Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 169

Wen Ruyu noticed the jealousy on the other ladies' faces. Wen Ruyu was arrogant so she cared nothing for the compliment given by Yun Shang. Moreover, she abhorred Yun Shang and she had made a plot to kill Yun Shang, but her elder sister had died because of the plot. So she smiled coldly and replied, "It's just a small trick. I, on behalf of the Imperial City, gave the performance. So it's natural that I did better than any other lady."

On hearing this, Yun Shang felt joyful but she didn't express her emotion. Yun Shang expected that Wen Ruyu would offend others once she opened her mouth.

Yun Shang smiled slightly and said, "I can't agree with you, Lady Wen. All these ladies are citizens of our state. They are all here on behalf of one part of our land. Why does it sound like you feel superior to them?"

Wen Ruyu frowned and snorted, "Some people are superior to others even though they all live in the Imperial City. In a vast land such as our state, there must be a social hierarchy. Some people are rich and noble while others are poor and despicable. The housemaids are always inferior to their masters. Don't you think so?"

Other ladies' admiration for Yun Shang grew after her statement. But Wen Ruyu infuriated them. One of the ladies said, "Lady Wen, you look like a lady from an eminent family. Has the Emperor conferred upon you an honorary title? Or are you a lady of high rank?" Upon hearing this, Wen Ruyu became annoyed and said, "I don't think you know the law. According to the law, only concubines of the Emperor, relatives of the royal family, or ladies whose husbands have made great contributions to the state can be awarded with honorary titles. I am an unmarried girl. How could I gain an honorary title?"

The lady replied, "Oh, I see. I heard what you said just now. You made me think that you are a lady of high rank or that you had been awarded with an honorary title. Now I know that you are in the same class as us. We are all civilians."

Yun Shang glanced at the lady who was speaking. The lady looked genial and elegant. But as she spoke to Wen Ruyu, a mocking air appeared on her face. Yun Shang smiled and thought the lady was eloquent. The lady had belittled Wen Ruyu indirectly.

Upon hearing what the lady had said, Wen Ruyu felt embarrassed and her face flushed. Her eyes gleamed with anger.

The lady continued, "Lady Wen, you are just a civilian. Princess Hui Guo is the Emperor's daughter. Just now you spoke to Princess Hui Guo in such a rude way. Don't you think you have offended our Princess? Lady Wen, just now you said that I knew nothing of the law. I think you must know it. So can you tell me what punishment you deserve for offending the Princess?"

Yun Shang smiled slightly and said, "Don't push Lady Wen so hard. You see, Lady Wen is speechless now. Her father, the Deputy Minister of Revenue, must be very busy in dealing with national affairs so he has little time to teach Lady Wen. As Mr. Wen has served the people and the country heart and soul, so I must treat Lady Wen well. I think Lady Wen was just teasing me. She doesn't mean to offend me. Don't take it so seriously." After she had uttered that explanation, Yun Shang turned to look at the lady and asked, "Where are you from?" The lady replied, "I'm Sun Ya'niang from the City of Jin."

Yun Shang said with a smile, "I see. You must be the daughter of the Governor of the City of Jin. Nice to meet you."