Madam Zhao’s eyes lit up, ignoring Ye Qingyu as she hurried forward. “Oh, Princess Yongjia, your presence truly honors our humble estate.”
Princess Yongjia, dressed in lotus-red silk, radiant and graceful, smiled warmly. “It is my honor to attend your young lady’s coming-of-age ceremony.”
She passed Madam Zhao and greeted Madam Xu. “Madam Gu, Miss Ye—you arrived earlier than I.”
Ye Qingyu followed her aunt in bowing. “Greetings, Princess.”
Madam Zhao personally led Princess Yongjia inside.
Ye Qingyu frowned slightly. Zhao Qianxue had managed to invite Princess Yongjia—quite the display of influence. Yongjia was the only daughter of the Eldest Princess and General Cui, beloved by the Empress Dowager, noble yet unpretentious.
Remembering the princess from her past life, Ye Qingyu’s eyes flickered with suspicion.
Inside, the hall was already filled with noble ladies and young misses. Ye Qingyu spotted Madam Wu and her cousin Ye Qingya seated. “Aunt, I’ll greet Second Aunt,” she said.
“Go ahead,” Madam Xu replied.
Ye Qingya turned, her sulky face lighting up at the sight of Ye Qingyu. She waved eagerly.
Ye Qingyu chuckled—her sister looked like a puppy spotting a bone. Adorable.
Ye Qingya whispered, “Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be sick?”
“I’m fine now,” Ye Qingyu said.
Ye Qingya understood—she had feigned illness to avoid returning to the Marquis’s estate.
Ye Qingyu greeted Madam Fang politely. Madam Fang had already guessed she wasn’t truly ill and said nothing.
Then Ye Qingyu’s gaze fell on someone nearby, her expression chilling. “Second Aunt, who is this?”
Ye Qianqian!
No—she had no right to bear the Ye name now. Lu Qianqian.
Ye Qingya scowled. “A relative from Grandmother’s side. She insisted on coming.”
Lu Qianqian looked fragile and pitiful, her voice trembling. “Greetings, Eldest Cousin.” She turned tearful eyes to Ye Qingya. “Second Cousin, I shouldn’t have listened to Grand-Aunt. I shouldn’t have come. I’ll leave so I don’t trouble you.” Her timid, tearful act made it seem as though she was being bullied.
Ye Qingyu suppressed her fury, smiling gently. “Qianqian, don’t mind Qingya’s bluntness. Since Grandmother sent you, enjoy yourself.”
“But I don’t understand anything. I’ll only cause trouble.”
Ye Qingya rolled her eyes, about to retort, but Ye Qingyu tugged her sleeve. “With you here, Second Sister won’t be bored.”
Madam Fang quickly added, “Yes, Qingya is sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Don’t take offense.”
Ye Qingyu watched Lu Qianqian bask in the attention, her own eyes cold.
Lu Qianqian’s early arrival was unexpected. In her past life, she and her mother had entered the capital with Ye Shuwen, staying outside until Ye Qingyu agreed to adopt him as her brother. Now, with Ye Shuwen sent to the authorities, they must be anxious.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qianxue had invited Shen Mingshu, the Fourth Prince. She wanted to shine before him, not let Ye Qingyu appear. But now, not only had Ye Qingyu come—so had Shen Mingshu’s true favorite.
Today promised to be lively.
The ceremony began. Zhao Qianxue, resplendent in jewels, looked dignified. The officiant recited the ancient rite: “On this auspicious day, you don the adult’s cap, leaving childish ways, embracing virtue…”
The ritual completed, Zhao Qianxue bowed with her parents and received congratulations.
Ye Qingyu noticed Lu Qianqian’s envious glare, her eyes icy.
“His Highness the Fourth Prince arrives!”
Everyone rose to greet him.
Zhao Qianxue blushed, stepping forward. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Shen Mingxiu, elegant and smiling, replied, “Congratulations, Miss Zhao, on your coming-of-age.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, gazing at him with affection.
Ye Qingyu, standing with her aunt, glanced at Lu Qianqian. “Let’s go greet the prince.”
Ye Qingya tugged her sharply. “Behave yourself. This isn’t our house.”
Ye Qingyu realized her sister still thought she was infatuated with Shen Mingxiu. “You’re mistaken. I’ve no interest in him anymore.”
Ye Qingya gave her a skeptical look.
As they approached, Shen Mingxiu greeted Madam Wu and her daughters—but his gaze flickered toward Lu Qianqian, betraying surprise and delight.
Ye Qingyu observed silently. So, he had fallen for Lu Qianqian at first sight.
In her past life, she had never witnessed their first meeting. Now she knew—his affection for Lu Qianqian was real.
Zhao Qianxue, thinking he looked at Ye Qingyu, bit her lip and quickly invited him to the banquet.
Shen Mingxiu agreed, but before leaving, glanced again—seen from Zhao Qianxue’s angle, it seemed directed at Ye Qingyu.
Zhao Qianxue glared at her in hatred, then led Shen Mingxiu away.
Ye Qingyu smirked and followed after them.