New Year's Eve dinner guests, a group of guests with ulterior motives

  Old Lady Yang couldn't help but scold, "This girl has really been spoiled by me, don't bother trying to reason with her, Niece-in-law."

  Ruoxi smiled and said: "Don't joke, Auntie. My younger sister is still young, whatever she's called doesn't matter."

  Mrs. Yang looked at Ruoxi with a complex gaze and smiled: "Still, my niece is sensible and knows the rules, sister married such a good wife, but also your good fortune."

  The Queen of Jing Tai glanced at Ru Qing with a smile and said, "Sister, you are right. This child is indeed someone who knows the rules and understands the situation. I can rest assured if Ruo Xi is handed over to her."

  Yang Qining's face suddenly changed, and he blurted out, "The princess is confused, but she's just a concubine-born daughter, how can she be worthy of the wise and brave Xiao Gege?"

  "Shut up, Qining!" Old Lady Yang scolded sternly. This time she was truly furious. "How did I usually teach you? When full, be humble; when humble, receive benefits. But you, relying on being the young mistress of the Marquis's manor, have become so arrogant and look down on everyone. You dare to speak recklessly in front of the Imperial Consort, you...you really are going to be the death of me!"

  The Queen's expression slightly relaxed, and she looked at Ruoxi calmly without a word.

  As for Ruhua, she was also furious. For the Wang family, her status as a concubine-born daughter made her unsuitable to be seen in public, but it was tolerable when everyone privately acknowledged this fact. However, there were some who would brazenly say it out loud, like this brainless person. One couldn't help but wonder if she was being reckless and rude or if her family's upbringing was at fault. But Ruhua didn't plan on swallowing her anger anymore, so she calmly spoke up: "There's no need for the elderly madam to get angry, Eldest Miss only spoke the truth. What's wrong with that?" She turned her head, staring at the elderly madam, enunciating each word clearly: "People like us who are not of noble birth are all looked down upon by Eldest Miss. I wonder what kind of family would be worthy of Eldest Miss's noble status." Ruhua emphasized the two words "noble status" heavily and slowly.

  Mrs. Yang's face turned extremely ugly, although she was indeed of humble origin, but she couldn't bear the fact that her husband was so prominent. Even if she was infuriated by what had been said, she still forced a smile and said: "Qining has been spoiled by me, speaking without thinking, and having no rules to follow. My dear niece, please don't take her seriously." Then she scolded Yang Qining: "You little rascal, hurry up and apologize to your sister-in-law!"

  She gazed coldly at Yang Qining, her lips curled into a faint sneer. This detestable thing had not only dared to covet her man but also had the audacity to humiliate her publicly; no wonder she was going to make things difficult for her.

  Yang Qining's father had passed away when he was young, so Mrs. Yang couldn't help but spoil him a bit, which made him become arrogant and willful. As he grew up, he didn't know how many times he was scolded by his mother, but unfortunately, his inherent personality couldn't be changed. This time, being suddenly rebuked by his mother in public, and seeing the triumphant smile of his opponent, he felt ashamed and burst into tears, shouting "Waa" as he ran out.

  Old Lady Yang's face turned red with anger, pointing at her back and scolding repeatedly: "This wicked child has indeed been spoiled by me."

  Everyone in the hall advised a few words, but Mrs. Yang's face was even more fiercely burning. Among these people who were persuading, there were only three or two insignificant ones. However, Jing Tai Wangfei, Ningjing Dachang Gongzhu, Cheng Wangfei, Jing Wangfei, Qi Wangfei, Qingping Gongzhu, Xu Guo Furen, Ling Guo Furen and Ze Yun Hou Furen all remained silent, each drinking their own tea. In her heart, she was distressed that her foolish daughter had now completely ruined her reputation.

  Cheng Wangfei, who had always been on good terms with Yang Taifu, warmly consoled her: "Sister, don't get angry. Qi'ning doesn't understand things, let's go back and ask Yiniang to teach her carefully. When she gets married, she'll know how to speak and behave properly."

