Ning Xihe sneered, "What kind of families are the Five Great Families? Would they let their eldest daughters become concubines for her? Would they let her control them? She probably only mentioned holding a banquet with the Five Great Families, but who's a fool? Even my Ning family would probably find a concubine's daughter or a member of a collateral branch to fill the position." Ning Xihe thought carefully, "Sending someone to the Prince Chen's residence is actually a good idea. Then we'll have someone to cooperate with from the outside. Moreover, Xuan Yuan Yue has no choice but to agree. As Xuan Yuan Chao Hua's sister, and very much favored by Xuan Yuan Chao Hua, forming a marriage alliance with her would be entirely beneficial. The only eldest daughter left in my family is Ning Xishan. Although I really want her to become a concubine for the Prince Chen, that woman is arrogant and has a grudge against Xuan Yuan Yue, so she definitely won't agree. It seems I can only have a member of a collateral branch from the Ning family fill the position for now. If I can get any useful information from the Prince Chen's residence, I'll have more face with the Crown Prince."
At this point, Ning Xihe's face darkened. It was truly an awkward situation for her in the Crown Prince's residence. She had entered the household at the same time as the eldest daughter of the Lin family. What family would marry wives and concubines together, both carried out with elaborate wedding processions? Although the eldest daughter of the Lin family had a different status, and Baili Chen's status was also different—he was the Crown Prince—making his concubine even more noble than the principal wife of an ordinary family, it was still a slap in the face and an insult to her. Moreover, Lin Yingying, to put it bluntly, was an extremely subservient woman. She never used her relationship with the Crown Prince's cousin to act arrogantly or spoiled in front of Ning Xihe. Even if Ning Xihe wanted to cause her trouble, it would be very difficult.
Ning Xihe's description of the favoritism went beyond this. On their wedding day, the Crown Prince practically slept with her the first half of the night, then immediately went to Lin Yingying's place, never returning to her. Afterwards, he showered Lin Yingying with affection, visiting her seven out of ten days, Mu Cuihuan two days, and perhaps visiting her again, or perhaps in the study. Even when he was with her, he would quickly and efficiently finish his business, then leave dressed and ready to go. He wouldn't even sleep in the Crown Princess's courtyard. This made Ning Xihe the subject of much ridicule among the Crown Prince's servants, and she was seething with resentment. She initially considered throwing a tantrum and ignoring the Crown Prince altogether. However, she later discovered that ignoring him didn't bother him; he simply didn't come back on the last day.
Having no other choice, Ning Xihe had to humble herself, and only then did the Crown Prince finally agree to sleep in her room after the wedding. However, Ning Xihe was somewhat frustrated. More than half a year had passed since their marriage, yet her belly showed no signs of pregnancy. Having a child would better bind the Crown Prince, but now was not the time to rush things. The matter with Ouyang Yue, however, served as a wake-up call for Ning Xihe. If she could win over Xuan Yuan Yue, it would be very beneficial. However, given her previous aggressive behavior, Xuan Yuan Yue might not easily forgive her. But Xuan Yuan Yue wasn't stupid; she knew that cooperating with her would be highly advantageous. It seemed she really needed to attend this banquet.
The Fifth Prince Baili Jian's Noble Prince's Mansion is currently under her management because Fu Meier is the highest-ranking member of Baili Jian's household. At this moment, she is sitting in the main hall of the Noble Prince's Mansion, listening to the servant's report, but she falls silent: "Ouyang Yue actually wants to choose a woman for the Seventh Prince so decisively. This is not like her personality."
After several encounters with Ouyang Yue, Fu Meier had come to understand Xuan Yuan Yue's personality better. She was ruthless and merciless when she wanted to be, and she was also very cunning and somewhat domineering. Would such a woman just casually let Baili Chen choose women? Even in this noble mansion, Baili Jian had always acted very elegantly, and there weren't many women in the mansion. Baili Jian didn't pay too much attention to matters of passion, but Fu Meier still felt uncomfortable when faced with concubines and maids. Would Xuan Yuan Yue do such a thing? She just couldn't believe it.
