Did these people really think that they were on par with her status just because they had been inducted into the Eastern Palace?
A venomous look surfaced in the depths of her eyes.
She did not have time to put them in their place today, however. In the future, though, she would not spare any of them. For the time being, she would allow them to run rampant for a few days more.
After she returned to her quarters, the expression on her face became even more unpleasant. With a swift flick of her hand, she knocked a teacup off the table.
In reality, it was the news conveyed to her by Hong Xiu that made her feel embarrassed and angry.
“Lu Liangwei is using arena matches to choose a bridegroom? Does she think she’s not enough of an embarrassment already? Grandmother and Father must have become muddle-headed to allow her to do something so ridiculous. Are they trying to utterly embarrass me?”
She was not actually concerned about Lu Liangwei. Rather, it was because Lu Yunshuang was also a daughter of the Grand Duke Family. What Lu Liangwei was currently doing not only made her lose prestige but also disgusted her.
If by chance Lu Liangwei’s groom turned out to be any random Tom, Dick, or Harry, that man would end up being Lu Yunshuang’s brother-in-law. Would he not then be related to the Crown Prince?
How dare those inelegant, coarse brutes dream of being in-laws with the Crown Prince?
Lu Yunshuang clutched at her handkerchief tightly. This Lu Liangwei was becoming even more irresponsible as she grew up. She was so undesirable that she even had to think of trying to recruit an adopted son-in-law. Lu Liangwei might not know shame, but Lu Yunshuang did.
Hong Xiu saw that Lu Yunshuang was livid with rage; she too firmly believed that the Dowager Duchess and the Grand Duke had made too rash a decision.
“Grandmother and Father didn’t even think to discuss such a serious matter with me. Where does that leave me?” Lu Yunshuang was extremely enraged. She could not stand even the mere thought of a commoner being her brother-in-law and thus related to the Crown Prince.
That would be a direct smear on her noble position.
Hong Xiu was given pause. The Crown Princess’s anger was not without reason.
After all, her mistress was the Crown Princess and would one day become the Empress—the motherly role model of a nation and the most respected woman in the world.
Even though the Crown Princess was not bothered with Second Miss Lu, they were both daughters of the Grand Duke Family, after all. Second Miss’s future husband would be the Crown Prince’s brother-in-law. If the man in question was from a respectable family, it would not be an issue, but if they had simply chosen some random clodhopper—well, the thought of that still made one sick to the stomach.
Hong Xiu gave this some thought, then said, “Crown Princess, actually there is no need for you to worry about this. Since they are choosing a bridegroom through an arena match, anyone is eligible to participate. Why don’t we go with the flow and arrange for one of our own people to participate?”
Lu Yunshuang gave a start. This was true. Why had it not occurred to her?
She caught hold of Hong Xiu’s hands and praised, “You silly girl, you’re really getting smarter and smarter to be able to think of something like this.”
Hong Xiu did not take credit for her idea at all. Instead, she lowered her head humbly. “Being able to share the burden of the Crown Princess is my bounden duty.”
Lu Yunshuang patted Hong Xiu’s hands in satisfaction. “You’ve been with me since you were young. I’ll definitely remember your contributions. When I’ve ascended to my proper position, you may have the pick of any female official’s position in the Palace that you desire.”
Hong Xiu was overjoyed. “Thank you, Crown Princess.”
Lu Yunshuang patted Hong Xiu’s hands again, and a hint of a smile quirked her lips. She immediately became business-like and noted, “Your idea has just reminded me that, rather than having Lu Liangwei killed, it would be better to have her under my control. After all, the Grand Duke Family holds a very important position and has vast assets. If Father is allowing her to choose a bridegroom to be the family’s adopted son-in-law, it means that half the Lu family’s property will eventually be handed over to her. If we get one of our people to become Lu Liangwei’s chosen groom, it will benefit us in the future…”
Hong Xiu’s eyes brightened. Any gains from the Lu Family in the future would belong to the Crown Princess, would they not?
Her gaze flickered briefly as she bobbed a respectful curtsey. “The Crown Princess’s strategy is far-sighted.”
A smile hovered on Lu Yunshuang’s lips; her mood had improved tremendously. “It’s all because you reminded me. Go now and find out more information about what is required to participate in this arena match for choosing a bridegroom.”
Hong Xiu smiled and replied, “I’ve already got the requirements. As long as that person’s background is clean, and he is of pleasing appearance and good character, he is eligible to participate.”
Lu Yunshuang had already started plotting after hearing heard Hong Xiu’s reply. “Isn’t that easy enough? Go to Drunk Fragrance Pavilion and pick a few suitable men to participate.”