“Naturally it’s not just that. Since we’re idle anyway, it would be boring. Today talented ladies from various families have come, and they’ll surely want to show off. Then we’ll have many wonderful songs and dances to watch. Wouldn’t that be good?” Ji Yun smiled.

Xianyun laughed. “That’s a good idea. Though poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are nice to watch, what’s even more interesting to observe is people’s hearts.”

“Exactly.” Qin Yining smiled and nodded.

For today’s banquet, who was willing to come, who refused to come, who among the attendees had close relationships, who were incompatible – all of this could be observed.

With the current political situation before them, Pang Xiao’s people occupied the south, so naturally they needed to find ways to stabilize the local situation before planning for the future. Having an opportunity that could both satisfy her wishes and help Pang Xiao assess the situation – why not?

“Princess, the people outside have all gone to find seats themselves. I’m afraid the pavilions we set up aren’t enough,” Qiu Lu hurried in to report.

Qin Yining thought for a moment. “It’s too late to set up temporary pavilions now. Let’s add more seating around the perimeter.”

“But the seating arrangements…”

“We don’t need to worry about that.” Qin Yining explained. “These local wealthy merchants, magnates, and official families should all be familiar with each other. They’ll naturally arrange the seating properly themselves. Letting them sit as they choose will be much better than our arrangements, and it’ll avoid inadvertently offending anyone.”

“Princess is right.” Qiu Lu suddenly understood and went to make arrangements.

Seeing the time was about right, Qin Yining called for people to go outside.

Changchun Garden had been rebuilt and many flowers and trees transplanted. The originally extremely magnificent buildings appeared even more splendid and imposing under the screening of fashionable flora.

Qin Yining, dressed in plain clothes and accompanied by her maids, moved through the flowers and trees, soon arriving at the banquet venue.

Though many locals didn’t recognize Qin Yining, this didn’t prevent them from thoroughly investigating her background before coming.

When they saw the plainly dressed figure approaching through the flowers and willows, the chattering voices of the male and female guests present all quieted.

Those who had met Qin Yining a few times smiled and stepped forward first.

“Greetings to the Princess.”

“Princess, it’s been a long time.”

…

Qin Yining smiled and greeted these people, only saying her hospitality was inadequate and asking everyone to feel at ease.

At this time, Yao Shi, Ma Shi, and Yao Chenggu arrived through the main entrance, accompanied by people from the Prince’s mansion.

As soon as Yao Chenggu entered, he was surrounded by male guests who politely greeted him and struck up conversations.

Yao Shi supported Ma Shi, with Pan Keyu following beside them, walking to Qin Yining’s side amid greetings from the female guests.

Qin Yining smiled and curtsied. “Grandmother, Old Madam.”

“Ah.” Ma Shi smiled and nodded.

Yao Shi wore a rose-red narrow-sleeved round-collar jacket and a phoenix-mouthed pearl-holding ornamental hairpiece, appearing extremely magnificent. Seeing Qin Yining dressed so plainly, she couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “For such a joyous occasion, you should put more effort into your appearance. Don’t damage the Prince’s mansion’s reputation in public. What if people say the Prince’s mansion can’t even afford a proper outfit? Wouldn’t that wrong Dafu?”

Several steps away, quite a few attending guests couldn’t help but prick up their ears to listen to the commotion.

So the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship in the Prince’s mansion wasn’t good!

Seeing Yao Shi embarrass Qin Yining regardless of the occasion, Ma Shi was displeased. She smiled and took Qin Yining’s hand, looking her up and down. “This plain outfit is very elegant. The fabric is Suzhou embroidery, isn’t it?”

Qin Yining smiled gracefully. “Yes.”

Yao Shi’s smile stiffened. Having just mocked someone for not putting effort into their appearance and dressing shabbily, she was immediately contradicted. Yao Shi felt even her ears growing hot.

Ma Shi smiled. “Our Yi girl is naturally beautiful – she looks good in anything.”

The surrounding people had originally intended to gossip, but now they all restrained themselves. The Prince’s mansion’s Grand Madam was said to be a formidable figure, and it seemed the Princess and Grand Madam had a very good relationship.

Pan Keyu’s beautiful eyes were also sizing up Qin Yining. Her gaze was too lively and too contemptuous for Qin Yining to ignore.

Qin Yining glanced at Pan Keyu, and when her eyes fell on the pink-blue Shu brocade fabric Pan Keyu was wearing, she lowered her head as if ashamed of her own appearance.

Pan Keyu’s heart stirred, unable to hide her satisfaction. She smiled and spoke: “The Princess is still in mourning, so wearing plain colors is normal. Old Madam, don’t blame her.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.

They had long heard that “Wise Pan An” had bungled His Majesty’s assignment and lost his life. That His Majesty didn’t punish him was already a grace. By reason, with her biological father having just died, for his daughter to grandly host banquets was absolutely improper.

The people all valued filial piety. Someone who could still have the mind for entertainment during mourning was truly rare.

Ma Shi frowned and glared at Pan Keyu with displeasure.

But Yao Shi’s mood improved.

Just as she was about to needle Qin Yining some more, Qin Yining spoke first: “If it weren’t for His Highness’s affairs, today’s banquet wouldn’t exist. To be honest, I won’t stay long either – I’ll leave after observing some key matters. As a wife, I must consider everything thoroughly. I believe my father’s spirit in heaven would understand. As for entertaining guests, after everything is properly arranged, I’ll have to trouble Old Madam to take charge.”

