Wang Qingyao was very direct when confronting people, and she would confront them on the spot, never delaying.
Even Wei Yu, who was experienced and had been confronted several times, couldn't help but change her expression. Not to mention the other young ladies.
In ancient times, verbal sparring between young girls emphasized stopping at the right moment, being subtle and implicit, only to be understood and not explicitly stated.
Where was there anyone like Wang Qingyao, who confronted so clearly and directly?
Only street hooligans behaved like this!
Several young ladies showed disdain. One of them muttered, "Don't you eat too?"
Wang Qingyao immediately looked at her and said, "Yes, I not only eat chicken, duck, fish, meat, and beef, but I also eat rabbits. I don't pretend to be a saint, needing meat three meals a day, while sympathizing with these domestic fowl and animals! If you truly sympathize with these little lives, then go become a nun!"
"You!" The girl who was confronted turned red in the face.
Wang Qingyao looked at her unceremoniously, "What, do you have any objections to what this Princess Consort says?"
She raised her chin, looking down from above, haughty and arrogant, fully displaying the demeanor of a Princess Consort.
Xiao Yun's lips curved slightly, gazing at her dotingly.
The girl, about to say something, lowered her head at this moment, daring not to speak.
Consort Wei smoothed things over, "Alright, alright. Those who like to eat rabbits can eat rabbits, and those who like to raise rabbits can raise rabbits. Just mind your own business and don't meddle in others' affairs."
Although Consort Wei's words seemed fair, upon closer inspection, they clearly favored Wang Qingyao.
Wei Yu was Consort Wei's own niece!
Why did Consort Wei show favoritism to the Princess Consort of Ding'an, and this wasn't the first time!
Wei Yu also felt wronged, her eyes turning red.
Consort Wei acted as if she didn't see it, turning to Wang Qingyao and saying, "Roast the rabbit tonight, and send me some too. I'm a bit craving it."
Wang Qingyao smiled, "Consort, why are you competing with me for rabbit meat? What kind of game meat do you want that you can't have? I heard that the three princes not only hunted rabbits but also deer and wild boar! I've never eaten venison before!"
This was true.
Who among modern people had eaten venison? They ate pork frequently, but never wild boar meat.
Wang Qingyao's meaning was obvious, and everyone understood it.
Consort Wei laughed heartily, "Alright, alright. I'll trade venison with you! Is that acceptable?"
"It is!" Wang Qingyao was more agreeable this time, and did not forget to bow, saying, "Thank you, Consort."
Naturally, this made Consort Wei laugh again.
"Oh my, Your Majesty, look at the Princess Consort of Ding'an, she's truly amusing."
The Emperor also chuckled a few times. His majestic gaze swept over Wang Qingyao's face. Wang Qingyao grinned at him, showing no fear at all. The Emperor himself was momentarily stunned, thinking that the Princess Consort of Ding'an was indeed extraordinary.
With the highest-ranking individuals chatting and laughing, others dared not be somber and followed suit, putting on official smiles.
Wei Yu bit her lip tightly. As she lowered her head, a hateful glance flashed across her eyes.
Wei Qing tugged at her sleeve and gently shook her head.
That evening, Wang Qingyao indeed roasted the fat rabbit Xiao Yun had given her, cut half of it, and sent it to Xiā Sōng Garden, exchanging it for a large deer leg.
The aroma wafted all the way, and everyone around smelled it.
People privately said that the Prince of Ding'an had the Emperor's favor, and the Princess Consort of Ding'an had standing with Consort Wei. This entire family was favored by the palace, truly blessed!
On the third day, the hunting continued. There would be no competition today; everyone would rely on their own skills. Those who didn't want to participate would sit and watch from the platform.
Some young men who had reluctantly participated the previous day breathed a sigh of relief. Wei Yu was formidable and would participate again today.
"I heard there's a tiger in the hunting grounds. I want to go and see who finally hunts that tiger!" Wei Yu was completely unfazed by yesterday's events, her smile as bright as a flower, charming and lovely.
King Wu interjected, "It must be Fourth Brother. He took the lead yesterday."
Prince Qi raised his chin high, looking very proud.
Wei Yu, however, shook her head, "I think Second Prince is more likely. He hunted a live deer yesterday!"
Wei Qing quickly nodded in strong agreement.
The Second Prince smiled and said, "Just playing around. It's fine whoever hunts it."
Prince Qi's expression changed, clearly disagreeing with the Second Prince's words. He gritted his back molars, looking determined to win!
There were no soldiers announcing today. Whoever hunted what would be announced by the soldier when it was brought up, and everyone would know.
Wang Qingyao had lost her initial excitement and seemed a bit restless, chatting with Consort Wei from time to time to pass the time.
The hunt lasted for five days!
She was contemplating asking Xiao Yun to take her horseback riding tomorrow. She didn't know how, but she could learn! She also needed to learn archery!
It was good to have many skills; they would never be a burden.
As she was lost in thought, a soldier suddenly ran over in a panic, his face full of alarm, "Oh no, oh no! Reporting to Your Majesty and Consort, the Second Prince has fallen from his horse!"
"Ah!" Consort Wei's face turned ashen with shock, instantly losing all color.
The Emperor also stood up, "Where is the Second Prince? Is he alright?"