Almost as soon as Jiayin stepped into the gate of Zhilan Palace, she was settled on a recliner under the eaves.

Baozhu massaged her legs, and the Third Princess diligently massaged her arms, treating Jiayin like a triumphant general.

Jiayin couldn't stop laughing, and she cooperatingly directed her two girlfriends to serve tea and water. In the end, the three of them laughed so hard they fell down together.

"That was exhilarating! Absolutely exhilarating! Did you see that? The Imperial Concubine's face was as black as the bottom of a pot!" The Third Princess danced with glee, deeply regretting that she couldn't draw, otherwise she would have drawn the Imperial Concubine's appearance.

Baozhu nodded vigorously, "I saw it, I saw it! And those noble ladies across the way, who usually have their noses in the air, are all scared like chickens today!"

Jiayin pulled her two sisters down to sit with her and instructed them, "We don't bully others, but if someone bullies us to the point of exhaustion, we absolutely cannot tolerate it, otherwise even more people will bully us in the future!"

"I understand, so don't worry!" the Third Princess said smugly. "After what happened today, I'm afraid no one will dare to mess with us for many years to come."

After saying that, she asked curiously, "I remember you liked doing business and making money the most. When did you become so good at writing poetry?"

Feeling guilty, Jiayin gave a vague reply, "What's so great about me? I just scribble a few lines here and there. Besides, everyone says I'm the sister of the top scholar, how could I possibly be a good-for-nothing!"

“That’s true,” the Third Princess nodded and smiled. “Luckily, we kept it a secret beforehand, otherwise they wouldn’t have taken the initiative to fight today and ended up with their mouths crooked!”

Jiayin quickly changed the subject, instructing Shuiling to bring out all the jewelry they had just won and place it in front of the Third Princess and Baozhu.

"You two pick a few things you like as souvenirs!"

Baozhu was about to wave her hand to refuse, but the Third Princess said, "Haha, I must pick one as a souvenir. I guess when I'm old and my hair is white, I'll still laugh out loud when I think of today."

As she spoke, she took out a warm jade pendant.

Seeing this, Baozhu thought for a moment and also took a red gold dragon and phoenix bracelet.

Jiayin had Shuiling put away the remaining items, and then instructed her, "There are a few red gold hairpins on the top shelf of my makeup box. You, Shuiyun, and Caiyun should each pick one to share in the good fortune. Then, tonight, add two meat dishes for everyone in the palace. I'll pay for it."

"Thank you, Princess!" Shui Ling and Shui Yun were both beaming with joy. Cai Yun looked at the Third Princess and, seeing her nod, quickly smiled and thanked her as well.

The other palace maids and eunuchs were also delighted to hear that there would be an extra meal that evening.

For a servant, the only thing he can rely on is his master.

With such a powerful master, they aren't afraid of being bullied when they're out and about...

Leaving aside the bustling activity in Zhilan Palace, the summer banquet only lasted a short while before it came to an abrupt end.

The ladies and young women bid farewell to the Imperial Concubine and left the palace one after another.

They entered the palace with joy, but left dejected. Some of the girls even wrapped their heads and faces in cloaks and wept.

This is so strange that everyone who sees it is filled with doubt.

Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast.

The people already harbored anger and resentment, so naturally they couldn't hide it.

As a result, the news spread even before the carriages entered the mansions.

When it comes to gossip experts, women are undoubtedly number one, and no one dares to claim second place.

Especially those women who weren't invited by the imperial concubine, who were full of resentment, were so excited to hear that the people who went to the banquet were in such a miserable state that they almost burst into laughter.

In the largest and best jewelry building in Xindu, the first floor mainly caters to individual customers, selling small items such as hairpins or longevity locks, while the second floor is where big clients gather.

Most of the women in the village, as long as they had some money in their pockets, were willing to gather here.

Have some tea and snacks, rest your feet, and while you're at it, take a look at what jewelry is trending these days and maybe buy a set or two.

Those with daughters would use the money as a dowry for their daughters; those without daughters would keep it to reward their daughters-in-law.

Those without daughters or daughters-in-law will turn themselves into the most glamorous mobile jewelry display.

Therefore, women and dragons share the same attribute: they have never been able to resist anything shiny or sparkly...

Today, the jewelry store just launched several sets of jadeite jewelry, all made from jadeite transported from the south and carved by the best craftsmen. Each set costs at least several hundred taels of silver.

The jewelry shop owner was also a shrewd businessman; he hired matriarchs from humble backgrounds but with substantial wealth.

Most of these housewives knew each other, but when it came to buying things, they would compare and compete with each other, creating quite a lively scene.

Just then, a plump lady's head maid, who had been sent out to buy things, rushed back and shouted as she went upstairs, "Madam, something big has happened!"

Everyone was startled and put down what they were holding, their eyes filled with curiosity.

The plump lady glared at the head maid and snapped, "What are you shouting about!"

After saying this, she nodded apologetically to everyone, "I'm sorry, my servant doesn't know the rules..."

One of the women who was on good terms with her quickly replied, "Alright, Sister Feng, don't stop us. Let us hear what's going on outside."

The plump woman glanced at the crowd and saw the gossip burning in their eyes. She felt a little smug and then instructed the head maid, "Then you can tell us."

The head maid, fearing punishment, quickly replied, "Reporting to Madam, the summer banquet hosted by the Imperial Concubine in the palace has ended. I heard that many young ladies left in tears!"

Did she come out crying?

Everyone instinctively straightened their backs, as if they wanted to tuck a napkin around their necks, just waiting to watch the drama unfold.

The plump lady was even more anxious and urged, "Why did you come out crying? Were you punished by the Imperial Concubine?"

"No, no!" The head maid waved her hand and replied mysteriously, "I heard that at the summer banquet, they competed in poetry with Princess Kangle, and as a result, Princess Kangle beat them up. Their faces were swollen like pigs, and they lost all face, which is why they cried."

"What?! Princess Kang Le hit someone?! How did she hit someone?!"

"Why is there a poetry competition at a banquet instead of drinking and admiring flowers?"

"Who was beaten? Which family's daughter was it?"

The people around could no longer contain themselves and began to shout.

But the head maid didn't know the details; she just heard it from people on the street and rushed back to tell them something interesting.

Fortunately, there was the shrewd and reliable owner of the jewelry store, who had already sent his employees out to investigate.

Originally, their business dealings involved them with stewards and other such people in many mansions, so it wasn't difficult for them to hear some gossip.

So, in less than 15 minutes, the waiter returned.

"Ladies, you may not know this, but today's summer banquet in the palace is truly lively. The Imperial Concubine has invited more than eighty families of ladies to the palace, and each of them has brought their daughters."

"At the banquet, many young ladies volunteered to perform their talents to entertain the guests. The Third Princess and Princess Kangle also attended!"

"Some people mentioned the top scholar from the Li family, saying that Princess Kangle, as the sister of the top scholar, should also be learned and talented."

"Therefore, the princess proposed a poetry contest, and each noble lady could send out ten people to form a team."