Xingyuan watched Bai Qingyue's somewhat flustered retreating back, her smile deepening. As expected, her elder sister treated her differently from others.
Seeing she had pushed her luck enough, she didn't tease her elder sister further, quietly following Bai Qingyue all the way.
This time, it was Bai Qingyue who felt unaccustomed. After their brief understanding, she felt Xingyuan, like Wen Xingyi, was not someone who could sit still for long.
Bai Qingyue was wrong this time. Xingyuan, like her, was not someone who enjoyed crowds. Xingyuan only showed more warmth and affection when she was with her elder sister. It was fine with just a few people, but if there were many around, Xingyuan would feel too embarrassed to act like a child and dote on her sister.
As the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's mansion and the nominal second prince's consort, Bai Qingyue, though not often attending such gatherings, was recognized by many.
As soon as Bai Qingyue appeared, many people came to curry favor. Despite her cold demeanor, as long as they considered the benefits she could bring them, the noble ladies of influential families were willing to shamelessly flock to her.
Seeing these clingy individuals, even Xingyuan, who had intended to learn about her elder sister's current life's identity through this, became angry. Elder sister was hers! No one else was allowed to snatch her away!
Xingyuan stepped in front of Bai Qingyue, glaring at the group of ill-intentioned people with a predatory gaze. A killing aura involuntarily emanated from her. Perhaps it was the instinct of a killer in this life, but Xingyuan looked at these people and even thought of ways they could die.
Perhaps it was the identical coldness on their faces, or perhaps they keenly sensed danger, but the steps of these pampered noble ladies faltered.
'Perhaps it's better to forget it! There's more than one person of high status here. Why should we try to ingratiate ourselves with someone who's clearly not interested?'
Bai Qingyue looked at Xingyuan, who stood before her in a protective stance, and a warmth bloomed in her heart. Since her mother's death, this was the first time someone had protected her like this, without fear of offending everyone!
Although Bai Qingyue felt she had become strong enough to not need protection, it didn't stop her from being moved by Xingyuan's actions. After all, who wouldn't want someone who would always protect them unconditionally, regardless of right or wrong?
After a moment of stalemate, the arrival of Feng Lipan and his entourage broke the awkward atmosphere.
"What, it's quite lively here?" Feng Lipan said with a smile, looking like he was about to enjoy a show.
Everyone bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness the First Prince!"
"Mm, no need for formalities! What are you all doing? Shall this prince preside over it?" Feng Lipan's eyes held a hint of curiosity, but his gaze fell on Xingyuan. His nominal master was indeed not someone who spoke without reason. It seemed there was something here that interested her.
Bai Yuelin, who had been hiding behind the crowd watching the spectacle, quickly stepped forward, her voice delicate, "Your Highness, it's just a joke between some sisters and Elder Sister! No need to trouble Your Highness."
Feng Lipan nodded noncommittally, but seeing that no one wanted him to intervene, he didn't want to meddle further and took the easy way out provided by Bai Yuelin.
"Everyone's presence here is a sign of respect for this prince! This isn't the first time we've held a banquet in the mansion, so there's no need for such formality!" Feng Lipan wore a standard Maitreya Buddha smile and smoothed things over.
The crowd understood Feng Lipan's unspoken meaning: if they respected him, they shouldn't cause any unnecessary trouble in the First Prince's mansion.
"Your Highness, didn't you promise to show me that painting of galloping horses last time? Why don't we go see it now!" Yi Yasheng, the son of the Minister of Personnel, subtly changed the subject.
"That's a good idea! This painting is truly a masterpiece, and I wouldn't show it to just anyone!" Feng Lipan put his arm around Yi Yasheng's shoulders, acting like close brothers.
"Indeed, we are fortunate to have Brother Yi's influence!" someone behind them flattered.
The group arrived grandly and departed just as grandly. The crowd also dispersed.
Bai Yuelin walked up to Bai Qingyue, her eyes filled with a hint of sadness, "Elder Sister, are you still angry with me?"
Bai Qingyue frowned, remained silent, and simply looked coldly at her half-sister.
Xingyuan watched Bai Yuelin's simpering act and instantly felt a sense of crisis, warily observing her. Elder sister had a sister? And she seemed to be someone who exploited her own attractive appearance.
However, their relationship didn't seem good. No, she had to nip the crisis in the bud. Xingyuan immediately retorted, "Since you know your elder sister is angry with you, why are you coming over? Apologies require sincerity. Do you think a few empty words will make someone forgive you? That's quite audacious!"
She then sneered, continuing to mock, "I don't think this young lady is sincerely apologizing. Otherwise, why didn't you come over earlier? Why wait until now to try and get attention?"
Bai Yuelin had never been openly ridiculed like this before and was immediately embarrassed and annoyed. But she couldn't think of a retort for a moment, and finally said, "This is our family matter, what does it have to do with you?"
"Originally, it had nothing to do with me, but I'm a person who always likes to be helpful, and I can't stand people who claim to be doing good for others but stab them in the back! So, this matter! I really do need to get involved." Xingyuan's tone was sarcastic, each word hitting Bai Yuelin's weak spot.
"Shut, shut up!" Bai Yuelin cried out. She could already hear the mockery in the hearts of those so-called good sisters. The reputation she had worked so hard to maintain couldn't be ruined by this person in front of her.
Seeing Bai Yuelin's reaction, Xingyuan suddenly felt a sense of relief, but before she could launch her next attack, Bai Qingyue pulled her back.
"Alright, teaching her a lesson is enough!" Bai Qingyue whispered into Xingyuan's ear.
Xingyuan felt the warm breath by her ear and her heart stirred. Although she still felt unsatisfied with her verbal sparring, she obediently stopped talking. Ever since she decided to change their relationship, she found every move of her elder sister captivating.
"Aren't you leaving yet?" Bai Qingyue, considered a talented woman in the capital, had been educated as a lady of a noble family since childhood. She couldn't accept herself spewing vulgarities, so she elegantly asked Bai Yuelin to leave.
Bai Yuelin glared fiercely at the two of them, knowing that if she continued, she wouldn't gain anything. She could only swallow her anger. There would be time in the future; she would tell her mother when they returned and let her deal with them.
In fact, Bai Yuelin's reputation in the capital had always been poor. Some people only flattered her because her father was the Prime Minister. She only held a higher status among the daughters of concubines; none of the legitimate daughters of influential families thought highly of her.
A child born from an affair, no matter where, would be despised. It was only because others found her useful that they associated with her. Unaware that she was merely a pawn, if Bai Yuelin didn't have her family background, with her petty cleverness, who would pay her any attention?