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A little later, Pingguo brought in the news that Yuan Dayong had gathered from the outer courtyard.
The ten young ladies from the capital had already been accommodated in a guesthouse next to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. The Yanbei Prince's Mansion had also dispatched many guards to provide protection. Two of the young ladies had fallen ill while on the ship, but they were unwilling to delay the journey. They endured the discomfort and insisted on continuing the journey without telling anyone about their illness. It was only after entering Yunyang City that their condition was discovered. They were much more resilient than the official who fell ill on the way.
The Yanbei Prince's Mansion had already sent physicians to treat these two young ladies. It was said that their illness was simply due to their first time traveling by ship and not being accustomed to it, coupled with some acclimatization issues. They would recover after a few days of rest.
Accompanying these ten young ladies were three court officials, one of whom was Pei Zhiyan. These officials were not specifically sent to escort the young ladies to the Thousand Gold Banquet. The court had recently received a state letter from the Liao people, expressing a desire to make peace with Great Zhou and reopen border trade. The court had sent people to investigate the truth of the matter. As for Pei Zhiyan, his main reason for coming was for the set of "Yanshan River Atlas."
Pei Zhiyan had not arrived in Yunyang City today, indeed because of his colleague who fell ill on the way. It was said they were currently still in Cangzhou.
As Ren Yaoqi listened, she couldn't help but feel surprised. "All of this was found out by Yuan Dayong?"
She had originally only wanted to inquire about Mr. Pei's affairs, but she hadn't expected Yuan Dayong to gather such detailed information. The matters related to the young ladies were one thing, but he had even found out about the purpose of the court officials' visit. The relationship between the Liao people, Yanbei, and the court was not simple, and it would be difficult for ordinary people to learn about the Liao people's peace proposal and the reopening of border trade.
Pingguo nodded. "Mm-hmm."
"Did he mention where he found out about this?" Ren Yaoqi asked thoughtfully.
Pingguo continued nodding. "Officer Zhu took him to find someone from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion."
Ren Yaoqi: "..."
Seeing Ren Yaoqi fall silent, Pingguo blinked. "Miss, is there something inappropriate?"
Ren Yaoqi shook her head. "Tell him not to casually inquire for information from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion in the future." She hadn't even married into the Yanbei Prince's Mansion yet, and she was already making use of the mansion's connections. If others found out, it could become a handle against her. Zhu Ruomei had a deeper connection with her and could be an exception, but others should not be used so freely.
Pingguo nodded, then after a moment of thought, added, "Officer Zhu said that Second Young Master Xiao had instructed that if you needed anything, you could send someone to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. The person Yuan Dayong contacted was someone under Second Young Master Xiao's command and wouldn't gossip carelessly."
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi was momentarily taken aback, feeling a touch of warmth in her heart. However, she still said, "That's still not good. Right now, many people in Yunyang City are watching us. It's better to avoid unnecessary trouble." After all, the Prince and Princess Consort were still in charge of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Even if Xiao Jingxi didn't mind her using his people, she had to consider whether the Prince of Yanbei and the Princess Consort would mind. If there were truly urgent matters, she would directly seek out 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 the two young ladies who fell ill?"
"One is surnamed Yan, and the other is Zhao."
Ren Yaoqi then allowed Pingguo to leave.
From that day onward, Ren Yaoqi continued to have people keep an eye on Pei Zhiyan's whereabouts. However, there was no news of Pei Zhiyan in the following days—it seemed he was still staying in Cangzhou.
Meanwhile, the ten young ladies who had come from the capital rested peacefully for several days at the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's guesthouse. Having traveled from afar, most of them were unfamiliar with Yanbei and had no need to go out to meet friends. Those outside who wished to see them had to go through the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. As a result, after the initial excitement when these young ladies first arrived in Yanbei, things gradually quieted down. The Yanbei Prince's Mansion was also concerned about any mishaps involving these young ladies from the capital, so they were pleased to see them staying quietly.
Ren Yaoqi was not particularly curious about these young ladies who had come from afar. It was all the better if things remained calm and uneventful.