  Mrs. Yang's face turned extremely difficult to look at, and the words of comfort from Princess Cheng were actually a slap in the face, implying that she had not taught her daughter well. She forced out a smile, looking embarrassed, "It's all my fault, I was only concerned with my two sons studying hard, but neglected her education, resulting in this unscrupulous thing. I hope you won't hold it against me, sister." These words were spoken to Princess Jingtao.

  The Empress Dowager smiled faintly, "This child, Qi Ning, indeed has no rules when it comes to speaking and acting. Fortunately, we are not outsiders, if it were someone else, it would be impossible to end well."

  Madam Yang saw that the tone of the imperial consort was gentle and warm, so she felt relieved and repeatedly nodded in agreement.

  The princess continued, "However, to be fair, Qining's vision is also a bit short-sighted. Her father passed away early, and now the Yang family relies on her two older brothers to support the family. It's the same with Rongyin, whose maternal uncle was dismissed from office due to guilt. But Xiong'er's two uncles are truly exceptional people, and they have been close to Xiong'er since childhood. If we count them, Rongyin actually has two capable uncles supporting her, so it's not that she's overreaching herself."

  Mrs. Yang was as if she had been slapped in the face, but still had to pretend to be humble and receptive, with a "you're absolutely right" expression, as if she were coldly observing from the side, it's really hard for her.

  The empress gazed at Ru Xing, her eyes soft and gentle. "This daughter-in-law of mine did indeed have a humble background. When Ruo Xing wanted to marry her initially, I opposed it for a while. However, after hearing that she had been taught by a governess from a young age and was well-behaved, I reluctantly agreed to let her into the household. Now that I think about it, marrying a daughter-in-law is not just about her family background; what's most important is her character and how she conducts herself. Fortunately, we married this child into our household; if it were someone else, who knows what kind of trouble would have arisen in the Jing Wang Fu?"

  Mrs. Yang's face stiffened, and she had previously let someone sound out Princess Jingtao before Li Xiao was married, and she did not object to her daughter becoming a daughter-in-law. She thought that her daughter marrying into the Jing Wangfu was a done deal, but who knew that Ruo Xing would suddenly appear halfway through and cut off all hope of reconciliation, making her daughter become even more frantic. As a mother, she was both heartbroken and fed up, and she had also been thinking of taking this opportunity to make another request, but now it had all been ruined by her daughter. On the contrary, Princess Jingtao ridiculed her in front of so many people, and after years of being flattered and fawned upon, she was suddenly subjected to such ridicule, and her old face almost turned into a pig's liver. She was furious that the princess did not give her face, and she hated her daughter for not being filial. However, on the surface, she still had to force a smile and agree with what others were saying, saying it was good, wonderful, and excellent, and finally, she even forced a smile to praise Ruo Xing, until she felt like her chest was bleeding and her ribs were aching.

  Mrs. Fu and Mrs. Yang were sisters, and they chimed in hastily: "The princess indeed has a discerning eye, marrying such an excellent wife like Princess Wang is also the princess's good fortune. Alas, my useless sons can't even compare to Princess Wang, they wouldn't dare show their faces."

  At this time, everyone laughed again, but Mrs. Xu Er of the Guo Gong Fu said: "I heard that Auntie had calculated a fortune with Master Yuanshan for her brother, and got two palace flowers, only to know whether these palace flowers have anything to do with marrying a daughter-in-law?"

  Her heart sank at once, and Mrs. Yang also looked at her niece with a surprised face, wondering how she could say such a thing.

  The Empress Dowager glanced over, her face expressionless, and said lightly: "Hehe, my niece doesn't mention this matter, I had almost forgotten. Master Yuanshan gave me two palace flowers at the time, one was given to me, and the other was given to Xiao Er. If Xiao Er found a girl he liked, he would give it to her. Later, Xiao Er gave the palace flower to my daughter-in-law."

