The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 260
Translated by Pure
Chapter 260 Commandery Princess of Ningguang Activates Her Trap Card!
As the scene unfolded, noble ladies eagerly awaited the spectacle, refusing to disperse and instead gathering around to witness the unfolding drama. Fu Tanghuan's carriage remained stationary for an extended period, causing a backlog of subsequent carriages and resulting in a crowded atmosphere.
Among the onlookers was Mu Yang, who had been compelled by his father to attend the ceremony. Dressed in a dark blue overcoat adorned with silver embroidery, he sported a small braid in his hair, exposing his fair ears adorned with Yibei-style earrings. His appearance resembled that of a dandy.
Curiously craning his neck to catch a glimpse of the commotion, he remarked, "There seems to be quite a crowd over there. There must be something exciting happening there."
Chi Jingxi's attire struck a more casual note, adorned in an almond yellow overcoat accented with snow-white fox fur edging, exuding an air of luxury and extravagance. Ruyi patterns embellished most of his attire, with delicate gold thread motifs adorning his collar, sleeves, and hem. His long hair was elegantly tied up in a high ponytail, cascading down like a thick, ink-like stream, accentuating the vividness of the mahogany hairpin.
The warmth of the almond hue complemented Chi Jingxi's typically cool countenance, lending it a delicate and beautiful touch.
Chi Jingxi lazily cast a glance at the crowd. As his gaze lingered, Mu Yang's voice broke through the murmurs. "Hey, isn't that the Fu Residence's carriage? Could it be Fu Zixian's third sister?"
Chi Jingxi paused, his expression thoughtful.
Mu Yang had already shifted his body, half facing Chi Jingxi. "How about we go and have a look, just in case Third Young Lady Fu encounters some trouble?"
Just as Mu Yang spoke, a hand clad in an apricot-yellow sleeve parted the carriage curtain before revealing Wen Yantong's face.
Wen Yantong instructed her servants to present her jade token and inquired, "Is there anyone occupying my designated spot?"
The Jiang family servants accepted the jade plaque with haste, bowing respectfully. "No, certainly not, Your Highness," they assured, swiftly recording the Commandery Princess of Ningguang's name in their ledger before allowing the carriage to proceed.
Disappointed onlookers watched as the carriage departed.
Mu Yang, initially poised to intervene, halted his steps and remarked, "So, they arrived together."
Chi Jingxi's slight smile softened his lazy expression as he suggested, "Let's proceed."
Once the carriage was parked, Fu Tanghuan's lingering frustration marred her expression. Sensing her friend's distress, Wen Yantong approached her, gently grasping her arm. With a warm smile, she offered, "Don't let anger cloud the occasion. We're here to have fun, so let's enter with smiles."
Fu Tanghuan took a few calming breaths, composing herself, and retorted, "Just wait and see the spectacle."
With a serene smile, Wen Yantong trailed behind the others into the Jiang Mansion. Their gifts were received and logged by the servants, and they followed the Jiang Mansion's maids as they were led to the inner courtyard.
Jiang Mansion wasn't just expansive; it boasted two artificial lakes nestled amidst winding verandas and pavilions concealed within lush groves. The meticulously tended flowers, plants, and trees added to the opulence of the surroundings. At first glance, it exuded luxury.
However, Wen Yantong did not care for such a large mansion; navigating through it was cumbersome and bothersome.
As it wasn't yet time to extend congratulations to Young Lady Jiang, Wen Yantong and Fu Tanghuan meandered around the mansion. They observed numerous young ladies but noticed the absence of young men.
Where there are many girls, there are bound to be many disputes, especially among these haughty noble-born young ladies.
Most of them looked down on Wen Yantong, the Commandery Princess who had seemingly emerged out of nowhere; they were all eager to ridicule her.
Wen Yantong, however, harbored a quiet confidence. Despite being thrust into high society like a pauper amidst aristocrats, she considered herself well-educated and financially secure. She believed she could hold her own among the aristocracy, despite any contemptuous glances thrown her way.
Wen Yantong and Fu Tanghuan strolled leisurely, engaging in conversation about the scenery of Jiang Mansion. Occasionally, Fu Tanghuan would introduce Wen Yantong to some of the young ladies from certain prominent families.
Thankfully, Fu Tanghuan's lack of popularity in this affluent circle spared them from any unwanted interactions.
After a while, they grew weary and decided to take a break, settling into a nearby pavilion to rest their legs.
Upon entering the pavilion, Wen Yantong hesitated, noticing that it was already occupied. She suggested leaving, but Fu Tanghuan insisted that avoiding people constantly wasn't wise; it was important for others to become accustomed to Wen Yantong's identity as the Commandery Princess.
Feeling that Fu Tanghuan's suggestion had merit, Wen Yantong acquiesced and followed her into the pavilion.