However, Fu Meier sneered. Thinking that Xuan Yuan Yue was now out of options and could only resort to this method to win over a man's heart, Fu Meier felt extremely pleased. She knew that the first man Fu Meier had ever loved was Baili Chen, and even now, she still harbored a sliver of hope for him. She couldn't bear to see anyone marry Baili Chen. Xuan Yuan Yue had gotten incredibly lucky, the dirtiest and most awful kind of luck, and now her retribution was coming. Trying to steal her man was simply courting death!
Fu Meier's eyes turned cold. She knew perfectly well whether the Fifth Prince was truly sincere towards her; wasn't he only after the Fu family's wealth? She couldn't even afford a set of those diamond jewelry pieces back then, yet Baili Jian had used one person's favor to give to Xuan Yuan Yue—a huge sum for the Fu family, gone just like that. Baili Jian was ruthless. What did Xuan Yuan Yue possess that made these men fawn over her? Fu Meier felt extremely unlucky. If Xuan Yuan Yue had become the Crown Princess, her chances of becoming Baili Chen's woman would have been much greater. She never imagined the Emperor would personally issue an edict, arranging marriages for the other princes as well, even making her Baili Jian's concubine. She was willing to lower herself to become Baili Chen's concubine, but she never had the chance. She was one of those who most resented Ouyang Yue's success.
"Heh, holding a banquet to find women for the Seventh Prince? This Ouyang Yue is quite clever, isn't she? But if you want obedient women, I'll make sure you bring a bunch of trouble. Go, send a message to the Fu residence. This is a great opportunity to win over the Xuanyuan family and the Seventh Prince. Make sure to include all the concubine's daughters and those from collateral branches in the residence. Have the residence send as many people as possible so Xuanyuan Yue can choose to his heart's content. It would be best if the Fu residence could get two or three at once. I'm going to torment Xuanyuan Yue to death." Fu Meier's face was cold, and the servants didn't dare to delay and immediately went out to deliver the message.
"Hmph, Xuanyuan Yue, you dare to snatch the Seventh Prince, I'll make you suffer!"
Meanwhile, Bai Heng and Leng Sha had already returned to the Chen Prince's residence. Bai Li Chen was in his study reading a book. After he finished reading, Bai Heng immediately said, "Seventh Prince, the roster of the residence has been sent to Princess Mingyue, and she has already read it."
Baili Chen nodded and said, "Is there anything wrong with Yue'er? What questions did she ask you?"
Bai Heng immediately recounted the previous scene in detail, and Baili Chen raised an eyebrow: "What was Yue'er's reaction?"
Leng Sha replied, "You acted very calmly."
Bai Heng nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Seventh Prince, Princess Mingyue remained very calm and even said she didn't blame the Third Prince at all, and even thanked him." Bai Heng thought to himself, regardless of whether Princess Mingyue was genuinely happy or not, she certainly put on a good show. However, he noticed that upon hearing this, Baili Chen's face suddenly darkened.
"She even wants to thank the Third Prince? And she's not angry at all?" Baili Chen muttered to himself. He had hesitated about the roster issue, wondering whether to cross out those ten people. But then he thought that they would have to face it together, so he simply wrote everyone's names down in great detail. He wanted to see Ouyang Yue's reaction so he could deal with it. He knew that if there weren't some people in the manor, they would always be watched. So the Third Prince's intentions were probably good, and Baili Chen also felt that they made some sense. But he still had to see if Ouyang Yue was willing. If she wasn't, he would have to find a way to get everyone out. However, Baili Chen didn't know that this unnecessary step made Ouyang Yue feel uncomfortable. After all, men and women think differently, and this is a process that needs to be gradually adjusted. It's impossible for two people to be able to read each other's minds from the moment they meet.
"My lord, and I have just received news that the princess's residence has sent out invitations to young ladies from various noble families in the capital to attend the banquet."
"The young ladies from various households?" Baili Chen was taken aback. Leng Sha nodded and said, "It is the master. And judging from what he said, it seems that he is preparing to give the princess several more suitable young ladies."
