Chapter 100: Incense Offering (IV)

The dining room table was already set. Steam rose from the freshly prepared vegetarian dishes, filling the air with a tempting aroma. Plates of Luo Han Zhai (Arhat Vegetarian Dish), braised water bamboo shoots in tomato sauce, red bean curd stew, Four Happiness Vegetarian Dish, mushroom soup with three delicacies, and an assortment of stir-fried vegetables, vegetarian chicken, and vegetarian fish were brought to the table one after another.

Once Yun Yichen arrived, everyone took their seats. The Princess Consort of Jing sat at the head of the table, flanked by her son on one side and Madam Qin on the other. Xiao Yao happened to sit directly across from Yun Yichen. With esteemed guests present, the Xiao family adjusted their usual habit of chatting during meals, leaving Xiao Yuan restless. Xiao Yao, smiling brightly, both served her dishes and gently comforted her.

Even with the delicious food and her sister by her side, the quiet dining atmosphere made Xiao Yuan feel very uncomfortable.

“Ruyi, what’s wrong?” asked Yin Qianhua, who had been observing her for a while. She was worried the child might be feeling unwell.

“Nothing, nothing,” Xiao Yuan replied hurriedly. It was just a little stifling, but she knew this wasn’t her home and had to endure it.

“Madam Xiao, is the child unwell?”

“Not at all, Princess Consort. It’s just that we don’t adhere to the rule of silence during meals at home. Today’s quiet dining environment is probably a bit unfamiliar to her,” Qin explained with a smile.

Xiao Yuan nodded quickly in agreement. Not being able to talk while eating was sheer torture.

“Feel free to speak if you wish,” Yin Qianhua said with a smile, encouraging her niece. This child was amusing, and the Xiao family’s customs were truly unique—such an extraordinary family!

“Really?” Xiao Yuan glanced nervously at Yun Yichen. Compared to her aunt, the Princess Consort, it was the heir that intimidated her more. Why couldn’t he smile or say much? His dour demeanor wasn’t just unpleasant for himself—it also cast a shadow over everyone around him!

Yin Qianhua noticed her niece’s apprehension and hoped her son would offer an encouraging smile—or at least a polite response. But no, he remained as cold and reserved as ever, risking scaring the little girl even more.

Sensing the attention on him, Yun Yichen felt a bit awkward. He didn’t mind people talking during meals, but the situation today was complicated. If he allowed his cousin to speak, the little girl beside her might take the opportunity to tattletale about him.

“If you have something to say, go ahead. Otherwise, it really is quite stifling,” Yin Qianhua finally said herself, seeing no help from her son.

“Exactly! Speaking while eating makes the mood better, the food tastier, and the body healthier!” Xiao Yuan explained animatedly.

“You have a point,” Yin Qianhua agreed. Privately, she often chatted with her husband during meals, so she resonated with the sentiment.

“Sister, do you like the food here? I think the Luo Han Zhai is quite delicious,” Xiao Yuan said, trying to bring her sister into the conversation.

Xiao Yao smiled and nodded. Today’s vegetarian dishes were indeed well-prepared, which surely had much to do with the Princess Consort’s presence. Ordinary officials’ families wouldn’t receive such treatment.

“Sister, why aren’t you saying anything?” Xiao Yuan asked curiously.

Even Yun Yichen glanced at Xiao Yao, wondering if she was waiting for the perfect moment to complain about him. A cunning little fox, indeed.

Xiao Yao, however, had decided to speak as little as possible today to avoid unnecessary trouble with the heir. The Princess Consort was kind and warm, leaving her with a good impression, and she didn’t want the atmosphere ruined by a spoiled brat’s antics.

“Ping’an, feel free to speak your mind as well. Don’t hold back,” Yin Qianhua encouraged.

Yun Yichen looked at Xiao Yao in surprise. Was this the chance she had been waiting for?

Without acknowledging Yun Yichen’s expression, Xiao Yao responded politely, “Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort, but I have nothing to say.”

“The two girls are delightful. I hope to invite them to my daughter’s birthday celebration in a few days. Madam Xiao, would you permit this?” Yin Qianhua asked.

“Princess Consort, it would be our honor. Of course, we agree,” Qin said, delighted. Receiving such an invitation was an unexpected honor.

“What do you two think?” Yin Qianhua turned to the sisters.

Now you ask for our opinion? As if we could say no! Xiao Yao thought to herself.

“Thank you, Princess Consort, for tolerating our naughtiness,” Xiao Yao said evasively.

