Madam Wei’s words were utterly arrogant, yet no one present dared to refute her.
Pri Minister Xun was at the peak of his power, holding control over the military as well as the court. Most importantly, he was deeply loved by the common people and highly respected by both civil and military officials.
The Xun Family truly deserved to be called the top aristocratic family.
The Governor Mansion was a rising power—while Lu Yuan did hold significant authority, in comparison to the Xun Family, his background was undeniably less established.
ng Qianqian smiled, "Whether or not the Xun Family is the top aristocratic family, are you even Madam Xun? Your husband is nothing more than a re fifth-ranked prefect. When you see , you’d still have to bow in courtesy. What’s with all this arrogance in front of ?"
Madam Wei’s sore spot was hit directly.
Her husband might have been born into an aristocratic family, but he wasn’t particularly capable. After so many years, he was still stuck at the rank of a fifth-tier prefect.
The reason she had co to Capital City this ti was to hope her brother might help her husband secure a better position—a high-ranking official post within the city.
Apart from the princess, other won—upon marriage—followed their husbands. No matter how accomplished their maiden family might be, after marrying, their status ca from their husband’s family.
ng Qianqian said, "Looking at it this way, we’re more qualified than you to take this seat."
Madam Wei’s face turned blue, then pale. "You foul-mouthed brat, what are you boasting about? You’re nothing but a discarded woman, remarried—seducing Lu Yuan doesn’t make you anything special!"
"Madam Wei, please watch your words."
Madam Lin stepped forward composedly yet with authority.
She was typically a witty and humorous figure, but rarely did she appear so stern.
Madam Zhou also disapproved, "Madam Wei, you’re new to Capital City. If you’re unclear about certain matters, it’s better not to speak recklessly. You’ll ruin others’ reputations and harm your own virtue."
Madam Wei sneered, "Did I say anything wrong? Back when she was Lu Lingxiao’s wife, she was already secretly involved with Lu Yuan. She fancies herself clever, playing everyone for fools. Only soone gullible like you would stand up for this duplicitous woman."
Sweeping her gaze across the group, she added coldly, "All of you, listen well! Wherever I am, this vile woman is not allowed to enter! It’s either her or ! If she’s here, I will not be!"
The crowd collectively gasped.
She had gone to the extre. While she might be Madam Wei, in Capital City, she carried another significant identity—Pri Minister Xun’s younger sister.
The Governor Mansion was now in grave trouble.
Zhou Nanyan was almost in tears, "How can she treat Sister ng like this? She’s too much!"
At that mont, the long-restrained Liu Qingyun couldn’t hold back anymore. "You people from the Central Plains... truly, so noisy."
She handed the peacefully sleeping Bao Shu into ng Qianqian’s arms and stepped away from her seat, striding in Madam Wei’s direction.
Earlier, while seated, Liu Qingyun had kept her head lowered, focused on the child, so Madam Wei hadn’t gotten a clear look at her.
Now that Liu Qingyun walked closer, Madam Wei finally saw her face—a beauty incomparable enough to bring all n in the world to their knees.
No wonder this woman had insulted her appearance. Against such a comparison, wasn’t she indeed—
Jealousy flashed in Madam Wei’s eyes, and she put on the airs of an aristocratic matron from the Pri Minister’s Mansion. "Judging by your attire, you must be from Miaojiang? In the past, Miaojiang was nothing more than a savage tribe that ate raw at and drank blood. After pledging allegiance to the court, countless officials were dispatched to govern Miaojiang. Without the court’s aid, Miaojiang wouldn’t have the prosperity it enjoys today."
"Your current fortune was hard-earned. Why would you associate yourself with Lu Yuan? Do you even know? Over a decade ago, Lu Yuan was nothing but a dog of my Xun Family—a dog that couldn’t even be properly nurtured! Considering you’re new here and unaware of the rules, kneel before and apologize, then sever your ties with the Governor Mansion. I might forgive your insolence."
Liu Qingyun suddenly curled her lips into a smile, "Kneel and apologize? Are you sure?"
Madam Wei declared smugly, "I never go back on my word."
