The Prince of Yanbei then looked toward his birth mother, Consort Dowager Yun.

Consort Dowager Yun remained silent for a while, then asked the Old Princess Consort: “Your meaning is… that rules are better the older they are?”

The Old Princess Consort glanced at Consort Dowager Yun, thinking she wanted to contradict her, and sneered coldly: “This is the filial duty that descendants should fulfill! There’s nothing good or bad about it, only what should or shouldn’t be done! For families like ours, rules should naturally be greater than heaven itself.”

Facing the Old Princess Consort’s cold mockery, Consort Dowager Yun showed no displeasure on her face, merely saying indifferently: “What you say also has merit, though you may not know the original clan rules of the Xiao family.”

Consort Dowager Yun’s words stunned everyone present. The Old Princess Consort particularly detested Consort Dowager Yun’s attitude of not taking people seriously, and was immediately provoked: “What do you mean? I don’t know, but you do?”

Consort Dowager Yun said unhurriedly: “I indeed do know. Before you entered the Xiao family’s gates, the Xiao family’s clan rules stated that only those who bore sons could enter the genealogy, not those who bore children. So if we follow your logic that rules are better the earlier they were established, then she wouldn’t be the only one who shouldn’t be in the genealogy.”

With one sentence, Consort Dowager Yun made the Old Princess Consort’s face turn white with rage, and she immediately slammed the table: “Nonsense! Your Lordship, will you allow your birth mother to slander your legitimate mother like this? Are there no rules left in the Prince of Yanbei’s manor?”

The Prince of Yanbei, innocently called upon, blinked: “Huh? Weren’t we discussing the matter of the new daughter-in-law entering the genealogy?”

Consort Dowager Yun said calmly, “I’m merely discussing the facts at hand. Why must you take your anger out on him? So what if I’m his birth mother? I’m the one going to guard the old prince’s tomb, not you. What else are you dissatisfied with? Why don’t we switch places, and you can go keep the old prince company? We’re discussing clan rules right now. Back then, you were able to enter the Xiao family genealogy because of your different status. Later, the old prince simply changed the clan rules, changing them to allow entry upon bearing children. If you don’t believe it, go look through the old family rules from decades ago and see if I’m deceiving you.”

The Old Princess Consort was left speechless by Consort Dowager Yun’s retort, so angry she nearly rolled her eyes.

Such incidents had occurred countless times over the decades whenever these two shared the same room, so the Xiao family members were quite accustomed to it. It would be frightening if these two suddenly got along harmoniously one day.

Seeing the atmosphere about to turn sour, Xiao Jingxi looked toward his mother.

The Princess Consort calmly stepped forward to smooth things over: “Speaking of which, no family’s clan rules remain completely unchanged. These are all old matters from years past – perhaps we shouldn’t bring them up today.”

Consort Dowager Yun said nothing more, but the Old Princess Consort could no longer sit there. She stood up: “I shouldn’t have come today! Whatever matters you have, your family can decide among yourselves!” With that, she swept her sleeves and left.

The Princess Consort hurriedly called out to detain her, but the Old Princess Consort had already left the side hall. The Princess Consort glanced at the Prince.

At this moment, Consort Dowager Yun also stood up: “Whatever matters you have, decide them yourselves. I’ll drink this tea another time.” Without waiting for the Princess Consort to speak, Consort Dowager Yun also left.

Ren Yaoqi stood below watching. As a junior and a new bride, she had no place to speak when the immortals were fighting. However, watching Consort Dowager Yun’s departing figure, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but fall into contemplation.

On the surface, Consort Dowager Yun had appeared cold and distant to everyone just now. Even when mentioning that she was going to guard the old prince’s tomb, she seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the Prince of Yanbei. However, Consort Dowager Yun had resolved their predicament at the appropriate moment, because among those present, only Consort Dowager Yun could stand up to the Old Princess Consort.

Moreover, Consort Dowager Yun’s departure had a different purpose from the Old Princess Consort’s. The Old Princess Consort had been driven away by Consort Dowager Yun’s anger. But Consort Dowager Yun left because of the Old Princess Consort’s words: “Whatever matters you have, you family can decide among yourselves!”

If Consort Dowager Yun hadn’t left, it would have confirmed the accusation that the Old Princess Consort had been driven away by their united front. By leaving as well, the Prince of Yanbei didn’t have to feel awkward. To outsiders, this would just appear to be another quarrel between the Eastern and Western Palaces.

Everyone present fell silent for a while, then the Prince of Yanbei finally spoke: “Both elders are advanced in years and can’t sit for long. As for their tea, you can offer it again another day. For now, do what needs to be done. After completing the ceremony, record it in the genealogy. What a small matter!”

Xiao Jingyue said with a grin: “Then we’re not managing grandmother’s side anymore?”

The Prince of Yanbei glanced at him and raised an eyebrow: “How do you want to manage it? Strike your grandmother’s name from the genealogy?”

Xiao Heng hurriedly reprimanded Xiao Jingyue in a low voice and apologized to the Prince of Yanbei: “He’s just a child who doesn’t understand matters. He’s always spoken without restraint. Please forgive him, Your Lordship.”

