Chapter 21: What Color Underwear?

The eldest prince had been married two years ago.
Therefore, the main figures at this year’s flower-viewing banquet were the second and third princes.
They were the same age; one was supported by the Duke of Qing’s household, the other by the Marquis of Anyuan’s.
They were evenly matched in every aspect and both strong contenders for the crown prince position.
One could easily imagine that today’s banquet would be a battlefield of fierce rivalry.
Yun Zhaozhao could have skipped attending, but Yun Chuchu, as the second legitimate daughter of the General’s household who was yet to be betrothed, had to be present.
Though the little girl was exceptionally clever, she was still just a child; moreover, with the reborn Sheng Hongfei eyeing her like a tiger, she could not let her guard down.
“Ah ha—”
Yun Zhaozhao yawned as she reached the main gate and bumped right into Sheng Hongfei, who was about to get into her carriage.
The once radiant beauty, like a budding flower, now looked pale and weak.
Tsk tsk, how pitiful.
Truly unfortunate in marriage!
Seemingly sensing her gaze, Sheng Hongfei turned to look back with undisguised hatred in her eyes.
Damn wretch!
If she hadn’t stubbornly refused to hand over the scented pouch, she wouldn’t have suffered such a cruel and inhumane punishment.
Just thinking of the three seconds of electric shock made Sheng Hongfei’s soul tremble.
Yun Zhaozhao curled her lips.
Indeed, there’s always something hateful about the pitiable.
“Miss, the carriage has arrived.”
Yun Zhaozhao turned and climbed into the carriage. Shortly after she sat down, Sheng Xingye followed her inside.
How unusual.
“Aren’t you riding today?”
“Not enough horses.”
Sheng Xingye said casually.
“Oh.”
Yun Zhaozhao nodded and closed her eyes to rest.
Sheng Xingye opened his mouth, looking for something to say, but soon the sound of someone snoring came from across.
“Are you a pig or what? Sleeping so soundly!”
He cursed inwardly, then closed his eyes to rest.
The journey was silent until they reached the palace gates.
Yun Zhaozhao got out of the carriage but did not enter the palace with the Duke of Sheng’s entourage; instead, she stood aside waiting for the General’s household carriage.
Sheng Xingye lingered and didn’t go in either, casually standing beside her.
“Why aren’t you going in?”
“Waiting for you.”

He didn’t want to hear any more rumors about their marriage.
So early this morning, he had Changsheng spread the word that they had consummated their marriage last night.
Now, let’s see who dares to question his virility!
As for whether it was true or not, who could possibly spy on him in bed?
To ensure there were no doubts, he even prepared a fake bedding set as evidence.
Soon, Yun Zhaozhao noticed many strange looks cast her way, especially from older women.
Their gazes were like X-rays, making her very uncomfortable.
But they all acted discreet, saying nothing, and even shook their heads with sighs.
Yun Zhaozhao was furious, almost cursing.
Damn it!
What kind of nonsense is this!
“Hey, isn’t this newlywed Lord Sheng Liu and Miss Yun? Why are you two standing here guarding the gate?”
The arrogant, shrill voice was annoying.
Yun Zhaozhao quickly withdrew her gaze.
He dressed properly but had an unattractive, long and narrow face that was off-putting.
“Kong Wenjun, you’re the legitimate son of the Duke of Qing’s household. Surely you know some manners—shouldn’t you address my lady as Lady Sheng Liu, not Miss Yun?”
“Lady Sheng Liu? So you really consummated your marriage last night?”
Kong Wenjun asked with ill intent.
“Wha—”
“Hey, which family raised you as a gossipy woman? You’re a grown man, why act like a meddlesome busybody, gossiping about a couple’s private matters? That’s truly perverse and disgusting!”
Yun Zhaozhao retorted with contempt.
“Exactly!”
Sheng Xingye happily chimed in beside her, “Today it’s me they’re talking about, but who knows who they’ve talked about in the past? If you ask me, most of the rumors in this capital probably come from your foul mouth, Kong Wenjun!”
“Sheng Xingye, don’t slander without proof!”
“There’s a betting pool at Ruyi Lane about whether you two consummated your marriage. And this morning, your Duke of Sheng’s household spread the news that it’s done. Whether it’s true or not, I’m just helping everyone confirm, isn’t that right?”
“Right, our Brother Jun is just being helpful!”
“That’s right…”
Kong Wenjun’s cronies cheered and egged him on.
“Is that so?”
Yun Zhaozhao sneered coldly, “Then I’ll start a bet too—on what color underwear you’re wearing today.”
“Sheng Xingye, go strip him and show everyone what color it is!”
“As you command, my lady!”
Sheng Xingye was excited, rolling up his sleeves to charge.
“Sheng Xingye, how dare you!”
Kong Wenjun dodged and threatened fiercely.
“My lady commands, I must obey. Apologies if I offend you, Brother Kong.”
Sheng Xingye smiled but was ruthless with his hands.
Kong Wenjun was caught off guard when Sheng Xingye grabbed his collar, screaming in panic, “What are you all standing around for? Hurry and pull him away!”
Just as a few cronies were about to intervene, Yun Zhaozhao cracked her whip down before them.
With a sharp “snap,” a faint crack appeared on the hard stone pavement.
The cowards trembled and froze on the spot, afraid to cross the line.
Kong Wenjun could only clutch his waistband tightly, cursing under his breath, “Sheng Liu, listening to a woman like that, are you still a man?”
“Ah! Almost forgot, you’re all show and no use!”
Before Sheng Xingye could retort, Yun Zhaozhao said something startling:
“How do you know he’s all show and no substance? Have you tried him?”
Sheng Xingye: “...Yun Zhaozhao, what nonsense are you spouting?”
Yun Zhaozhao tapped her mouth lightly, “Sorry, slipped my tongue.”
“What are you all doing blocking the palace gate!”
A stern shout made Sheng Xingye and Kong Wenjun stop and separate immediately.
“Just you wait!”
Kong Wenjun spat out a threat and ran off.
Yun Zhaozhao then turned her gaze to Sheng Xingye, who was nervously avoiding eye contact.
“So, spill it. Did you spread the news about us consummating the marriage?”
“That’s right.”
Sheng Xingye stiffened his neck.
Recalling the strange glares from the women earlier scanning her lower half, Yun Zhaozhao felt utterly miserable.
“Damn it! Look at the mess you made!”
“Well, it’s not entirely my fault. If you hadn’t been talking nonsense in the palace, I wouldn’t have been misrepresented like that!”
Yun Zhaozhao tapped her forehead. “Fine, I owe you one. Want to get revenge?”
“How?”
“Whatever else, we decide whether the marriage is consummated or not and when! First, we’ll create some fake evidence and make a fortune off it…”
As they whispered, the General’s household carriage arrived.
Alongside it came the carriage of the Marquis of Jing’an’s household.
Normally, although the Marquis of Jing’an held a noble title in name, his official rank was too low, and his daughter was not qualified to attend the palace flower-viewing banquet.
It was only through their connection with the General’s household that she was allowed to attend.