Yan Qingqing thought to herself that this must be Princess Fushou. She had never seen her before, not even at the New Year's Eve banquet.
Yan Qingqing followed the others and bowed to Princess Fushou.
Princess Fushou was not pretentious at all; after everyone had paid their respects, she asked them to stand up and sit down.
Princess Fushou took the seat of honor herself.
Yan Qingqing sat down next to Madam Pei.
Princess Fushou glanced at the people below, and when she saw Yan Qingqing, a look of amazement flashed in her eyes. She then said, "This must be the newly appointed Lady Mingzhao?"
When Yan Qingqing heard Princess Fushou call her name, she stood up and slowly bowed, saying, "Your Highness, it is indeed I, your humble wife."
When Fu Shouchang saw that Yan Qingqing was poised and confident, unlike other young women from prominent families who were uneasy in her presence, he secretly praised her in his heart.
However, her next question was quite unfriendly. Looking at Yan Qingqing, she asked, "I heard you're a widow?"
Although everyone knew that Yan Qingqing was a widow, no one would ask her so openly, because it would be like rubbing salt into the wounds of most widows.
However, this "most people" does not include Yan Qingqing.
Therefore, Yan Qingqing replied without changing her expression: "In response to Princess Fushou, I am indeed a widow."
Seeing that she showed no embarrassment, Princess Fushou asked again, "Then what are your thoughts on widows?"
Many people began to secretly sympathize with Yan Qingqing after hearing the princess ask such a question.
She's already pitiful enough as a widow, and you're asking her what she thinks of widows?
Upon hearing this, Madam Pei became restless. Wasn't Princess Fushou making things difficult for her? So she thought of saying a few words in defense of Yan Qingqing.
Yan Qingqing gave her a reassuring gesture, then turned to Princess Fushou and asked, "I wonder which aspect Your Highness is referring to?"
Princess Fushou was quite impressed with Yan Qingqing's composure despite the question.
She then said, "Then tell me everything. Don't worry, I'm also a widow. Let's just have a chat."
Yan Qingqing: ……
What kind of hobby does Princess Fushou have? Is this flower-viewing banquet going to turn into a widows' gathering?
If that's the case, you could have told her in advance so she could have prepared.
But what can you do when she's the eldest princess?
Yan Qingqing took a deep breath and said, "Since the princess wants to hear it, I will say it. Actually, I think being a widow is quite good."
Firstly, it allows one to realize their self-worth. After becoming a widow, without the constraints of a man, one has the opportunity to better showcase oneself, cultivate one's interests and hobbies, and thus realize one's self-worth.
Secondly, economic independence means that without a man to rely on, a widow will work harder to earn money and will not be seen as someone who is supported by a man.
Third, their social status has also improved. Our Great Yan Dynasty has various preferential policies for widows, such as lower taxes compared to others.
She could even be granted a chastity archway for remaining a widow for a man.
Of course, this depends on the circumstances, and I understand those widows who remarry because they can't make a living.
Fourthly, family relationships can also be altered, as a widow does not have to support her parents and in-laws if she has other siblings.
There weren't many petty family conflicts either.
In short, in my opinion, remaining a widow can keep you away from men and free you from all troubles.
Yan Qingqing spoke at length, leaving everyone present dumbfounded. It was truly outrageous that a widow could have such a sense of superiority.
However, upon closer analysis, Lady Mingzhao's words are all quite reasonable.
Even Princess Fushou was stunned when she heard Yan Qingqing's words.
She then clapped her hands and said, "Lady Mingzhao's words resonate deeply with me. I haven't found a soulmate all these years."
Many people outwardly respect me, but behind my back, there are many who either mock or sympathize with me.
They simply cannot comprehend the joys of being a widow.
Princess Fushou spoke from the bottom of her heart, especially since she had kept several male concubines. In any case, those people could never understand the kind of happiness she was experiencing.
Princess Fushou and Yan Qingqing took turns praising the advantages of being a widow, which made the noble ladies from those aristocratic families somewhat tempted.
Every family has its share of frustrating and unpleasant things, but aren't they all caused by those men?
If there were no man, maybe...
Thinking of this, they immediately stopped themselves from having the idea.
They were determined not to be led astray by Princess Fushou and Lady Mingzhao.
Soon, more and more people gathered in the courtyard. In addition to the women and young ladies, many unmarried young men from noble families also came.
Yan Qingqing quickly glanced around and saw that Madam Yu and Madam Qian had both arrived.
Moreover, Miss Yu and Miss Qian were holding hands affectionately, looking just like sisters.
Yan Qingqing calmly shifted her gaze, wondering what the two young ladies would think when they found out that the First Prince was maintaining relationships with both of them at the same time.
Can we still be like sisters?
Almost everyone had arrived, but Princess Fushou still hadn't announced the start, so Yan Qingqing knew she was waiting for someone.
Sure enough, just as everyone's patience was wearing thin, a sharp voice suddenly called out: "His Highness Prince Chen has arrived! The First Emperor has arrived! The Fourth Prince has arrived! The Fifth Prince has arrived!"
Although Xiao Mochen is the youngest, he is the legitimate son and the only prince with a title, so naturally he is the most respected.
These men were all sons of the emperor, and everyone present, regardless of their rank, had to stand up and pay their respects.
Yan Qingqing naturally couldn't be treated specially.
After everyone paid their respects to the princes, Xiao Mochen took the lead in paying his respects to Princess Fushou.
Princess Fushou smiled and said, "You boys don't need to be so polite. We are all family. It's not easy for your aunt to see you all."
"I managed to invite you all here today for the Hundred Flowers Banquet; thankfully, I didn't embarrass my aunt."
Upon hearing this, the eldest prince laughed and said, "Auntie, what are you saying? You are our real aunt, blood is thicker than water."
"It's not like those shady characters who dare to call themselves the prince's aunt."
Yan Qingqing: ……
She's being subtly criticized, isn't she? Those awful people are probably talking about her.
However, she couldn't refute that statement.
Xiao Mochen snorted coldly and said, "Some people are just like dogs catching mice, meddling in other people's business. It's our business that I call Lady Mingzhao 'Aunt,' and even my father didn't say anything about it."
Besides, it's not like I was disrespectful to Princess Fushou just because I addressed Lady Mingzhao as "aunt."
Princess Fushou laughed after hearing this, "Alright, alright, it's just a form of address, what's there to fuss about?"
"Even my elder brother hasn't said anything, so it's none of my business to comment. It's good that you have one more person to care for you."
Xiao Mochen didn't want to argue with the eldest prince, so he ignored him and went to sit down in his seat.
When Xiao Mochen saw Yan Qingqing looking at him, he grinned at her, giving her a feeling of warmth and comfort.
This smile stunned the group of unmarried girls, who suddenly realized that Prince Chen had truly grown up.
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