Baili Chen was taken aback, then immediately understood. But Kexin could serve him; a servant would suffice. What noble lady would be treated like a servant by Ouyang Yue? Hiring Kexin was clearly just a way to find him a woman. Thinking this, Baili Chen felt no joy, only a pang of jealousy. He couldn't tell Yue'er liked him much; she seemed rather indifferent. Didn't she get angry that he had so many women? He remembered her saying that her husband could only have her as his wife, and for life. Why had she changed her mind before they were even married? Could it be that she regretted marrying him?
Baili Chen's heart was in turmoil, and all sorts of frustrations welled up inside him!
No, this banquet can't be held! Even if it has to be held, we can't let her get it done!
☆、172, Baili Chen delivers betrothal gifts (Seeking tickets to the annual meeting~)
Baili Chen remained silent, and the other two dared not say anything either. After a moment of silence, Baili Chen asked again, "Are the things I've been asking you to prepare ready?"
Bai Heng bowed his head and replied, "Seventh Prince, something unexpected has happened, and it's a bit troublesome now, but it should be over soon."
Bai Lichen frowned, looking at Bai Heng with a somewhat expressionless face. Bai Heng trembled inwardly. The latter said, "Get it done as soon as possible." Bai Lichen's mind was in turmoil, and he even felt like he had no thoughts at all.
Bai Heng looked up at him and said cautiously, "Seventh Prince, there are no problems with the materials, but we are missing the most important one?"
"What! Didn't I tell you to prepare this a long time ago? How could such a big mistake happen?" Baili Chen's expression was very bad. He had started preparing that thing half a year ago. He knew that the missing most important thing would greatly reduce the effectiveness.
"Well, because the Seventh Prince didn't want to reveal his identity, he had been collecting things in secret, which led to the items being stolen," Bai Heng said somewhat embarrassedly.
"Hmph! Someone actually dares to provoke a tiger! I'm in a terrible mood right now. Come on, I'll go out with you right now and see who's got the guts to do this!" Baili Chen laughed coldly, making Leng Sha and Bai Heng's hearts tremble. They couldn't help but feel sorry for the person. Baili Chen was like an enraged tiger. Anyone who dared to provoke him would have to bear his wrath.
Bai Heng couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. Princess Mingyue seemed very sensible, and her actions were clearly for the Seventh Prince's benefit, right? After all, it was rare to see someone so magnanimous as to find a woman for her husband before marriage. Why was the Seventh Prince so angry? His master was becoming increasingly strange. He couldn't help but look at Leng Sha with a questioning expression.
Leng Sha glanced at him coldly and then turned away, but her eyes twitched slightly, which made Bai Heng even more puzzled and hesitant.
Five days later, the banquet at the Princess's residence officially began. The area outside the residence was bustling with activity, a lively scene indeed. Most of the prominent families brought their daughters, both legitimate and illegitimate. Of course, some were there simply to watch the spectacle. Such an event was truly rare, and many thought Ouyang Yue had gone mad, inviting trouble upon herself with such a grand affair. Others murmured that perhaps the Seventh Prince was actually quite ill; otherwise, why would Ouyang Yue send people into the residence? Was she worried about not having an heir before Baili Chen's death? Amidst these doubts, the banquet at the Princess's residence commenced.
At the beginning of the banquet, Ouyang Yue only appeared and said a few words before leaving, saying she had something to do. Only the ladies and young women from various households remained there. These people were slightly dissatisfied, but soon they realized that this was a test for them. Perhaps Princess Mingyue was hiding somewhere, secretly observing their character. This made them even more cautious.
In fact, Ouyang Yue did have this intention, but Li Rushuang pulled her away early in the morning. The two ran to a secluded place, and Li Rushuang, panting heavily, looked anxious: "Yue'er, what's wrong with you? Are you really going to choose a woman for the Seventh Prince?"
Ouyang Yue laughed. She didn't need to hide anything from her friends: "That's indeed the intention."
Li Rushuang's eyes widened: "Why? Why do this? What if someone in this family gains favor and the Seventh Prince changes his mind? Won't you just be left crying?"
