Chapter 88: Attending the Banquet (Part 4)

Xiao Yao easily found her younger sister, who was still engrossed in the lively scene, in the warm pavilion. Where was the promised visit to see Fourth Aunt? Where was the stroll in the garden with her elder sister?

Qian Yu and Qian Xi bowed apologetically to the eldest young lady. The second young lady was so captivated by the excitement that no matter how much they called her, she refused to leave. As maids, what else could they do?

A girl of about ten years old, with round eyes and a rosy complexion, was skillfully folding various shapes with a handkerchief. Xiao Yuan squeezed to the front, fully absorbed in watching and constantly critiquing aloud, “This mouse is too small,” and “This rabbit is a bit skinny.”

Standing behind Xiao Yuan, Xiao Yao was speechless. As an elder sister, she clearly had far less allure than a handkerchief. The word “frustration” couldn’t even begin to describe her feelings at the moment. She used to worry that someone might lure her sister away with food. Now she realized it wasn’t just food—anything novel could make Ruyi follow someone automatically and willingly.

The weight on her shoulders wasn’t light. It seemed there was no better solution than staying by her sister’s side at all times.

The warm pavilion hosted about twenty young ladies. Six or seven older ones were accompanied by Yuan Min, while the younger ones formed groups to play chess or games. Yuan Jing and Yuan Ying moved about among them, creating a lively yet harmonious atmosphere.

Gradually, people began to notice Xiao Yao, who had just entered the room. After all, who didn’t enjoy admiring beauty? Although the beauty before them was still young, she was equally pleasing to the eye.

The older young ladies inwardly rejoiced—thankfully, the newcomer was just a child. Otherwise, they would have gained a formidable competitor out of nowhere. Meanwhile, the younger ones tried to avoid standing too close to Xiao Yao, lest they become mere foils for her charm.

Xiao Yao calmly endured the scrutiny and whispered discussions without concern. If she were intimidated by these young ladies today, she wouldn’t be able to establish herself in the social circles of noblewomen in the capital in the future. At that point, not only she but Ruyi and the entire Xiao family might become laughingstocks, fodder for gossip and ridicule.

She glanced around the room and smiled graciously, completely unfazed by the somewhat peculiar atmosphere.

Some things were beyond her control—such as whether others liked her or the inexplicable hostility and exclusion she faced. Xiao Yao had long come to terms with these realities. She believed in going with the flow, neither forcing nor ingratiating herself. If she met someone she got along with, she’d connect with them. If not, she wouldn’t insist.

Finally realizing the odd atmosphere, Xiao Yuan snapped out of her fascination with the games. Remembering that she had neglected her elder sister, she immediately ran to Xiao Yao with an apologetic expression. She sincerely admitted her fault:

“Sorry, Sister! I won’t leave you alone again next time. Please forgive me this once. I’m begging you!”

Xiao Yao could recite this apology backward at this point. Even Qian Yu and Qian Xi were undoubtedly familiar with it, as evidenced by their indifferent expressions and silence.

There was nothing Xiao Yao could do about her younger sister. She couldn’t bring herself to scold or punish her. All she could do was relent and compromise time and again.

“Who is that young lady?” the handkerchief-folding girl tilted her head and asked Yuan Jing.

“She’s the cousin of my cousin, the eldest granddaughter of General Xiao.”

“She’s so beautiful!” the girl exclaimed enviously. “I have to rely on charm to attract attention, but that young lady doesn’t need to do anything and still draws everyone’s gaze.”

At that moment, a maid entered to invite the young ladies to the dining hall. They paired up and made their way to the banquet.

At the head table, where Princess Jing should have been seated based on her status, Yin Qianhua declared, “Today is a family feast,” and respectfully escorted Madam Yin to the main seat. She herself sat beside her aunt, with several female elders of the Yuan family and in-laws seated around the table.

Xiao Yao and Xiao Yuan were seated with Yuan Jing and several other similarly-aged young ladies at another table, overseen by one of Xiao Yuan’s cousins-in-law.

Yin Qianhua’s gaze briefly lingered on the group of young girls, quickly identifying Xiao Yao. Judging by her seating arrangement, Xiao Yao was either a relative or the daughter of a high-ranking official.

Aware of her mistress’s subtle movements, Qiu Ying approached a senior maid, Lin Mama, and casually struck up a conversation. After a few exchanges, Qiu Ying nonchalantly asked, “That young lady in the blue dress seems unfamiliar. Do you know who she is?”

“Several people have asked me about her today. She’s the eldest granddaughter of General Xiao, the family’s treasure.”

“The same General Xiao who teaches our young master martial arts?”

“That’s right. The young lady and her twin brother were the talk of the capital back when they were born.”

Yin Qianhua overheard the conversation clearly.

So, she’s the granddaughter of General Xiao, the tutor of my son. It seems there’s some connection between us. We’ll likely meet again in the future. This must be the well-mannered and respectable girl my husband mentioned. I should introduce her to my daughter someday.

Xiao Yao had noticed Yin Qianhua as soon as she entered the hall. It seemed she had underestimated the woman’s status. After a brief glance, she paid no further attention. They were unlikely to cross paths again—today’s encounter was merely an accident.

Settling down to eat, Xiao Yao also played the role of her sister’s personal maid, tending to Xiao Yuan while enjoying her meal. She was long accustomed to multitasking in this way. With her small appetite, she quickly felt full and took pleasure in seeing others eat happily.

While the atmosphere among the women was pleasant, the men in the front yard were even more boisterous. General Yuan, with his large extended family and excellent reputation, hadn’t seen many of the guests in over a decade. For the men at the table, drinking was the most straightforward way to express camaraderie, making the lively atmosphere beyond the women’s imagination.

Upon finally seeing his son after the banquet began, Prince Jing noticed Yun Yichen’s sour expression. Had someone bullied his wife in the back? Or had his son gotten into a fight? The prince couldn’t fathom what could make his usually unflappable son so visibly upset.

He glanced at Xiao Anzi for an explanation.

Xiao Anzi, knowing only the gist of it, didn’t think it was a big deal. He was surprised that the usually easygoing young master was suddenly so particular.

General Xiao, noticing Yun Yichen’s displeased face, thought, So, the brat dares to show his father attitude too? Prince Jing may appear glamorous, but it seems he’s pitiable too. Little did he know that Yun Yichen’s sour mood was all due to his granddaughter.

“Old friend,” General Yuan said, patting Xiao’s shoulder, “when I build my martial arts training grounds, you must come to lend a hand.”

“I know you have many grandchildren needing a big place to practice. If you need my help, just ask,” General Xiao readily agreed.

“General Yuan, until your training grounds are built, you could let General Xiao train your grandsons. He’s got plenty of experience,” said Minister Tong, teasing General Xiao, well aware of how much the man wanted to avoid tutoring the royal children.

“Tong, don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Keep your hands off my Ping An. My staff knows no mercy.”

And so, the two old men bickered over Ping An once again, prompting Xiao Jingkang and Tong Guanghui to sigh as they skillfully stepped in to mediate.

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