Chapter 204: Winner (2) (1/2)
Lady Pan stared after Chu Lian’s figure in disbelief. By the time she managed to regain her senses, Chu Lian had already disappeared into the crowd. Lady Pan’s good mood was completely destroyed by this one short conversation. In her frustration, she shot a look of contempt at Madam Zou before she left, not forgetting one last action to show her vexation.
When the madams around them saw that it wasn’t House Jing’an’s Eldest Young Madam who was to present the round cakes, there were a bunch of strange looks directed towards Madam Zou. Madam Zou immediately felt the urge to dig a hole and hide in it.
By the time Chu Lian had properly presented her round cakes and returned to Matriarch He’s side, Royal Princess Duanjia had squeezed in beside her. She leaned close enough to whisper in Chu Lian’s ear and asked if she needed any help.
Chu Lian smiled and shook her head, telling her that everything was fine.
Royal Princess Duanjia’s expression relaxed and she gave her a nod before leaving.
The banquet was about to begin, and the judging of the round cakes would occur at the end. Royal Princess Duanjia was part of Prince Wei’s estate, so she wasn’t going to be seated with Chu Lian’s group.
By the time all the female guests were seated, the banquet officially started.
Royal Princess Duanjia was sitting with Princess Wei, closer to the imperial family. At the top sat the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Imperial Concubine Wei was seated below the Empress, while a few old concubines of the previous Emperor were seated below the Empress Dowager.
Princess Wei was ranked below the various concubines, so she was seated with the wives of the other princes. Royal Princess Duanjia was at the table next to hers, where all the princesses were seated. Imperial Princess Leyao was placed diagonally across from Royal Princess Duanjia.
Chu Lian was sitting beside Matriarch He, with other noble madams of the same rank. There was one more seat reserved for House Ying’s matriarch here, but House Ying’s matriarch hadn’t come, seemingly due to health issues.
Other than their matriarch, none of the madams of House Ying were qualified to enter the banquet. Thus, Chu Lian didn’t see anyone from House Ying here in Ninghe Palace.
When Chu Lian turned to look at Empress Shen, who was giving a speech, she felt a gaze burning like coals on her. She followed the sensation, only to meet with Imperial Princess Leyao’s eyes.
Imperial Princess Leyao was so angry that her little hands were curled into fists. She had never suffered a setback like that before!
With her high and mighty status, if she wanted to teach anyone a lesson, she would be able to do so without any restraint. Even if they died in the process, no one would be able to touch her. Now, all she had been trying to do was make trouble for Brother He’s annoying wife. However, she kept failing to do so! She was able to accept it back at the Dingyuan Estate, as that hadn’t been in her territory, but here? In the palace? She should’ve been able to get Chu Lian in trouble by now, but all her schemes were still failing spectacularly! How could she not be angry?
If she could, Imperial Princess Leyao would kill Chu Lian on the spot to relieve this hatred within her.