Ouyang Yue's expression darkened slightly, her eyes narrowed, and her heart tightened abruptly at Li Rushuang's words: "If that's the case, there's nothing I can do."
"Then you should avoid it! If you don't like it, why are you still dragging people into the Prince Chen's mansion? You...you...I really don't know what you're thinking." Li Rushuang shook her head, looking like she was about to faint.
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips tightly: "Ru Shuang, perhaps this is a test between us. If we pass it, great; if we don't, we'll have to let it go."
Li Rushuang was taken aback: "What are you talking about? You're going to marry the Seventh Prince in less than three months. Do you think you can escape then?"
Ouyang Yue revealed a complicated expression: "Ru Shuang, nothing in this world is unchanging, but how will we know it won't work if we don't try? Besides, I won't do anything that will cause trouble for myself. I know what I'm doing."
“You still have this in mind? I really don’t understand you. You might be considering things, but the women sent in today gave me the creeps just by looking at them. They’re all specially trained women from various mansions, and none of them are simple. How can the Seventh Prince not be tempted? Unless he’s impotent, what will you do if they steal your favor by bringing them into the mansion? Your so-called letting go will only hurt you. You used to be so smart, how come you’ve become so foolish when it comes to your own affairs? Everything that might happen must be nipped in the bud! You’re giving the Seventh Prince a legitimate reason to be a womanizer.” Li Rushuang said anxiously, her face flushed. In fact, when she heard the news earlier, she had discussed it with her mother, Cheng Shi. Li Rushuang couldn’t understand Ouyang Yue’s behavior, and Cheng Shi finally shook her head and said, “This is probably just worry blinding you. Many things are clearer to the outsider than to the insider. Right now, Princess Mingyue might not be able to see her own situation clearly at all, and it’s possible that she might make a slightly wrong decision.”
That's what they say, but how could Li Rushuang bear it? Yue'er would definitely regret it in the future, so she rushed to the princess's residence early in the morning to find an opportunity to persuade Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue looked at Li Rushuang with a gentle expression: "Rushuang, I know you care about me, but I have already made up my mind."
“You…” Li Rushuang’s eyes widened, but she was helpless. Once Ouyang Yue got stubborn, who could stop her?
“Let’s go. As the host, it would be impolite for me to not show up at the banquet. Let’s go back first.” Ouyang Yue smiled and pulled Li Rushuang, who looked at him with a disappointed expression but could only stare helplessly.
"This humble woman pays her respects to Princess Mingyue."
"This humble woman pays her respects to Princess Mingyue."
"This humble woman is here to serve Princess Mingyue."
As soon as Ouyang Yue appeared, a crowd of people knelt in the garden. Ouyang Yue was dressed elegantly today, and her every move exuded an air of authority: "Get up, all of you."
"Thank you, Princess." Everyone expressed their gratitude and stood up.
Ning Xihe sat to the side and said with a smile, "Mingyue is really different today. It seems that good things are coming soon and her heart has changed."
Fu Meier also smiled and said, "That's right, Mingyue looks very radiant."
The Third Prince's concubine, Sun Meng'er, chimed in, "Mingyue, please sit down. With so many young ladies, you must be overwhelmed by the choices."
In fact, everyone present knew why Ouyang Yue had invited so many guests to her residence today. The other princesses and others avoided coming, fearing embarrassment. These three were simply there to see Ouyang Yue make a fool of herself. What good could one expect to hear from them? Li Rushuang was angry, but Ning Xihe, Fu Meier, and Sun Meng'er were all of much higher status than her, so she dared not retort. Ouyang Yue, however, laughed: "Indeed, it's different. The Crown Princess and two concubines are also there. If you're interested, you can observe and learn from them. If your residence ever needs more people in the future, you might hold a banquet like this and see how enthusiastically the young ladies from all the capital participate. You'll definitely find someone you're satisfied with then."
Ning Xihe and the other two were speechless. Ouyang Yue could do it, but that didn't mean they could. The thought of the people they had chosen competing with them for favor in the future made them lose all interest. It was already a miracle they hadn't killed them all. Who was as stupid as Xuan Yuan Yue? She was simply insane!
