Rong Rong simply smiled without responding.

Princess Jing’s comment was partly directed at her and partly at Princess Su.

If Rong Rong were to speak for herself, she would agree that Princess Su probably shouldn’t have invited her, so she stayed silent and looked toward Princess Su.

Princess Su, well aware of Princess Jing’s temperament, remained calm.

She stood up and invited Rong Rong to sit beside her. “Miss Rong Rong is welcome at the Eastern Palace and the Kunning Palace, so naturally, the gates of Prince Su’s residence are open to her as well.”

“You certainly know how to talk,” Princess Jing replied, her smile faltering as she realized Princess Su was deflecting by mentioning the Empress and Crown Prince.

Princess Jing had always been on good terms with Princess Su, but seeing her lower herself to please Rong Rong today left her feeling somewhat disdainful.

Princess Zhaoyang, who had been quietly observing, had her own thoughts swirling in her mind.

She didn’t intend to get involved in the subtle conflict between the two princesses, so she smiled lightly at Rong Rong and said, “I heard that recently Miss Rong Rong moved out of the Eastern Palace?”

Rong Rong lowered her gaze. “It was just a fortunate coincidence that I caught the young prince’s eye, so I went to the Eastern Palace to keep him company. Now that the Old Duke has moved into the palace and can accompany him, it’s time for me to return home.”

“That’s true. You were only a guest in the Eastern Palace at young Yuan Bao’s invitation. You can come and go as you please,” Princess Zhaoyang agreed.

“I heard Miss Rong Rong was staying at the Yuhua Palace,” Princess Jing said with a curious tone.

Everyone knew that Yuhua Palace was the Crown Prince’s residence, and the moment Princess Jing brought it up, a hint of sarcasm appeared on Princess Jing’s face.

All this talk about being a guest—it was nothing more than someone to warm the bed.

But Rong Rong remained composed. “Since young Prince Yuanbao was at Yuhua Palace, naturally, I stayed there as well.”

Sensing the tension in the air, a maid behind Princess Su added, “Today, young Prince Yuanbao and the Old Duke have also come to the residence. They are currently playing with the heir.”

“In that case, instruct the kitchen to prepare some delicate pastries to send over. Yuan Bao has always loved the pastries from this residence,” Princess Su said.

The maid smiled and added, “The Prince specifically sent word that Princess Su should enjoy the flowers without worry—he is personally accompanying them.”

Princess Su nodded, glancing subtly at Princess Jing.

It was clear that the Old Duke and Yuanbao had come to the residence today to support Rong Rong.

While Yuan Bao was just a four-year-old child, the Old Duke was a shrewd and experienced figure.

His presence here was a deliberate move to back Rong Rong.

Princess Jing, being timid, immediately withdrew under Princess Su’s gaze and went to get some food.

Princess Zhaoyang, however, coldly smiled and said nothing.

Finally breaking her silence, Princess Qing asked, “My grandfather has come to the residence?”

Princess Su nodded.

“Then I’ll go pay my respects to him,” Princess Qing said as she stood up and left.

As Princess Qing walked away, it was clear to everyone that she was upset.

The expressions on the others’ faces were filled with hidden meanings.

The news that the old Duke of An Guo had moved to live in the Eastern Palace had spread far and wide.

For an elderly man, it wasn’t surprising that his attitude softened after meeting such an adorable great-grandson.

However, today’s invitation was addressed to Rong Rong, and the old Duke came along with her.

It seemed that in the old Duke’s eyes, Princess Qing, his own granddaughter, wasn’t as important as Rong Rong.

“Second sister-in-law, has everyone you invited arrived?” asked Princess An Yang with a smile, sensing the strange atmosphere at the table. Unlike her peer, Princess Zhaoyang, who was good at socializing, An Yang’s attempt to ease the tension came off a bit stiff.

“There’s still one guest who hasn’t arrived,” replied Princess Su, gently waving her fan.

“The other day, when I sent the invitation to the Qing Prince’s mansion, our fifth sister-in-law asked me to invite Miss Muchen from the Wei Yuan Marquis’ household as well.

So I sent the invitation there, but the marquis’ wife mentioned that Miss Muchen was unwell and might not be able to come.”

Princess Jing sighed with a smile, “Miss Muchen fell into the water at the Eastern Palace. She probably needs more time to recover.”

Princess Zhao Yang chimed in, “Really? She was just at the palace yesterday to visit the Empress, so she must be feeling much better.”

“Miss Muchen will soon be part of our family. It’s only right to invite her to join us for flower viewing,” Princess Jing added, her tone somewhat sarcastic.

Everyone present knew about the Emperor’s decree to marry Liang Muchen to Prince Qing as a concubine, except for Rong Rong, who was hearing this for the first time.