To their surprise, among the occupants were Fu Tian and Fu Shi, setting the stage for an unavoidable confrontation between opposing factions.
As Fu Tanghuan lifted the curtain and entered, she immediately spotted the two figures. Her expression stiffened briefly, but she quickly replaced it with a smile. "Ah, it seems all my sisters are gathered here. No wonder I couldn't find you anywhere."
Fu Tian lifted her gaze with a hint of disdain. "Well, Third Sister, we're quite full here. There's hardly any room left. Perhaps you should find another spot?"
Fu Tanghuan acted as if she hadn’t heard Fu Tian's refusal and stepped inside, saying, "Oh, there seems to be a bit of space left."
Fu Shi chimed in to support her sister. "Indeed, with so many guests, it's only natural that things get a bit crowded. There are plenty of other pavilions around, why insist on joining us in this one?"
The surrounding girls remained silent, evidently enjoying the spectacle.
Outside the pavilion, Wen Yantong stood just behind the curtain, catching every word exchanged with clarity.
With a soft sigh, she motioned for her maid to lift the curtain, then stepped in, smiling. "It seems this pavilion is quite spacious, but is there not enough room for Third Young Lady and I?"
Her almond-yellow attire added a vibrant hue to the pavilion, drawing everyone's attention.
Fu Tanghuan seized the moment and introduced her, "This is the Commandery Princess of Ningguang, honored with a personal decree from the emperor just yesterday."
As soon as these words were spoken, gasps swept through the pavilion, leaving a tense silence in its wake.
Wen Yantong raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression imbued with a profound significance.
Only then did all the girls react, rising from their seats to bid a formal greeting to Wen Yantong. "Salutations, Commandery Princess of Ningguang."
Though the voices were uneven, with some exhibiting reluctance, Wen Yantong remained unperturbed. She smiled and nodded gracefully, yet she did not dismiss the formalities or permit them to resume their seats. "Isn't there plenty of space here? It seems much more spacious when everyone stands up. Third Young Lady, wouldn't you agree?"
Fu Tanghuan concurred, "Indeed."
Wen Yantong took her seat at the center, her demeanor poised and warm. "In that case, I'll have to trouble you young ladies to stand for a while, so that it doesn't look crowded anymore."
The pampered young ladies couldn't tolerate this imposition, and their faces immediately registered dissatisfaction.
Fu Tian, as usual, took the lead and said, "Commandery Princess of Ningguang, newly conferred as of yesterday, do you not find this request a bit inappropriate?"
Fu Shi, who had been arrogant moments ago, now appeared as if she'd seen a ghost, tugging at Fu Tian's sleeve with a pale face.
Wen Yantong pondered for a moment, then nodded and admitted, "You're right, it's not entirely appropriate."
With a gracious gesture, she motioned for Fu Tanghuan to join her. "I nearly forgot about Third Young Lady Fu. Please, have a seat and rest."
Fu Tanghuan's smile widened and her eyes narrowed into crescent moons as she gratefully took her seat beside Wen Yantong, expressing her thanks sincerely, "Thank you, Commandery Princess of Ningguang."
Wen Yantong maintained her genteel demeanor, addressing the girls, "Having arrived in Chaoge only recently, I was concerned I might not recognize everyone. Now, with so many of you here, allow me to match each face to a name."
In truth, the space seemed more cramped with everyone standing, but Wen Yantong could fabricate with the ease of drawing breath, insisting that it was otherwise spacious. She gestured gracefully, "Please arrange yourselves so that no one's face is obscured."
Pointing casually to one of the girls, she began, "Let's start with you. May I inquire about your family name?"
The girl flicked her gaze up momentarily, then lowered it once more, seemingly masking a hint of disdain.
Wen Yantong remained unruffled. She feigned a touch of melancholy and sighed, "It appears that even as a Commandery Princess, personally conferred by the Emperor, my worth is negligible. Perhaps I should request His Majesty to rescind the honor, lest I continue to be scorned by even the street strays."
Even if she hadn't sought the title, Wen Yantong would still leverage it to assert her new status and prestige.
Fu Tanghuan's gaze grew somber and incisive. "Commandery Princess, such a notion is unfathomable. No one in Chaoge would dare belittle the imperial decree."
"Nevertheless, I am but a commoner bestowed with a royal title," Wen Yantong lamented.
Fu Tanghuan then interjected, "The Chi Residence were also commoners several decades ago, yet they were bestowed their titles by the Emperor. Who dares to question the legitimacy of the Marquis family now?"
Their brief exchange was enough to unnerve the girl, prompting her to curtsy and reveal her identity, "Commandery Princess of Ningguang, I am the fourth daughter of the Li Residence. My father serves in the Ministry of Works."
Wen Yantong smiled with satisfaction, lifting her chin slightly, and the tassels on her head chimed. "Next."