Chapter 14: Attending the Lotus Banquet

just put your mind at ease and be a good little princess consort.""Have you found the right person" Xiao Yuge pondered for a moment, as if she had thought of something: "Could it be her"Qian Tingxuan...Ke Ninghua had once held a grudge against Xiao Yuge. How could she possibly let her off easily: "Xiao Yuge, even if you dress up to be prettier, what's the use The prince's heart and eyes have never had your existence."

"Is that so It seems Princess Huimin is truly the Prince's gut feeling, knowing things so clearly. Ugh, how disgusting!" Xiao Yuge subconsciously wiped her nose and looked disgusted.

"You!" Ning Hua's face flushed red with anger. She was about to lash out, but her maidservant hurriedly pulled her back. Remembering her father's words, she bit back her retort, though she spitefully added, "Xiao Yu Ge, you are nothing more than skilled with your tongue. Learn from Xiao大小姐, even in pretense, act more gentle and virtuous. Alas, it's a pity that if Xiao大小姐 were the legitimate daughter of the Xiao family, she would be a perfect match for the Crown Prince."

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"Noble Consort Huimin, be careful with your words." Xiao Yufu's face flushed slightly. The noble ladies beside her seemed to have been drawn over, and she didn't want to become the target of their attention.

Ning Hua let out a cold snort: "Oh, pretending to be careful now When you were sneaking out with the Crown Prince for secret rendezvous and embraces, why didn't you think about being discreet You stole away someone else's parents' daughter, not to mention now you're trying to steal their fiancé too! Miss Xiao is truly cunning and resourceful." Hmph! She couldn't argue with Xiao Yuge, nor could she compete with the meekness of Xiao Yu'er, could she

"You!" Even though Xiao Yu-fu usually acted gentle, she was now so angry her face was flushed.

Ning Hua wouldn't let it go: "Xiao Yu Fu, aren't you just a fox with a pretty face You specialize in seducing men and stealing what belongs to others! It really makes me sick!" Hmph! What's even worse is that even her brother is infatuated with Xiao Yu Fu, how could she not be annoyed!

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"You!" Xiao Yu Fu was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes.

"County Princess Huimin is such a gossip, wasting time worrying about other people's affairs instead of taking care of her own. She should find a good husband and settle down. She's twenty now, isn't she Among the noble ladies in Beijing, you are…" Xiao Yuge stepped forward, smiling as she leaned into Ning Hua's ear, "The oldest!" With that, she tossed her hair lightly and, in high spirits, walked away with Xiao Yufu.

"Ning Hua was left fuming, she was so angry she almost vomited blood. "Xiao Yu Ge, you wretch!" Seeing those noblewomen whispering amongst themselves, she stomped her foot in anger and gritted her teeth, saying: "Just wait!"

In the distance, a man witnessed everything that just transpired. Behind his mask, his eyes flickered, lost in thought.

Inside the Zichen Palace.

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All the noble ladies of the capital were individually dressing themselves up and respectfully waiting for the arrival of Her Majesty. As a sharp voice came from outside: "Empress arrives, Noble Consort arrives, Imperial Concubine arrives..." they quickly stood straight.

The empress, resplendent in her glorious imperial attire, entered with the other noble ladies, their grace and elegance on full display. They took their seats one by one.

"Greetings to Her Majesty!"

"Greetings to all the noble ladies!"

Aristocratic women in Beijing were educated from a young age in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and various etiquette. Naturally, they would not be rude.

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The Empress wore a radiant smile, her gaze sweeping slowly across the assembled noble ladies before finally settling on Xiao Yuge, her expression filled with surprise. "Yuge, is it really you I almost didn't recognize you."

Xiao Yu Ge stepped forward, bowing deeply: "Your Majesty the Empress!"

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The Empress sized her up from head to toe, a satisfied smile spreading across her face: “Isn’t this the dress I gifted you last year The pale pink really suits you. Dressed like this, you look like a little beauty.”

Having been praised so highly by the empress, she instantly attracted countless envious and jealous gazes.

“Your Majesty is too kind! The servant girl thanks Your Majesty for bestowing upon her such a beautiful gown. Last year, it was still a bit big, but this year it fits perfectly. Just right to wear into the palace today to show Your Majesty.” Xiao Yuge wore a look of pure innocence and guilelessness, such an expression on her face at this age was just right.

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"Well, it is indeed beautiful! Ge'er, a few days ago, you were injured saving the prince. How are your wounds now" The Empress was quite concerned about this future daughter-in-law.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I'm feeling much better now." Xiao Yuge thought to herself, "Today I was worried that others would suspect something, so I specifically asked Qingluo to improve my complexion a bit. It should look fine, right"

Well, after all these days, even the deepest wounds should have healed a lot by now. But last night she went through a pain that felt like walking through hell, ripping open the wounds that had just begun to heal. Although she carefully disguised it, things couldn't go wrong. Otherwise, if the imperial physician checked her, he would definitely raise suspicion. She prayed with all her heart that everything would go smoothly today.

“That’s good.” The Empress wore a kind smile on her face, pointing to the pond full of lotuses outside: “This year’s lotuses bloom better than ever. Everyone, follow this palace and admire them first. Later, Consort Xian and Consort Shu have also prepared a special tea party for everyone. Today, everyone needn’t be restrained, just have fun.”

They were all teenage girls, naturally playful. Hearing this, they were overjoyed and immediately took their little sisters to see the flowers. The garden was filled with birdsong, laughter, and chatter. The entire lotus pond suddenly came alive.

"Xiao'er, let's go over there and have a look." In front of outsiders, Xiao Yu'fu was always the loving older sister who cared for her younger sibling. No matter where they went, she would affectionately hold hands with her.

"Good." Xiao Yuge smiled and nodded, it was just acting after all, she wanted to see what kind of "surprises" they had prepared for her today!

"Faller!" A surprised, rough voice came from the side.

"Your Highness, King Liang!"

Xiao Yu Ge and Xiao Yu Fu hastily bowed, however, a flash of hatred appeared in Xiao Yu Fu's eyes as she lowered her head. If it weren't for King Liang sending that pot of Fairy Orchid, she wouldn't have been scolded by her parents, nor would she have almost been misunderstood by Si Chen gege. How could she not hate him

"No need for formalities!" King Liang swept his robe sleeve and walked excitedly to Xiao Yufu's side: "Yufu, I gifted you the Fairy Orchid. Do you like it"

"Like. Thank you, Lord Liang!" Xiao Yu Fu smiled awkwardly.

But Xiao Yuge on the side, pursed her lips, holding back a smile. She probably liked him, but I'm afraid there wasn't even a scrap left by now.

"Do as you please." Even though he was King Liang, in front of Xiao Yu Fu, he acted like a lovesick young man, at a loss for words. "That is... this king has prepared some pastries over there. Would Yu Fu be willing to come and sit with this king"

"Thank you for the kind invitation, Your Highness. My sister and I have something to attend to, so we won't disturb you!" Xiao Yu-fu felt a surge of anger in her heart at this moment. She had no desire to go with him for pastries, and she almost wanted to kick him twice.e lost consciousness.Seeing that both elders were dead, the rest of the underlings were terrified and no longer dared to fight. They all knelt down and begged for mercy: "High Priest, please spare our...