Xiao Jingyue also obediently apologized following his father’s lead: “Yes, Uncle. Your nephew has always been straightforward and speaks without thinking. Please don’t hold it against this fool.”

The Prince of Yanbei looked at them with a meaningful smile: “Naturally, this prince won’t be angry with the younger generation. However, Jingyue, you’re not young anymore. You’re about to establish a family and career, so you should pay attention to propriety in your daily words and actions. At home, the elders can tolerate you, but once you step outside this door, you represent the Prince of Yanbei’s manor. If you cause trouble and then seek the elders’ tolerance, that would be asking the elders to show favoritism, which won’t do.”

Hearing this, Xiao Heng’s expression became stern, and he hurriedly probed: “Why does Your Lordship say this? Has he done something foolish outside, and someone came to complain to you?”

The Prince of Yanbei said, “I’m just reminding him. His temperament is truly worrying. Don’t wait until he commits some irreparable mistake before realizing the error. As his father, you should also pay more attention to your son in daily life.”

Xiao Heng hurriedly agreed. Seeing that Xiao Jingyue seemed about to speak again, Xiao Heng secretly glared at him fiercely. Xiao Jingyue shrugged his shoulders and finally became obedient.

With Xiao Jingyue being obedient, everything proceeded smoothly afterward. No one came to disrupt this kinship recognition ceremony. Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jingxi first offered tea to the Prince and Princess Consort, receiving two large red envelopes. Afterward, Ren Yaoqi greeted the second branch of the Xiao family according to seniority, and the Xiao Heng couple also gave gifts. The Xiao family’s population was relatively simple, so this kinship recognition ceremony was completed quickly.

Subsequently, under the Prince’s decision, Ren Yaoqi’s name was smoothly entered into the Xiao family genealogy. With neither the Old Princess Consort nor Consort Dowager Yun present, the Prince of Yanbei was the highest authority, so naturally, he had the final say.

Aside from the initial unpleasantness, the morning passed relatively smoothly. At least Ren Yaoqi had legitimately and definitively become a daughter-in-law of the Prince of Yanbei’s manor.

After leaving Chengde Hall, the Prince said to Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi, “You two go offer a cup of tea to the Consort Dowager and chat with her before returning.”

Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi agreed, while the Prince and Princess Consort returned to Jiuyang Hall first.

Xiao Jinglin looked at Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi, hesitated for a moment, then said: “I won’t go today.” Since Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi were going to offer tea to Consort Dowager Yun, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to tag along. With Xiao Jingxi accompanying her today, Xiao Jinglin wasn’t worried that Ren Yaoqi would suffer any grievances.

Xiao Jingxi smiled and nodded: “Good. You go back first. Yaoyao will come to find you later.” The Second Young Master Xiao felt that when he wasn’t in the manor, his wife could keep his sister company, and Xiao Jinglin could also protect Ren Yaoqi from being bullied. After all, the Princess Consort couldn’t always keep Ren Yaoqi by her side, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for Ren Yaoqi to always go to Jiuyang Hall when the Prince was home.

Xiao Jinglin nodded and left first.

Xiao Jingxi simply had the accompanying maids and matrons all withdraw and walked with Ren Yaoqi like they were strolling toward Consort Dowager Yun’s Lanxi Hall.

Xiao Jingxi lowered his head and whispered, “Are you tired?”

Ren Yaoqi had originally wanted to answer that she wasn’t tired, but suddenly remembering their previous playful banter in the bedroom, the words became difficult to say. She just glared at Xiao Jingxi.

Xiao Jingxi chuckled softly: “Why are you glaring at me? I just wanted to ask if there’s still some distance to Lanxi Hall and whether you wanted to take a sedan chair.”

Ren Yaoqi walked her path, ignoring him.

Xiao Jingxi caught up and said softly: “Are you really angry?”

Ren Yaoqi glanced at him: “No.”

Xiao Jingxi reached out to secretly hook her fingers. Ren Yaoqi, somewhat unaccustomed to this, dodged slightly, but when Xiao Jingxi’s hand pursued again, she didn’t move away.

With their hands secretly holding each other under the cover of their sleeves, they walked to Lanxi Hall.

When they were about to reach the hall entrance, without waiting for Ren Yaoqi to speak, Xiao Jingxi took the initiative to let go of her hand.

Consort Dowager Yun was in the small Buddhist hall of Lanxi Hall. Hearing that they had come, she came out.

Learning that the younger generation had come to offer her tea, Consort Dowager Yun said nothing and instructed someone to bring two bowls of hot tea. When they offered the tea, she didn’t make things difficult and drank it, then took out red envelopes that her maid had prepared early in the morning and gave one to each of them.

Afterward, Consort Dowager Yun had nothing more to say. Xiao Jingxi did most of the talking, with Ren Yaoqi occasionally adding a sentence or two. Consort Dowager Yun listened from the side, occasionally nodding and giving simple responses to show she was listening.