As soon as she returned to her home in Wutong Lane, it felt like she had returned to normal life, far removed from the world of princes and princesses.

Rong Rong had noticed the way Liang Muchen looked at the Crown Prince—so captivated and focused.

Could Liang Mu Chen really accept marrying Prince Qing, and as a concubine no less?

Princess Gong snorted, “You and I are proper princesses. A mere concubine—no matter how nicely you put it, she’s still just a concubine, and if you’re blunt, she’s practically a servant. How could she be considered part of the family?” With numerous concubines in the Gong Prince’s mansion, it was clear that Princess Gong found it hard to consider a concubine as family.

Princess Jing, who actually shared Princess Gong’s sentiments, was more timid by nature and lacked Princess Gong’s bluntness.

Realizing she had touched a nerve and provoked Princess Gong, she quickly fell silent.

Princess Zhaoyang’s gaze shifted subtly to Rong Rong.

Although Liang Muchen wasn’t present, it was clear that Princess Gong’s sharp words were aimed at Rong Rong.

Just as the sisters-in-law were exchanging barbs, Princess Zhaoyang suddenly brightened. “Sister Muchen, you’ve arrived! Why are you just standing there? Come and sit down.”

Only then did everyone turn around and see Liang Muchen standing not far away, having apparently heard everything Princess Gong had just said.

Feeling a bit guilty, Princess Su quickly stood up and personally led Liang Muchen over. “We were just wondering why you hadn’t arrived yet. Everyone’s here now, just waiting for you.”

Liang Muchen was dressed simply today, in a moon-white outfit with a green cloak, looking like a fresh and graceful lotus leaf.

The two princesses and the four princesses’ wives were seated next to each other, and the only vacant seat was beside Rong Rong.

Princess Su arranged for Liang Muchen to take a seat and then turned to a nearby maid. “Go see why Princess Qing hasn’t joined us yet. Everyone else is already here.”

“Here she comes,” Princess Qing responded with a light laugh as she approached.

Noticing that Liang Muchen had already sat down, she remarked, “Muchen, why are you sitting so far away? It makes it hard to chat.”

Princess Jing glanced at Rong Rong and Liang Muchen and said in a cool tone, “Isn’t that seat just fine? Or are you thinking of giving up your spot?”

Princess Qing, unfazed, kept her smile. “Oh, Sister-in-law, we all live in the same residence. It’s better to be kind to each other.”

“You’ve just arrived, but as more people come, you’ll see how tough it gets.”

Princess Qing was known for her beauty and intelligence, but every time Rong Rong saw her, she felt that Princess Qing also had an air of composure and grandeur.

Hearing her words now, however, made Rong Rong feel a slight chill.

Princess Qing had arrived before both Rong Rong and Liang Muchen, sitting among the princesses and other royal ladies with no empty seats nearby.

Yet she still questioned why Liang Muchen, who had arrived last, didn’t sit closer—clearly trying to provoke someone into speaking up.

This so-called “talented lady” didn’t seem all that impressive after all.

Rong Rong glanced at Liang Muchen, noticing her expression was somewhat dazed and distant.

She had become noticeably thinner, probably not having a good time lately. Concerned, Rong Rong asked gently, “Miss Muchen, has your health improved recently?”

Liang Muchen snapped out of her thoughts, surprised that Rong Rong would speak to her.

She forced a smile and replied, “I’m much better now. I’ve been following the imperial physician’s prescriptions. After falling into the water, I’ve mostly just been feeling cold, nothing more serious.”

Everyone knew that Liang Muchen’s life had taken a dramatic turn after that incident.

Hearing her mention it so openly now, many turned to look at her.

Some admired her, while others thought she was simply giving up on herself—losing even the basic dignity expected of a noblewoman.

All kinds of gazes were directed toward Liang Muchen, some sympathetic, others sharp and judgmental.

“While others were adding insult to injury, only Miss Rong Rong extended a helping hand,” Princess Zhaoyang suddenly praised.

Rong Rong was caught off guard by Zhaoyang’s compliment, especially since it indirectly criticized everyone else present.

What Rong Rong didn’t know was that since she entered the room, Zhaoyang’s eyes had been on her.

Zhaoyang was currently the most favored princess in the palace.

People saw her as a pampered princess, getting whatever she wanted, but to Zhaoyang, every bit of her status was hard-earned.

Her mother had passed away early, and none of the other concubines were interested in raising her.

In the end, it was an elderly consort who took her in.

Although the Empress ran the inner palace with strict discipline, ensuring that Zhaoyang was never short of anything, she had quickly learned the harsh rules of palace survival.

Not having a mother turned out to be an advantage in front of the Empress.

Though the Empress was a cold person, Zhaoyang had spent over a decade playing the role of the dutiful daughter, finally earning some favor.