  Everyone let out a long "oh" of surprise, envy and excitement. Old Lady Fu asked: "What about the other one? What's its use?"

  The empress's face fell, "This morning, when Xiang'er came to ask me for the palace flower, I only just discovered that it had vanished into thin air."

  Everyone exclaimed in surprise. Cheng Wang Fei said incredulously, "Alas, how could this be? Has there been a traitor?"

  The princess looked at Mrs. Yang and said lightly, "Whether there is a traitor or not is no longer important. Master Yuanshan once told me that these two palace flowers look exactly the same, but only Xiang'er's palace flower is orthodox. And mine, it doesn't matter if I lose it, after all, this daughter-in-law has already been married into the family, and even if it falls into someone else's hands, it's not a big deal."

  Everyone was condemning the person who had secretly stolen the palace flower, while Ru Xiang glanced at Madame Yang, it was very strange, Madame Yang also had a face full of anger, as if she didn't know the origin of the palace flower on her daughter's head, instead, she joined in with everyone to condemn the inner traitor, and even asked the princess to interrogate all the maids by her side, that such a person with ulterior motives appeared in the Wang Fu was not a good thing.

  The princess gazed deeply at Mrs. Yang, and like Rourou, she was first perplexed, then puzzled, but her mouth calmly said: "My daughter-in-law has already been married into the family, and wearing this palace flower on anyone's head cannot change the fact that Rourou is my legitimate daughter-in-law. The thoughts of outsiders are just a waste of effort."

  The Empress Dowager's words were neither light nor heavy, but Madame Yang seemed to have a look that was specially meant for herself. She carefully recalled how her daughter-in-law often glanced at her with an unkind gaze, and then thought of the unseemly and unbecoming palace flowers on her daughter's head. Suddenly, her face changed greatly, and she looked at the Empress Dowager with a terrified expression.

  The princess was also looking at her, Mrs. Yang was a legendary woman with a deep wealth of experience, her husband had passed away early, she alone supported the Hou Mansion, not allowing other uncles and brothers to take away her son's title, in those early years she had indeed suffered many hardships and tears. She admired her from the bottom of her heart. A widow, in such a harsh environment, was able to raise an excellent son. But such a shrewd and far-sighted mistress, had such a spoiled and willful daughter, it was really beyond her expectations.

  Thinking of the handkerchief she had exchanged with him for many years, Empress Taifei still felt that things should not be blown out of proportion. So she said: "My palace flower is a butterfly-shaped one made with a small amount of red gold. However, now that I have married a proper wife, it doesn't matter to me who ends up with the palace flower. This matter, let's just forget about it. Otherwise, if someone really comes along wearing that palace flower and asks me to acknowledge her as my destined wife, wouldn't people burst out laughing?"

  Madam Yang's eyes almost turned black, she was shocked, frightened and angry, just as she broke out in a cold sweat, when she heard the imperial concubine say lightly: "Master Yuanshan not only gave me these two palace flowers, but also gave me 32 words of advice. Now that I think about it, it's really suitable for you and Rourou."

  She didn't believe in fate, let alone those clichés, but she couldn't deny the facts. Especially later on, when that phrase "one wave after another, with robbery as the top priority" came true, she had no choice but to believe it.

  The Second Lady of Xu in the Imperial Palace changed her expression and asked in a low voice, "What thirty-two character motto?" She had never heard of it before.

  The princess of Qi gazed at Mrs. Yang with a thoughtful expression, and said slowly: "This matter, I had also heard the adults mention before, called Confucian scholar, ancestral home in Haining. The full name is Fang, nickname Rú, long hidden in the inner chambers, unknown to the world. After twists and turns, later became superior." She paused, looked at Ru with a complex expression, and smiled lightly: "Everyone think carefully, isn't Eldest Sister's surname Fang? Isn't there a 'Ru' character in her name? And isn't Confucius' hometown Shandong? I heard that the Fang family's ancestral home is indeed Haining. Before Rong Tang Ge married Eldest Sister, wasn't she also 'long hidden in the inner chambers, unknown to the world'? And then later on, 'after twists and turns, became superior', everyone think about it, didn't Eldest Sister snatch Rong Tang Ge from He family's young master's hands? Isn't that a perfect match?"