"Good." Liu Qingyun reached out, grabbing Madam Wei by the hair and yanking her down hard!
Madam Wei fell with a loud thud onto the cobbled path, her knees instantly scraping open. The pain from her scalp and her knees hit her simultaneously, nearly causing her to faint!
"Ah—"
Screams rippled through the crowd of won present.
Even ng Qianqian, who had seen her fair share of outrageous sights, couldn’t help widening her eyes.
Is mother-in-law really this fierce?
"Madam!"
Madam Wei’s maids were utterly shocked, rushing frantically toward Liu Qingyun.
Without so much as blinking, Liu Qingyun kicked up so scattered stones on the ground, knocking them down one by one.
Madam Wei struggled to reclaim her hair, shouting, "What are you doing? Let go! You crazy woman! Let go of this instant!"
Liu Qingyun’s crimson lips curved in an increasingly sinister smile, laced with a touch of madness. "Weren’t you the one demanding I kneel and apologize? Well, hurry up and bow."
Madam Wei twisted her head to et her gaze, trembling all over. "You... have you lost your mind? I’m the Pri Minister’s sister!"
"I don’t care who you are."
Liu Qingyun yanked Madam Wei by the hair, forcing her forehead to the ground with a resounding impact.
"Ah—"
A pig-slaughtering shriek escaped Madam Wei.
Madam Lin and Madam Zhou clutched their handkerchiefs tightly.
That blow—both of them felt the pain as if it were their own.
Liu Qingyun didn’t stop until Madam Wei had bowed seven or eight tis, leaving her forehead bloodied.
ng Qianqian hurriedly covered Bao Shu’s ears, "Sleep well, little one, sleep well."
Bao Shu smacked her lips, then drifted back into sweet slumber.
"So noisy. Annoying."
Frustration flickered in Liu Qingyun’s eyes. She tugged the still-shrieking Madam Wei upright and shoved her head into the nearby lotus pond.
"Ah—glug—"
Madam Wei finally stopped screaming.
By the ti Princess Wanping arrived, Madam Wei had already ingested a bellyful of water.
She sat wretchedly on the ground, sporting a large green lotus leaf atop her head and sputtering incessantly.
"Princess!"
Madam Wei’s closest maid imdiately fell to her knees before Princess Wanping. "The Governor Mansion has gone too far! Please seek justice for my mistress!"
Princess Wanping furrowed her brows and imdiately turned her gaze to ng Qianqian, "ng Qianqian!"
ng Qianqian replied nonchalantly, "She insulted Lu Yuan, calling him a dog."
Princess Wanping ordered in a cold voice, "Throw her out!"
Her female advisor whispered cautiously, "Princess, Madam Wei is Pri Minister Xun’s sister."
"I know."
Princess Wanping was the legitimate daughter of the Central Palace. Fear had never been part of her vocabulary.
Her respect for Pri Minister Xun stemd from his integrity and loyalty to the court, not from intimidation.
Moreover, keeping Madam Wei at the banquet would only let her tarnish the reputation of the Pri Minister’s Mansion further.
Madam Wei had never dread that after being beaten up by a woman from Miaojiang, she would then be expelled by Princess Wanping.
As she stood outside the gates of the Princess Mansion, her fury raged on. "You all... mark my words! My brother will avenge ! Ouch!"
Her body ached from head to toe!
In the small garden.
Princess Wanping gracefully addressed the crowd, "I apologize for the disturbance. The poetry gathering is about to begin. Please take your seats."
The guests resud their positions.
Princess Wanping offered Liu Qingyun a warm smile, "Madam, please be seated."
"No need—I’m leaving. There’s nothing tasty here, and it’s way too noisy."
Liu Qingyun walked away without so much as turning back.
Wait! Don’t go! I haven’t t Chen Long yet.
ng Qianqian blinked her eyes, "Mmm, slls delicious."
Liu Qingyun paused mid-step.
ng Qianqian breathed deeply with her eyes closed, "It slls like... roast suckling pig, roast lamb, roast rabbit, roast fish, grilled eggplant, braised chicken, roasted..."
Liu Qingyun returned to her seat.
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