A hush fell over the surroundings, and everyone's varied gazes fell upon Jiang Qingyue, each thinking to themselves:

After being expelled from the manor by the Princess, who would dare to invite Miss Jiang to any banquet in the future?

This is a complete disgrace to the entire aristocratic circle!

Yin Fang stepped forward and gestured for her to enter: "Miss Jiang, please."

Jiang Qingyue's face turned a mix of blue and purple, overwhelmed by immense humiliation. The disdainful or pitying gazes of the crowd made her feel like she was being pricked by thorns.

The eldest princess was assertive, leaving her speechless. Gritting her teeth, she could only slink away.

Yan Mingyi narrowed her eyes slightly. She believed that Shen Tangning would not make baseless accusations, and that Jiang Qingyue was definitely not innocent.

Collecting her thoughts, she broke the silence: "Miss Gu has been wronged. Yin Fang, bring me that box of pearls and give it to Miss Gu."

Gu Qingxu was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and quickly declined, saying, "Your Highness, this is too precious! I am unworthy to accept it..."

Yan Mingyi interrupted her with a smile: "Keep it. You suffered a loss in my palace, so I should make some compensation."

A cold glint flashed in her eyes. If it weren't for Gu Qingxu's matter, she wouldn't have known that such a traitor had appeared in her own residence!

Having received a signal from her master, Hui Niang understood and ordered the servant to be dragged away.

The princess was so considerate; to refuse would seem ungrateful. Gu Qingxu pursed her lips, weighed her options for a moment, and then gracefully curtsied: "This humble woman thanks Your Highness for the reward."

The dazzling pearls instantly attracted everyone's attention, and many people secretly enviously remarked:

Miss Gu has actually turned misfortune into blessing. With the favor of the Eldest Princess, her position as Crown Princess is practically guaranteed!

Once the farce subsided, Yan Huai's furrowed brows finally relaxed.

Yan Jue noticed his emotional fluctuation, glanced at him, and smiled slightly.

...

Despite this minor incident, the banquet was to continue.

After all the noble ladies had finished showcasing their talents, the Princess called two of them, including Gu Qingxu, to the front and presented them with a peony.

Other noble ladies who didn't receive flowers were either disappointed or relieved.

In fact, the choice of the principal wife had already been decided long ago, and holding a banquet was just a formality.

Wen Yao was visibly excited that she wasn't selected, but she didn't dare show it and pinched her thigh to keep herself calm.

Shen Tangning glanced at her sideways and teased, "So happy?"

Wen Yao lowered her voice: "Of course, the royal family has strict rules. I heard that the palace sends matrons to teach etiquette, and if you don't learn well, they'll hit your palms with a ruler!"

Just hearing about it gave her a headache!

Fortunately, her father knew his daughter's character well and had no intention of marrying into wealth.

Gu Qingxu returned carrying peonies, her cheeks flushed. The two men pulled her down to sit, winking and making faces at her.

"Are you happy now?"

Gu Qingxu lowered her eyes shyly and coughed lightly, "Please stop making fun of me!"

She paused, looked up at Shen Tangning, still shaken, "By the way, Ningning, thank you for getting me out of that situation earlier, but how do you know so much?"

"Exactly!" Wen Yao echoed, her eyes filled with surprise. "I was completely stunned! Is that alum really that magical? I'll have to try it myself!"

Shen Tangning's eyes darkened, but she concealed it subtly: "I saw it by chance in a book before."

The two did not suspect anything and quickly changed the subject.

"Princess Yun'an is quite quiet today?"