Shang Xiye seemed oblivious to Princess Zhaoping's arrival, even clenching the fist on the side next to Princess Zhaoping and putting it behind his back.

So as not to let Princess Zhaoping, under the subtle hints of Zheng Mama, think of something inappropriate and do something that would embarrass everyone.

Granny Zheng: "..."

Did the Ninth Prince guess something?

Shang Xiye, Ji Chenhai, and Ji Fengming went to the former court to report on their duties and handle matters such as prisoners of war and spoils of war. Ji Fengyao, along with three maids and Hei Xiao, who had disguised himself as a guard, went with the officials and their families to the Imperial Garden near the Imperial Banquet to wait for the banquet to begin.

The Imperial Garden was bustling with activity, filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the rustling of hair, creating a lively scene.

Because it was a victory celebration banquet, many meritorious military officers attended, and almost every family brought their younger generation and guards.

The concubines who attended the victory banquet all had powerful backers or were favored by the emperor, and each of them was accompanied by several imperial guards for close protection.

Therefore, unlike the banquets of the past, there was no special attention paid to the differences between men and women.

As the Minister of War, Yuan Zhouhan naturally brought his only son, Yuan Zhisheng, to the event in full regalia.

Upon seeing Ji Fengyao arrive with the women of the Ninth Prince's household, Yuan Zhouhan and Yuan Zhisheng took the initiative to greet them: "This humble official greets the Ninth Prince's Consort and Princess Zhaoping."

"This humble servant greets the Ninth Prince's Consort," Yuan Zhisheng said respectfully to Ji Fengyao.

The father and son both unanimously honored Ji Fengyao, while silently omitting Princess Zhaoping, who was also the principal wife of the Ninth Prince.

Princess Zhaoping gritted her teeth in frustration and looked at Granny Zheng for help, her expression one of grievance:

Granny Zheng always talks about rules, but foreign officials don't respect her as a princess, which is a breach of the rules.

Granny Zheng: "..."

With his old eyes slightly lowered, he stood still with his hands clasped behind his back, pretending not to see.

Princess Zhaoping must be a fool; she's the Minister of War, wielding real power!

Even the emperor would have to think twice before trying to manage him. She's just a palace maid; she must be tired of living to even try to get involved!

Princess Zhaoping's eyes reddened again. She gritted her teeth, stomped her feet, and angrily turned to go to Cixi Palace to find the Empress Dowager.

Granny Zheng, Simeng, and Siyi then turned around and followed.

Ji Fengyao and the others ignored Princess Zhaoping's sudden outburst of temper. She smiled and said, "Lord Yuan, there's no need for such formalities."

Seeing that Yuan Zhisheng seemed much more robust than the last time she saw him, Ji Fengyao turned to Yuan Zhisheng and smiled, "It seems that Young Master Yuan's martial arts have improved a lot recently, and his spirits are much better than before."

"I must thank Your Highness and Your Highness for sending Physician Xiao's herbal formula to the brothers in the camp to strengthen their bodies. Not only me, but all the brothers in the camp have made rapid progress recently," Yuan Zhisheng replied with great humility and politeness.

His eyes were full of joy and respect for Ji Fengyao. Although he had only had a few brief encounters with Ji Fengyao, he had a great liking for this intelligent and cheerful princess.

Ji Fengyao clapped her hands with an air of nonchalance, quite like a charlatan: "Haha, very good, very good! When the youth are strong, the nation is strong. You are the hope for the future of the country!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhouhan was immediately astonished, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Ji Fengyao: "As expected of the Ninth Prince's Consort, what a brilliant insight! It is truly a blessing for the Ninth Prince and the nation that the Ninth Prince has such a virtuous wife, and for our Great Zhao to have such a consort!"

Ji Fengyao: "..."

Who says military generals can't flatter? Look at this old man, he's so savvy!

She gave me so many goosebumps.

But this old man is really bold; he dares to say anything.