Chapter 744 – Changshou Wang Claims the Throne (Part Four)
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but curl her lips into a mocking smile.
Before reaching her destination, she could already hear the peals of laughter and the enchanting sounds of stringed instruments wafting in the air.
Jiang Pengji remarked, “Her husband just passed away and her father-in-law has also departed; she’s certainly not holding back at all.”
Previously, she had heard Hui Jun mention that the Crown Princess was also a pitiful person with unspeakable difficulties. Jiang Pengji had thought that perhaps this woman was simply being strong for the sake of her son’s throne and their lives. But seeing her now, it was clear her expectations were misguided.
Arriving alongside Feng Zhen, Jiang Pengji caught sight of the Crown Princess seated at the head of the table.
Without the traditional mourning attire or a hint of sorrow, the table was plentiful with meat dishes and wine, while the female singers donned sheer garments that left little to the imagination.
Upon seeing Jiang Pengji approach, the Crown Princess hurried over.
The room was warmed by a charcoal brazier, creating a spring-like atmosphere, and the Crown Princess wore light, revealing clothing that showcased the allure of a mature woman.
Jiang Pengji detected a fragrance from her reminiscent of the scent on the bamboo slips, but much stronger and more intoxicating.
“I’ve heard tales of Zhong Langjiang’s youthful brilliance, and indeed, upon meeting, he is truly a handsome one. It’s stirring my heart,” the Crown Princess said, her tone playful.
Feng Zhen nearly choked on his drink at such blatant teasing.
Coming out of the gates with such straightforward flirtation, this Crown Princess was certainly bold; this was no subtle hint but a clear invitation!
Just as Jiang Pengji was about to take a seat at the lower end, the Crown Princess grasped her hand and led her to sit next to herself.
With a playful smile and flirty eyes, the Crown Princess sweetly purred, “Zhong Langjiang doesn’t want to be distant with me, does he?”
Jiang Pengji merely smiled, her thoughts aligned with those of the audience in the livestream—
What do you mean distant? They had never been close, not even for a moment!
“The Crown Princess is the future matriarch of the nation; I wouldn’t dare overstep,” Jiang Pengji replied respectfully, subtly pulling her hand back.
The Crown Princess’s hand felt sticky and overly perfumed, like a serpent brushing against her palm.
“This is a family gathering; where’s the need for such formalities? Zhong Langjiang, feel free to be at ease.”
Upon hearing Jiang Pengji refer to her as the “future matriarch,” the Crown Princess’s expression brightened, and her demeanor became even more eager and attentive.
【Floating Life, Thousand Acres】: So annoying! I haven’t even held the streamer’s hand, why does this old woman get to take advantage?
【Sophie Sugar】: Let go of that leader; let me take my turn!
【Ah Ah Goddess】: Ugh! Even in feudal times, who would drink and dine just after their husband and father-in-law have passed? And she dares to flirt with our streamer? Does she think the main wife is dead?
【Bitter in Life】: Huh! You shameless one! I’m the streamer’s wife; I’m the one on the household register!
Jiang Pengji was being treated like a young boy being hit on, which most of the audience found amusing, except for the infamous loyal wife’s fans still battling it out.
“Oh dear, why is Zhong Langjiang’s hand so cold? Would you like me to warm it up?”
Just as she sat down, the Crown Princess snuggled up to Jiang Pengji, clutching her hand, and attempted to slide it deeper against her chest in a suggestive manner.
Feng Zhen almost dropped his drink—could the world really have such antics?
Jiang Pengji’s face darkened as she yanked her hand back. The Crown Princess wasn’t upset; she commanded the dancer to pour her a drink.
At her order, the lightly-clothed dancer resumed her delicate dance, with two others snuggling against Feng Zhen, who appeared to be enjoying himself immensely.
Jiang Pengji couldn’t help but mentally jot down points against Feng Zhen.
