Chapter 15

On the way home, my mother told the coachman to stop by Feiyun Tower.

I love the Peach Blossom Pastry there the most.

The coachman got down to make the purchase. My mother stroked my head, “Jin’er, why are you so absent-minded?”

Earlier after school, I had gone to ask Mr. Fu about that person’s name. He said it was Chen Yi.

I was left speechless. That alias is just too fake.

He was obviously an important figure, yet he was willing to squeeze onto the same bench with those commoners to study.

If he wanted to gather information, he could have just sent his servants.

I truly couldn’t see what was so special about the academy that it warranted such attention from him.

I pressed my lips together and stayed silent.

Just then, a woman’s voice came from outside the carriage.

“You, a concubine-born wretch, dare to defy your superiors. Truly, a child raised by a concubine knows nothing of rules!”

Her words were extremely coarse.

My mother couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

Although the Ritual Teachings here are strict and the distinction between Legitimate and Illegitimate children is clear,

in reality, prestigious families value their reputation above all. To openly mistreat concubine-born sons and daughters would be a laughingstock. Few people would bring up the Legitimate and Illegitimate distinction every day.

Besides, even several Emperors in a row were not born of the Empress. No one would want to jinx themselves by harping on this.

“You think wearing gold and silver can hide your humble origins and let you marry up? Since you cannot recognize your own status, I, as your Legitimate Sister, must teach you the rules. Today, you will kneel here and reflect properly!”

After these words, the sound of soft sobbing followed.

“Must be some Noble Lady, galloping down the main street so imperiously,” my mother’s eyes and brows were tinged with mockery. I knew she despised this sort of extreme, feudal obsession with birth and status most of all.

I pressed my lips together again.

That girl, to be so humiliated before a bustling restaurant, might well try to throw herself into a well after going home.

The coachman finished the shopping and drove the carriage toward Cheng Residence.

I lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked outside.

All I could see was the arrogant back of someone dressed in red.

For some reason, I found the tone of those words just now very familiar.