Soon, it was May. The fifth day of the fifth month was the Dragon Boat Festival. This year, Yunyang City would still hold dragon boat races, but unlike previous years, Ren Shimin had received a formal invitation from the Su family. In the past, they had come to Yanbei to watch the dragon boat races as members of the Ren Family from White Crane 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 of the dragon boats would represent the southern court, so it was sure to be quite lively.
On the second day of the fifth month, the Yanbei Prince's Mansion sent a carriage, saying that the Princess Consort had specifically sent someone to fetch her to the mansion.
Ren Yaoqi found it strange. In the past, whenever she went to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, it was always Xiao Jinglin who came to pick her up. She wondered why the Princess Consort was summoning her today.
Though she thought this, Ren Yaoqi dared not delay. She had her maids help her dress and change into fresh clothes before heading out through the Inner Gate with a few maids to board the Yanbei Prince's Mansion's carriage.
Seeing the eight maids, eight matrons, and a team of about ten guards sent to fetch her, Ren Yaoqi believed that it was indeed the Princess Consort, not Xiao Jinglin, who had summoned her today. When Xiao Jinglin came to pick her up, she never made a fuss or brought too many people along—she either came herself or sent her maid Hongying. Among the maids and matrons who came to fetch Ren Yaoqi today, she recognized one or two familiar faces—they were indeed attendants serving the Princess Consort.
The maids and matrons from the Yanbei Prince's Mansion treated Ren Yaoqi with utmost respect, showing no arrogance whatsoever. They carefully helped her into the carriage.
The entourage then made its grand way to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. After entering the mansion, the carriage did not stop at the usual place where guests alighted but continued further inside. The dozen or so maids and matrons then led Ren Yaoqi to the Jiuyang Hall, where the Princess Consort resided.
When Ren Yaoqi entered Jiuyang Hall, the Princess Consort was seated in the main seat, with Xiao Jinglin sitting beside her. However, Ren Yaoqi also noticed that besides the Princess Consort and Xiao Jinglin, there were two other young ladies present. They were seated in guest seats on either side, chatting with the Princess Consort.
Hearing the sound of someone entering the hall, everyone turned to look.
As soon as the Princess Consort saw her, she chided affectionately, "It's been so long since I last saw you. You never come to keep me company on your own."Xiao Jinglin looked at Ren Yaoqi with a smile, even going so far as to excuse her in front of the Princess Consort: "Yaoqi has been quite busy lately. I heard from the teacher that she helped complete several incomplete musical scores, and I haven’t seen her in a long time either."
Ren Yaoqi blinked, then stepped forward to bow to the Princess Consort. As she straightened up, she smiled and said, "I know I was wrong. Please don’t be upset with me, Princess Consort."
As they spoke, Ren Yaoqi noticed the gazes of two unfamiliar young ladies fixed on her face.
One of them, while examining her, smiled and said, "This must be Miss Ren, right? Truly... seeing you in person is better than hearing your name."
The speaker was around fourteen or fifteen years old, with willow-leaf eyebrows, slender phoenix eyes that sparkled brightly when she smiled, a small nose, and cherry lips—a beauty who fit most people’s aesthetic standards.
The other young lady was about the same age. Though slightly less striking in appearance, she was still quite lovely. Especially when she furrowed her brows slightly, the faint trace of melancholy between them made her look particularly endearing—a classic beauty from the capital.
The Princess Consort smiled and said, "The one on the left is Miss Yan, and the one on the right is Miss Zhao. They’ve both come from the capital." Miss Yan was the one who had spoken earlier, while Miss Zhao was the slightly less striking one.
Ren Yaoqi nodded with a smile and stepped forward to greet them.
Miss Yan’s gaze never left Ren Yaoqi’s face. With a meaningful smile, she said, "I’ve heard of you even when I was in the capital."
Miss Zhao said softly, "Ningshuang, why don’t you let Miss Ren sit down first? Miss Ren, come sit with me."
At that moment, the Princess Consort spoke up: "Yaoqi, come sit with me. Jinglin, you go sit with Miss Zhao."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinglin stood up without a word, vacating the seat beside the Princess Consort.
Miss Yan’s expression changed slightly at this, but she quickly smiled again and took a sip of tea from the cup beside her. Miss Zhao, however, said nothing.