She had brought him along to help her navigate the situation, not to frolic about with the ladies!
Feng Zhen felt a chill run down his spine, sneaking a guilty glance at Jiang Pengji before continuing to embrace and drink with the others.
The Crown Princess seemed to have genuinely taken a liking to Jiang Pengji, planning to pull her into a game of politics. Still, before making any moves, she wanted to gauge the sentiments of the former court and loyalist allies about whether they preferred the royal grandson or Wu Ma Shang to take the throne, as this could affect her own future.
As Jiang Pengji had suspected, the Crown Princess intended to rope in the Liu father-son duo onto her chariot of power.
As for why she chose Jiang Pengji as her point of entry, that was simply the Crown Princess’s personal taste.
Liu Zhi was older than the Crown Princess; how could he compare to the youthful tenderness of a young boy?
Jiang Pengji wasn’t pretending to conceal her thoughts, but she didn’t provide the Crown Princess with a definite answer either, leaving her to guess wildly.
“You little tease, you must be trying to drive me mad,” the Crown Princess said with a double entendre, leaning against Jiang Pengji while breathing softly, her heart inwardly racing with urgency.
She had used secret palace fragrances, an enhanced amount known to stir desires and enhance romantic activities.
However, as long as one maintained some willpower, it shouldn’t be too impactful.
Others could merely smell it; the Crown Princess, on the other hand, had applied it all over, the effects not just dominating but also prolonged.
Under the influence of her enhanced desires, the Crown Princess acted more provocatively than usual, persistently trying to entice Jiang Pengji.
Yet, Jiang Pengji remained as steady as a mountain, calmly drinking and watching the dance as if lost in deep meditation, which made the Crown Princess itch with frustration.
“Would I dare to act so?”
Jiang Pengji looked at the Crown Princess with a half-smile, her tone unwavering.
The Crown Princess sighed softly, whispering teasingly in her ear, “Aren’t you bold enough? I’m practically making it obvious!”
Jiang Pengji maintained her composure and replied, “I’m just a mere county official; as for Zhong Langjiang, it’s merely a title without substance.”
The Crown Princess laughed, covering her mouth. “Oh my little tease, if you said that publicly, how many would be shamed to death? Yet at not even twenty-nine years old, you already hold Wanzhou. If that’s just a minor post to you, the rest would be buried in the mud compared to you.”
“Holding Wanzhou? That’s just a title with little real power.”
“But isn’t having little power better than no power? Considering your capabilities, with real power and fame, it’s just a matter of time.”
Jiang Pengji’s smile softened, showing more sincerity than resistance.
“Your Highness’s words truly resonate with my heart. If one day that becomes a reality, I will surely thank you for your words today.”
Understanding the underlying meaning, the Crown Princess recognized Jiang Pengji as a potential ally, instantly eager to advance their connection.
After an hour at the banquet, the Crown Princess’s face was flushed with wine, leaning heavily against Jiang Pengji.
Jiang Pengji exerted a subtle effort to knock her out cold, seizing the chance to make a hasty exit with the reluctant Feng Zhen.
“Of no assistance at all; what good are you?”
She fanned herself, the lingering scent of alcohol and the Crown Princess’s perfume wafting around her.
Feng Zhen burst into laughter, though it wasn’t quite a belly laugh; it was sufficient to darken Jiang Pengji’s expression.
“This is the leader’s charm; I wouldn’t dare intrude!”
Feng Zhen wore an expression that said he was only doing it for the leader, which made Jiang Pengji’s hand itch with a desire to slap him.
Oh, how she wanted to smack him, but she feared it might kill her only vital team member!
“I’ve really lost a lot today,” Jiang Pengji rubbed her arms, “I need to go have a good wash; it feels like I’ve got that scent all over me.”
Feng Zhen shook his head.
It was a shame their leading figure was a woman; had she been a man, enduring that situation surely would have made him a modern-day Liu Xiaoyun!