  Everyone listened to her explanation, and they all seemed enlightened, praising Ruoxi and saying that she was indeed the wife destined for Li Xiu. And Yuan Shang Master, you are truly a divine calculator!

  "Ah, yes, yes! I didn't believe it at first, but facts are more powerful than words. Anyway, now that this daughter-in-law has entered our household, let's not bring up past matters again. As for me, I've made up my mind about this daughter-in-law. As for other women, no matter how talented or noble they may be, I won't give them a second glance."

  ……

  Mrs. Yang and Princess Jing had always gotten along well, which was common knowledge among their social circle. However, now, because of this new daughter-in-law, Ruan Qing, Princess Jing showed no mercy in embarrassing Mrs. Yang in public, which was also something that nobody could have anticipated. Although it felt like the princess's actions were a bit excessive, thinking about how Yang Qining and her mother had acted so arrogant and condescending made it somewhat satisfying. But thinking about this, wouldn't Princess Jing be offending the Yang family?

  Although the King of Jing is a first-class king, a member of the imperial family, the Yang family is also a prominent and powerful family for three generations. The Empress Dowager losing face to Lady Yang like this is not proper either.

  Cheng Wangfei, Ze Yun Hou Furen, Ning Guo Gong Furen and Jing Guo Gong Furen as well as the two concubines also thought so, but Ning Jing Da Zhang Gong Zhu had a different view.

  This sister-in-law attaches so much importance to Ruoqing, this daughter-in-law, that she doesn't mind offending her good friend Handkerchief. It can be imagined how important Ruoqing is in the eyes of her sister-in-law. Moreover, Yang's mother and daughter have had thoughts they shouldn't have, no wonder the sister-in-law would get angry.

  Mrs. Yang got up with an unpleasant expression and said she was going to make a bow, then left the hall. It wasn't until after quite a while that she came back in. Mrs. Xue asked with a smile, "Does it take so long just to make a bow?"

  Her face was pale and dark, forcing a smile, "I had a bad stomach last night, and I got up with diarrhea this morning."

  Madam Xu smiled strangely, "Is that so? It seems that the cooks in the Hou Mansion should all be replaced. They actually gave you bad food to eat."

  Mrs. Yang suppressed her anger and said with a forced smile: "Don't bother, sister. When I get back, I'll make sure to clean up the inner courtyard properly and let those blind things know who their real master is."

  Mrs. Yang's words were cold and gloomy, even the new bride, Ruoxin, could hear the strangeness in them, but looking around at the other noblewomen, they seemed to be unfazed, which made her puzzled. She glanced back and forth between Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Yang, wondering if these two had a grudge against each other or if it was because of a man that one of them had lost out on.

  To maintain the New Year's atmosphere, everyone started talking about other things. They continued to pretend that everything was harmonious and joyful, as if nothing had happened before. They were busy serving tea and fruit to the guests, making sure everyone was taken care of. The main hall was filled with noble princesses and madams, while the smaller side halls were occupied by young ladies and daughters-in-law chatting in twos and threes. However, Yang Qining was nowhere to be found. When asked about her whereabouts, one of the misses replied, "I'm not quite sure, she was called out by her mother earlier and hasn't come back since."

  As expected, although I don't like this Mrs. Yang, she's still not extremely overboard.

  Finally, I managed to get through to lunchtime. As the host, I was busy running around non-stop, sometimes attending to my mother-in-law and other times greeting guests. It wasn't until everyone had almost finished eating that I finally had a moment to sit down and take a sip of water.

