A bit later, Pingguo also returned from the outer courtyard with news that Yuan Dayong had gathered.
All ten young ladies from the capital had been arranged in a separate mansion next to Prince Yanbei’s residence. Prince Yanbei’s mansion had also dispatched quite a few guards for their protection. Two of the young ladies had fallen ill while on the boat, but they were unwilling to delay the journey, so they endured and persisted in traveling without telling anyone about their illness. It was only discovered after entering Yunyang City. They were much stronger than that civil official who had fallen sick on the road.
Prince Yanbei’s mansion had already sent physicians to treat these two young ladies. It was said to be merely first-time boat travel, causing discomfort, combined with some water and soil acclimatization issues. With a few days of rest, they would fully recover.
This time, accompanying these ten young ladies were also three court officials, one of whom was Pei Zhiyan. These officials hadn’t come specifically to escort these young ladies to attend the Thousand Gold Banquet. The court had recently received a national letter from the Liao people, expressing their intention to make peace with the Great Zhou and reopen border trade between the two countries. The court had sent people to investigate the truth of the matter, and Pei Zhiyan’s coming was largely because of that set of “Yanshan River Maps and Records.”
Pei Zhiyan had not arrived in Yunyang City today, indeed, because of that colleague who had fallen ill halfway. It was said they were currently staying in Cangzhou.
As Ren Yaoqi listened, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat surprised: “All this was gathered by Yuan Dayong?”
She had originally only wanted to inquire about Master Pei’s affairs, but unexpectedly, the news Yuan Dayong had brought back was so detailed. The matters related to those young ladies were one thing, but he had even found out about the purpose of the court officials’ visit. The relationship between the Great Liao, Yanbei, and the court was not simple—it would be quite difficult for ordinary people to learn about the Liao people seeking peace and reopening border trade.
Pingguo nodded: “Yes.”
“Did he mention where he gathered this information?” Ren Yaoqi asked thoughtfully.
Pingguo continued nodding: “Master Zhu took him to find people from Prince Yanbei’s mansion.”
Ren Yaoqi: “…”
Seeing that Ren Yaoqi remained silent, Pingguo blinked: “Miss, is there something improper?”
Ren Yaoqi shook her head: “Tell him not to casually go to Prince Yanbei’s mansion to gather information in the future.” She hadn’t yet married into Prince Yanbei’s mansion, yet she was already making use of the mansion’s connections. If people found out, it would inevitably become a weakness. Zhu Ruomei had deeper ties with her and could be an exception, but others couldn’t be used so casually.
Pingguo nodded, thought for a moment, then said: “Master Zhu said it was Second Young Master Xiao who had instructed that if you needed anything, you could send someone to Prince Yanbei’s mansion. The person Yuan Dayong contacted was Second Young Master Xiao’s man and wouldn’t gossip carelessly.”
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was momentarily stunned, feeling a touch of warmth in her heart. However, she still said, “That’s still not good. Quite a few people are watching us in Yunyang City now—it’s better to avoid trouble when possible.” After all, Prince Yanbei’s mansion still had the Prince and Princess Consort in charge. Even if Xiao Jingxi didn’t mind her using his people, she had to consider whether Prince Yanbei and the Princess Consort would mind. If there were truly urgent matters, she would go directly to find Xiao Jinglin.
Pingguo nodded again: “Understood, Miss.. I’ll tell him.”
Just as Pingguo was about to withdraw, Ren Yaoqi suddenly remembered something and asked: “Do you know the surnames of those two young ladies who fell ill?”
“One surnamed Yan, one surnamed Zhao.”
Ren Yaoqi then let Pingguo withdraw.
From that day on, Ren Yaoqi still had people pay attention to Pei Zhiyan’s whereabouts, but for the next several days, there was no news of Pei Zhiyan—he seemed to still be staying in Cangzhou.