“Have you been to Shou’an Hall?” Consort Dowager Yun suddenly asked.

Xiao Jingxi said, “Not yet. Your place was closer, so we came to Lanxi Hall first.”

Consort Dowager Yun nodded: “Then go to Shou’an Hall. There’s nothing more here.”

Xiao Jingxi smiled: “It’s still early. We’ll chat with you a bit more. I heard you want someone to copy Buddhist scriptures. Yaoqi’s calligraphy is quite presentable. Let her write a few samples for you to see. If you find them satisfactory, let her copy for you. She doesn’t have much else to do anyway.”

This wasn’t Xiao Jingxi’s arbitrary decision. They had already discussed this topic on their way here, and Ren Yaoqi had no objections.

Ren Yaoqi also knew that peaceful coexistence with Consort Dowager Yun in the Prince of Yanbei’s manor was very important. After all, in situations like today’s, the only one who could openly confront the Old Princess Consort was Consort Dowager Yun. The prerequisite was that Consort Dowager Yun was willing to protect you.

Consort Dowager Yun glanced at Ren Yaoqi, thought for a moment, and said: “Writing calligraphy isn’t necessary. I saw her handwriting at the last thousand-gold banquet – it was quite good. However, the most important thing about copying Buddhist scriptures isn’t whether the characters are well-written, but whether one has sincerity and understands Buddhist meaning.”

Ren Yaoqi said modestly, “This granddaughter-in-law is of dull aptitude and dares not claim to understand Buddhist meaning. I’ve only read some basic Buddhist scriptures and do have sincerity.”

Consort Dowager Yun said lightly: “If you’re considered of dull aptitude, then there are no intelligent people in the world.”

Ren Yaoqi’s performance at the last thousand-gold banquet had left a lasting impression on everyone, including Consort Dowager Yun. What Xiao Jingxi had said about her having both virtue and talent had proven at least half true.

Regarding Consort Dowager Yun’s straightforward praise, Xiao Jingxi was quite pleased and even smiled at Ren Yaoqi.

“Which scriptures have you thoroughly read? Tell me.” Consort Dowager Yun asked.

Consort Dowager Yun said, “Thoroughly read,” so Ren Yaoqi thought carefully before mentioning several scriptures she remembered quite well.

Consort Dowager Yun nodded, then mentioned several other scripture titles and asked: “What about these?”

Ren Yaoqi said tactfully: “I’ve read them several times.”

Consort Dowager Yun looked at Ren Yaoqi and asked her several questions, which Ren Yaoqi answered one by one from memory.

Consort Dowager Yun waved her hand and frowned slightly: “Enough. You’ve read them more thoroughly than I have.”

Ren Yaoqi said nothing more, while Xiao Jingxi smiled on the side.

Consort Dowager Yun said, “Come tomorrow afternoon. Copy for half an hour each day. If you have matters on any day, just send someone to let me know. It’s fine not to come.”

Ren Yaoqi breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her head in agreement.

Consort Dowager Yun glanced at Xiao Jingxi: “I won’t keep you for a meal. Go to Shou’an Hall.”

This time, Xiao Jingxi heeded Consort Dowager Yun’s words and stood up with Ren Yaoqi to take their leave.

After the two emerged from Shou’an Hall, Xiao Jingxi noticed Ren Yaoqi was lost in thought and asked: “What are you thinking about?”

Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and spoke honestly: “I’m thinking that the Consort Dowager doesn’t seem so unapproachable after all.” She just doesn’t particularly like her as a granddaughter-in-law, but not making things difficult for her was already a good thing.

Xiao Jingxi smiled: “Mm, you’re so wonderful, naturally everyone should like you.”

The Second Young Master Xiao’s skill in sweet talk was approaching perfection. Talent was indeed something that could be applied universally – intelligent people comprehended everything quickly without needing instruction.

Ren Yaoqi’s face reddened from Xiao Jingxi’s praise.

When they reached the entrance of Shou’an Hall, they didn’t enter directly this time. Instead, they had someone report their arrival at the entrance and obediently waited outside for instructions.

Soon, a nanny from the Old Princess Consort’s courtyard came out and said apologetically to them: “The Old Princess Consort felt somewhat unwell after returning just now. Perhaps you two could come another day?”

Xiao Jingxi asked: “Has a physician been called? We should still go in to inquire about her condition.”

The nanny hurriedly said, “No need, no need. The Old Princess Consort has already gone to sleep. It’s just an old ailment acting up. She’s already taken a dose of medicine the physician prescribed earlier. A good sleep will make her better. Please return, you two.”

Xiao Jingxi asked several more questions and persisted for a while, but was refused each time. Finally, he could only reluctantly and disappointedly take his leave with Ren Yaoqi.

They both knew that the Old Princess Consort would most likely not see them today, but whether she would see them was one matter, and whether they came was another.

After leaving Shou’an Hall, they planned to return. Halfway there, a subordinate came to report matters to Xiao Jingxi. Xiao Jingxi had to first escort Ren Yaoqi to Xiao Jinglin’s place before going to attend to his official business.