Zhan Feiyu entered the Jinlong Guard, and both Prince Rui's estate and the Marquis of Wu'an's estate fell completely silent. The former had kicked an iron plate and had to cease their activities, while the latter was proceeding with caution.
On New Year's Eve, the capital was adorned with lanterns and decorations everywhere. The palace was particularly lively. Even the princes and consorts, who normally engaged in covert struggles, knew better than to cause trouble on this day.
"Mother Consort." The Seventh Princess arrived in a flurry, casually tossing her pure white fox fur cloak onto the floor. She bypassed the bowing palace maids and strode directly into the inner chambers.
Min Fei, who was trimming plum branches by the window with flower shears, looked at her daughter, who lacked any semblance of elegance, with mock anger. "How many times have I told you? Why are you still so ill-mannered?"
"Father Emperor praises me for being innocent and straightforward. Yin Li is so affected and pretentious, I just want to slap her!" The Seventh Princess raised an eyebrow. Her domineering words showed no affection or respect for the Sixth Princess. If it weren't for the Sixth Princess being somewhat favored, she might have actually slapped her sister.
Min Fei had long known her daughter's disposition and didn't bother saying much more, lest she create a rift between mother and daughter on the New Year.
Placing the flower shears on the table, she waited for the palace maids to wash her hands and apply fragrant unguent. Only then did Min Fei sit on the main seat, pick up her teacup, and take a sip to moisten her throat. "Your Father Emperor mentioned your marriage last night."
"Mother Consort, I won't marry." The Seventh Princess slammed her teacup onto the table, her face filled with disgust. "What is Bai Zhaohui? He's just the son of a prefect, and the Zeng family is a declining clan. It would be embarrassing to have such a mother-in-law."
The Emperor was strict with his princes but exceptionally lenient and loving towards his princesses. Thus, the naturally bold Seventh Princess had secretly left the palace many times. Compared to the demure Bai Zhaohui, the Seventh Princess's heart was set on the handsome and talented Young Master Ning.
Before Min Fei could speak, the Seventh Princess scoffed unceremoniously, "Not to mention that Prefect Bai's position is precarious. If it weren't for the New Year, Father Emperor might have already posted Prefect Bai to an official position elsewhere. How can he, Bai Zhaohui, dare to covet this princess!"
Although the inner court was not supposed to interfere in politics, not only Min Fei, but also other consorts in the palace who had influential maternal families in the capital, would send news from outside the palace through various channels.
Min Fei knew about Bai Zhaohui's encounter at Yufeng Tower and You Ba Wang's assassination at the Chang residence. The Seventh Princess knew some of it as well. She already looked down on Bai Zhaohui's appearance and family background, and now she didn't even want to mention him, lest it diminish her own status.
Leisurely drinking half a cup of tea, Min Fei gave a slight nod. When the palace maid standing at the entrance of the inner chambers walked out and waited in the corridor, her voice, which carried a natural allure, finally spoke, "Precisely because Prefect Bai is to be posted elsewhere, Bai Zhaohui is the most suitable. Otherwise, his talent would be wasted." A consort's husband generally did not enter court as an official. Even if they became officials and held ranks, they were usually idle positions. If Bai Zhaohui married the Seventh Princess, he would surely be unwilling. After decades of diligent study, his official career would be cut short by a bestowed marriage. Any young talent with a decent family background would be unhappy, and he would harbor resentment towards the princess after marriage.
However, Prefect Bai's current predicament, which led to his reassignment, meant the Emperor would place even greater importance on veteran officials in the coming years. If the Emperor felt some guilt towards Prefect Bai, he would surely compensate Bai Zhaohui.
With a little maneuvering from Min Fei and the Second Prince, Bai Zhaohui would surely secure a position in the court, thus becoming an asset to the Second Prince.
If the Seventh Princess married someone else, her consort might hold an idle post. If his family background was too good, he might even be viewed with suspicion by the Emperor.
Furthermore, a good family background brought more complications. If other princes resorted to any schemes, any misfortune befalling the consort would implicate the Seventh Princess, indirectly affecting Min Fei and the Second Prince in the palace.
Not wanting to listen to Min Fei's familiar pronouncements, the Seventh Princess impatiently waved her hand. "Mother Consort, I understand what you're saying, but I am a princess. Marriage is a descent for me. Must my in-laws bow to me? Who dares to put on airs of seniority with me? They don't want their heads!"
The Seventh Princess utterly disdained the Bai family. Not to mention that the Zeng family, the maternal family of Madam Bai, was a declining minor clan. Moreover, as the third son, Bai Zhaohui would not inherit the entirety of the Bai family's assets, which would go to the eldest son. Although the Seventh Princess also looked down on the Bai family's wealth.
"Don't even think about Young Master Ning. Your Father Emperor will not agree." Min Fei did not force the Seventh Princess. Seeing her daughter's expression turn extremely grim, she continued, "Old Madam Zhe implicitly mentioned Zhe Jing's marriage when she came to pay her respects at the palace before the New Year."
Old Madam Zhe naturally paid her respects to the Empress. However, as the most favored consort, Min Fei had informants even in the Empress's palace. Moreover, the Empress had no intention of concealing anything, so the conversation that day was relayed.
The Seventh Princess shook her head dismissively, her golden hairpin and dangling ornaments swaying. Despite her rough demeanor and speech, the sumptuously adorned Seventh Princess surpassed Zhe Jing in both her striking beauty and noble aura.
"I have the capital to be arrogant. She, Zhe Jing, dares to shamelessly chase Ning Chen'an all over the capital. What result can she achieve other than self-humiliation?" The Seventh Princess then laughed triumphantly.
The reason she didn't stop Zhe Jing was that she could use her to drive away the romantic entanglements around Ning Chen'an. Otherwise, the Seventh Princess would have already sent people to deal with Zhe Jing.