Demoted from wife to concubine? Reborn, the mistress of a noble family plots another high-status mar

Chapter 133

We arrived at Xiyue Pavilion.

Just like Wan Jiaojiao when she first arrived, Zhou Zhilan was extremely shocked and amazed at how wealthy the Yun family was.

Even the three most powerful families in the capital might not have such abundant wealth.

However, this mansion was a gift from the emperor, and only imperial merchants were qualified to live there.

They are definitely different.

The maid brought out fruit and snacks.

Yunxi Yue invited them to have tea in the pavilion, because it was springtime and drinking tea and appreciating flowers outside had a special charm.

"Sister Xiyue, I'd like to apologize to her today with tea instead of wine. I hope you won't take offense at the previous misunderstanding," Zhou Zhilan said with a smile, holding her teacup.

Yun Xiyue said, "What misunderstanding was there before? How come I didn't know about it?"

Zhou Zhilan's smile froze slightly.

Does this mean you don't intend to forgive her?

Wan Jiaojiao sensed that the atmosphere was not right and her heart was pounding. Looking at Yun Xiyue, who was gentle and approachable, she realized today that she was not easy to talk to at all!

“I know you’re still blaming me, but I’m really innocent in this matter. I bought the rouge because I thought Meirentang’s rouge was very good. Later, I gave it to my cousin. I didn’t know that the Shen family and you had such a deep grudge.”

"My cousin is allergic to peanut powder, she knows that... I don't know how she accidentally got it on her face." She paused, implying that she was unaware of the situation and that the Shen family had deliberately plotted against Meirentang.

With just a few words, he completely absolved himself of any responsibility.

Yun Xiyue smiled faintly, "I don't want to bring up the past anymore. I just hope that the Zhou family will get less involved in my affairs with the Shen family in the future."

Zhou Zhilan maintained her smile, but it was stiff. "Hmm, I heard you can buy the scarless cream made by the legendary doctor, Ghost Hand, is that right?"

"I will not help the Shen family sell scar removal cream."

Zhou Zhilan smiled and said, "Sister, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. I think this is an opportunity for repair. My cousin's face is disfigured. A woman's appearance pleases others. If her face cannot be healed, then it will be completely ruined."

"My third aunt will definitely not let this go."

Yun Xiyue sneered, "So you want the Empress Dowager to grant a marriage? To have my elder brother marry Shen Ling?"

Zhou Zhilan smiled awkwardly, "Please don't be angry. Our mother had no choice. My aunt keeps coming back to the Zhou family every few days to blame me for harming my cousin."

Her eyes were slightly red, and tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.

Wan Jiaojiao quickly tried to persuade her, "Sister Xiyue, Zhilan is really innocent. I went with her to Meirentang to buy rouge that day."

She didn't know what happened afterwards.

"It was an unintentional mistake on her part, and she was also taken advantage of by the Shen family without her knowledge."

"Because of the relationship between the Zhou and Shen families, and because the rouge was a gift from Zhilan, the Zhou family couldn't just let it go. The request to the Empress Dowager for a marriage decree was actually the Shen family's idea; otherwise, Madam Shen would keep making a fuss, which would implicate Zhilan..."

As she spoke, she looked at Zhou Zhilan, who was sobbing softly.

Many people know that the Empress Dowager intends to choose her as her daughter-in-law, and that she might become the Empress in the future.

Wan Jiaojiao felt there was no need to offend Zhou Zhilan and hoped she would reconsider and not be so rigid in her attitude.

Yun Xiyue understood Zhou Zhilan's good intentions; she knew Zhou Zhilan's visit was meant to be a gesture of goodwill, and there was no need to offend her so badly.

But she doesn't like women like that.

"So you're saying that Madam Shen is threatening you?" Yun Xiyue asked, feigning curiosity.

Zhou Zhilan nodded through her tears, her voice choked with sobs and filled with grievance, "My aunt comes back to the Zhou family every day saying that I caused my cousin's disfigurement, and that the Empress Dowager's arranged marriage was blocked. So she made me come to you to buy the scar-removing cream..."