After saying that, she used her chopsticks to pick up the abalone, removed the shell, and then used a small knife to remove the internal organs and teeth. It was only then that she realized what the dagger next to the plate was for.
"The part I removed is inedible. Abalone viscera contain heavy metals and toxins, including photosensitive toxins, and have a strong odor. If you eat its viscera and then are exposed to sunlight for a long time, it may cause skin inflammation and other toxic reactions."
As she spoke, her hands moved swiftly, elegantly preparing the abalone. She then picked it up with chopsticks, dipped it in what looked like soy sauce, and popped it into her mouth…
"Hmm... the taste is very fresh, but unfortunately it wasn't cooked long enough. The broth hadn't fully blended with the abalone meat, and the sauce was a bit too bland! But overall it's still acceptable, considering it must have been very difficult to transport it from the coastal areas to here."
Hearing her confident and assertive words, the young princess was stunned. She never imagined that someone who came from a rural village could actually eat such top-quality delicacies!
Could her investigation have gone wrong? Could this old woman have come from one of those border countries?
The many mistresses and young ladies sitting to the side were also very surprised to see this scene, and they began to whisper among themselves. In particular, the little princess's reaction showed that the unknown woman was right!
After swallowing the abalone meat, Qin Qing smiled at the little princess.
"Princess, please don't be offended. I still want to say something more. Although abalone... also known as flounder, has a delicious and unique flavor, it shouldn't be eaten in large quantities. Otherwise, it can easily cause allergies and stomach upset. Moreover, it's high in calories and will make you gain weight! But judging from your figure, Princess, eating more should be fine."
Before saying the last sentence, she deliberately surveyed the young princess's figure, and with a look of certainty, she mocked her for being too thin...
"Pfft!"
Some of the women who understood what he said were immediately amused and quickly covered their mouths with their handkerchiefs to stifle their laughter.
This action directly angered the young princess, whose face turned red and she glared at Qin Qing fiercely!
"You...you..."
She wanted to refute Qin Qing's words, so she also glanced at Qin Qing's figure, and her face became even more embarrassed when she saw it!
According to her investigation, the woman in front of her had lost her husband early in life and was raising her son and grandson alone. She should have been worn down by the years!
But now! The woman before me was voluptuous, yet her waist was free of excess fat, her skin smooth with almost no wrinkles, her figure curvaceous and shapely, and a small patch of skin was exposed at her neckline, making her look both sexy and mysterious…
It has to be said, in terms of looks, her cousin has already lost...
Seeing that her face was flushed but she didn't speak, her eyes flickering, Qin Qing wondered what she was thinking, so he said...
"If the young princess has nothing more to say, then please return. I believe the ladies and young misses already know how to eat this abalone..."
Upon hearing this, the young princess abruptly flicked her sleeve, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.
Meanwhile, in a certain spot, behind one of the mistresses sat a woman dressed in blue brocade, her eyes filled with jealousy and hatred…
At the banquet that followed, everyone subconsciously avoided Qin Qing, clearly trying to isolate her from the group to avoid angering the young princess.
Qin Qing didn't care. Anyway, she didn't like these so-called noble ladies. She would leave as soon as it got dark.
Old Madam Wang, who was standing to the side, had been paying close attention to Qin Qing's expression and emotional fluctuations. Seeing her so calm, she was extremely satisfied! A smile involuntarily appeared on her face.
Qin Qing stayed obediently behind Old Madam Wang, showing no reaction even when she heard the gossip. Before she knew it, she was getting sleepy listening to the group chatting and competing in reciting poems…
"Oh? Madam Wang, who is this lady beside you?"
Old Madam Wang? Beside her? Isn't that her?
Hearing this, she snapped back to reality and looked up at the woman who had spoken…
She wore a long pink dress, had a delicate and pretty face, red lips and white teeth, and was a beauty overall. She also had a smile in her eyes, which made her look gentle and pure.
She didn't recognize him! She didn't respond, but seeing this, Old Madam Wang smiled.
"To be honest, this girl is the future daughter-in-law that my son, Wang Yan, has chosen for our Wang family!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Qing's somewhat muddled mind instantly cleared up. Looking at the exaggerated expressions of the others, some even opened their mouths wide without regard for their image. After all, no one expected that Old Madam Wang would publicly acknowledge Qin Qing's identity!
This also means how satisfied Madam Wang is with her, not to mention General Wang!
The woman who had just asked the question froze on her face, regretting her polite inquiry. She could only manage an awkward laugh before quickly changing the subject.
“I see. In that case, why don’t we let this young lady participate in the poetry competition with us? Judging from General Wang’s discerning eye, she should be more outstanding than us.”
That's not entirely wrong. Rumors were circulating in the capital that General Wang was over thirty and still unmarried, mainly because his serious expression and cold gaze had deterred many young women. However, there were a few brave ones who, unfortunately, left in shame and indignation after being resolutely rejected by Wang Yan.
Now that General Wang has a fiancée, how could some of those with ulterior motives not have complaints! If they couldn't compare to the eldest princess, that would be one thing—after all, the princess is not only beautiful but also of noble birth—but to lose to a woman nearing forty is unacceptable to them!
Faced with a group of people who were curious, surprised, disdainful, jealous, and disgusted, Qin Qing finally frowned and looked directly at the woman who had spoken.
The woman in pink noticed Qin Qing's gaze as soon as she finished speaking, and her heart immediately tightened. It was not for any other reason than that cold and solemn look in his eyes... how similar it was to General Wang!
Only after Qin Qing withdrew his gaze did the woman breathe a sigh of relief, realizing the coldness of her fingertips. Her perception of Qin Qing was completely overturned!
The woman in pink was named An Fei'er. She was the only daughter of Director An of the Imperial Observatory. Although she did not hold an important position, His Majesty believed in destiny, so she had some say in the matter.
At this moment, she suddenly regretted standing up for the young princess. Her intuition told her that a woman with such eyes was no ordinary person!
The next second, Qin Qing smiled.
"Alright... Since you all extend such an invitation, I cannot refuse!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd cast disdainful glances. In such a large circle, it was rare to find gossip about General Wang; they had already investigated thoroughly! Clearly, none of them believed this woman from a remote mountain village could compose poetry!
"Then I'll go first!"
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