Zhao Xian thought to herself, this is bad.
Princess Rongyang—the woman who almost stole the original host’s husband, attempted to force the original host out of her marriage, and even wanted to demote her to a concubine.
When Zhao Xian first transmigrated, she was solely focused on the male and female leads of the tragic novel and had no interest in banquets. Looking back, her aversion likely stemmed from the original host’s memories.
And the reason the original host rarely attended banquets was precisely because of this Princess Rongyang.
It all began when the original host first returned to Jin’an with her husband after his reassignment. During her very first social outing, she suffered a major humiliation at the hands of Princess Rongyang.
If Princess Rongyang had been a gracious competitor, the original host might have been willing to engage in some rivalry. But she was a sore loser who loved to flaunt her status, forcing the original host to choose avoidance.
It was after that incident that Jiang Liangxu invited Nanny He to assist the original host.
Suppressing the surge of emotions within her, Zhao Xian silently reassured herself: Stay calm, sister. It’s just a former love rival. Whoever loses composure first becomes the laughingstock. Hold steady.
Perhaps the self-suggestion worked, as she felt her body relax slightly, and a sense of ease washed over her.
Zhao Xian felt a tinge of regret. It seemed her plan to let Li Lianniang make a dazzling debut today would have to be abandoned.
Turning her gaze to Princess Rongyang seated at the head of the room, Zhao Xian calmly stepped forward, performed the Wanfu Li, and said, “Your humble subject pays respects to Princess Rongyang. May the Princess enjoy eternal peace.”
Princess Rongyang looked down condescendingly at the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bowing before her. After a long moment, she gestured vaguely with her hand and said, “Rise. Prepare a seat for Madam Jiang.”
The seat arranged by the servants was quite far from the head of the room, and there was only one stool. Li Lianniang had no choice but to stand alongside the servants.
Clearly, all of this had been orchestrated by someone.
Zhao Xian now understood why the original host rarely attended banquets—it was simply impossible to avoid Princess Rongyang.
If they were to compare based on their husbands’ official ranks, Princess Rongyang’s husband was still stuck at the fifth rank, whereas Jiang Liangxu had already climbed to the third rank in his thirties.
In terms of Gaoming status, Zhao Xian outranked Princess Rongyang. But the Princess simply refused to play by those rules.
“This is the first time I’ve met your eldest daughter-in-law. She is quite a beauty. You are fortunate, Madam Jiang.”
Although the words were complimentary, the tone and the look in her eyes carried a hidden meaning, inexplicably giving off a sarcastic and insincere vibe.
Zhao Xian sighed inwardly. Had she known someone would throw their weight around like this, she would have declined the invitation to the Shanghua Yan by claiming illness.
But now, she had no choice but to brace herself and deal with it. Smiling at Li Lianniang, she said, “Eldest daughter-in-law, the Princess is praising you. Quickly thank her.”
Li Lianniang curtsied and expressed her gratitude, embodying obedience and docility.
Princess Rongyang’s punch landed on cotton, but this wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened. She was already accustomed to it.
This was also why she looked down on Zhao Xian even more—a timid, ignorant village woman, exuding pettiness from head to toe. How could she possibly be worthy of that man?
After Li Lianniang expressed her thanks, Zhao Xian hurriedly added, “My daughter-in-law is rather shy. If her manners are lacking in any way, I hope the Princess will be understanding.”
She wanted to get this out in the open now, so there would be no unnecessary trouble later.
Zhao Xian had no intention of confronting Princess Rongyang head-on. For one, the Princess held a higher rank and status. For another, even if she won the argument, it would bring her no benefit and only make her a spectacle.
The original host had seen this very clearly.
Now that she had encountered Princess Rongyang, Zhao Xian was worried about unexpected incidents. All she wanted was to safely endure this Shanghua Yan.
Peonies were arranged in Hua Ting, and she pretended to be engrossed in admiring the flowers, avoiding conversation with others.
She also hoped that Princess Rongyang, with her air of superiority, would not speak to her.
“I heard Madam Jiang personally took care of her daughter-in-law during her postpartum confinement, even moving into the young couple’s room. She is truly attentive.”
A completely unfamiliar voice rang out.
The lady spoke in a sarcastic tone, her voice somewhat shrill, instantly catching everyone’s attention.
In Hua Ting, familiar ladies began exchanging meaningful glances.
‘Look, it’s starting.’
‘Who is that speaking? She looks unfamiliar.’
They were naturally aware of the rumors, but to bring it up in public—which lady could be so thoughtless?
However, life had been dull, and such gossip inevitably piqued curiosity, far more interesting than sitting around admiring flowers.
Thus, although everyone sat upright, their eyes were busy.
Though Hua Ting was extremely quiet, it seemed filled with unspoken words.
Zhao Xian did not recognize the lady who spoke, but judging by her proximity to Princess Rongyang, they likely had a good relationship. She nodded and said, “Yes, yes, one must be attentive to one’s own daughter-in-law.”
The lady’s expression froze. That’s it? Shouldn’t she explain further?
