Chapter 3 The Third Day
The third day was the "three-day celebration" banquet for the youngest granddaughter of Earl Wenyuan. Given what had happened to Wang Qinglin, Wang Qingyao had assumed Madam Bai would not attend.
As she was unmarried and still a young lady of the Wang family, apart from poetry gatherings and tea parties among ladies of the inner chambers, such social banquets required a family elder to accompany her.
Madam Bai or Old Madam Wang would suffice.
However, Old Madam Wang was feeling unwell and did not wish to go out, leaving only Madam Bai.
Wang Qingyao had been considering sending a gift if Madam Bai decided not to attend.
To her surprise, Madam Bai had no intention of declining. As the appointed time arrived, she sent for Wang Qingyao to join her in the carriage. Madam Bai’s expression was cold, her face haggard. Once in the carriage, she closed her eyes to rest, not exchanging any unnecessary words with Wang Qingyao.
Wang Qingyao was more than happy with this arrangement.
Earl Wenyuan’s household had four grandsons, but only this one granddaughter. The entire family had anticipated her arrival for many years, so the "three-day celebration" banquet was naturally a grand and lively affair.
The bracelet that Madam Xue had intended to give away was finally worn on Wang Qingyao’s wrist, along with many other gifts.
Wang Qingyao felt she did not deserve them, as she had merely seized an opportunity.
Madam Zuo once again praised her effusively, and the ladies present then crowded around her, eager to see her belly.
The ladies who had been at the Wang residence previously saw Madam Bai arrive and their faces turned somewhat awkward and confused: their own daughter was disfigured, yet the mother still had the mood to attend a banquet?
“Perhaps it’s just an allergy.”
“Seasonal skin problems.”
They whispered amongst themselves.
The Old Consort of the Prince Ding’an’s mansion was also present. Since she was here, would Xiao Yun also be present? Wang Qingyao subconsciously looked around and indeed, she spotted Xiao Yun and Xiao Mo.
Xiao Yun’s eyes lit up when he saw her, and he strode over.
“I knew you were coming, so I tagged along.”
This implied that he had not originally intended to come.
Being valued by the boss was a good thing. Wang Qingyao chuckled, “Heh heh heh, you’re quite idle too.”
She used to read novels about harem struggles and knew that at some banquets, high-ranking princes and nobles, as well as matriarchs of prominent families, were reluctant to attend unless it was a particularly important occasion.
Yet, the Old Consort of Prince Ding’an seemed to be present every time.
Last time, when Marquis Zhongyong hosted a celebration for Zeng Huai, and the Wang family celebrated Wang Zijing, these were not considered major events, but the Old Consort of Prince Ding’an had attended both.
Xiao Yun smiled and told her, “Firstly, my grandmother enjoys lively occasions, and secondly,” he smiled mischievously, nodding towards Xiao Mo, “Grandmother is looking for a suitable girl for Xiao Mo!”
Xiao Mo stood straighter than a door panel, exuding an aura that discouraged anyone from approaching. No young ladies or married women dared to get close to him; they only conversed with the Old Consort.
After standing for a while, Xiao Mo walked over and said to the Old Consort, “Grandmother, I suddenly remembered something at the shops outside, so I’ll be leaving now.”
Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun burst into laughter.
Xiao Mo glanced at them, his expression unperturbed. *Well, as long as I’m not embarrassed, the embarrassment will be someone else’s.*
The Old Consort clearly knew his ways and didn’t have high expectations for him; his appearance was already a good enough gesture. She waved her hand, and Xiao Mo departed without a backward glance.
After the "drunken confession" incident, Xiao Yun no longer harbored any doubts about Wang Qingyao.
However, upon returning, he regretted not asking about her psychic abilities.
Wang Qingyao had said she wouldn’t lie to him, but she didn’t guarantee she hadn’t omitted some things.
Thinking of the sweet words Wang Qingyao had spoken while drunk, his heart fluttered again.
“Hey, are you free tomorrow? I’ll treat you to drinks at Pan Lou.”
Wang Qingyao cursed inwardly, *Drinking again? Even modern business dinners aren’t this frequent!*
Hadn’t she said enough last time? She had practically offered to cut open her stomach to prove her loyalty, so why did this fellow still not believe her?
She looked at him irritably, “Why do you, a grown man, keep inviting young ladies for drinks? Do you have some unspeakable conspiracy?”
Xiao Yun put on a righteous expression, “What nonsense are you talking about? Pan Lou has just released a new fruit wine that’s especially suitable for ladies. I want to invite you to try it.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course.” Xiao Yun’s back was straight, and he spoke as if it were the absolute truth.
Wang Qingyao was half-believing, half-doubting. She coughed lightly, “What time tomorrow? No, what hour?”
“I’ll pick you up at the exact hour of the Snake, and we can have lunch together.”
Wang Qingyao grinned, not objecting.
Not far away, Madam Bai, with a dark and gloomy expression, watched Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun chatting and laughing with cold eyes.
Why should this jinx be the center of attention in public, while her own daughter could only hide at home and weep? She might not even be able to get married in the future and would live a lonely life!
Why? Wasn’t Wang Qingyao’s only reliance on marrying Prince Ding’an and becoming the Princess Consort?
Madam Bai’s gaze grew colder. She would shatter Wang Qingyao’s dreams, making her unable to marry, just like Wang Qinglin, or even worse!
She wanted her to pay the price!
Some people were like this: it was perfectly natural for them to harm others, but if others retaliated, they were considered malicious. It was best to passively accept their fate, and if someone came with a knife, one should proactively offer their neck.