With that, she respectfully performed a curtsy.

Ma Shi, fearing Yao Shi would speak nonsense and discredit Qin Yining, quickly said, “Good child, you’re truly being wronged. Sigh, when men handle affairs, there’s even the saying about loyalty and filial piety being difficult to balance. Being human is ultimately difficult, and being a woman is even more difficult – having to consider both one’s natal family and our large household. You’re truly suffering.”

Many female guests were moved upon hearing this, especially the married noble ladies who managed households.

This world’s demands on women were too harsh. The rules were all set by men, and women were always the ones wronged. Looking at the Princess and her mother-in-law, if the mother-in-law hadn’t pressed urgently, the Princess probably wouldn’t have had to bear criticism during mourning to host banquets for selecting secondary consorts and concubines for her husband.

Everyone felt more empathy for Qin Yining’s situation.

Yao Shi rolled her eyes, having failed to successfully needle Qin Yining in front of everyone. She was very displeased.

“Princess, Boss Qiu has arrived,” Qiu Lu whispered in Qin Yining’s ear.

Qin Yining turned back. “Take people to welcome her. She’s heavy with child – be careful no one bumps into her.”

“Yes.” Qiu Lu responded and took two young maids to welcome the guest.

At this time, those noble ladies interested in forming marriage alliances with the Pang family brought their daughters, nieces, and such forward to chat.

Seeing the circle of people surrounding them, Ma Shi felt overwhelmed. So many beautiful young women, each as lovely as flower buds, all carefully dressed. At a glance, they all seemed beautiful – wouldn’t this dazzle one’s eyes?

Ma Shi suddenly felt uneasy. She pulled Qin Yining, who was exchanging pleasantries, aside and whispered, “Yi girl, I feel something’s not right. Do you think when His Majesty selects beauties to fill the harem, it’s like this?”

Qin Yining nodded approvingly. “Grandmother, your thinking is sharp and perceptive. I thought of this point too, but don’t worry – things won’t develop that way.”

Seeing Qin Yining so confident and certain she wouldn’t overstep bounds, Ma Shi couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. “Good. Yi girl, you’re the most reliable in handling affairs. As long as you’ve arranged everything well.”

Qin Yining smiled and nodded.

“Greetings to the Princess.” At this time, Qiu Feishan, protected by Qiu Lu and others, approached Qin Yining.

She wore an ivory-white high-waisted dress, her belly prominently protruding. Her heroic features had softened considerably, and her smile had also become gentler.

Qin Yining smiled. “Mrs. Mu, no need for formalities. There are many people here – let’s sit aside.”

Qiu Feishan nodded with a smile, one hand supporting her slightly aching waist.

At this time, Pan Keyu was introducing her parents to Yao Shi.

Pan Father and Pan Mother were both smooth operators in business circles. With just a few words, they drew close to Yao Shi and casually mentioned having already arranged for substantial gifts to be sent to the mansion, delighting Yao Shi so much she couldn’t stop smiling and repeatedly praised Pan Keyu.

Pan Father and Pan Mother were overjoyed, feeling their alliance with Pang Xiao seemed about to succeed.

Pan Keyu became even more pleased with herself. She was young and beautiful, His Highness liked her in his heart, and though the Princess wasn’t favored by Old Madam, Old Madam liked her very much.

Pan Keyu felt her future days in the Prince’s mansion were full of promise.

Her smile became increasingly confident, her spine straightened, her chin lifted slightly, and her whole person radiated unprecedented brilliance.

From the corner of her eye, seeing Qin Yining talking with Qiu Feishan, she immediately poked Pan Father’s arm.

Pan Father saw Qiu Feishan and smiled mockingly. He first cupped his hands to Yao Shi. “Old Madam, this old man takes his leave first.”

Yao Shi had to deal with many people’s flattery and naturally had no time to focus on any one person, so she just waved dismissively.

Pan Father then led his wife and daughter to Qin Yining, respectfully bowing. “Greetings to the Princess. This old man is Pan Zhensheng, this is my humble wife Xu Shi, and this is my daughter Keyu, paying respects to the Princess.”

Pan Keyu reluctantly followed her parents in bowing to Qin Yining.

Qin Yining smiled. “Rise. Manager Pan’s gracious presence honors us – you must enjoy yourselves thoroughly. By coincidence, your Sitong Company’s owner is here too.” She slightly stepped aside, indicating Qiu Feishan was beside her.

Originally, when the Qiu family was still intact, Sitong Company was just one of many enterprises under the Qiu family, so Qiu Feishan was naturally just Sitong Company’s chief manager. But now with the Qiu family split, Sitong Company belonged to Qiu Feishan, making her naturally the company’s owner.

Pan Father frowned upon hearing this.

He was a chief manager of Sitong Company, but Qiu Feishan was his employer.

But Pan Zhensheng was unwilling to be subordinate to others, especially to a woman like Qiu Feishan!

Pan Zhensheng had long harbored treacherous thoughts about when to remove Qiu Feishan and become Sitong Company’s owner himself. That’s why he sought Prince Zhongshun as his backing.

Now meeting the Princess, who first mentioned he was Qiu Feishan’s subordinate – wasn’t this embarrassing him?

Pan Zhensheng was displeased but dared not offend Qin Yining, so he turned to Qiu Feishan instead. “Oh? So the eldest miss is here too. Eldest miss is in poor health now – it’s better not to move around casually. If you disturb the pregnancy and harm the child, I’m afraid you’d regret it too late.”