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The Huai'an Princess's gaze darkened as she questioned, "Did you leave my birthday banquet on purpose to slap my face? Since you won't give me any face, should I still remember your kindness?"
The two were caught off guard by the Huai'an Princess's sudden change in attitude, feeling somewhat at a loss.
Though both hailed from the royal palace and were legitimate princesses, none could compare to the honor of the Huai'an Princess's mother.
The Eldest Princess was the emperor's own sister, and their bond was strong. Moreover, with the Lin clan being exterminated, the Eldest Princess suffered a devastating blow to her relationship with Duke Lin.
The emperor felt guilty towards his sister and thus treated the Eldest Princess even better.
Many valuable items from the palace were sent to the Princess Chang's Residence, and even the Empress dared not offend this sister.
As the only daughter of the Eldest Princess, if the Huai'an Princess chose to sever ties with anyone, it was clear that she would likely lose her chance to shine before the emperor in the future.
Weighing her options carefully, Fong Miaomiao suddenly brightened up and stepped forward, linking her arm with the Huai'an Princess's. She said sweetly, "Jiajia, don't be angry. We were just joking around! Today is your birthday; how could I leave midway? I must wait until we've finished eating before I go."
"Lele, don't you agree?" She turned to Fong Le, offering her a way out as well.
Fong Le pressed her lips together tightly, her eyes filled with a hint of dark hostility, yet she ultimately nodded.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Jiang Xi sneered inwardly, thinking: They turn on each other faster than flipping a page; how hypocritical.
Having lived another life, she had learned to let many things go. Aside from life and death, nothing else was worth dwelling on.
How others viewed her was unimportant; all she needed to do was ensure her own comfort and happiness.
At that moment, an older maid approached and bowed respectfully. "Princess, the banquet at Lotus Hall is ready. Please proceed to your seats."
The Huai'an Princess stood and looked at Jiang Xi politely. "Lady Jiang, please."
Jiang Xi nodded, "Princess, you are too kind." She stood up and followed the group outside.
Fong Le and Fong Miaomiao felt uncomfortable seeing the Huai'an Princess being so warm towards Jiang Xi, and silently followed along to Lotus Hall.
Left behind and ignored by everyone, Jiang Jiao glared at Jiang Xi's back, clenching her fists in anger as she secretly cursed, Damn Jiang Xi, relying on a bit of money to earn the Huai'an Princess's favor.
Indeed, she was just a merchant's daughter; what other abilities did she possess besides that stench of copper?
Upon entering Lotus Hall, several familiar faces came into view.
The ladies greeted Jiang Xi and the Huai'an Princess with enthusiasm, but their gazes towards Jiang Xi were laced with mockery.
Jiang Xi, however, ignored their scrutinizing or derisive looks. She slightly bowed and said softly, "I have met Princess Chang."
The Eldest Princess smiled slightly, her gaze fixed on Jiang Xi as she spoke slowly, "This must be Lady Jiang? You've been quite the sensation lately!"
As soon as she said this, the others looked at Jiang Xi with even more unabashed scrutiny.
Jiang Xi smiled faintly, her expression calm. "A sensation indeed, but it is not by my own desire. Fortunately, the Regent is not a bloodthirsty person; otherwise, when those people were gossiping, he would have made an example of them long ago. How could they still be alive now?"
As her words fell, the atmosphere in Lotus Hall suddenly froze. The ladies stared at her in shock and disbelief. The Huai'an Princess looked worried, while the Eldest Princess was displeased; she hadn't expected Jiang Xi to speak so boldly in her presence.
However, not wanting to confront the powerful Regent directly, she quickly smiled and said, "Lady Jiang's unique personality is no wonder Little Prince likes you. Please take your seats!"
The Eldest Princess turned and walked towards the main seat while saying, "Jiajia, come sit by me."
"After the banquet, don't forget to take Lady Jiang and the others for a stroll in the garden. The peach blossoms are in full bloom these days."
Huai'an Princess arranged the seating for Jiang Xi before finally taking her place beside her mother. With a smile, she said, "I've been so busy learning to paint these past few days that I've almost forgotten spring has arrived."
The ladies around them beamed with praise for Huai'an Princess.
Suddenly, one lady turned to Jiang Xi, her face adorned with a seemingly friendly smile, and asked, "May I ask what Lady Jiang enjoys doing at home? Needlework, playing the guqin, or painting?"
Before Jiang Xi could respond, another lady interjected, "Look at Consort of the Duke asking such questions. Lady Jiang is the only daughter of Madam Jiang, destined to follow in her mother's footsteps in business. She hardly has time for such refined pursuits."
With a smile playing on her lips, Jiang Xi felt a sense of helplessness inside. She thought to herself: Why is it that some people always seem intent on making things difficult for me, finding ways to provoke me?
Han Yue stepped forward, standing tall and proud. "My lady can do it all—playing the guqin, brewing tea, painting—none of it is beyond her. Even our lord is amazed by her talents. As for needlework, there's no need; our lord wouldn't let her lift a finger."
Huai'an Princess looked at Jiang Xi with surprise and anticipation in her eyes. "That's wonderful! We should have a chance to practice together sometime."
Jiang Xi smiled and replied, "That sounds good."
Then Consort of the Duke suggested, "Since Lady Jiang is so talented, why not perform a piece for Eldest Princess and Little Princess, just to liven things up?"
With a gentle smile in her eyes, Jiang Xi chose to ignore the comment. Unfazed, Han Yue shot back, "My lady isn't a performer; who would she be entertaining? If you want excitement, why not invite a theater troupe?"
Feeling embarrassed, Consort of the Duke found herself at a loss since Han Yue was from the Regent's Palace.
She coldly addressed Jiang Xi: "Lady Jiang, your status as a member of the Regent's family is noble, but that means you should better restrain your servants' behavior. Otherwise, it could lead to gossip that tarnishes the reputation of the Regent."
Setting down her teacup, Jiang Xi looked up with a light laugh and calmly replied, "Han Yue serves me on the orders of the Regent. A servant as arrogant as she is unlikely to heed my words."
Nodding proudly, Han Yue reveled in her role as an audacious and untouchable bodyguard, ensuring that no one dared show disrespect to Jiang Xi.
Everyone in the room could tell that Jiang Xi was not someone to be easily manipulated.
The Eldest Princess spoke lightly, "Lady Jiang is quite interesting. Now, since it's a rare birthday banquet, let's not spoil the atmosphere." She then gave a subtle glance to Fong Le.
Fong Le received the hint without showing any signs and smiled at Huai'an Princess. "Jiajia, the Eldest Princess just mentioned that the peach blossoms in the garden are blooming beautifully. Would you accompany me to pick some?"
Huai'an Princess asked him in surprise, "What do we need peach blossoms for?"
Fong Le, thinking about the trap he was setting for Jiang Xi later, smiled happily and replied, "We can make peach blossom cakes! I have nothing to do at home anyway, so I might as well find something to keep busy."
The Eldest Princess pretended to be casual as she added, "Jiajia, you should go with her. You young people will have more to talk about."
She then turned to Jiang Xi. "Lady Jiang, you should join them too."
Jiang Xi nodded nonchalantly. "A stroll sounds nice."
Seeing that she had successfully lured them away, the Eldest Princess couldn't help but smile.
"Jiajia, gather your friends as well; don't neglect them."
Huai'an Princess felt an unusual sensation pass through her mind but didn't dwell on it further.
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