Looking at the expressions on Ning Xihe's face, Ouyang Yue could guess what they were thinking, but she didn't care. She smiled at the ladies and young misses and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, today I, the princess, have invited many guests to the banquet. I'm sure you've all guessed why. So let's get straight to the point. You're all right. I will indeed bring ten women into the Prince Chen's mansion on my wedding day."
As soon as Ouyang Yue finished speaking, a commotion broke out below, and people began to discuss it.
"So it's true. Why would Princess Mingyue do this? Isn't she just making things difficult for herself?"
"That's right, I really don't understand."
"Haha, great! Just as I thought, now my chance has come."
"XX, seize this opportunity! It could be a chance to soar to great heights!"
"As long as you gain the favor of the Seventh Prince in the future, you will enjoy endless wealth and honor. You must seize this opportunity, understand? Don't be unhappy. This opportunity was given to you by Princess Mingyue. Otherwise, you would only be able to marry a commoner as a wife or become a concubine in a low-ranking official's household for the rest of your life. Don't you think about your own status? You could only be a concubine anyway. Now you are a prince's concubine. Your status and position are completely different. Don't look so sad. Cheer up."
"Great! That's a good thing!"
Ouyang Yue simply smiled and watched the noisy murmurs below without interrupting. After a while, the people finally finished their discussion, and Ouyang Yue said calmly, "However, I've made things clear beforehand. First of all, those who come in with me will have no official status. I will arrange a place for you to sit. It's up to you who has the ability, but if you don't succeed, you can't blame anyone else. Moreover, I'm making this clear: if any of you can't hold on and want to leave, I will not stop you. On the contrary, I will arrange enough living expenses for you to leave. If you are willing, come and tell me, and I will decide on the final ten people."
There was a sudden shock among the people below. One of the ladies exclaimed in astonishment, "What? She's going in without a title? Princess Mingyue, how can this be? XX is my precious darling. She should at least have the status of a concubine!"
Ouyang Yue's words were clear: if you want to enter, fine, but you won't have any official status. Although Ouyang Yue will arrange accommodations, certainly better than those of the servants in the Chen Prince's mansion, unfortunately, they won't be mistresses. Unless someone can get the Seventh Prince, the future Chen Prince, to speak up for them, their status won't change. That would be much more awkward. If the Seventh Prince doesn't take a liking to them, wouldn't they be stuck in an awkward, unapproachable position? Ouyang Yue didn't make things too abrupt. She would offer a good sum of money to anyone willing to leave the mansion, seemingly a good deal. But who would dare marry a woman who left the Chen Prince's mansion? In other words, if you enter the Chen Prince's mansion but don't gain favor, it will be difficult to marry later. And could Princess Mingyue really be without any ulterior motives?
If Princess Mingyue did all this to curry favor with the Seventh Prince, what if she secretly suppressed them after they were no longer of use? If so, entering the Prince Chen's mansion would not be a good thing. If things went wrong, they could lose both their wealth and their future.
All the legitimate daughters of various families who had elders visiting the mansion immediately abandoned their plans. Even some families that had brought illegitimate daughters with them also changed their minds or wavered. These illegitimate daughters had been raised with considerable care and attention, and not just any family would accept them. If Ouyang Yue truly intended to manipulate them, wouldn't the family lose an illegitimate daughter? If these illegitimate daughters married into other families, they might bring additional benefits to the family. That would be an asset, and how to invest in it would be a matter of great importance.
"If anyone is still interested, then come find me, Princess. Today is a rare and special day for us all, so let's all have a good time," Ouyang Yue said with a smile. Li Rushuang's eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "So Yue'er had a backup plan. No wonder!" After Yue'er married the Seventh Prince, she would be the mistress of the Chen Prince's mansion. Dealing with a few disobedient women who weren't even considered concubines would be easy for her. Even if they felt threatened, the highest position these women could achieve after entering the mansion was only that of a concubine. They could never dream of becoming a secondary consort. With Ouyang Yue's status, even if any of them gained favor and were promoted to concubine, she could manipulate them however she wanted. All control would be in Ouyang Yue's hands from beginning to end. These women who wanted to enter the mansion would have no choice but to submit. Moreover, being a concubine who wasn't even considered a concubine, and whose status was only slightly higher than that of a servant in the mansion, was truly humiliating.
