Seeing Consort Lian observing her, Meng Qi hesitated, then whispered, "Does the Emperor favor Fanghua more than Yongan?"
Consort Lian gave a relieved nod. "Precisely. So, why would she ever let Fanghua marry better than Yongan? Yet, she cannot refuse if the Emperor wishes to choose for Fanghua first. Therefore, the Empress simply claims that Fanghua is too fastidious, insisting that any good match must naturally be reserved for Yongan first."
Meng Qi sighed. "Mother is right. As a princess, Fanghua cannot simply attend flower banquets or visit temples like the young ladies of noble families, allowing the matrons of the court to see her and judge her character for themselves. Seeing someone in person is always more reliable than hearsay."
Chapter 144