“Go to the Wang residence? I’ve never been there before!” Xiao Yuan exclaimed excitedly.

“Not the Wang residence. I plan to hold the birthday celebration at my villa. With Han Side-Consort and her daughter in the residence, it’s hard to enjoy such occasions there. A celebration at the villa will be more cheerful and relaxing,” Yin Qianhua explained.

“When is the Princess’s birthday?” asked Tong Mingyu, redirecting the conversation to avoid potential awkwardness. It was well-known in the capital that the Princess Consort and the side consort didn’t get along.

“February 23rd.”

“Wow! That’s just three days apart from my sister’s birthday. Sister, the Princess is older than you!” Xiao Yuan teased mischievously.

“Perhaps Ping’an and Ruonan will become good friends by then,” Yin Qianhua said, expressing her wish. Xiao Yao had a warm and likable aura that made people want to draw close to her.

“I would be honored to have the opportunity to meet the Princess,” Xiao Yao said with a smile.

Yun Yichen jabbed his chopsticks into his bowl with frustration. He shouldn’t have come today. Just when he thought he’d regained some ground, his mother invited them to the villa for his sister’s birthday. Annoying!

Xiao Yao caught his reaction, thinking, how much does someone have to dislike another to react this strongly? She wished she had checked her fortune before leaving home today.

After the vegetarian meal, both families bid farewell to the abbot and boarded their carriages to return to the capital.

“Ping’an, Ruyi, a carriage will come to pick you up on the 23rd,” Yin Qianhua reminded from her window as they departed.

“Princess Consort, we’ll remember,” Xiao Yuan replied cheerfully.

Xiao Yao wanted to decline. She never wanted to see this heir again. Did being royalty give him the right to throw tantrums at others? As the eldest daughter of a general’s family, why should she endure such unfounded rudeness?

“Of course, they’ll remember your words, Princess Consort. Please go ahead,” Tong Mingyu said, noticing Xiao Yao’s polite yet distant demeanor. Something seemed off about her daughter’s attitude today.

The Wang residence carriage traveled smoothly, returning them to the capital within an hour. After parting ways at an intersection, Yin Qianhua had the Xiao family safely escorted back to their residence on Qi Guan Street.

At dinner, the Xiao family resumed their tradition of cheerful conversation during meals.

“Finally, we can talk freely again,” Xiao Yuan sighed with relief.

“I thought you were so happy to meet the Princess Consort that you’d want to move into the Wang residence!” Xiao Rui, her older brother, teased.

“I’d never want to live there! No talking during meals and that heir acting like everyone owes him money. There’s no place like home,” Xiao Yuan retorted.

“The Yun boy has always been like that—reserved and unsociable. Except for the Prince of Jing, the Ninth Prince, and the grandson of Duke Mu, I’ve hardly seen him interact with anyone,” General Xiao remarked objectively.

Reserved? More like seriously troubled, Xiao Yao thought to herself. He might have suffered some emotional trauma. Otherwise, why would he behave this way toward her?

“Today, the Princess Consort invited Ping’an and Ruyi to attend the Princess’s birthday celebration. Second daughter-in-law, from tomorrow, focus solely on making clothes and selecting jewelry for them. If they need anything, and it’s not in our treasury, come to me,” Qin instructed.

“We don’t need to overdo it. Just treat it as a regular banquet. The Xiao family’s children don’t need to bow to others’ opinions or go out of their way to flatter anyone. Ping’an, Ruyi, remember this—if someone sincerely wishes to befriend you, you may reciprocate. But if anyone treats you poorly, don’t hold back. Defend yourselves,” General Xiao advised, his tone firm and distinct.

Ping’an silently sighed. After enduring a day of mistreatment, she knew some people were beyond reproach or confrontation. Her grandfather’s advice, while well-meaning, didn’t always hold up in reality.

“Especially Ping’an—if any young lady dares bully you again, come back and tell me. I’ll go smash their family’s gates!”

The family exchanged glances before collectively sighing.

“I’ve been looking for women skilled in martial arts among our subordinates’ families. Once I’ve found suitable candidates, I’ll assign a few to protect Ping’an and Ruyi,” the General continued.

“That’s a good idea,” Xiao Jingkang agreed, as the sisters would have more social engagements in the future.

“Excellent plan,” Xiao Jingtai concurred.

“I think so too,” Xiao Jingyan added, unusually serious.

“If anyone dares bully my granddaughters, let the bodyguards throw them out! That’ll save Ping’an and Ruyi the trouble of dealing with them,” the General said smugly, stroking his beard.

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed his words.

---