Ren Yaoqi did not decline either. With a calm expression, she took the seat beside the Princess Consort, appearing as natural as if she did so every day.
Once Ren Yaoqi was seated, the Princess Consort instructed her, "Miss Yan and Miss Zhao are guests of our Yanbei. They’re around your age, so I’m sure you’ll have plenty to talk about. From now on, you and Jinglin must help me entertain them properly."
Ren Yaoqi obediently replied, "Yes."
The Princess Consort stayed in the hall a while longer, chatting with them until Nanny Xin arrived, seemingly with matters requiring the Princess Consort’s attention. The Princess Consort then said to Ren Yaoqi, "You and Jinglin accompany Miss Yan and Miss Zhao to enjoy themselves. They’ve only recently recovered from illness, so make sure the servants attend to them carefully."
Ren Yaoqi agreed once more, and the group bid farewell to the Princess Consort, leaving the Jiuyang Hall together.
Yan Ningshuang walked with Miss Zhao, while Ren Yaoqi walked with Xiao Jinglin. The four of them walked side by side, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Xiao Jinglin rarely initiated conversations in front of outsiders, and Miss Zhao seemed to be the quiet type. Yan Ningshuang, for some reason, also remained silent. It was Ren Yaoqi who finally asked, "Shall we go to the garden or to Jinglin’s Zhaohua Hall to sit for a while?"
Zhao Yingqiu smiled gently and said, "Either is fine."Yan Ningshuang glanced at Miss Zhao and also smiled. "Why don't we take a stroll around? It's our first time visiting the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. Yingqiu, you can tell Sister Ying'e about it when you return. Although she is the Crown Princess Consort of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, she has never been to Yanbei."
Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but look at Miss Zhao. From Yan Ningshuang's words, it seemed this Zhao Yingqiu had some connection with the Crown Princess Consort.
Meeting Ren Yaoqi's gaze, Zhao Yingqiu explained with a smile, "Crown Princess Consort Zhao Ying'e is my cousin. My father and Ying'e's father are full brothers."
Ren Yaoqi immediately understood.
Crown Princess Consort Zhao Ying'e was the daughter of Princess Chang'an and Beichang Marquis Zhao Cheng. Zhao Cheng was the eldest legitimate son of the old Beichang Marquis and inherited the title after his father's death. The second legitimate son of the old Beichang Marquis held an official position through hereditary privilege. Zhao Yingqiu's father must be that second legitimate son.
No wonder, out of the ten young ladies who came to Yanbei, the Princess Consort had summoned only these two today. Yan Ningshuang was understandable, being a relative from the Empress Dowager's family. Unexpectedly, this Miss Zhao was also a relative by marriage of the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
Xiao Jinglin remained her usual quiet and aloof self today. Ren Yaoqi had to take the initiative to make conversation. "How is the Crown Princess Consort's health?"
Yan Ningshuang answered, "Before I came, I visited the palace. Sister Ying'e... she looks much better now, though her complexion isn't as good as before."
Zhao Yingqiu said with a bitter smile, "She and the Crown Prince were deeply devoted. But the Crown Prince... If not for her pregnancy, I'm afraid she wouldn't have been able to endure."
The atmosphere turned somewhat somber, with Zhao Yingqiu looking sorrowful and melancholic.
Just as Ren Yaoqi was about to take Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu for a walk in the garden to enjoy the flowers, several people approached from the opposite direction.
"Commandery Princess, young ladies, the Old Princess Consort requests your presence," the person leading them said as they stopped before the group.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Xiao Jinglin.
Xiao Jinglin said, "Didn't the Old Princess Consort say earlier that she was unwell?"
The servant replied, "After taking medicine, the Old Princess Consort has improved. Hearing that two young ladies from the capital have arrived at the mansion, she sent me to invite them to Shou'an Hall for a visit."
Xiao Jinglin paused, then could only say, "I'll take them to Shou'an Hall to see the Old Princess Consort. Yaoqi, you go back and inform my mother." Xiao Jinglin, fearing Ren Yaoqi might face unpleasantness before the Old Princess Consort, wanted to send her to the Princess Consort instead.
However, the servant said, "I will send someone to report to the Princess Consort. Commandery Princess, Miss Ren, please come with me with the two young ladies."