A princess’s future wasn’t as secure as a prince’s.

Once married, she would have a princess’s residence but no land or official position.

Zhaoyang knew that her future largely depended on the Crown Prince, who would be the next ruler.

While the Crown Prince was always kind to his three sisters, there was no deeper bond.

Over the past couple of years, as their father’s health declined and his episodes of severe headaches became more frequent, Zhaoyang grew increasingly anxious.

However, the Crown Prince was too astute; any attempt to get close might only irritate him.

Knowing that the Crown Prince was especially fond of Yuanbao, Zhaoyang had tried to win over the young prince’s favor whenever she could.

Unfortunately, Yuanbao didn’t seem very interested in her.

Back in the Imperial Garden, Princess Zhao Yang had already noticed Rong Rong.

The Crown Prince had brought such a beautiful maid to the palace, which clearly meant he liked her.

Zhaoyang, confident in her status, didn’t think much of a maid, even if she was favored.

At that time, the Emperor and Empress were openly planning to marry Liang Muchen to the Crown Prince, so it seemed the best choice for Zhaoyang was to befriend Liang Mu Chen.

But things turned out differently…

At first, Zhaoyang thought Liang Muchen was just unlucky, but as time passed, she started to sense something else.

Liang Muchen had her accident in the Eastern Palace, and the Empress harshly scolded the Crown Prince afterward.

Could it be that Liang Muchen’s fall into the water was orchestrated by the Crown Prince?

Still, even if Liang Muchen was out of the picture, the position of Crown Princess wouldn’t go to a maid like Rong Rong.

However, the more impossible it seemed, the more Zhaoyang couldn’t help but wonder about it.

The Crown Prince had never been one to follow the rules, especially when it came to women.

Four years ago, he had refused to marry Princess Qing just because of the death of a palace maid, and now, four years later, he might reject the Emperor and Empress’s chosen bride, Liang Muchen, in favor of Xue Rongrong.

As the Crown Prince, the only ones who could stop him were the Emperor and Empress.

If… well, if it came to that, the decision of who would be Crown Princess would be entirely up to him.

Zhaoyang had initially planned to slowly find a way to befriend Rongrong, but seeing Princess Su’s attitude today, it was clear she wasn’t the only one who had figured this out.

And then… the few inconspicuous pearls in Rongrong’s hair caught her eye.

Others might not recognize them, but Zhaoyang knew they were luminous pearls from the new tribute by the foreign tributes.

Ten were given to the Emperor, and five to the Crown Prince.

The five pearls from the Eastern Palace were now all in Rong Rong’s hair.

These Foreign pearls were smaller than those from the South Seas and couldn’t be used for lighting.

Last time Zhaoyang visited the Empress, she was fretting about what to do with them!

Rong Rong had cleverly scattered these five pearls throughout her hairstyle, which must look like stars at night—a truly brilliant idea.

Zhaoyang made up her mind: this was a rare opportunity, and she couldn’t afford to miss it.

Simple flattery wouldn’t be enough to win over Rong Rong; she needed to publicly show her support.

“Your Highness flatters me,” Rong Rong replied.

Zhao Yang shook her head, smiling brightly. “It’s no flattery. Before, I wondered why little Yuan Bao insisted on inviting you to the Eastern Palace.

Now I see how thoughtful you are, and it all makes sense. Second sister-in-law’s kitchen is famous for its soups. This is your first visit, along with Sister Muchen, so you must try this sour pear soup.”

The others listened to Zhaoyang’s praise, their expressions turning interesting.

Zhaoyang was usually only respectful in front of the Empress and never this warm with her other royal siblings.

Princess Su, knowing Zhaoyang was a clever woman, said with a smile, “Look at that! Zhaoyang could be the host here at our Su Wangfu.”

“It’s only because I was getting bored sitting here and had to take over. You’re not mad at me, are you?”

“Not mad at all! I’m just glad you’re here to take good care of our guests!”

Zhaoyang, seizing the moment, smiled and said, “I heard from Second Brother that there are new boats at the manor. Why don’t we go for a boat ride?” She turned her gaze to Rong Rong.

Earlier, Princess Gong’s sharp words had made the situation awkward, and although Princess Su was clever, she wasn’t great at arguing and didn’t want to lose face by retaliating.

She was worried that things might go wrong today and offend Rong Rong.

So when Zhaoyang suggested the boat ride, Princess Su agreed immediately, “They’re not really boats, just small ones that can fit two or three people.”

“Perfect,” Zhaoyang said, warmly taking Rong Rong’s hand. “Let’s take a boat and have some fun.”

Rong Rong had already wanted to get away from Princess Gong and the others, so she gladly stood up.

As she was about to leave, she turned to Liang Muchen and asked, “Do you want to come along?”