Li Rushuang secretly nodded in approval of Ouyang Yue's actions, unaware that Ouyang Yue's thoughts were exactly the opposite. However, Li Rushuang was right about one thing: while Ouyang Yue made this decision, she had a backup plan. At least, her current feeling told her that she wasn't willing to let go of Baili Chen. Whether it was because he was Su'er's final choice as father, because Baili Chen was indeed a good man, or because she simply didn't want to let go out of love, there were many reasons. She knew she liked Baili Chen, but she couldn't quite explain that feeling. Therefore, when she learned of Baili Chen's actions, she was angry. She even considered a form of retaliation and discipline. But what if things weren't as she imagined? Wouldn't she be shooting herself in the foot? If it was truly like that, then she wouldn't be polite anymore. Even so, she would turn the Chen Prince's mansion upside down before she could leave peacefully. That was her character: if she couldn't get what she wanted, she would let go, but anyone who dared to bully her wouldn't get away with it.
As for these women, she was certain that none of them had good intentions, especially those who dared to attend her banquet. And those who resolutely followed her to the Prince's residence after she had spoken of these things—Ouyang Yue was certain of one thing: these people had compelling reasons to go, harbored immense ambitions, and might even be spies secretly sent by the princes. If she didn't want this batch, more and more would be sent in; it was better to recruit them herself, giving her more control. Ouyang Yue felt no remorse towards these women. Each had their own master, their own agenda, their own schemes and plots; it was merely a process of struggle and cause and effect. Even if she were to be defeated, it would be because her plans were inferior, and she wouldn't blame anyone.
Ning Xihe was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Mingyue, aren't you going a bit too far? No matter what, the family that came here today is a well-known and prestigious family in the capital. It wouldn't sound good if they came into your house without any status or background."
Fu Meier laughed: "If you don't have the skills, it's best not to take on a job you're not qualified for, otherwise you'll just become a laughing stock."
Sun Meng'er sneered at Ouyang Yue but didn't say anything. Ouyang Yue just smiled at the three of them: "Crown Princess, Noble Prince's Consort, what, do you have to interfere in my personal affairs?"
Ning Xihe sneered: "Although this is your own business, it also concerns the face of the royal family. I don't think even if the Seventh Prince heard about this, he would agree. In my opinion, he should at least promise to give her the title of concubine."
"Yes, yes, they should be given a proper title; they can't just go in without a clear explanation."
"That's right, that's right."
Fu Meier also said, "Mingyue, you should quickly see what everyone thinks."
Ouyang Yue's expression remained calm: "Oh, this matter was originally my own idea, so of course everything is up to me. No one can change it. If none of you here are willing, then I will not force you. If you are willing, then you agree with my statement. I disdain people who agree on one side but cause trouble for me on the other."
“Mingyue, you can’t say that…” Ning Xihe was about to retort again.
Ouyang Yue suddenly sneered: "Speaking of which, are there any concubine daughters from the Ning family here? If the Crown Princess were to speak, she could simply say she wants to ask for the position of a concubine for her. Or is being asked for a concubine position because that's not enough? Is she eyeing the position of the Prince Chen's secondary consort?"
Ning Xihe was startled. The appointment of princes and nobles as principal and secondary consorts required the emperor's approval, but they could just make it happen with a few words. She didn't have that kind of ability or courage: "No, I was just making a suggestion."
"I can handle my own affairs. I'm sorry to trouble the Crown Princess. Alright, that's how it is. I've set the rules. If you can accept them, then accept them. If you can't, I won't force you. As for the fact that no one is here, let's just treat today as a gathering. There's no need to be reserved." Ouyang Yue waved her hand, and several dancers immediately came up and began to dance and sing. The garden was instantly filled with the sounds of music and dance.
The ladies and young women of the household began to murmur amongst themselves. According to Ouyang Yue's words, most of them had already given up the idea, but some were still observing and thinking.