As for those ten young ladies from the capital, they rested peacefully for several days in Prince Yanbei’s mansion’s separate residence. Having traveled from afar, most of them were unfamiliar with Yanbei, so they didn’t need to go out to visit friends. Outsiders who wanted to see them had to go through Prince Yanbei’s mansion, so when these young ladies first arrived in Yanbei, there was quite a commotion for a few days, but later things quieted down. Prince Yanbei’s mansion was also afraid that these young ladies from the capital might encounter problems, so they were happy to see them remain peaceful and quiet.
Ren Yaoqi wasn’t particularly curious about these young ladies who had traveled from afar—no waves, no troubles was best.
In the blink of an eye, it was May. The fifth day of the fifth month was the Dragon Boat Festival. This year, Yunyang City will still hold dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. Different from previous years, Ren Shimin had also received a formal invitation from the Su family this year. In the past, when they came to Yanbei to watch the dragon boat races, it was people from the Ren family of Bailu Town, but this year was different.
Ren Yaoqi heard that these young ladies from the capital would appear on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival races. This year, one dragon boat would even represent the southern court, so there would undoubtedly be quite a spectacle.
On the second day of the fifth month, Prince Yanbei’s mansion sent a carriage over, saying that the Princess Consort had specifically sent someone to bring her to the mansion.
Ren Yaoqi found this somewhat strange. In the past, when she went to Prince Yanbei’s mansion, it was always Xiao Jinglin who came to fetch her. She didn’t know why the Princess Consort was summoning her today.
Though she wondered about this, Ren Yaoqi didn’t dare delay. She had her maids help her dress and change clothes, then brought several maids out through the second gate to board Prince Yanbei’s mansion’s carriage.
Seeing the eight maids, eight nannies, and a guard team of over ten people who had come to escort her, Ren Yaoqi believed that today it was indeed the Princess Consort, not Xiao Jinglin, who had summoned her to the mansion. When Xiao Jinglin came to fetch her, she never made such displays and never brought too many people—she either came herself or sent her maid Hong Ying. The maids and nannies who came to fetch Ren Yaoqi today were ones she recognized as familiar faces—exactly those who served before the Princess Consort.
The maids and nannies from Prince Yanbei’s mansion were extremely respectful when they saw Ren Yaoqi, showing not the slightest trace of arrogance, and very carefully helped her into the carriage.
The group proceeded majestically to Prince Yanbei’s mansion. After the carriage entered the mansion, it didn’t even stop at the usual place where outside guests alighted, but continued inward for some distance. Then these dozen or so maids and matrons led Ren Yaoqi to the Nine Yang Hall, where the Princess Consort resided.
When Ren Yaoqi entered the Nine Yang Hall, the Princess Consort was sitting in the main seat with Xiao Jinglin seated beside her. However, Ren Yaoqi also noticed that besides the Princess Consort and Xiao Jinglin, there were two other young ladies present. They sat on either side in the guest seats below, conversing with the Princess Consort.
Hearing someone enter the hall, all of them looked over simultaneously.
As soon as the Princess Consort saw her, she said with feigned displeasure: “I haven’t seen you for quite some time, yet you don’t know how to come and keep me company for conversation.”
Xiao Jinglin looked at Ren Yaoqi, a smile appearing on her face, and she even spoke up for her before the Princess Consort: “Yaoqi has been quite busy lately. Last time I heard from the teacher that several incomplete musical scores were completed with her participation. I haven’t seen her for a long time either.”
Ren Yaoqi blinked, then stepped forward to bow to the Princess Consort. When she rose, she smiled and said, “I know I was wrong. Please don’t be angry with me, Princess Consort.”
As they spoke, Ren Yaoqi noticed that the gazes of the two unfamiliar young ladies were fixed on her face.
One of the young ladies, while sizing her up, smiled and said: “This must be Miss Ren, right? Indeed… hearing about you is not as good as meeting you in person.”
The young lady speaking appeared to be fourteen or fifteen years old, with arched willow-leaf eyebrows and slender phoenix eyes that sparkled with charm and spirit when she smiled. She had a delicate nose and cherry lips—she was a beauty who conformed to most people’s aesthetic standards.
