Qin Xi raised an eyebrow, watching the two of them sing in unison, turning black into white.

Look at those two mouths, how eloquent they are. They've managed to turn her, the legal wife, into a homewrecker.

Princess Zhaoyang glared at her, and An Zhuoyi seemed to notice her and shut up. However, her words had already been heard by the most influential noble ladies in the capital.

"Oh my god, I thought she was a good person, but it turns out she's like this!"

"It's easy to draw the skin of a tiger, but hard to draw its bones; it's easy to know a person's face, but hard to know their heart!"

"I never would have guessed that this talented woman, who is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, would do something like this!"

"Does such a woman deserve His Majesty's personal decree? She has truly disgraced our legitimate daughter!"

"She really thinks she's the empress; she's not even worthy of being a concubine!"

"Stop talking! She's standing at the door!"

...

...

Seeing this, Princess Zhaoyang looked very anxious: "Everyone, please stop talking. Sister Qin definitely didn't mean to do such a thing. I believe she's not that kind of person."

Anzhuoyi pursed her lips, walked to Princess Zhaoyang's side and took her arm: "Princess, you don't need to say anything. Judging from her tardiness today, you should be able to see her hostility towards you."

The voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but just loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

"She's definitely putting on airs, making us all wait here for her," a noblewoman below said disdainfully.

A chorus of agreement immediately arose, and the women began to discuss amongst themselves.

Someone muttered under their breath, "She just married a playboy, and she really thinks she's something special."

Some people were very dissatisfied: "If you're really so unhappy, then don't come. Who are you trying to impress with this high and mighty attitude?"

Some people pointed at Shu Hua and said, "Don't even mention it, did you see the guy next to her? He's a troublemaker too, just as dissolute as his brother. You become like those you associate with, so it's clear they're not good people either."

...

...

Some people cast envious glances at Zhuo Yi, saying, "I never imagined that Zhuo Yi and the princess were such good friends."

Upon hearing this, Anzhuoyi proudly raised his chin, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

Princess Zhaoyang stiffened and withdrew her hand with some disgust: "Zhuoyi, what are you saying? Sister Qin must not have done it on purpose."

Shu Hua wasn't angry; these women had been disliking her for a long time. She leaned closer and whispered, "What's going on? Didn't we arrive early?"

Qin Xi pursed her lips, thinking that perhaps only the two of them had their invitations sent at this time.

Concealing her expression, Qin Qi lowered her eyes and said with suppressed grief and grievance, "Princess, you don't need to defend me. I know you are deeply in love with Lu Huai, and even if it's a case of unrequited love, you would still be content. I only wanted a peaceful life, but His Majesty suddenly issued an edict to marry me to him. I'm sure you're upset, and no matter what you say about me, I won't argue back, as long as it helps you vent your anger..."

Her voice grew weaker and weaker as she spoke, as if she had suffered a great injustice but was holding back her words.

Princess Zhaoyang had a bad feeling. Sure enough, the voices behind her hesitated.

"This...it seems that Miss Qin is the one who is Lu Er Shao's lawfully wedded wife, isn't she?"

"That's right. Even if the Second Young Master Lu and the princess had no romantic feelings for each other, we can't blame Miss Qin, can we? The imperial decree cannot be disobeyed."

"Wouldn't the princess be trying to sow discord...?"

"Stop talking! The princess isn't far away. Be careful she doesn't hear us!"

...

...

Public opinion immediately turned against her, and every word heard reached Princess Zhaoyang's ears, causing her face to stiffen.