Chapter 2704
2704 Scared Out of Her wits
Chen Baojia’s lips quivered with anger as she watched Qiao Mu walk away without a backward glance. Frustration surged within her, and she couldn’t help but stomp her foot, turning to Ji Xiang with blame evident in her voice. “This is all your doing. Why did you even bother greeting that woman?”
/Made her suffer such humiliation./ Her rage was so intense that her entire body trembled with it.
Ji Xiang was also perplexed and inquired, “Baojia, what exactly transpired between you and the Crown Prince Consort?”
...
Chen Baojia responded gravely, “What do you think happened? It’s all because that person is so petty and can’t bear the presence of the Empress Dowager. I possess more pride than she ever will.”
Since the entrance of the Crown Prince Consort into the palace, the Empress Dowager hadn’t summoned her even once. Instead, it was Chen Baojia who practically visited the palace every day, sharing meals and conversations with the Empress Dowager. Wasn’t it Chen Baojia who had gained more favor in the Empress Dowager’s eyes?
This realization somewhat eased Chen Baojia’s anger. She shot a cold glance at the now empty shop and snorted, her lips curling with disdain. “I believe there’s no need for you to set foot in this Couture House again.”
“Baojia, why would you say that?” Ji Xiang queried in shock.
Did this person lack any semblance of intelligence? Chen Baojia cast her a disappointed look and said, “The inexperienced Crown Prince Consort has now reclaimed this shop. Consider this—can a village girl possibly manage a Couture House? Does she comprehend the ever-changing trends in jewelry? Can she discern the suitable beauty products for the young ladies of our esteemed noble families?”
Chen Baojia scoffed. “She knows nothing and impulsively snatched this Couture House away from Eldest Madam Mu.”
“I fear this Couture House won’t endure for much longer. It’s bound to be squandered by her sooner or later.”
“Baojia.” Ji Xiang tightly gripped her own sleeves, her voice timid as she glanced at Chen Baojia. “Perhaps we should speak more carefully.”
Chen Baojia rolled her eyes in exasperation. “You let a mere scare at the Zhongli Estate terrify you to this extent! Let’s leave.”
Ji Xiang promptly trailed behind them as they exited the Couture House. Once back at the estate, Chen Baojia summoned her personal maidservant. “Gather two servants and head to Changle Boulevard. Procure a few ruffians to help me spread some rumors. Let it be known that the Crown Prince Consort, that rustic girl from the village, acted haughty. She’s clueless about what’s fitting and coerced her mother into surrendering Couture House.”
“Being from a remote mountain village in the Lower Star Domain, she lacks refined taste. This Couture House will likely lose its former appeal. Only girls from similar villages would consider buying from such an establishment!”
Chen Baojia’s words dripped with sarcasm and disdain.
Her personal maidservant was well-versed in the animosity between the young lady and the Crown Prince Consort. She nodded, veiling her face as she led the two servants down the alleys of Changle Boulevard to locate suitable troublemakers.
In the end, despite an exhaustive search, the two hired hoodlums remained elusive. Upon learning that their task involved tarnishing the Crown Prince Consort’s reputation, the remaining duo turned ashen and vanished like startled rabbits. It was as though a specter chased them, leaving no trace behind.
Chen Baojia’s personal maidservant suppressed her smoldering frustration and reported the situation upon returning. Chen Baojia found herself at a loss.
Nevertheless, after her encounter with Qiao Mu, she was far from inclined to let matters rest. As a result, she extended invitations to numerous young misses, claiming a friendly gathering at the Chen Estate. Skillfully, she shared the news regarding the Couture House, making it seem casual and unintentional.