Fu Meier sneered and made a gesture towards the crowd. Someone immediately understood and whispered to the two young ladies beside her. Ning Xihe also sneered and gave a look to the crowd. Ouyang Yue took the teacup handed to her by Chuncao, slightly flicked the floating tea leaves, and curled a cold smile at the corner of her mouth.
After the banquet, the ten people who were finally chosen included two from the Ning family's side branches, two from the Fu family's concubine daughters, one from the Huang family's cousins, one from the Sun family's concubine daughter, and two from families with little influence but who could easily produce two unfavored concubine daughters. The other two had not yet revealed their identities and were also concubine daughters from the same family. The banquet then ended.
Ning Xihe and Fu Meier had arranged to go to Langhuan Jade Pavilion together to pick out jewelry. In the carriage, Ning Xihe couldn't help but laugh and say, "The Noble Prince's concubine's family actually sent two people to the Prince Chen's residence all at once. They've certainly spared no expense." However, she was disdainful in her heart. The Fu family was just a merchant family, and the daughters of merchants were not worth much. Moreover, they were two illegitimate daughters. What kind of investment would they be willing to make?
Fu Meier also laughed and said, "I didn't expect that the Crown Princess's family branch is so thriving. There are ten of them here today. I didn't expect the Crown Princess to be so determined to get the concubines of Prince Chen's mansion."
Ning Xihe's face darkened. Fu Meier's words were double-edged, and to others, it sounded as if she were willing to lower herself to become a concubine in the Prince Chen's residence: "Your Highness, Consort, please be careful with your words. You should know that people often get into trouble without even realizing it. Mingyue and I, the Crown Princess, do have a bond of kinship. We are all family. I am only doing this out of good intentions, to find a few more people to help me. Does Your Highness, Consort, think that everyone does things with ill intentions?"
Fu Meier quickly smiled and admitted her guilt: "Your Highness, please calm down. I had no other intentions. I just blurted it out. Please don't take it to heart." This was not an apology at all, but rather adding fuel to the fire.
The struggle between the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince in the court is intensifying, and naturally, everyone in both families is also vying for power. Although the men Ning Xihe and Fu Meier married were not their first choice, now that they are married, they are on the same boat as the Crown Prince's and the Prince's families. For their own sake, they will fight for power. How can these two not be at odds when they talk? They may smile naturally on the surface, but every word they say is vicious.
"This Crown Princess is magnanimous and kind, and naturally wouldn't stoop to the level of someone of such low birth and poor manners. The Noble Prince's Consort probably doesn't know, but not long ago a merchant's daughter, who dealt in timber, entered the Crown Prince's residence. She was utterly unruly. The Crown Prince initially favored her for a few days, but a merchant's daughter is just that—short-sighted. Within two days, she revealed her true colors, becoming incredibly arrogant and unrestrained in the Crown Prince's residence. Later, she offended Consort Lin, and the Crown Prince ordered her to be beaten to death. So, people, a day of glory means nothing; it's all fleeting. The next moment, you might have nothing left." Ning Xihe mocked Fu Meier with a particularly malicious tone, causing Fu Meier's face to turn ashen.
Suddenly she spoke up: "Stop the car. This concubine suddenly doesn't want to go to Langhuan Jade Pavilion anymore. Let's go back to the Prince's residence."
Ning Xihe smiled and said, "Is the Noble Consort feeling unwell? Then please go back and rest. I, the Crown Princess, will not see you off."
Fu Meier gave her a cold look, then got off the carriage and left in a different carriage from the Prince's Mansion. Ning Xihe sat in the carriage and sneered, "They're all low-class people who want to fight me. We're not going to Langhuan Jade Pavilion anymore, we're going back to the Crown Prince's Mansion."
"Yes, Crown Princess."
Inside the princess's residence, just as the ladies and young ladies from various prominent families who had attended the banquet left, Ouyang Yue was talking with Princess Shuangxia when a report suddenly came from outside: "Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, the Holy King of Miao Jiang has arrived and specifically requested Your Highness."