The tea ceremony was held at Ninghui Hall.
However, the matriarch claimed to be ill, so the meeting was moved to the main hall of the courtyard. Many elders had already arrived, especially the older generation of the clan who had come very early.
The Duke of Jingguo sat in the main seat, with Yuan Fuling standing behind him, while the other main seat was empty.
It wasn't that Yuan Fuling didn't want to sit, but she was worried that if she sat down, the princess would embarrass her, and she would be the one who lost face. So she simply stood behind the Duke of Jingguo.
The two even wore matching brown-red outfits, looking just like a loving couple.
Song Hengchuan arrived with Shen Ruyun. He frowned as he looked at the empty seat in the main seat and asked, "Why hasn't Mother arrived yet?"
The word "mother" almost made Yuan Fuling respond instinctively. She looked up and glanced around, wondering if Princess Jiahua might not be coming.
Just then, the person arrived.
Princess Jiahua entered the room arm in arm with Song Yue.
Everyone stood up, and after Princess Jia Hua sat down, they bowed and said, "Greetings to the Princess."
Princess Jia Hua waved her hand: "No need for formalities, please sit!"
"Thank you, Princess."
After taking his seat, Song Hengchuan reluctantly bowed to Princess Jiahua: "Mother, I misspoke yesterday, please forgive me."
Last night, Shen Ruyun advised him to admit his mistake today and give his elders a way out, so that Princess Jiahua could forgive him.
"Where did we go wrong?" Princess Jiahua asked, raising an eyebrow.
Song Hengchuan frowned, a hint of displeasure in his eyes: "Mother!"
Shen Ruyun gently tugged at Song Hengchuan's sleeve from behind, signaling him not to anger the princess. Song Hengchuan had no choice but to lower his voice: "It was your son who should not have talked back to his mother and misunderstood my third sister."
“Then you should apologize to Yue’er,” Princess Jiahua said.
Song Hengchuan glanced quickly at Song Yue, and deep down he was unwilling to apologize; it was worse than death for him.
But in front of everyone, Song Hengchuan still did as he was told: "Third sister, I'm sorry."
Song Yue nodded: "Big brother, you should be more careful in the future. Let's just let it go this time."
“…You!” Song Hengchuan was so angry that he was speechless.
Princess Jiahua glanced at Duke Jingguo: "How did your eldest son, who should have been a proper eldest son, become so arrogant? He can't even tolerate his own siblings. Is Your Highness really comfortable letting him inherit the Duke's mansion?"
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Song Hengchuan's head. He looked at Princess Jiahua with fear and unease.
"The old Duke Jingguo once risked his life and was respected by many. If he knew that his junior was so useless, he would not rest in peace even in death!"
Only Princess Jia Hua would dare to say such a thing.
The others looked at each other, not daring to utter a word.
The Duke of Jingguo looked embarrassed: "Princess, please calm down. Chuan-ge'er is usually very sensible, after all, he is the eldest son of the legitimate wife..."
The Duke of Jingguo practically pointed his finger at the princess and said, "That's your son too!"
To everyone's surprise, Princess Jia Hua didn't buy it at all: "The title of Duke should be held by the virtuous, not necessarily by the eldest son."
These words not only startled Song Hengchuan, but also stunned the Duke of Jingguo. He cleared his throat and said, "Princess, this is no joke."
"Mother, am I really that worthless?" Song Hengchuan asked, both angry and unwilling.
Princess Jia Hua made no attempt to hide the disgust on her face, and this disgust deeply pierced Song Hengchuan's heart. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong.
Why...why would my biological mother despise me so much?
"A mere brat, utterly incapable of shouldering great responsibility!" Princess Jiahua stood up, not giving Shen Ruyun a chance to serve tea, clapped her hands, and ordered the rewards to be distributed.
Each of the young ladies in the manor received a set of clothes and a set of jewelry.
The same was given to Shen Ruyun; there was no difference.
Shen Ruyun's face immediately fell, and she almost burst into tears. Seeing this, Tao said, "Your Highness is so kind. Your niece-in-law should thank you."
Thanks?
Everyone has gone far away.
The newlyweds have already been rejected by the princess.
The atmosphere was awkward. Once the princess left, the other tribesmen also felt bored and made excuses to leave.
The once bustling hall fell silent instantly.
Song Hengchuan's eyes reddened with anger, and he growled, "Why does Mother humiliate me like this?"
“Brother Chuan, is it because of me that the princess has a grudge against me? Why don’t I go and apologize to the princess?” Yuan Fuling said.
Shen Ruyun glanced quickly at Yuan Fuling and whispered, "If Mother goes to see the princess now, it will only make the princess angrier."
Yesterday, Yuan Fuling shouldn't have occupied the main seat at all, making the princess lose face. As a result, she not only angered the princess but was also disliked.
Yuan Fuling was speechless, feeling wronged and unsure of what to do.
"My lord, the princess has gone to Ninghui Hall," a servant reported.
Upon hearing this, the Duke of Jingguo's expression changed slightly, and he jumped up and ran towards Ninghui Hall.
Ninghui Hall
When the old lady heard that the princess was coming this way, her eyelids twitched violently: "What's meant to happen can't be avoided. Well then, please come in."
Before long, Princess Jia Hua appeared before the Grand Madam.
Song Yue also came along.
Looking at the similar faces of the mother and daughter, and recalling their mannerisms, the old lady suddenly felt a headache coming on.
Princess Jia Hua sat down as soon as she entered the room.
Seeing this, the Dowager had no choice but to stand up: "Princess."
"Please sit down." Princess Jiahua tapped the table casually. "I heard that the Grand Madam has been sending people to teach Yue'er accounting. I happen to have some free time, so I've come to pick up the account books and check the results."
Learning accounting?
That was just a pretext.
The accountant was only a half-baked professional; his job was simply to keep an eye on Song Yue.
"This..." The old lady looked at the maid beside her.
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