a bolt of it. Among the common people, such an item was priceless and impossible to obtain with money alone.

She had not expected that by merely flattering Qi Yunyan, she would receive such a precious gift from the Princess Consort. She could easily spout a whole basketful more of such rewarding praise. Given the Princess Consort’s lavish generosity, she would make sure to cling tightly to this powerful benefactor.

"Very well, the tea ceremony is complete, and I have said what needed to be said. If there is nothing else, you may return. As long as you manage the estate well and live a harmonious life with the Crown Prince, I will certainly not treat you poorly in the future."