The other young lady, of similar age to the first, was slightly less beautiful but still quite striking. Especially when she slightly furrowed her brows, that touch of light melancholy between her eyebrows made her appear quite pitiable—a standard capital beauty.
The Princess Consort smiled and said, “The one on the left is Miss Yan, the one on the right is Miss Zhao. Both are from the capital.” Miss Yan was the one who had just spoken, while Miss Zhao was the slightly less beautiful one.
Ren Yaoqi smiled and nodded, stepping forward to greet them formally.
Miss Yan’s gaze had never left Ren Yaoqi’s face. With a meaningful smile, she said, “I heard about you when I was in the capital.”
Miss Zhao said gently, “Ningshuang, why don’t you let Miss Ren sit down first before talking? Miss Ren, come sit with me.”
At this moment, the Princess Consort spoke: “Yaoqi, come sit with me. Jinglin, you go sit with Miss Zhao.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinglin stood up without a word and yielded the seat beside the Princess Consort.
Miss Yan’s expression changed slightly upon seeing this, but she quickly smiled again and picked up the tea beside her to take a sip. Miss Zhao didn’t say anything.
Ren Yaoqi didn’t decline either, sitting naturally beside the Princess Consort as if this were her usual place, appearing completely at ease to outside observers.
Once Ren Yaoqi was seated, the Princess Consort instructed her: “Miss Yan and Miss Zhao are guests of our Yanbei. Since they’re of a similar age to you, you should be able to get along well. In the future, you and Jinglin should help me properly entertain them.”
Ren Yaoqi complied with a “Yes.”
The Princess Consort remained in the hall for a while longer, chatting with them until Nanny Xin came over, apparently with matters requiring the Princess Consort’s attention. Only then did the Princess Consort say to Ren Yaoqi: “You and Jinglin accompany Miss Yan and Miss Zhao to enjoy yourselves. They both recovered from illness not long ago, so make sure the servants attend to them carefully.”
Ren Yaoqi agreed again, and then the group took their leave of the Princess Consort and left the Nine Yang Hall together.
Yan Ningshuang walked with Miss Zhao, while Ren Yaoqi walked with Xiao Jinglin. The four walked side by side, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Xiao Jinglin never took the initiative to speak in front of outsiders. Miss Zhao seemed to have a quiet disposition, and Yan Ningshuang also remained silent for some reason. It was Ren Yaoqi who finally spoke: “Shall we go to the garden or sit in Jinglin’s Zhaohe Hall?”
Zhao Yingqiu smiled slightly: “Either is fine.”
Yan Ningshuang glanced at Miss Zhao, also smiling: “Why don’t we walk around? This is our first time at Prince Yanbei’s mansion. Yingqiu, you can tell Sister Ying’e about it when you return—although she’s the heir’s consort of Prince Yanbei’s mansion, she’s never been to Yanbei.”
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but glance at Miss Zhao. From Yan Ningshuang’s words, it seemed that Zhao Yingqiu had some relationship with the heir’s consort.
Zhao Yingqiu met Ren Yaoqi’s gaze and smiled as she explained: “The heir’s consort Zhao Ying’e is my cousin. My father and Sister Ying’e’s father are legitimate brothers.”
Ren Yaoqi immediately understood.
The heir’s consort, Zhao Ying’e, was the daughter of Princess Chang’an and Marquis Beichang Zhao Cheng. Zhao Cheng was the legitimate eldest son of the old Marquis Beichang and inherited the title after the old marquis died. The old Marquis Beichang’s legitimate second son received an inherited official position. Zhao Yingqiu’s father should be the old Marquis Beichang’s legitimate second son.
No wonder among the ten young ladies who came to Yanbei, today the Princess Consort had summoned only these two. Yan Ningshuang was understandable, being from the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, but unexpectedly this Miss Zhao was also considered a relative by marriage to Prince Yanbei’s mansion.
Xiao Jinglin maintained her usual taciturn demeanor today, seeming uninterested in engaging with others. Ren Yaoqi had to take the initiative to make conversation: “How is the heir’s consort’s health?”
