Wang Qingyao rested in the Moon Pavilion, while Xiao Yun and Yuan Bao strategized outside on how to trick their mistress and servant.
Wei Qing and the others had already moved to the banquet hall. The Fifth and Seventh Princes, full of excitement, tasted every single iced drink, still wanting more. Such iced drinks were not available in the palace. Noble Consort Wei feared the princes might overindulge in the cold, and as she couldn't manage all three alone, she had forbidden the imperial kitchen from making them.
The Second Prince, being the eldest, looked after his two younger brothers. "Eat less. Don't end up with a stomachache."
The Fifth and Seventh Princes giggled. They stopped eating in front of him, but when his back was turned, they secretly snuck another cup.
Wei Qing sat on a chair with a sullen face. She resented the Second Prince for his lack of tact. Even a blind person could see she was unhappy, yet he didn't come to appease her?
The Second Prince was blind to Wei Qing. Wei Yu reminded him, "My sister is unhappy."
The Second Prince grunted, "Oh. I'm quite happy."
Wei Yu was amused to the point of exasperation. "Aren't you going to comfort her?"
The Second Prince replied, "I'm afraid it would affect my mood."
Wei Yu was utterly speechless. Looking up again, she saw the Fourth Prince walking over. He said something, which made Wei Qing laugh, but the laughter was brief. After laughing, Wei Qing became even more displeased.
Wei Yu dragged the Second Prince over. He said stiffly, "When does the banquet start? I can send someone to fetch Miss Wang Er and the others."
Wei Qing exclaimed, "Miss Wang Er is under the care of Prince Dingan. You don't need to meddle."
"Tsk, such a temper," the Second Prince said, walking to the window to admire the lotus flowers, ignoring her.
Tears welled up in Wei Qing's eyes, filled with grievance.
This man always made her sad.
The Fourth Prince muttered, "Could it be that Second Brother has taken a liking to that Miss Wang Er? He mentions her in every other sentence. He's never been so attentive to any girl before."
Wei Yu chided him, "Fourth Cousin, you're talking nonsense again. Miss Wang Er is already engaged."
"So what if she's engaged? Second Brother will one day become... As long as he wishes, there's nothing he can't achieve. Besides," he lowered his voice, "A'Yun is cursed and won't live past twenty-five. When that time comes..."
Wei Qing's face turned ashen. She raised her voice and shouted, "Serve the banquet."
Upon hearing the word "banquet," the Second Prince eagerly sent someone to summon Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun.
Wei Qing's expression grew even more unpleasant.
Wang Qingyao didn't know what had transpired in the hall, but judging by the atmosphere, it wouldn't be good.
The grand banquet hall had only two tables set. Men and women were seated separately. On the women's side, there were only Wang Qingyao and the Wei sisters. Since they weren't familiar with each other, eating at the same table was inevitably awkward.
The meal tasted like chewing wax.
Once dinner finally concluded, Wang Qingyao wanted to make a swift exit and go home.
Just then, Grand Tutor Wei arrived.
He was a person of great importance. The princes, along with Xiao Yun, all respectfully greeted him.
Grand Tutor Wei's gaze swept over Wang Qingyao before landing on Wei Qing. He asked, "What happened? Why have so many guests left?"
Wei Qing glanced at the Second Prince with a wronged expression and remained silent.
Grand Tutor Wei was well aware of what had happened at the Chang Le Pavilion. He asked as a formality, but since Wei Qing refused to speak, he didn't press further.
The Second Prince, having no recourse before Grand Tutor Wei, admitted honestly, "Grandfather, it's all my fault. It has nothing to do with Wei Qing."
Wei Qing's pent-up grievances vanished instantly. She cast a loving glance at the Second Prince.
Grand Tutor Wei had a stern face, and his words carried a didactic tone.
"We are all family. How you quarrel in private is one thing, but to make such a scene in front of outsiders shames the Wei family and the royal family!"
Wang Qingyao, an outsider, wished she could leave immediately. However, Grand Tutor Wei, for reasons unknown, after admonishing his granddaughter and grandson, came to apologize to her. "You must be Miss Wang Er? I apologize for letting you witness this."
Wang Qingyao was almost overwhelmed, unsure how to react. "Grand Tutor, you are too kind. That... I have matters at home. I shall take my leave!" She glanced at Xiao Yun, who nodded slightly.
"Miss Wang Er, travel safely," Grand Tutor Wei said, making no move to stop her.
As Wang Qingyao was leaving, Xiao Yun naturally followed.
Seeing Xiao Yun about to leave, the Seventh Prince also decided to go. He had only come to the lotus banquet because of Xiao Yun, and without him, there was no point in staying.
The Second Prince seized the opportunity to bid farewell. The Fifth Prince followed suit. The Fourth Prince, not wanting to be left alone, also departed.
Wei Qing had hoped to spend more time with the Second Prince. To her surprise, he was leaving with Wang Qingyao. Recalling what the Fourth Prince had said earlier, she felt a pang of resentment towards Wang Qingyao and gave her a wary glance.
Wang Qingyao felt quite wronged. She had felt Wei Qing's hostility multiple times today and knew the reason.
The Second Prince was truly something. She was leaving, and he had to join the commotion? This is your maternal grandfather's home; you should stay and have more fun! Summer days are long, so returning to the palace a bit later wouldn't matter. You could even stay overnight at the Wei residence! You are family!
Since everyone was leaving, Wei Qing and Wei Yu were also unhappy to remain on the island and walked out together.
Wang Qingyao nodded her farewell. As she passed by Grand Tutor Wei, a servant behind him looked up and glanced at her quickly. Wang Qingyao's expression changed instantly upon seeing his face.
This person was one of the kidnappers who had abducted her at the Sang family's entertainment district!
A square face, a hooked nose, and a mustache.
She remembered him clearly.