Chapter 72 Tea Tasting
The eldest princess hadn't seen Qi Wenyue for some time, and now she joked with those around her:
"Look at this child, throwing a tantrum again. Haven't I given her enough before? It's just a matter of lending her a person, is it worth her being so jealous? Look at that pouting little mouth."
In fact, the eldest princess's feelings for Qi Wenyue were somewhat complicated.
Although Prince Duan was not her biological brother and the child had some flaws, she had watched him grow up. Even if his words and actions were sometimes excessive, she still turned a blind eye.
However, regarding Xiao Yuxuan's matter, she really disliked Qi Wenyue's behavior.
"Aunt~ It's just a trinket, why not give it to me? Xiao Yuxuan is just an embroiderer, how could she be worthy of a maid from the Princess's mansion?"
After Qi Wenyue finished speaking, she noticed that the air was completely silent. The princess, who had been looking at her with gentle eyes just moments before, had changed her expression at some point.
The unfamiliar emotion in her eyes was so obvious that Qi Wenyue felt a pang of panic, as if something had completely slipped out of her control.
Did she say something wrong?
She blinked, trying to make amends:
"Aunt, I was just saying that. At worst, I won't want Qin Yuan anymore. Please don't be angry..."
The eldest princess looked at her niece, her eyes filled with undisguised disappointment.
She could no longer convince herself that the other person was still young, about to come of age, yet still spoke so rudely, wantonly belittling and humiliating others.
Even though Princess Duan passed away early, how come she didn't learn any manners of dealing with people from a young age, having grown up in the palace or by his side?
Qi Wenyue became increasingly uneasy when she received no response.
For some reason, during this period of time, first they discovered the Western Region honey incense that Yuyao was wearing, then her father confined her to her home and wouldn't let her go to the girls' school, and now her aunt is being so strict...
Just as she was about to say something more, she caught a glimpse of Xiao Yuxuan walking in through the door, and her attention immediately shifted to her.
"This humble woman pays her respects to the Eldest Princess and Princess Wenyue."
After exchanging greetings, Xiao Yuxuan noticed that the princess looked slightly tired, and knew that what Qi Wenyue had just said must have displeased the princess.
Qin Yuan, who was standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her come in looking so neat and tidy.
Princess Wenyue stopped her from leaving, worried that Miss Xiao would be exposed to the wind and rain if she stayed in the pavilion alone for too long.
The eldest princess sat at the head of the table, but her sharp eyes noticed the slightly damp hem of her skirt and the paulownia blossoms that had accidentally gotten on it. Although she wanted to call someone over to ask her questions, she thought of her mother who was also there and decided against it.
As soon as Xiao Yuxuan sat down next to Madam Xiao, Qi Wenyue came over like a hyena that had only smelled blood.
"Xiao Yuxuan, while I was away from the girls' school, did you bully Yuyao again?!"
Xiao Yuyao, who was sitting on the other side of Madam Xiao, had been bowing her head so low it was almost buried in her chest. Upon hearing this, she immediately interrupted her, saying:
“Princess Wenyue! That’s not true. Fifth Sister has already reformed. Please don’t say such things anymore.”
Her reason told her that this was definitely not a good time to attack Xiao Yuxuan;
But the frustration she had suffered that morning was also urging her on. If she could, with the help of that idiot Qi Wenyue, knock Xiao Yuxuan into the abyss in front of so many noble ladies, how wonderful that would be.
Xiao Yuyao bit her lower lip, looking like she had been wronged but dared not speak up. Qi Wenyue saw this and felt even more indignant.
She knew it! Xiao Yuxuan must have been upset by Yuyao again!
Poor Yuyao, living under the same roof with such a younger sister, must have suffered countless mistreatments every day!
Just as Qi Wenyue was about to say something sarcastic to vent her anger, her arm was suddenly gripped tightly by someone—it was the governess standing next to her with a stern face.
"Princess, watch your words!"
Qi Wenyue's anger vanished like a deflated fish belly.
This morning, just as she was about to leave, her father stopped her, saying that if she dared to cause trouble or provoke others again today, she could forget about her coming-of-age ceremony and would be sent far away to Jiangnan to be married off to any scholar.
She's been locked up for so long, she's been going stir-crazy. What if, just like her father said, she's sent to Jiangnan—
She nodded timidly, promising not to cause any trouble, before a stern-looking nanny handed her over and she boarded the carriage to the palace.
At this moment, reminded by the nanny, her reason, which had run to the ends of the earth, quickly returned.
It's important to stand up for Yuyao, but if she's really sent away, who in the capital will protect her? Her family members have their own daughters and sisters now, they probably won't care about Yuyao anymore!
Don't let small gains lead to big losses!
Qi Wenyue glanced at Xiao Yuxuan, then looked at Xiao Yuyao, but ultimately said nothing more and turned back to the Princess's side.
Qin Yuan was secretly amazed; she had never seen Princess Wen Yue so easily startled before.
Xiao Yuxuan frowned, thinking that another argument was inevitable, but unexpectedly, Qi Wenyue seemed to have thought of something and left directly.
Xiao Yuyao, still feeling wronged, sat there blankly and disappointed.
Madam Xiao wanted to speak, but seeing that Qi Wenyue didn't say anything more offensive, she gave up and quietly waited for the palace banquet to begin.
Chunwen then followed the palace servants to bring up fresh snacks and tea, pouring a cup and placing it beside Xiao Yuxuan:
"Fifth Miss, please have some tea—"
Since it was her first time administering the drug, Chunwen was still a bit clumsy. Her fingers were unsteady, her voice trembled slightly, and she even spilled some tea.
Xiao Yuxuan didn't mind, smiled slightly at her, and said:
"Just let the palace servants do this. You can rest for a while."
"yes--"
Chunwen's heart was pounding in her chest.
She never imagined she would do such a thing, but there was nothing she could do; the Fourth Sister had given her far too much.
Fortunately, the medicine wouldn't kill anyone; it would only cause some embarrassment...
Xiao Yuxuan picked up the teacup with her delicate hands, took a small sip, and her eyes revealed surprise:
"This is truly excellent tea, indeed the tea served in the palace, much better than what we drink at home."
Hearing this from a seat away, Xiao Yuyao chuckled softly:
"Fifth Sister, the art of tea is profound and cannot be mastered overnight. The tea served at banquets in the palace is just ordinary and cannot be considered top-quality."
"Really? Fourth Sister hasn't even tasted it yet, how does she know this tea isn't top-notch? Mother, don't you think so?"
Madam Xiao glanced at her and warned:
“When you’re out in the world, each of you represents the face of the Xiao family. Don’t act so petty.”
Xiao Yuxuan responded with a "yes," and as if she couldn't resist, she picked up the glass and sipped it lightly.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Yuyao felt a little relieved. She really was unsophisticated. It was just a cup of tea, and she was treating it like something special.
Since she obediently drank it, I'll just wait and see how she makes a fool of herself.
Xiao Yuyao was in a good mood, so she picked up her teacup and took a sip.
After taking that sip, whether it was due to her emotions or not, she suddenly felt that the tea tasted extraordinary, better than anything she had ever drunk before.
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