It was Yan Ningshuang who answered her: “Before I came, I entered the palace once. Sister Ying’e… seems much better now, but compared to before, her complexion is still somewhat poor.”
Zhao Yingqiu smiled bitterly: “She and the heir have deep marital affection, but the heir… If not for her sister being with child, she probably couldn’t have endured.”
The atmosphere became somewhat melancholy for a moment, with Zhao Yingqiu looking worried and distressed.
Ren Yaoqi was about to take Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu to walk in the garden to look at flowers and plants when they unexpectedly encountered several people approaching.
“Princess, young ladies, the Old Princess Consort requests your presence,” the approaching person said when they reached them.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jinglin.
Xiao Jinglin said, “Didn’t the Old Princess Consort say she was feeling unwell?”
The person replied: “After taking medicine, the Old Princess Consort is feeling much better. Hearing that two young ladies from the capital have come to the mansion, the Old Princess Consort asked this servant to invite the two young ladies to sit in Shou’an Hall.”
Xiao Jinglin paused, then could only say: “I’ll take them to Shou’an Hall to see the Old Princess Consort. Yaoqi, you go tell my mother.” Xiao Jinglin was afraid Ren Yaoqi might be mistreated in front of the Old Princess Consort, so she wanted to send her to the Princess Consort.
But the person said, “This servant will send someone to inform the Princess Consort. Princess, Miss Ren, both young ladies, please come with this servant.”
Ren Yaoqi gave Xiao Jinglin a look, indicating it was fine, and Xiao Jinglin could only let it be.
Thus, the group went together to the Old Princess Consort’s Shou’an Hall.
Ever since the incident in Ningxia, the Old Princess Consort had been constantly unhappy, especially after her granddaughter Wu Yiyu married. Xiao Wei had tried several times to see her daughter but had been unsuccessful. Moreover, the Zeng family father and son now had influence in Ningxia that was evenly matched with the Wu family—the Wu family might even be slightly weaker. Xiao Wei had no way to deal with them.
Xiao Wei had once wanted to ask the Old Princess Consort to have Prince Yanbei’s mansion intervene in mediation, but since Xiao Wei’s marriage alliance with the Zeng family had not been discussed with Prince Yanbei’s mansion in the first place, Prince Yanbei’s mansion only gave symbolic advice and then let them continue their disputes.
Later, Xiao Wei also understood that Prince Yanbei’s mansion probably wished for her and the Zeng family to be at odds, so they could reap the benefits. After realizing this, she didn’t dare make too much trouble.
How could the Old Princess Consort be happy seeing her daughter and granddaughter suffer? But what could she do? Prince Yanbei wasn’t born from her womb, and no one in Prince Yanbei’s mansion was willing to listen to her. Her maternal family was far away in the capital, and now, with Prince Xian’s mansion rising and Prince Yanbei’s mansion secretly intending to ally with Prince Xian against the court, the Old Princess Consort had even less support.
Therefore, the Old Princess Consort fell ill from anger, which wore down most of her temper. So when Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi got engaged, she didn’t have the energy to come out and cause small troubles for people.
When they entered the hall, the Old Princess Consort sat in the place of honor, still appearing imposing. However, Ren Yaoqi felt that the Old Princess Consort’s aura was like something propped up by gorgeous headdresses and clothing—she had less of the natural confidence she’d had before.
The group stepped forward to pay their respects.
The Old Princess Consort raised her hand for them to rise. Her gaze swept over Ren Yaoqi, then settled on Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu, and her face showed a smile: “Let me guess—the one on the left is the Yan family girl, the one on the right is the Zhao family girl.”
Yan Ningshuang raised her sleeve to cover her mouth as she smiled: “How did the Old Princess Consort guess?”
Zhao Yingqiu also smiled: “The Old Princess Consort has such good eyesight.”
“When I was young, I met the Empress Dowager. The Yan family girl resembles the Empress Dowager from those days by five or six parts. The remaining one must be the Zhao family girl.” The Empress Dowager spoke quite amiably to them, but didn’t pay much attention to Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi. Though she didn’t deliberately give them cold looks, the contrast was noticeable.
