Jiang Yuansheng frowned as well. He had heard of the Feng family before.

It was said that the emperor had tried to promote Lord Feng several times, but the Feng family had always declined.

And now, there was this hidden younger brother of the Feng family.

Could there be some unknown secret behind all this?

Feng Zhi Yu trembled, hugging herself tightly.

It was unclear whether it was from the cold or from fear.

Sima Ping Ting sneered, “The little princess is still too naive. Don’t let yourself be fooled by someone like her. She’s just shameless, trying to latch onto the Jiang family’s favor with the emperor.”

Even if Jiang Yuansheng knew she was the culprit, what could he do?

As long as all the blame was pinned on Feng Zhiyu and she admitted it, it would have nothing to do with her.

She had leverage over the Feng family. Feng Zhiyu wouldn’t dare expose her.

The more observant ones could tell that this was likely a dispute between Sima Pingting and the Jiang family.

They remained silent, ready to watch the drama unfold.

Feng Zhiyu knew—she absolutely couldn’t admit to anything.

The Feng family had hidden this secret for years.

A single mistake could lead to the extermination of their entire family.

At that moment, Madam Feng hurried over.

When she saw her daughter soaking wet, a flash of pain crossed her eyes.

“I greet the First Prince. Third Prince, Young Masters and Her Highness the Princess.”

Everyone turned to look and was surprised to see the First and Third Prince’s present.

They all quickly bowed.

“I greet the First Prince and Third Prince.”

The two princes stepped forward.

They had only come to spectate, but now that they had been noticed…

“Go on with your questioning. Pretend my brother and I aren’t here.”

They had no intention of getting involved.

Madam Feng let out a sigh of relief.

She gestured for a maid to bring over clothes and draped them over her daughter’s shoulders.

“Third Young Master Jiang, this matter is the Feng family’s fault. We will personally visit to apologize another day. We only ask for your forgiveness for my daughter.”

Jiang Yuanfan and Jiang Yuansheng were puzzled.

Madam Feng didn’t try to defend her daughter?

Instead, she immediately admitted fault.

It seemed like she just wanted to end this matter as quickly as possible.

What exactly was the Feng family hiding?

Hearing Madam Feng’s words, Jiang Yuanxi knew that what she had just said had gone unheard.

Now that her Third Brother’s innocence was cleared, this matter no longer concerned her.

After all, her skills were only in medicine, fighting, and fortune-telling.

Jiang Yuansheng exchanged glances with Jiang Yuanfan.

Jiang Yuanfan understood his meaning. “Since that’s the case, let’s put an end to this matter. I’ll pretend nothing happened.”

Madam Feng was surprised.

The Jiang family had been pressing hard just moments ago.

Why had they suddenly become so easygoing?

She instinctively glanced at Princess Xi He.

But the princess was already looking at her.

Her gaze seemed to say, You’re lying.

Sima Pingting was unwilling to accept this ending.

She huffed coldly, flicked her sleeves, and left.

The crowd dispersed, and the flower appreciation banquet continued.

At this moment, the Fourth Prince, Jun Molin, arrived from another direction.

Madam Feng was taken aback but quickly lowered her head.

Jun Molin walked forward at a leisurely pace. When he saw Jiang Yuanxi, he took out an oil-paper package from his sleeve.

Opening it revealed a greasy chicken drumstick.

Jiang Yuanxi and Chen Xinwan had eaten quite a bit earlier, and after walking for some time, she had digested most of it.

Her eyes locked onto the chicken drumstick, unable to look away.

“Thank you, Fourth Brother,” Jiang Yuanxi said sweetly.

Seeing how happily she ate, Jun Molin smiled slightly.

Jun Mocheng watched in disbelief.

When had his Fourth Brother ever smiled so warmly at him?

And now, he even brought a drumstick for this Jiang family girl.

Oh well… She did save his Fourth Brother, after all.

At that moment, a little eunuch by the Third Prince’s side rushed over.

“Your Highnesses, the banquet is about to begin. The Empress and the other consorts have summoned you.”

Jun Mocheng glanced at the group. “Let’s go together.”

The previous incident had already reached the Empress’s ears.

A senior maid beside the Empress asked, “Your Majesty, do you want to warn the Feng family?”

The Empress pondered. “No need. Since the Jiang family decided to downplay the matter, they must have their reasons.”

The maid bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Before such a grand banquet, there was always music and dance to liven things up.

Since this was hosted by the Empress, all the dancers and musicians were from the palace.

The noblewomen had long been eager to witness the spectacle.

Jiang Yuanxi held her drumstick and watched intently.

【Wow, wow, wow! This is amazing!】

Chen Xinwan sighed. There was no stopping her now.

Her reputation was about to be ruined again.

【Thin waist, nice hips—definitely good for childbirth.】

“Pfft!”

Someone in the crowd spat out their tea.

The concubines above covered their mouths, trying not to laugh.

【That big brother is so handsome! Not as handsome as my big brother, but still pretty good.】

Jiang Yuansheng calmly sipped his tea.

Being handsome was a hassle—he had to listen to his sister’s praises every day.

【Wow, broad shoulders like my Second Brother’s. Leaning on him must feel so safe. Second Sister-in-law is really lucky.】

Beside the Eldest Princess, Mo Yuting blushed deeply.

Someone, please, stop Yuanxi from speaking!

The Grand Princess was thoroughly amused. It seemed the two children had already met.

Later, she would have to review the betrothal gifts that Madam Chen prepared.

Among the men’s seats, Jiang Yuanfan glanced at the person beside him, whose ears were bright red.

He chuckled. “Big Brother, look! Second Brother has turned red.”

Jiang Yuanwu chugged down his tea.

“Get lost.”

“No fun.” Jiang Yuanfan turned back to enjoy the dance, wondering when his beloved would appear.

Jiang Yuanxi sat below, unable to see the full performance, growing anxious.

【I can’t see from here. I need a higher seat.】

She wished she could grab a small stool and stand on it.

The Empress noticed and whispered something to a maid.

The maid approached.

“Madam, Her Majesty the Empress has ordered me to bring the little princess up.”

Before Chen Xinwan could respond, Jiang Yuanxi reached out.

“Carry me up!”

Chen Xinwan shook her head helplessly and agreed.

Once up, Jiang Yuanxi climbed directly into the Empress’s lap.

The Empress actually favored Princess Xihe so much?

The noble sons and daughters below felt relieved.

Good thing they hadn’t pushed the Jiang family too far by the river earlier.

Sima Pingting glared at Jiang Yuanxi.

The Jiang family had escaped this time, but next time, she wouldn’t let her go.

Above, the concubines had enjoyed enough of the dance and began observing the young noblewomen below.

The Empress knew what they were looking for—potential matches.

She had considered finding someone for the Crown Prince, but he was still young. Next year would be more suitable.

She wouldn’t compete with the other concubines for now.

Consort Yu had set her sights on Zhao Rou, the daughter of the Minister of Justice.

“Your Majesty, what do you think of Zhao Rou from Minister Zhao’s family?”

The Empress followed her gaze.

Zhao Rou, dressed in a pale blue gown, sat with perfect posture, standing out in the crowd.

“She looks good, but I don’t know much about her character.”

Consort Yu smiled. “I’ve already investigated. She’s calm and dignified, which suits Mo Xie’s temperament.”

【No way! The First Prince already has someone he likes—it’s Sister Yan!】

Sister Yan…

Consort Yu suddenly remembered something.

When the Jiang family’s second branch was exiled, Moxie had begged the Emperor to spare a girl from their family.

Could that girl be Jiang Yan?