While the two were chatting and laughing, the other ladies were also led over by the maid.
Those who were acquainted with Xie Qinglan joked upon seeing this, "Miss Xie has arrived early today. I've never seen you come to my residence so frequently before. Princess Qin must have a lot of influence."
Xie Qinglan smiled and said, "Who told me that the Prince Qin's mansion has a cook I'm thinking about?"
Her words were witty and immediately drew laughter from everyone.
Shen Youying had the maids arrange for the guests to sit down, and then served fruits, pastries, and other snacks. The lady who had teased Xie Qinglan took a bite of the lotus-shaped pastry that was served and exclaimed, "No wonder Miss Xie was so fond of it; the chefs at the Prince's Mansion are even better than those at the Four Offices and Six Bureaus outside."
With a good start, the atmosphere quickly became harmonious and familiar.
Shen Youying was in good spirits today. She chatted with the guests for a while, and only when the banquet was about to begin did she invite the guests to take their seats.
As it was a flower-viewing banquet, today's feast was different from usual. In addition to the dishes all being peony-themed, the banquet venue was also set in the garden, decorated with early-blooming peonies transported from Luoyang. Sitting at the table and looking out from afar, the courtyard was full of colorful flowers, already showing signs of spring.
After the women were seated, they enjoyed the delicious food while admiring the beautiful scenery in front of them.
The ladies who knew each other whispered among themselves, "The Princess Consort of Qin is quite thoughtful; it's remarkable that she managed to procure so many peonies."
Peonies typically bloom in April and May, and although it's already late March, obtaining so many fresh peonies in full bloom is no easy feat. It's only because the King of Qin has the financial resources and the Queen can command them.
"I have a nephew who works in the Ministry of Works. He told me that after finishing his duties, Prince Qin would return to his residence and never go out drinking and making merry. He would also often personally go to Fanlou to buy food for Princess Qin." The lady who spoke clicked her tongue twice, not without envy.
"After all, the Queen Consort of Qin is now pregnant. This is the King of Qin's first child, isn't it? Didn't everyone say before that the King of Qin couldn't have any offspring, which is why he's so precious to him?"
"Then you just don't understand. Ever since Princess Qin entered the palace, have you heard of Prince Qin bringing any beauties into the palace? I heard that the palace wanted to send someone to Prince Qin before, but Princess Qin refused on the spot, and Prince Qin agreed. At that time, Princess Qin was not pregnant."
The group whispered among themselves, glancing again at Shen Youying, who sat at the main table with a gentle and serene expression. They felt a mixture of envy and a growing determination to befriend her.
After the meal was finished, Shen Youying invited everyone to go boating on the lake.
There was a very large lake in the Qin Prince's Palace, which was fed by a constant flow of fresh water. Shen Youying had a painted boat brought to the lake, and after the banquet, everyone took a boat ride on the lake to listen to music, which was a pleasant pastime.
As everyone was boarding the painted boat, Liu Yun suddenly came looking for Shen Youying and whispered a few words in her ear.
After listening, Shen Youying remained calm and smiled as she said to everyone, "Please continue enjoying yourselves. I have some matters to attend to at my residence, so please excuse me for a moment."
Then she turned and went to the backyard with her personal maid.
When she arrived, she saw Xiao Xueying, disheveled, being held down on the ground by two old women with her hands twisted behind her back, while Xue Shen sat far away at the other end with a gloomy expression.
His expression softened a bit when he saw her arrive.
Shen Youying sat down next to him, glancing at his gloomy face, and said, "What's with that expression? Anyone who didn't know better would think you'd been wronged."
Xue Shen glanced at her helplessly, then turned his gloomy gaze to Xiao Xueying and said coldly, "I could have chosen not to come today, but I did. Do you know why?"
Xiao Xueying trembled and looked up at him: "I have served the prince for so many years, does the prince have no affection for me at all?"
Upon hearing this, Xue Shen revealed a mocking expression: "If I had no feelings for you whatsoever, do you think you would still be able to speak here now?"
But before Xiao Xueying could show any joy, he said coldly, "You have already worn away this little bit of master-servant affection. You have been with me for so many years, you should know how I deal with those who betray their masters."
Xiao Xueying looked at him in disbelief and said sadly, "I've followed the prince for so many years, and the prince only treats me as a master and servant?"
Xue Shen's expression was cold: "Otherwise what?"
Xiao Xueying collapsed to the ground, finally unable to hold back her tears.
Seeing this, Shen Youying instructed Danzhu, "Bring them in."
Danzhu agreed and called in Wenyao and the other three who were waiting outside.
Wen Yao and the other three were summoned after Xiao Xueying was caught red-handed, but they never showed up.
Xia He and the other two were prepared, and their expressions remained calm. The most shocked was Wen Yao. They had been outside the door the whole time and had naturally heard Xiao Xueying's words. Anyone with a modicum of common sense would understand what Xiao Xueying had done.
Wen Yao looked at Xiao Xueying with red eyes: "You said before that the princess was going to send us to the temple, but that was all a lie. You asked us to create opportunities for you, not to plead with the prince, but to take the opportunity to drug and seduce him?"
Xiao Xueying's disguise was ripped off. She glanced at her but didn't say anything.
Wen Yao took a step back in shock, her eyes red as she looked at her. She hadn't stayed in the Red Mansion for long, but after entering the Prince's Mansion, Xiao Xueying had taken good care of her, so she had always regarded Xiao Xueying as her own sister.
In reality, Xiao Xueying may never have respected them.
Shen Youying sighed and said, "I called you here today just to clarify the facts so that no one will spread rumors and cause misunderstandings."
It was Xia He who secretly came to find her that made her realize that Xiao Xueying was actually resentful and had the audacity to devise such a scheme.
Actually, things shouldn't have escalated to this point, but Xue Shen was thinking of giving the late Empress another chance out of consideration for her.
As long as Xiao Xueying doesn't make a move, they will pretend they know nothing about it and send the person out of the palace and settle them properly.
However, Xiao Xueying ultimately failed to live up to all her efforts.
Xia He and the other two bowed to thank Shen Youying, and when they saw Wen Yao standing there motionless, they even pulled her up.
Shen Youying said, "The four of you are still the same as I said before. If you have any plans, just say so, and I will have someone make the arrangements. As for Xiao Xueying..." She looked at Xue Shen.
Xue Shen said, "Those who betray their masters will be dealt with according to the rules."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
