The Wei family's Lotus Banquet was initially a scheme by Wei Qing to get close to Prince Rong. Now, her dreams had come true; she had married Prince Rong and become his consort.
Although the process was less than perfect, with Prince Rong even breaking a leg and losing his eligibility to inherit the throne.
Overall, Wei Qing got what she desired, and in a way, it had beautified the Lotus Banquet, elevating its purpose.
The Lotus Banquet transformed into a matchmaking event. With collective psychological influence and the promotion by Wei Yu, the Crown Prince's intended consort, rumors spread: unmarried couples who attended the Lotus Banquet together would achieve their happily ever after. Married couples who attended together would enjoy marital harmony and love until old age.
Suddenly, countless people wished to attend the Lotus Banquet.
Wei Yu, unlike Wei Qing, did not limit her invitations to only those of high status.
She prepared numerous invitations. Some were sent to the wives and daughters of noble families and royalty. The rest were openly priced at one thousand taels of silver each. Those who lacked the proper status but wished to attend could purchase an invitation.
It had to be said that Wei Yu's business acumen was on par with Xiao Mo's.
However, Xiao Mo was not as crass as she was.
But Wei Yu was the Crown Prince's intended consort. Even if some found her overly greedy, no one dared to voice it, only daring to slander her in their hearts. And even then, they had to grit their teeth and obediently pay for the invitations.
As Wei Yu was hosting the Lotus Banquet, the Crown Prince was naturally expected to attend and show his support.
If one could curry favor with the Crown Prince and become part of his faction before his ascension, they would surely have a bright future once he took the throne.
A mere thousand taels of silver was nothing in comparison.
The invitations to the Lotus Banquet were quickly sold out.
To Wang Qingyao's surprise, Wei Yu had also sent her an invitation. She had expected Wei Yu to seize the opportunity to humiliate her and withhold an invitation.
However, she had no intention of attending.
She had nearly lost her life at last year's Lotus Banquet, and now, being pregnant, she absolutely could not risk it.
The mere thought of Grand Tutor Wei's sinister face sent a shiver down her spine.
Therefore, she did not attend the Lotus Banquet.
Feng Jiangduo also received an invitation. She disliked attending such banquets and had only accompanied Wang Qingyao to the previous ones. Since Wang Qingyao was not going this time, she also felt disinclined to go.
Later, Wang Qingzhen came to visit and told Wang Qingyao how lively it had been.
Wang Qingzhen, Wang Qingzhu, and Bai Junya had all attended. These three belonged to the category of those whose status was insufficient but could afford to buy invitations.
Wang Da was quite willing to spend money on such investments.
For his two daughters and one daughter-in-law, three invitations cost three thousand taels of silver.
"Second Sister, do you know? They built an island in the Wei family lake, an entire island! It's as large as a three-courtyard residence of an ordinary family. If one were to live on that island normally, how pleasant would life be!"
"Three exquisite pavilions were also built on the island, separating entertainment, banquets, and rest. The interiors were sumptuously decorated. I've never seen many of the things inside before."
Wang Qingzhen gestured animatedly, her face showing envy.
Wang Qingyao, having seen it last year, knew this already. She smiled as she listened to Wang Qingzhen's effusive account.
"Wei Yu was so proud. The Crown Prince also came, and they stood side by side, truly like a golden couple. But it's a pity we couldn't speak with Wei Yu. There were too many people, and we who paid to enter could only stay in the corners near the door, unable to squeeze to the front."
"Father was heartbroken, after all, he spent so much money."
Wang Qingzhen said, a gloating smile on her face.
Wang Qingyao, fanning herself leisurely, reminded her, "Stay away from Wei Yu in the future."
Wang Qingzhen exclaimed, looking at Wang Qingyao in surprise.
Wang Qingyao calmly continued, "She and I have a small past grievance. You are my sister, and she will inevitably hold it against you. When you see her, just keep your distance; don't go seeking her out."
Wang Qingzhen said "Oh," and slyly leaned closer, asking gossipingly, "What grievance? Tell me."
Wang Qingyao lightly tapped her head with her fan, "It's nothing, not a big deal. Anyway, Wei Yu is not as simple as she appears. Don't be fooled by her outward innocence."
Wang Qingzhen nodded and didn't pry further.
She had realized long ago that as long as she firmly followed Wang Qingyao's lead, she would not suffer any losses.
For example, with the incident involving Han Suiqin, Wang Qingyao had told her to stay away from Prince Qi earlier, but she hadn't listened. It was fortunate that Han Suiqin had taken her place.
To this day, Wang Qingzhen still felt a lingering fear when she thought of it, which made her love and respect Wang Qingyao even more.
If Wang Qingyao told her to go east, she would never go west. If Wang Qingyao told her to stay away from someone, she would never foolishly approach them.
"Has your marriage date with Fourth Sister been set?" Wang Qingyao asked.
"It's set for late October. The weather won't be too cold or too hot then, and you'll be out of your confinement period, which is perfect."
Although Old Madam Wang disliked Wang Qingyao, she would not hesitate to use her when it was beneficial. A wedding presided over by the Princess of Ding'an would be a matter of great prestige.