“Hmph, Madam Jiang is indeed very attentive, moving in right after the woman gave birth. If it were me, I couldn’t stand the smell.”
Zhao Xian looked the speaking lady up and down. She truly did not recognize her. Although the original host rarely attended banquets, she wasn’t entirely reclusive. Moreover, having been taught by Nanny He, she had a general understanding of the various ladies, but she had no memory of this particular one. “May I ask what your husband’s surname is?”
The lady didn’t understand why Zhao Xian suddenly asked about her husband’s family. Glancing at Princess Rongyang and reassured by the princess’s support, she replied without fear, “Zhou.”
Zhao Xian nodded and sincerely suggested, “Madam Zhou, you should replace the servants in your household.”
Someone couldn’t help but chuckle, quickly masking it amidst the crowd.
Madam Zhou looked bewildered, as if she didn’t understand why the conversation about Jiang Jia had shifted to her household’s servants.
“What Madam Zhou meant is that the delivery room is unclean. Even after cleaning, the presence of blood is inauspicious,” another lady chimed in, steering the topic back.
Zhao Xian glanced at the other lady who had spoken. Were they determined to cause trouble for her today?
Li Lianniang was somewhat worried. These people were clearly targeting her mother-in-law.
Zhao Xian subtly straightened her posture, calm and composed. “If that’s the case, then wouldn’t all the ladies here who have given birth have emerged from unclean places? In the eyes of you two ladies, are we dirty? And inauspicious?”
The expressions of the two ladies changed abruptly. The ladies present were all of higher status than them—they dared not offend everyone.
Madam Zhou shook her head, trying to explain, “No, that’s not…”
“Childbirth is inherently dangerous, akin to walking through the gates of hell. Those unlucky may even lose their lives. I have a small question—I wonder if you two ladies could answer it for me?”
From the fabric and accessories of their clothing, it was clear their status was inferior to the original host. If she couldn’t intimidate them now, who would dare to bully her in the future?
Although she addressed the two ladies, Zhao Xian had no intention of giving them a chance to speak. She continued:
“The babies in swaddling clothes, the precious grandsons, all come from beneath women’s skirts. How is it that they become treasured jewels, while those who bear these jewels are seen as sources of filth? What kind of twisted logic is that? Shouldn’t they be the greater treasures?”
Zhao Xian paid little attention to those two women. Glancing in Princess Rongyang’s direction, she continued:
“Madam Zhou and Madam Sun may belittle and look down upon themselves, but do not group me or my daughter-in-law with you. My daughter-in-law gave birth to my Jiang family’s eldest granddaughter; she is the one who has contributed the most to our family. Taking care of her during her confinement is only right and proper.”
A lady spoke up: “Madam Jiang is right.”
“As fellow women, we all know the pain of childbirth. How can anyone use this to stab at another’s sore spot?”
“Perhaps they’ve never seen a kind-hearted mother-in-law and are jealous and resentful.”
All the ladies present were skilled in the intricacies of the inner household. Their veiled and open sarcasm left the two women’s faces alternating between green and white.
Zhao Xian stood up and looked around at the assembled ladies and young misses, smiling brightly as she said, “Since we’re on the topic, my Xiu Jie’er’s Manyue Jiu is set for the twenty-first day of the third month. You must all come.”
Immediately, a lady expressed her intent: “Then I must certainly go for a drink to share in the joy.”
Before long, Zhao Xian was surrounded by quite a few ladies.
Not everyone present was a fool. Lord Jiang was currently highly favored by the emperor.
Although Princess Rongyang held the title of princess, Duan Wang was merely an idle prince, and her own husband lacked ambition.
When out in society, people flattered her because she was royalty.
But when it came to actual interests and connections, Madam Jiang was actually more popular within inner household circles. It was just a pity she seldom went out.
Today was an opportunity not to be missed; everyone wanted to step forward and exchange a few words with her.
One lady asked her close friend beside her: “The Jiang family has a younger son too, right? How old is he?”
“I remember he’s fifteen or sixteen. He’s quite sensible too—joined the City Guard Battalion at such a young age. If only my son were as hardworking and unafraid of hardship as him,” her friend replied, then teased with a smile, “What? Thinking of matchmaking for your daughter?”
The lady raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
All of them were seasoned in the ways of the inner household. Whether Madam Jiang genuinely cared for her daughter-in-law, they couldn’t be sure.
But her daughter-in-law was standing right there. Whether she had been mistreated was obvious at a glance. A living example was far more convincing than empty words.
Previously, they had all thought Madam Jiang acted rashly. But now it seemed that if a daughter were to marry into a family with such a mother-in-law, any mother would feel more at ease. Moreover, the Jiang family’s status was not low.
Princess Rongyang lowered her gaze, silently cursing them as useless, and said, “Let’s not dwell on unpleasant topics. Everyone, enjoy the flowers.”
However, her words did not elicit much response. The guests had already begun chatting among themselves.
A servant presented tea. Princess Rongyang took the cup, lifted the lid slightly, and after a long moment with her eyes downcast, she raised her eyelids slightly, her gaze dark and unfathomable as it settled on Zhao Xian.