Chapter Five: Xia Dongchun of Legend of Zhen Huan 4

Zhen Huan came to her senses and agreed, "Indeed."

That particular aura, something she had never encountered before, was truly lethal. Ever since she realized the extent of her own beauty, she had begun to meticulously cultivate her temperament, knowing that to stand at the pinnacle, one must possess something that sets them apart from everyone else.

Thus, she became a master of poetry and literature.
Thus, she became a strategist among women.
She even went so far as to practice the Dance of the Flying Swallow, just so that she could accept victory with absolute poise under any circumstances.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhen Huan struggled to compose herself and looked at Shen Meizhuang, "Sister, do not worry. Even if she is stunning, the inner palace will not choose only one woman. You, too, are among the best."

Shen Meizhuang did not decline the compliment, for it was the honest truth; if one could not surpass that, one could only compare themselves to others. Of course, she did not forget to console her friend, "That is true. I only wonder what her background might be. Watching her coldly, I suspect she is a lady from some family in the capital. But being so outstanding, have you heard of her in the social circles, sister?"

"I am seeing her for the first time as well," Zhen Huan replied. "Perhaps she has been kept well hidden by her family." She then asked, "Why do you ask, sister?"

Shen Meizhuang blurted out, "If our family ranks were comparable, the three of us could enter the selection together, and perhaps your wish might come true."

Perhaps Zhen Huan’s acting, which had even deceived herself, was truly convincing enough to move Shen Meizhuang. Seeing how deeply her friend believed her, she had spoken such a heart-piercing truth, fully convinced that her dear friend still had a chance to return home and be married.

Zhen Huan: "..."
For some reason, hearing this made her feel a sharp, uncomfortable sting in her heart.

Not wanting something and being unable to have it were two entirely different things!

Of course, being a strategist among women, Zhen Huan recovered quickly and replied, "Sister speaks the truth."

Just as she finished, she prepared to change the subject.

"Clatter!" A sound of shattering porcelain rang out.

"Are your hands crippled? Splashing such hot tea on me!"
"What if I’m scalded?"
"And my dress! It’s brand new!"

An Lingrong: "..."
She had only been walking in a hurry, stood in this spot for a while, and wanted a drink of water when she was pushed. Despite this, she kept her head lowered and said submissively, "I am sorry, I am sorry."

Xia Dongchun smoothed her clothing, her mouth not stopping, "Which family are you from, being so clumsy?"

She looked down to smooth her dress, but seeing no reply for a long time, she looked up to find the other girl still bowing her head, looking as if she were mourning a lost parent. Instantly, her rage flared up like a pufferfish, "I’m asking you! Are your hands crippled, or is your mouth crippled too? Speak!"

An Lingrong trembled uncontrollably, stammering, "I... my name is An Lingrong. My father is... my father is An Bihai, the Assistant Magistrate of Songyang County."

Upon hearing this, Xia Dongchun’s small mouth opened wide, firing at full force, "Well then, how are we to handle this? Looking at you, you couldn't possibly compensate for my dress. I bought that fabric with my own private savings—it took me years to set aside enough money!"

An Lingrong: "..."
The crowd: "..."
So after all that, you were only concerned about the money.

Xia Dongchun pouted, her eyes round with indignation. An Lingrong looked up, her heart fluttering, and she gripped the corners of her sleeves even tighter.

Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, a voice chimed in, "It is merely a dress. Sister is so beautiful and moving; surely these external, vulgar things could not affect you."

At first glance, the remark seemed fine, but upon closer analysis, it was deeply problematic. What did this have to do with her looks? If they were discussing the dress, why bring up her beauty? Just because someone is beautiful, does that mean they cannot wear something nice? It was clearly the other person’s fault, yet this served as a moral kidnapping to force her not to care.

Is there a crime in being beautiful?