The Martial King’s manor’s warm-room banquet was held the day after the Qi King’s.
Xiao Yun took half a day off. When he returned, Wang Qingyao was already dressed and ready, waiting for him.
This was the first time Xiao Yun had seen Wang Qingyao since he had “favored” Bian Siyue.
He carefully observed Wang Qingyao’s expression. Seeing that she had developed dark circles under her eyes, which were faintly visible despite the powder, he felt happy and a little smug.
Wang Qingyao looked at Xiao Yun, a smile also appearing on her lips.
It was like when you were too busy with work, and the boss hired a new employee, but still gave you the important tasks.
Wouldn't you feel good about that?
Wang Qingyao felt exactly like that now.
She didn't think she cared about Xiao Yun. Who wouldn’t be happy to be valued by their boss?
Xiao Yun sidled up to her, his eyes sweeping over her face. He said with schadenfreude, "It seems someone didn't sleep well last night?"
Wang Qingyao’s expression was calm: "I was too excited to sleep."
Xiao Yun would believe that if he were a fool!
He went to the inner room to change. Wang Qingyao asked, "What gift did you prepare for the Martial King?"
"The same as for the Qi King, that coral potted plant!"
Wang Qingyao: "..."
That was a bit perfunctory.
The Martial King’s manor and the Qi King’s manor were only two streets apart, both in the prosperous area of Duanjing. The layout of the manors was also similar.
By the time Wang Qingyao and Xiao Yun arrived, many guests had already arrived at the Martial King’s manor.
They had all come to pay their respects to Consort Wei.
As usual, a circle of noble ladies and young ladies surrounded Consort Wei. This time, it was the turn of Princess Mujin to take the lead.
Wei Qing and Wei Yu, the two sisters, were also present. Wei Yu, who had been rebuffed by Wang Qingyao two days prior, actually smiled sweetly at Wang Qingyao when she saw her enter.
Her smile gave Wang Qingyao goosebumps.
"Don't cause trouble today," she whispered to Xiao Yun.
Xiao Yun: "Hehehe!" He was never one to swallow insults.
After escorting Wang Qingyao to the main hall and greeting Consort Wei, Xiao Yun went to the front courtyard.
The group of women today was surprisingly calm. Wei Yu didn't say anything barbed. Under Consort Wei's guidance, they chatted about clothes and jewelry, creating an atmosphere of harmony.
Wang Qingyao looked around but didn't see Kang Yutong. However, a few Kang family young ladies were sitting on the outer edge, not speaking, just quietly listening to others.
It seemed Kang Yutong hadn't come to terms with it yet and felt too embarrassed to show her face in front of everyone.
Actually, what did the events at the Qi King’s manor have to do with her?
Wang Qingyao thought that if it were her, she would attend openly. The more others looked at her strangely, the more she would act nonchalant and as if nothing had happened.
Clearly, the teenage Kang Yutong didn't have Wang Qingyao's psychological fortitude.
After Consort Wei left, it was time for the banquet.
Consort Wei favored Wang Qingyao. Princess Mujin, guided by her mother, wanted to strike up a conversation with Wang Qingyao to curry favor. However, she was not eloquent. She walked alongside Wang Qingyao for a long time but couldn't manage to utter a single word.
Wang Qingyao: "Does the Princess have something to say to me?"
Princess Mujin's face flushed: "No, nothing..."
Although she said nothing, her steps didn't falter. She still followed closely behind Wang Qingyao.
Wang Qingyao thought to herself: What’s wrong with you? If you have nothing to say, eat some sour plums!
Upon entering the banquet hall, it was already set up. Male and female guests were separated by a screen in the middle.
Wang Qingyao found a seat and sat down. Princess Mujin also sat down beside her in silence.
Wang Qingyao glanced at her. Princess Mujin didn't look at her, her eyes fixed forward, her face expressionless.
Servants began serving cold dishes and wine. Somehow, as a maid carrying wine passed by Wang Qingyao and Princess Mujin, she stumbled, and the wine spilled onto them, wetting their arms and skirt hems.
The young maid was greatly alarmed and quickly knelt down, kowtowing and begging for forgiveness: "Your Highness, please forgive me. Princess, please forgive me."
Wang Qingyao said, "It's alright. Get up."
Princess Mujin also did not get angry.
The young maid thanked them profusely, and then a senior maid came to escort Wang Qingyao and Princess Mujin to a guest room to change.
The senior maid was named Susu. She had served the Martial King since his time in the palace and was quite experienced.
Her demeanor and actions were generous and efficient, clearly the mark of a capable housekeeper.
Princess Mujin secretly observed her for a while but said nothing.
Susu said, "This is the first time our Martial King's manor has hosted such a grand banquet. The servants are bound to be a little flustered. We ask for the Princess Consort and the Princess's understanding."
Princess Mujin would naturally not blame them. This was the family she would marry into in the future; she would only try to smooth things over.
Wang Qingyao: "It's nothing."
She appeared unconcerned, but her mind was on high alert.
In novels about harem intrigue, getting one's skirt wet at a banquet often signaled impending schemes.
As they walked, she used her clairvoyance to scan their surroundings but found nothing amiss.
Fortunately, Zhenzhu had been by her side all along. Even when fetching the change of clothes, someone else had been sent, which put her mind at ease.
Seeing that Wang Qingyao was easy to talk to, Susu said, "The Princess Consort is merciful," and led them towards the guest rooms.
The guest rooms in the Martial King's manor had not yet been occupied. Upon entering the courtyard, Susu pointed to a room in the center and said, "Princess Consort, Princess, please enter."