"No need for formalities, everyone. The reason I invited you all here today is simply because last spring, the Prince planted a grove of plum trees in the garden behind the Prince's Mansion."
These past few days, they've all bloomed in profusion. Knowing that you ladies are all lovers of flowers, I'd like to invite you all to come and admire these plum blossoms together; it should be quite a pleasant experience.
Princess Consort Shen smiled gently, her kind voice reaching the ears of the noble ladies at the head of the table.
Despite the pain, Hong Xinyue forced a polite smile and spoke first: "It's so kind of the Princess Consort to always think of us first when it comes to good things. The Prince knew that the Princess Consort loved plum blossoms, so he specially planted a garden for her. I never expected that it would be us girls who would be so fortunate to have such a sight to see."
Numerous voices of agreement came from both sides of the seats.
Some people are just sucking up to Hung Sin-yuet, while others are genuinely doing so.
Seeing that so many people were praising her, Hong Xinyue's smile deepened. "The Prince and Princess are a perfect match; it's quite a story in the capital."
"I rarely see her flattering people; there must be something fishy about her," Gao Youlan commented.
Jiang Wei was puzzled because she had never met Hong Xinyue, and asked curiously, "How do you know?"
"Hong Xinyue is arrogant and domineering. Because she is the youngest daughter of the Prime Minister and is pampered at home, she has never paid attention to others."
"This spring, my mother and I went to the temple to burn incense and met a prince and princess who were on their way to serve in a foreign land but had no real power. She's not like that," Gao Youlan explained softly to Jiang Wei.
In her previous life, she had never heard of Prince Shen having any real power, so she inquired, "Does Prince Shen have real power?"
“No,” Gao Youlan said firmly, “Prince Shen was the youngest son of the late emperor. His mother was the current emperor’s aunt. After the emperor’s mother passed away, his aunt took care of him in the palace. She was Prince Shen’s mother. Prince Shen and the emperor have been close since childhood.”
The implications are self-evident.
Jiang Wei nodded thoughtfully.
Gao Youlan was extremely annoyed by Hong Xinyue, yet she just kept going on and on.
She was busy fiddling with the fruits and snacks on the small table, too lazy to pay any attention to them.
But some people just had to pick a fight with her.
"Miss Gao, do you dislike the banquet hosted by Princess Consort Shen, or do you dislike the plum blossoms that Prince Shen planted for her? Why do you seem so absent-minded?" Hong Xinyue asked Gao Youlan with a smile, but her eyes were cold.
She exchanged pleasantries with Princess Shen, and everyone flattered her to some extent, except for Gao Youlan and that good-for-nothing Jiang Wei, who completely disregarded her.
Hong Xinyue smiled again, looking at Jiang Wei with heartfelt concern, "Miss Jiang, is this your first time attending such a banquet? Are you feeling a little uncomfortable in this circle of elegant ladies? After all, it's different from your usual environment. Don't be afraid or reserved, we will take special care of you."
She appeared to be kind and understanding, but her words conveyed to others that Jiang Wei was an uncultured country bumpkin.
Song Fangfang smiled, finally someone was going to teach this bitch a lesson.
“Miss Hong is right,” Jiang Wei replied.
Hong Xinyue felt like she had punched cotton, and she was furious.
Jiang Rou felt very happy inside, but on the surface she didn't pretend to be a sisterly friend.
She stood up, curtsied to everyone, and bit her lip. "My sister has never been very sociable since she was little, and she went out to do business with her maternal grandfather. I apologize on her behalf for making you all uncomfortable today."
They were practically saying that Jiang Wei didn't understand mathematics and was not presentable.
It's really satisfying to kick Jiang Wei while she's down and boost her own image.
“Hey, your little sister is probably no pushover,” Gao Youlan said to Jiang Wei.
"What's the point of saving fuel? Just remove the wick." Jiang Wei said dismissively.
"But that Miss Hong, I'm afraid I've offended her today. Could you please help me?" she asked Gao Youlan helplessly.
Jiang Wei knew that Hong Xinyue would probably not let her off easily in the future, and might make things difficult for her in some way.
Gao Youlan was quite happy to hear her say that. No one had ever been so straightforward and honest before, which suited her taste perfectly. "What's wrong with that? I'm the one who dragged you into this today, which is why she hates you."
She patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
Gao Youlan took Jiang Wei's hand and rubbed it on the back of her hand. "From now on, we'll be best friends. How about we become best buddies?"
Jiang Wei let her hold her hand, "I couldn't be happier, but I'd be the one getting the better deal."
"Fine, you dare to say I'm cheap." Gao Youlan reached out to touch Jiang Wei's face.
“I didn’t,” Jiang smiled.
Behind the screen, Xiao Zhan's brows furrowed together, almost forming a twisted, braided line.
How could that woman be so audacious, holding onto another woman's hand and refusing to let go, even trying to touch her face?
Hong Xinyue saw that the two of them were chatting and laughing, as if they hadn't heard her at all.
Princess Consort Shen picked up her teacup and took a sip. She was surprised that the two of them could get along so well, acting as if no one else was around among so many people.
They're laughing and talking without a care for others' lives.
Hong Xinyue was ignored by them again; those two despicable women had repeatedly humiliated her today.
Hong Xinyue angrily rebuked them, "How dare you be so presumptuous in front of the Princess? Daughters from a humble family, you have no manners at all."
Jiang Wei and the other girl stopped laughing and joking, while Gao Youlan looked at her as if she were a fool.
Jiang Wei stood up and curtsied, completing the proper etiquette.
"I did not speak or act improperly, nor did I try to gain favor with the Princess. I simply sat quietly behind the table and heard your sincere praise of the Princess."
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