Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ still did not show up.

The host invited guests to a banquet, and the guests were all there. The host has been slow to show up, which was very rude.

However, the girls seemed to be accustomed to it, and no one showed any impatience – even if they felt unhappy in their hearts, they would never show it on their faces.

When everyone was about to get impatient, an exquisite and luxurious painting boat slowly came.

The painting boat was quite large, enough to accommodate dozens of people. The rowers were all handsome eunuchs, and the sound of stringed instruments could be heard faintly in the painting boat.

Needless to say, such a cool and high-profile appearance must belong to Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ.

For a time, everyone looked at her sideways.

Ling Jingshu looked at the painting boat with everyone’s eyes, and a bone-chilling chill flashed quickly in her eyes. Both hands quietly exerted force in the wide sleeves and clenched into fists.

When the pleasure boat approached the viewing pavilion, Ling Jingshu regained her composure, smiled, and stood up with everyone to greet them.

The eunuchs set up the wide and sturdy boat planks and then laid out the pure white blankets. The eunuchs and palace maids lined up and got off the pleasure boat…

After a grand ceremony, Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ appeared in front of everyone with dignity and elegance.

Today’s Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ was obviously carefully made up. This appearance was indeed quite stunning.

She wore a purple dress that looked like gauze but not gauze, like silk but not silk. It was light, soft, and bright in color, which perfectly outlined Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ’s beautiful figure. Her black hair was loosely tied into a flowing cloud bun, and a gorgeous golden hairpin was inserted in each of the two steps of the bun. The long tassels hung down to her ears, adding a bit of charm. The lazy phoenix eyes glanced slightly, and the eyes moved slightly, which was already infinitely charming.

In terms of appearance alone, Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ was not the most beautiful. However, this noble and attractive charm was unmatched.

Ling Jingshu’s eyes fell on Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ, who was beside Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ.

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ was indeed a guest of honor. However, after she arrived, she did not go directly to the viewing pavilion but went to accompany Princess Changping.

Under the breathtaking beauty of Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ, Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ looked much duller today. Standing beside Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ, a well-behaved and gentle smile floated on her face.

It seemed that Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ was not a fool who only knew how to show off. She was aggressive towards a girl of far inferior status, but she was much more docile and lovely towards Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ, who was more noble than herself.

After all, what everyone respected was not the frivolous and dissolute Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ, but her gōngzhǔ status.

…

“It took me a long time to dress up, and I kept you waiting for a long time.” Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ smiled before she spoke, but there was not much apology in her voice.

Jiang Rongyue smiled playfully: “It’s true that we waited a long time. However, it’s worth it to witness the peerless beauty of Her Royal Highness.”

hāngpíng Gōngzhǔ was amused and smiled: “Rongyue, you can make me happy just by opening your mouth.”

Su Ying took over the conversation with a smile: “Sister Jiang has finally expressed our thoughts. It seems to be flattering to say so, but not telling the truth goes against my purpose in life. If Her Royal Highness finds these words corny, don’t say them, just save some face for me.”

This series of witty remarks not only made Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ happy but also made the atmosphere harmonious and peaceful.

The girls talked one after another, and it was very lively.

Ling Jingshu listened with a smile and did not interrupt.

The girls who attended the banquet were all from prominent families. She was new here. She couldn’t figure out everyone’s temper for a while, so it was better to keep a low profile.

However, Ling Jingshu wanted to keep a low profile, but the petty and vindictive Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ would not let her go.

“Táng jiě, you are holding a lotus viewing banquet in your house, why did you invite people from the Ling family?” Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ’s voice was not too loud, just loud enough for everyone to hear, and coupled with her contemptuous tone and contemptuous eyes, it was clearly a deliberate humiliation.

Jiang Shi’s face changed immediately.

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ mentioned the Ling family as soon as she opened her mouth, and this was not just directed at Ling Jingshu. If she endured the humiliation and gave in, how could she, the daughter-in-law of the Ling family, have the face to go out and meet people in the future?

Ling Jingyan’s pretty face also flushed with anger. She was the most impulsive and impatient by nature, and without thinking, she blurted out, “What’s wrong with the people of the Ling family? We received the invitation from Her Highness the Princess with dignity and came openly to attend the banquet as guests. What do you mean by saying that?”

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ had originally directed her words at Ling Jingshu. It was only at this moment that she noticed the pretty and charming Ling Jingyan.

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ was not known for her good temper. Being angrily rebuked by Ling Jingyan made her feel humiliated. She gave a cold snort and said, “Isn’t my meaning clear enough? Do you really think you’re qualified to attend the banquet?”

Ling Jingyan: “…”

Ling Jingyan, unable to contain her anger, reflexively clenched her fists and took a step forward… only to be restrained by Ling Jingshu beside her.

Ling Jingshu used a calm look to stop Ling Jingyan’s impulse. Then she took two steps forward. 

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ looked at Ling Jingshu provocatively, sneering in her heart. If she dared to offend her superiors today, she would have a reason to slap her in the face in front of everyone.  It would be best if her face was slapped so that she would never seduce Doctor Wei again. 

… 

No one expected that Ling Jingshu didn’t even look at Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ, but bowed to Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ: “I met Her Royal Highness at the Crown Prince’s Mansion a few days ago. Thank you for your favor and invitation to the Lotus Banquet. We came to the banquet with joy and humility. We don’t want Her Royal Highness’s Lotus Banquet to have any flaws, let alone Your Highness to be unhappy.” 

“Today’s incident was caused by me. Please don’t blame Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ.”

Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ: “…” 

That stubborn girl—last time, she was so sharp-tongued that it nearly infuriated her to death. Why was she so willing to apologize obediently this time?

Such a reaction was totally beyond her expectations! 

Although no one said anything, they looked at her with some disapproval. 

Even Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ was somewhat dissatisfied with her and glared at her: “Fumin, did you take the wrong medicine today? Why are you so angry for no reason? The people of the Ling family are my guests. Are you dissatisfied?”

Once Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ was unhappy, Fúmǐn Jùnzhǔ had to put away all her dissatisfaction and replied cowardly and reluctantly: “Nothing. It’s just that when I met Ninth Miss Ling in Huichun Hall before, we had a few quarrels.”

Huichun  Hall?  Chāngpíng Gōngzhǔ thought about it for a while, and suddenly understood in her heart, and couldn’t help but sneer.  This Fumin really doesn’t know how to live or die.  Is it possible for her to dream of being Doctor Wei?

(To be continued.)