After that, the Empress Dowager kept talking with Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu, all about matters in the capital. The Old Princess Consort had been married to Yanbei for decades and still missed her hometown, so the three had much to discuss.
Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin sat to the side, drinking tea, unable to join the conversation.
However, Ren Yaoqi felt that cold treatment was better than being deliberately made difficult. At least today, the Old Princess Consort hadn’t mistreated her in front of Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu—she should be grateful for that.
Finally, after sitting through the Old Princess Consort’s lengthy chat, someone from the Princess Consort’s side came to invite them to the meal.
But the Old Princess Consort said, “I get along well with these two girls. Go back and tell the Princess Consort that I’m keeping them in Shou’an Hall for the meal.”
The maid sent by the Princess Consort couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Jinglin.
The Old Princess Consort noticed and immediately sneered: “What? Can’t I even keep guests now?”
Xiao Jinglin waved for the maid to leave, then said to the Old Princess Consort: “Naturally it’s as you say.”
The Old Princess Consort looked at her, then at Ren Yaoqi, her mood souring again. Somewhat displeased, she said: “Miss Yan and Miss Zhao will stay. You two go have your meal with the Princess Consort.”
Xiao Jinglin promptly stood up, pulling Ren Yaoqi to bow: “Yes, grandmother.” Her attitude was very compliant.
“After the meal, I’ll send someone to fetch you,” Xiao Jinglin nodded to Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu.
Yan Ningshuang looked at them, then at the Old Princess Consort, and smiled slightly.
Ren Yaoqi also smiled and nodded to them, then left Shou’an Hall with Xiao Jinglin.
The two returned to Nine Yang Hall. When the Princess Consort saw them return, she said nothing, and the three sat together for the meal.
After finishing the meal, the Princess Consort indeed sent someone to bring the Yan and Zhao ladies back.
When the Yan and Zhao ladies wanted to take their leave and return to the separate residence, Ren Yaoqi had originally planned to leave together, but was stopped by the Princess Consort. After the Yan and Zhao ladies left, the Princess Consort had Nanny Xin bring Leshan and Leshui forward.
“I had Nanny Xin personally train these two maids. Today they’ll go back with you first. With so many people and affairs in Yunyang City recently, and the Dragon Boat Festival coming in a few days, it’s more convenient to have extra people around you.”
Leshan and Leshui were now dressed in the Prince’s mansion maid clothing and looked very spirited.
Ren Yaoqi hadn’t expected that Xiao Jingxi had placed them with the Princess Consort for training, and her face immediately reddened.
The Princess Consort seemed to understand her thoughts and patted her hand: “Propriety is for outsiders. Family naturally does what’s most convenient.”
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was very grateful to the Princess Consort.
Thus, when returning, Ren Yaoqi had two additional maids, Leshan and Leshui, by her side.
Xiao Jinglin still escorted Ren Yaoqi to the carriage before returning. As the carriage slowly departed from Prince Yanbei’s mansion, when it reached the outer hall, Ren Yaoqi looked outside through the carriage curtain that had been blown open by the wind, and couldn’t help but freeze.
She lifted the curtain slightly and looked toward a spot somewhat farther away.
Yan Ningshuang, who had left earlier, was for some reason still there, standing by a small pavilion in the outer hall of the Prince’s mansion, talking with someone. Standing opposite her was Xiao Jingxi. Xiao Jingxi appeared to have just returned from outside, as he hadn’t yet removed his cloak.
Ren Yaoqi’s hand paused. Before Xiao Jingxi turned his head, she lowered the curtain.
The maids exchanged glances, then silently lowered their heads.
Pingguo was silent for a moment, then moved closer to pour Ren Yaoqi a cup of tea, speaking somewhat clumsily: “Miss, have some tea to warm yourself.”
Ren Yaoqi accepted it, lowered her head to take a sip, then looked up to see the maids still watching her expectantly. She couldn’t help but find it amusing: “What are you all looking at me for?”
Leshan and Leshui exchanged a glance. Leshan said, “Miss, please don’t be angry. It might not have been what you saw.”