Consort Wei looked down on Wang Qingyao, believing she only resorted to underhanded tactics and lacked integrity.
Upon hearing this, Liuxing became anxious. "Your Ladyship, didn't the Old Imperial Consort say you only needed to kowtow outside? Why are you waiting here?"
Consort Wei smiled faintly. "You don't understand. I want to force Princess Wang to say whether she will see me or not. If she lets me in, then I can mention the Old Imperial Consort's words, wouldn't that be slapping her in the face?"
"What if she doesn't let you in?"
"Even better if she doesn't let me in. The Old Imperial Consort already told me I didn't need to enter to pay respects. Wouldn't that still be slapping the face of Princess Ding'an?"
Liuxing thought it over carefully and realized it was indeed so.
"Your Ladyship is wise." She bowed slightly, flattering her.
Consort Wei revealed a triumphant smile.
Inside the room, Wang Qingyao, with her clairvoyant eyes, saw Consort Wei's smug expression clearly.
However, she found it strange, not understanding what Consort Wei was so pleased about.
Xiao Yun had already gone to the Ministry of Revenue.
A prince taking a consort was a minor but significant joyous occasion, and by rights, he should have had a wedding leave. However, Xiao Yun didn't take it seriously and continued his duties at the Ministry of Revenue.
Though he was only the acting Minister of Revenue, he had held the position for quite some time.
Yinzhu leaned close to Wang Qingyao's ear and offered a wicked suggestion.
"Ignore her. Let her stand there all morning and roast!"
Wang Qingyao was amused and exasperated. "Am I that petty?"
"Your Ladyship, this has nothing to do with being petty. It's purely because those Wei family members are so detestable!"
Yinzhu deeply remembered what had happened at the Wei family's lotus banquet last year!
If the beam above is crooked, the one below will be askew. Could Consort Wei be a good person?
Yinzhu straightened her back with righteous indignation, feeling her idea was brilliant.
Bian Siyue, however, shook her head. "Our Ladyship is the Princess, the legitimate principal wife. Does she need to use such underhanded tricks to discipline a concubine? In my opinion," she glanced towards the door, "we should just drag her in and beat her. Qian Yu and Jiang Jing taught me many moves back then..."
Wang Qingyao: "..."
Yinzhu glared at her impatiently. "What kind of terrible idea is that? Hitting someone directly? What about the Princess's reputation?"
Bian Siyue laughed heartily. "I was just kidding. Actually, I do have a good idea."
Consort Wei had only waited for a short while when the door to the main chamber opened. A woman, dressed elegantly with a beautiful appearance, emerged first. Her demeanor was proud, and her eyes appraised Consort Wei with ill will.
Consort Wei, being sharp, immediately guessed that this woman, who didn't look like a maid, was the favored consort, Madam Bian, of Prince Ding'an.
Before Consort Wei could speak, Bian Siyue, without even bowing, arrogantly declared, "Princess Wang has a command. She is still in confinement and cannot receive Consort Wei. However, etiquette must be observed, so I, as a Madam, will represent Princess Wang to receive Consort Wei's kowtow and tea!"
Consort Wei was greatly shocked, the flesh on her cheeks trembling uncontrollably.
She had indeed underestimated Wang Qingyao.
What a brilliant move of using a knife to kill!
One was a newly arrived but noble consort, the other a favored but low-ranking Madam. Wang Qingyao herself didn't even need to appear, allowing them to fight like dogs, while she reaped the benefits.
Consort Wei was indeed furious. How could she, a consort with an official title, kneel to a mere Madam?
No matter how favored, inferiority was inferiority!
She tightly clenched the handkerchief in her hand, took a deep breath, a deep breath...
She couldn't let Wang Qingyao succeed.
Wang Qingyao, being in confinement and unable to deal with her, had incited Madam Bian to come forward, letting them fight like black chickens.
Regardless of who won, Madam Bian or herself, it would eliminate an eyesore for Wang Qingyao. And by then, she would be out of confinement and have the energy to deal with the other eyesore!
What a cunning mind.
Consort Wei's imagination ran wild, completely unaware that Bian Siyue herself wanted to deal with her.
As she was adjusting her emotions, Liuxing by the shore could no longer contain herself.
"My Ladyship is the consort. You are just a lowly Madam. How can she kneel to you and offer tea? Do you deserve it?"
Heh, what a loyal servant, already feeling injustice for her mistress.
Bian Siyue now had every reason to have Liuxing seized and beaten, but to preserve Wang Qingyao's reputation, she forced herself to restrain.
Glancing at Liuxing, she retorted, "Can't you understand human speech? I said I am representing Princess Wang. If I don't deserve it, does Princess Wang not deserve it either?"
"You..."
Liuxing was about to say more when Consort Wei stopped her.
"This younger sister must be Madam Bian, right? Since Princess Wang has given her command, this consort will naturally obey."
Consort Wei was undoubtedly feeling humiliated at this moment, but her primary task now was to get rid of Wang Qingyao. Once Wang Qingyao was gone, she would have plenty of opportunities to deal with this presumptuous Madam!