Ren Yaoqi gave Xiao Jinglin a look, indicating it was fine. Xiao Jinglin had no choice but to relent.
Thus, the group went together to the Old Princess Consort's Shou'an Hall.
Since the incident in Ningxia, the Old Princess Consort had been in low spirits, especially after her granddaughter Wu Yiyu's marriage. Xiao Wei had tried several times to see her daughter but had been unsuccessful. The Zeng father and son's influence in Ningxia was now on par with the Wu family's, perhaps even slightly stronger. Xiao Wei could do nothing about it.
Xiao Wei had once asked the Old Princess Consort to have the Yanbei Prince's Mansion mediate. However, Xiao Wei's marriage alliance with the Zeng family had been made without informing the Yanbei Prince's Mansion. The Yanbei Prince's Mansion only offered symbolic advice and ultimately let them settle their disputes themselves.Later, Xiao Wei also came to understand that the Yanbei Prince's Mansion likely wished for discord between her and the Zeng family, hoping to reap the benefits of their conflict. Once she realized this, she dared not make too much of a fuss.
Seeing her daughter and granddaughter suffer, how could the Old Princess Consort feel at ease? Yet what could she do? The Prince of Yanbei was not her own flesh and blood, and no one in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was willing to heed her. Her natal family was far away in the capital, and now, with the rise of the Xianwang Residence and the Yanbei Prince's Mansion seemingly forming an alliance with Prince Xian to oppose the imperial court, the Old Princess Consort had even less to rely on.
Thus, the Old Princess Consort fell ill from anger, and in the process, much of her temper was worn away. So, when Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi became engaged, she lacked the energy to cause even a minor disturbance or create trouble for others.
When they entered the hall, the Old Princess Consort sat at the head of the room, still exuding an imposing presence. However, Ren Yaoqi felt that this aura was propped up by her ornate headdress and attire, lacking the natural confidence she had displayed before.
The group stepped forward to pay their respects.
The Old Princess Consort raised her hand, signaling them to rise. Her gaze swept over Ren Yaoqi before settling on Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu. A smile then appeared on her face. "Let me guess—the young lady on the left is from the Yan family, and the one on the right is from the Zhao family."
Yan Ningshuang lifted her sleeve to cover her mouth as she smiled. "How did you guess, Old Princess Consort?"
Zhao Yingqiu also smiled. "Your eyesight is truly remarkable, Old Princess Consort."
"When I was young, I met the Empress Dowager. The Yan family girl bears a five or six out of ten resemblance to how the Empress Dowager looked back then. That leaves the other one as the Zhao family girl." The Empress Dowager spoke to them quite amiably, in contrast to her indifference toward Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi. Though she did not deliberately show them a cold face, the difference was noticeable when compared.
Afterward, Empress Dowager Yan continued conversing with Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu, asking them about matters in the capital. Having married into Yanbei decades ago, the Old Princess Consort still missed her hometown, so the three of them found plenty to talk about.
Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin sat to the side, drinking tea, unable to join the conversation.
However, Ren Yaoqi felt that being ignored was better than being deliberately slighted. At least today, the Old Princess Consort had not tried to embarrass her in front of Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu. For that, she should be content.
After what felt like an eternity of listening to the Old Princess Consort's conversation from the sidelines, the Princess Consort finally sent someone over to invite them for a meal.
But the Old Princess Consort said, "I've found these two girls delightful to talk to. Go back and tell the Princess Consort that I'll keep them here in Shou'an Hall for the meal."
The maid sent by the Princess Consort couldn't help but glance at Xiao Jinglin.
Noticing this, the Old Princess Consort sneered coldly. "What? Am I not allowed to keep guests?"
Xiao Jinglin waved the maid away and said to the Old Princess Consort, "Naturally, it is as you say."
The Old Princess Consort looked at her, then at Ren Yaoqi, and her temper flared again. With some displeasure, she said, "The Yan girl and Zhao girl will stay. You two may go to the Princess Consort for your meal."
Xiao Jinglin took the opportunity to stand up, pulling Ren Yaoqi along as they bowed. "Yes, Grandmother." Her demeanor was entirely compliant.
"After the meal, I'll send someone to fetch you," Xiao Jinglin added, nodding to Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu.
