Chapter 32: A Sinister Little Scheme

Chapter 32: Wicked Little Whims

Ye Wanwan held no particular animosity toward Zhao Zhuo. Although the boy would eventually ascend as the Crown Prince, he had been pushed into that position rather than seizing it himself. He had never personally harmed her, and she was clear-headed enough to distinguish that. She did not hate him, yet she certainly did not like him either; the mere sight of his face was enough to fill her with aversion.

Zhao Zhuo: *Suddenly, a chill runs down my back.*

Ye Wanwan turned her gaze to the side. Princess Fuying was quite endearing. True to her name, which implied "abundant blessings," she looked as though she were brimming with good fortune. Her face was round, with chubby, baby-soft cheeks that looked just like little steamed buns.

"Princess Fuying, come here."

Consort Li nudged her daughter gently. "The Imperial Noble Consort is calling for you, dear."

Fuying approached with a touch of reluctance. Ye Wanwan, indifferent to the child’s small temperament, reached out and cupped the girl’s face, giving her cheeks a shameless, thorough squeeze. The little girl was so startled she nearly burst into tears.

"Tsk, tsk. This little face makes my hands itch—it’s just too comfortable to touch."

Ye Wanwan’s wicked little whim was satisfied; she simply enjoyed teasing this little girl. Although Consort Li felt a pang of sympathy for her daughter, she knew the Noble Consort hadn’t used any real force—it was merely a playful pinch—so she didn't overreact. In fact, she echoed Ye Wanwan’s sentiment with genuine agreement. "Little girls have such delicate skin. I, too, am always tempted to pinch those cheeks."

She looked at Ye Wanwan and added, "The Noble Consort is in the bloom of her youth, so delicate and charming. I can only look on with envy."

The position of Imperial Noble Consort carried great weight, but Ye Wanwan was not yet even seventeen; she was naturally fresh and youthful. Consort Li’s words were entirely sincere.

Ye Wanwan did not bother with false modesty. She was currently most satisfied with her own appearance and was more than happy to hear others praise it.

"Consort Li, you are blessed with both