Based on the experience at the old house last time, Lin Qingwan originally wanted to bring Muxue along this time, but Qin Ma said that Muxue was too young and that Qiuhong should be brought instead.
At this moment, the benefits of Qiu Hong are indeed becoming apparent.
Many ladies and young women greeted them along the way. Qiu Hong thoughtfully reminded them in her ear, and Lin Qingwan greeted and answered each one without making a mistake. Lin's expression also improved a lot.
"Madam Jiang is too modest. Miss Qingwan is so sensible, how could she not be likable?" Madam Yang led the ladies into the inner hall for tea and refreshments.
The underground heating was burning brightly, and everyone took off their fox fur coats, making Lin Qingwan's lotus green dress particularly eye-catching.
Several ladies' eyes narrowed slightly, and although it was only for a moment, Lin Qingwan still caught it.
The clothes were made by the embroiderer at her father's request. Was something wrong with them, or was it just because the colors were too bright? For some reason, the way those people looked at her made her feel uncomfortable.
"Miss Qingwan, please have a seat here." Gao Ying smiled and invited Lin Qingwan and the others to sit in the side hall.
Lin Qingwan looked at her mother, and Lin said calmly, "When you follow Yanwan, be careful in everything you do, and never act on your own."
Lin Qingwan said, "I think I should stay with my mother. It's not fun to have Yanwan with me."
Lin didn't like her talking back, so she raised an eyebrow and said, "You've come all this way, so relax and have some fun. Go ahead."
Qiu Hong tugged at Lin Qingwan's sleeve, and Lin Qingwan bowed before coming out.
"Miss, Madam was not very happy just now," Qiu Hong reminded her.
Lin Qingwan didn't care. "I'm afraid that following Jiang Yanwan will only make her more unhappy."
Autumn Red remained silent.
Seven or eight young ladies were sitting in the side hall. Jiang Yanwan and Gao Ying were the most prestigious. Everyone was following their conversation, but when Lin Qingwan entered, they all stopped talking at the same time.
"Qingwan," Jiang Yanwan said gently, her tone somewhat humble, "I thought you didn't want to come."
Gao Ying raised her chin slightly, "Madam Jiang said you're not sociable, but I just took it as politeness."
Lin Qingwan glanced around and, not finding any extra chairs, said, "That depends on what kind of group it is."
Gao Ying raised an eyebrow, "So, Miss Qingwan, what kind of group do you think you can join?"
"A country girl from the mountains or a woman digging for wild vegetables?"
The crowd couldn't help but sneer.
"Miss Gao is mistaken. Judging from her clothes, she is most likely a lotus picker."
Gao Ying laughed so hard she bent over, "Lotus flowers can be picked in Jiangnan, I wonder if Miss Qingwan has such a good voice."
Jiang Yanwan used the act of drinking tea to conceal the smile on her lips, letting them mock Lin Qingwan.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you ladies." Lin Qingwan wasn't angry. "I don't have that ability."
Gao Ying stepped forward with a cup of tea, feigning nonchalance, "We were just joking, you shouldn't be angry, right? My grandmother is having a birthday banquet and invited you to come and celebrate. It wouldn't be right for you to cause trouble at my house."
"This tea was saved for you."
Lin Qingwan could smell the poison from afar, but it was definitely not the sweet aroma of the tea in their cups.
She looked at Gao Ying's bright red nail polish and hesitated to accept it.
Gao Ying's smile vanished. "Why can't you appreciate the quality of my tea?"
Lin Qingwan said, "I don't know the rules of the Minister's Mansion, but the rule that my nanny taught me is that drinking tea while standing is disrespectful to the host. Unless Miss Gao wants me to embarrass you."
Gao Ying let out a soft snort, "She really is quick-witted."
"You flatter me. I am far more shrewd than Miss Gao."
Gao Ying, having failed to gain any advantage, accidentally spilled all the tea at Lin Qingwan.
Lin Qingwan was prepared and dodged in time, but Gao Ying's sleeves got soaked.
Jiang Yanwan immediately stepped forward and used her handkerchief to wipe the water stains off Gao Ying, while saying to Lin Qingwan, "Qingwan, even if you don't like this tea, don't be disrespectful to Miss Gao."
Lin Qingwan's gaze was icy.
The next second, the other ladies chimed in, "That's right, Miss Gao kindly saved tea for you, and you don't even blame yourself for being late, and you're still so rude and impolite."
"Miss Gao's newly made dress got dirty before the banquet even started. What bad luck!"
Jiang Yanwan pretended to be worried about her and advised, "Qingwan, why don't you apologize to Miss Gao quickly! What will happen if things get out of hand?"
Seeing Lin Qingwan being framed so blatantly, Qiu Hong was anxious but dared not speak. These were all young ladies of high status; how could a mere maid like her possibly stand against them?
what to do?
Lin Qingwan had indeed underestimated their methods. She steeled her resolve and said, "If an apology is all it takes to end this, then I might as well slap Miss Gao again and then apologize to her together."
With that, she rolled up her sleeves, much to Jiang Yanwan's surprise, while Gao Ying was enraged by the provocation, "How dare you! I'll see just how..."
Before she could finish speaking, a crisp, childlike voice interrupted her, "You spilled the tea yourself, why blame the beautiful sister?"
Gao Ying didn't even look at him. "Whose little brat is left unattended! Take him out!"
The next second, all the maids and servants waiting at the door knelt down in unison, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Gao Ying was startled and pushed Jiang Yanwan, who was blocking her way, aside. She saw Feng'er pointing a short, soft finger at her nose.
Feng'er glanced at everyone inside, "Can't you all see this either? You're all following her in bullying others."
Gao Ying suddenly seemed like a different person. The sharp and malicious look on her face disappeared, replaced by a gentle expression. "Your Highness, you were mistaken. We were just joking."
Feng'er walked over to Lin Qingwan with her short legs, grabbed her sleeve and said seriously, "Don't be afraid, come with me."
Lin Qingwan was both surprised and delighted when the soft little finger hooked her.
Jiang Yanwan and Gao Ying were both stunned. Lin Qingwan knew the young prince? How could that be!
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