Yan Ningshuang glanced at them, then at the Old Princess Consort, and smiled faintly.
Ren Yaoqi also smiled and nodded at them before leaving Shou'an Hall with Xiao Jinglin.The two returned to the Jiuyang Hall. The Princess Consort said nothing upon seeing them back, and the three sat together for a meal.
After the meal, the Princess Consort indeed sent someone to fetch Yan and Zhao back.
Later, when Yan and Zhao bid farewell to return to the guesthouse, Ren Yaoqi originally intended to leave with them but was stopped by the Princess Consort. After Yan and Zhao departed, the Princess Consort had Nanny Xin bring Leshan and Leshui forward.
“I had Nanny Xin personally train these two maids. They’ll go back with you today. Yunyang City is crowded lately, and there’s much going on. With the Dragon Boat Festival in a few days, having a few more people around you will be more convenient.”
Leshan and Leshui were now dressed in the mansion’s maid attire, looking quite spirited.
Ren Yaoqi hadn’t expected Xiao Jingxi to have them trained under the Princess Consort’s guidance, and her face flushed slightly.
The Princess Consort seemed to understand her thoughts and patted her hand. “Rules are for outsiders. Among family, we do what’s most convenient.”
Ren Yaoqi felt deeply grateful to the Princess Consort upon hearing this.
Thus, when she returned, Ren Yaoqi had two additional maids, Leshan and Leshui, by her side.
Leshan and Leshui were twins. From appearance alone, it was difficult to tell them apart. However, Ren Yaoqi had been familiar with them since their time at the Xianwang Residence. She knew Leshui had a steady temperament, while Leshan was lively. Their body language and subtle expressions also differed slightly. Ren Yaoqi was observant and sharp-eyed; after speaking with them a few times and observing carefully, she could usually tell them apart quickly.
After leaving the Jiuyang Hall, Ren Yaoqi walked while asking Leshan and Leshui a few questions.
Xiao Jinglin, walking beside her, suddenly said, “Can you tell them apart?”
Ren Yaoqi stopped and looked back at the two maids. After a moment’s thought, she pointed to the steadier-looking one on the right, using her usual method of judgment. “This is Leshui.”
The two maids exchanged a glance, and the one just identified as Leshui burst into laughter, blinking as she said, “Miss, I am Leshan.”
Ren Yaoqi examined Leshan more closely and noticed her familiar expressions had returned, with no trace of Leshui left. She couldn’t help but laugh.
Leshui, standing nearby, sighed with relief, a smile on her face as she said cheerfully, “It’s a good thing the young lady didn’t recognize us, or we wouldn’t have been able to leave the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion.” Their trainer had said they must deceive even those close to them to graduate.
Ren Yaoqi: “…”
Why did she see two Leshans? Where had Leshui gone?
Xiao Jinglin smiled quietly beside her, recalling how she had once been fooled by Hongying and Nan Xing.
Xiao Jinglin, as usual, escorted Ren Yaoqi to her carriage before returning. The carriage slowly departed from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion. When it reached the outer hall, Ren Yaoqi glanced outside through the wind-blown curtain and couldn’t help but pause.
She lifted the curtain slightly and looked toward a slightly farther spot.
Yan Ningshuang, who had already left earlier, was unexpectedly still there for some reason, standing by a small pavilion in the mansion’s outer hall and speaking. Across from her stood Xiao Jingxi. He seemed to have just returned from outside, as his cloak was still draped over his shoulders.Ren Yaoqi's hand paused, and she let the curtain fall before Xiao Jingxi turned his head.
The maids exchanged glances, then silently lowered their heads.
Pingguo was silent for a moment, then moved over to pour Ren Yaoqi a cup of tea, speaking somewhat awkwardly, "Miss, have a cup of tea to warm yourself."
Ren Yaoqi took it, lowered her head to take a sip, then looked up to see several maids still staring at her eagerly. She couldn’t help but find it amusing. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”
Leshan and Leshui exchanged a glance. Leshan said, “Miss, please don’t be upset. Perhaps it wasn’t as you saw.”
6k words, including a bonus chapter, to comfort the wronged children. As proof, the author loves you all…
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