  She handed the empty ceramic bowl of red bean porridge to Xiang Mian, slightly unexpectedly, and said warmly: "You've been busy lately too. I didn't expect you to still remember my preferences." This red bean porridge was indeed fragrant and delicious, with added red dates, lotus seeds, water caltrops, peanuts, etc., cooked together, slightly sweetened, soft and smooth to eat, extremely appetizing.

  Xiang Mao Gong's body turned back and said: "The princess is praising. It's a servant's duty to remember the master's preferences."

  Thinking that Xiang Mei and Liu Yue, although they were serving by Li Xiao's side, were still very respectful to her, and also strictly followed the rules. After gradually putting down his guard, he praised them a few more times before letting them go off-duty to eat.

  After Dai Xiang left, Qing Ce asked Chen Xiang in a low voice, "What do you think of this person?"

  Chen Xiang pondered for a moment, "He is indeed diligent and honest, never talks too much or speaks with a forked tongue. He's also very polite and friendly to us sisters, and doesn't put on airs. He also never pushes back against the princess's orders. However, this person has been by the prince's side for two years now, and his appearance is indeed not bad. But who knows what he's thinking in his heart?"

  She nodded slightly, sighed and said, "Forget it, let's just observe slowly. Anyway, after a long time, we will see the truth." Then she thought of something else and asked, "Are Pinlan, Pinhe and Chen Mama still honest?"

  "Pinlan and Pinhe are both diligent in their work, always eager to take on tasks. They also quickly complete the tasks we assign to them. However, Pinlan is always trying to pry into our sister's business about the princess's household matters. As for Pinhe, she seems honest and doesn't like to talk much. As for Chen Mama, since the princess didn't give her any tasks, she seems to have some complaints. These days, whenever we see our sisters, she is always cold and distant towards them."

  As if pinching the corners of her forehead, "Well, yes, when she married into the Wang family, she indeed wanted to do great things and make a lot of money," but now she's only in charge of guarding the original consort's courtyard, which is really a very stifling job.

  "Let's give her a chance tomorrow, just worry that she might not do well." She said with a soft hum.

  Chen Xiang asked: "What errand does the princess want to give her?"

  "Take care of your brother."

  Xiangxiang was shocked, "This is probably not appropriate, Chen Mama does things so carelessly, Mengge is still young and sensitive, his body is weak, how can Chen Mama take good care of him? The princess should not bring unnecessary trouble to herself." If Chen Mama were to neglect Mengge and the Empress Dowager or other concubines found out, it would be detrimental to the princess's reputation.

  "As if it's a trivial matter," he hummed, "I'm just afraid she won't cause any trouble." Taking care of Meng Ge is neither easy nor difficult, but rather depends on one's ability and kindness. If served well, she will certainly be delighted; otherwise, she has reason to get rid of him. Otherwise, this big Buddha sent by Li Shi would really be hard to deal with.

  Having eaten enough in the inner room, the servants had already gone in to clean up. Ruhua felt hungry and went to the side hall for a meal. Although Ruhua repeatedly asked for simplicity, she alone had six dishes: one soup dish, chicken skin shrimp ball bok choy soup, steamed duck with wine sauce, pigeon eggs, stir-fried bamboo shoots, a bowl of braised pork knuckle that was soft and tender, and a plate of sautéed wild mushrooms. Ruhua ate the fragrant glutinous rice, feeling very satisfied. Although the porridge in the Wang household was indeed delicious and nourishing, it couldn't fill her up for long. Eating rice could keep her full for longer.

  Just as they were enjoying their meal, a young woman suddenly emerged from the inner hall. She gave Lin Daiyu a glance and rose to her feet with a smile, saying, "Oh, it's actually Second Young Mistress Lin." This Madame Yuan was originally the second daughter-in-law of the Prince of Rongguo, surnamed Xu, but later married into the Ze Cloud Estate as the second wife, known as Second Young Mistress Lin.

  "Lin Er Nai Nai smiled and said: 'Why are you using chopsticks now?'"

