Qingyin arrived at this moment, following behind Madam Lin, wearing a veil as she walked towards the women's banquet.

Because Madam Lin was blocking the way in front and Lin Wanyu was blocking most of the way on the left, apart from a few people who had already seen her face and could quickly pinpoint her location, no one else noticed that there was a veiled woman following behind Madam Lin.

Noticing several overly intense gazes upon her, Qingyin's lips, hidden behind her veil, twitched slightly. It was truly remarkable that these people had discovered her so quickly.

Among so many people, she could be quickly found hidden in the crowd.

Qingyin followed Madam Lin and Lin Wanyu to her seat, and only then did the people around her disappear from view.

In the distance, Hu Nanxu looked at the veil on Qingqing's face and felt slightly relieved.

Wearing a veil certainly makes things much safer.

"Elder sister, try this pastry. It's made in the palace and it's delicious." Lin Wanyu looked at Qingyin expectantly with her pretty face.

Qingyin glanced at her helplessly, "Ayu, I'm wearing a veil."

Lin Wanyu blushed for a moment, scratched her head, and said, "Oh right, hehe, I forgot."

Madam Lin looked at the two sisters getting along harmoniously with a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.

A rather plump Mrs. Chen, who was familiar with the group, noticed the gaze and naturally didn't miss the conversation between the two sisters. Her eyes turned to the young woman with the veil and the familiar-looking Lin Wanyu, a hint of curiosity flashing in them.

This must be the real Lin family's daughter who was accidentally switched at birth, right? I heard she was mistakenly given to a commoner's family in the countryside and became a widow. Doesn't the Bai family dislike her? But to her, these two sisters seem to have a pretty good relationship.

Madam Chen curiously nudged the hem of Madam Bai's dress, drawing Madam Bai's attention, and asked, "Is this your eldest daughter?"

Looking at Madam Chen, who was plump but had a delicate face, Madam Bai thought of Qingqing's miraculous face, and a hint of pride flashed in her eyes. She couldn't wait to show off her eldest daughter's face to Madam Chen and boast about how she had given birth to such an outstanding daughter. However, after her father gave her some serious advice, she barely managed to hold back and nodded with pride and restraint, "Yes, this is our eldest daughter, Lin Qingqing."

Madam Chen, oblivious to Madam Bai's smug expression, recalled what Madam Bai had said to her last time they met. Lacking emotional intelligence, Madam Chen bluntly retorted, "Didn't you say last time that you disliked your eldest daughter who grew up in the countryside? And that you only have one daughter, Lin Wanyu!"

The two women weren't speaking loudly, but it was still possible for the Qingyin sisters, who were sitting nearby, to hear them clearly.

Despite her excellent hearing, Qingyin remained unmoved and showed no sign of wavering in response to what Madam Chen had said.

Madam Bai's face stiffened, and she subconsciously glanced at Qingyin's expression. Noticing that Qingyin's eyes had not changed at all, she turned back awkwardly and said in a somewhat harsh tone, "How could I not? I was talking about someone else. How could I not like my own daughter?"

Startled by Madam Bai's loud voice, Madam Chen gave the gentle and dignified Madam Bai a strange look, her eyes conveying a very clear meaning.

Aren't you the most obedient person? Why are you suddenly so loud? You don't act like a proper young lady.

Noticing Madam Chen's gaze, Madam Bai blushed, composed herself, lowered her voice, and once again adopted the demeanor of a gentle and dignified noblewoman.

She no longer wanted to show off to Madam Chen; having just experienced the social death, Madam Bai only wanted the banquet to end as soon as possible.

Lin Wanyu didn't notice her old mother's pitiful, lifeless appearance; her attention was entirely focused on her dear sister, and she only wanted to chat with her.

The two sisters, one talking and the other listening, were so close that no outsider could interfere. Even the young lady who secretly glanced at Qingyin's captivating, star-like eyes and became curious about her, and wanted to strike up a conversation, couldn't find an opportunity to join in.

It wasn't until the banquet began that the round-faced young lady finally gave up her thoughts when she saw the yellow figure appear at the banquet entrance.

...

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"My beloved ministers, please rise."

The bright yellow figure sat at the highest position, symbolizing imperial power. Qin Heng looked down at the people in the hall, his every move exuding an aura of majesty that dared not be looked at directly.

Qingyin followed the crowd, bowing and kneeling on the ground until the majestic and deep voice above sounded, then she followed the crowd back to her seat.