  "Now eating is the same, one person eats quietly." Who made the daughter-in-law serve the elders. Seeing that Lin Er Nai Nai didn't seem to want to leave, she had no choice but to invite her to sit down with her, "If there was any place where I didn't entertain you well earlier, please forgive me, Second Madam. Oh, right, has Second Madam eaten enough? If not, then let's eat together."

  Lin Er Nai Nai looked at the dishes on the table and suddenly frowned, "How can sister-in-law eat just these? Isn't it too simple?"

  Compared to the Fang Mansion's dishes in the past, this menu is much more luxurious and rich. As she smiled and said: "I alone can't finish so many dishes!" Previously, it was even more excessive, with a full eight categories of dishes, which she couldn't possibly finish. Originally, she thought about reducing it to four dishes, but then her mother-in-law reminded her that if she reduced the number of dishes, the other madams would also have to reduce theirs, and thinking about it, this wouldn't be suitable either. So she gave up on that idea and only reduced it to six dishes. However, she did instruct the kitchen to make sure that there was a balance between meat and vegetarian dishes, with more vegetarian dishes than meat ones, and to keep the meat dishes small but exquisite. Thus, even the steamed duck only had one leg, the pigeon egg was only half a bowl in a fist-sized bowl, and the drunken spicy pork knuckle was also the smallest size, just enough for her appetite. This way, there wouldn't be too much leftover, and it would be a shame to throw it away.

  While the chef in the kitchen, Liu Da, after being rewarded several times, finally grasped her taste and preferences, and every dish he made was exquisite and just right.

  However, the five dishes and one soup in front of her, which were nothing to mention in the eyes of Lin Er Nai Nai who had been eating mountain delicacies and seafood since she was a child. She looked at Ru Xiang who was eating with relish, swallowed the words in her throat, her gaze seemed to be sarcastic, pitiful, fortunate, yet unwilling. But finally turned into a light sigh, "Sister Ruxiang is now a dignified princess, how can you still eat so simply? Even if my sister seeks simplicity wholeheartedly, the servants of the Wang Fu should be scolded, they actually served such simple food to you."

  After a moment of silence, she looked at the daughter of Xu Guogong, who was almost the wife of Jing Wang, and smiled: "Second Madam, what are you talking about? I couldn't possibly eat that much by myself. If we made too much and it goes to waste, that would be a pure waste. So I had instructed the kitchen to reduce some earlier."

  But in Lin Er Nai Nai's ears, Yu Ru's explanation was another way of glossing over the truth, and she felt even more sorry for Yu Ru.

  To one side, Shen Xiang's heart was dissatisfied with the way Ruo Xin was being treated, but she also considered Ruo Xin's rules and didn't dare to say another word. However, seeing her own master being looked down upon like this also made her feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she said: "Your Highness, what dessert would you like to have in the afternoon? Shall it be bird's nest congee or duck meat congee?"

  This girl can't bear the slightest grievance, but she pretended to be hesitant and said, "I'm tired of eating swallow's nest congee every day, I don't want to eat duck congee anymore, let's change to red rice congee instead."

  Chen Xiang received the order and went out to instruct the little maid waiting in the outer room, then turned back.

  Lin Er Nai Nai saw this and asked again: "Why is there only one maid serving by your side, little sister?"

  According to the rules, there were four inner servants beside the princess, one first-class lady-in-waiting, six ladies-in-waiting, eight second-class ladies-in-waiting, sixteen small ladies-in-waiting, eight matrons, and four rough servants. They took turns serving in three shifts. Even when having a meal, according to the rules, there should be two ladies-in-waiting and two second-class ladies-in-waiting attending beside her, not just Xiangxiang alone.

  It seems that this person really wants to find a reason why she didn't have a good time in the palace, so he can let himself off. So, she said lightly: "I've always loved quietness and never liked too many people chattering around me."

  Grandma Lin seemed to be skeptical but didn't say anything.

  She didn't bother to explain it to her, and although her days in the Wang Fu were not smooth sailing, they weren't as terrible as readers imagined.