The hall fell silent once more.
Princess Mu Jin looked at Wang Qingyao with sympathy.
Although King Wu had also been bestowed two beauties, he had not yet married them, so the impact was not deeply felt. Moreover, as a prince, it was normal to have one or two attendants.
But Wang Qingyao was different. She and Prince Ding'an had been married for less than three months, a time of deep affection. To suddenly be presented with four beauties, flaunting themselves before her daily, how could she not feel stifled?
Wei Yu stared into Wang Qingyao's eyes and, with a smile that seemed innocent, said, "I heard the Prince is grateful for His Majesty's grace. Those four beauties were all made Ruren as soon as they entered the manor."
Upon hearing this, a hush fell over the crowd again.
Oh, Ruren, a title even before they had shared a bed. How impressive!
Wei Yu's smile grew more audacious. "Although those four beauties were made Ruren, I heard that the Princess Consort hasn't arranged for them to sleep with the Prince yet!"
What? They hadn't slept with him yet?
Everyone's eyes snapped to Wang Qingyao. This was truly impressive!
Wei Yu had been speaking in a sweet, innocent tone. No one realized she was being deliberate, only thinking she was a young girl innocently relaying gossip she'd overheard.
Wang Qingyao smiled faintly, appraising Wei Yu from head to toe. She clicked her tongue and said, "Second Miss Wei, at such a young age, and without a husband yet, why do you pry so much into other people's private affairs?"
Wei Yu's face instantly turned crimson. "You..."
Consort Wei also frowned slightly. She was hearing these things for the first time. Where had Wei Yu learned them? She cast a questioning glance at Wei Yu, whose face flushed even more.
Wang Qingyao continued, "I take back my earlier statement about liking you the most. A young lady who is so gossipy, what will she be like after marriage? If she marries someone else, it would be one thing, but if she were to marry the Second Prince, wouldn't she turn the palace upside down and cause endless trouble?"
Wang Qingyao's heavy accusation made Wei Yu's chest heave.
Yet, she couldn't find a retort. She had indeed spent considerable effort inquiring about the affairs of Prince Ding'an's manor.
Someone couldn't help but snicker.
Among the noble ladies of prominent families, whether chatting or arguing, there was an emphasis on subtlety and implied meaning, relying on understanding. How could the Princess Consort of Prince Ding'an speak so directly?
Consort Wei was right; the Princess Consort was indeed very interesting.
Wei Yu felt utterly mortified. Her eyes reddened, and she forced out a few tears. "Aunt... Aunt... I didn't... it was just the household servants gossiping, and I happened to overhear a bit..."
Wang Qingyao: "You have a habit of eavesdropping on servants? Do you do it secretly, or openly?"
Everyone: "..."
Wei Yu was truly angered to tears this time, disregarding all etiquette. She cried and ran out.
Wei Qing quickly stood up, glanced towards the door a few times, then bowed to Consort Wei. "Aunt, I'll go check on A'yu."
Consort Wei nodded gently. "Yes, go."
Wang Qingyao felt no guilt for bullying the young girl, acting as if nothing had happened. She said to Consort Wei, "This young girl's combat power is too weak. She cried after just a few words. She needs more training."
Everyone: "..."
Consort Wei's own niece had been bullied, but she wasn't angry at all. Instead, she nodded in agreement with Wang Qingyao. "Indeed."
To be a Crown Princess and future Empress, this level of combat power was insufficient.
Moreover, one might lack combat power, but one must have a broad mind, able to maintain a smile and remain calm regardless of provocation.
Lacking both, it was unacceptable.
Consort Wei pondered for a moment, then felt she was overthinking. The Second Prince's approval was paramount. Without his consent, any girl would be futile.
"However, speaking of which, are the four Ruren in your household truly not yet attended to?" Consort Wei asked Wang Qingyao in a lowered voice.
Wang Qingyao nodded.
"You won't allow it?"
Wang Qingyao knew Consort Wei was somewhat rooting for her and Xiao Yun as a couple. She said softly, "The Prince refuses to go."
Oh, Consort Wei felt a twinge of envy.
Although Consort Wei was favored by the Emperor above all others, His Majesty did not refrain from favoring other consorts.
Someone like Wang Qingyao was truly unique.
"Aren't you afraid people will call you jealous?" Consort Wei asked, a hint of sourness in her tone.
"Some already have," Wang Qingyao replied. "My mother-in-law, the Grand Consort, has found fault with me several times over this matter."
Consort Wei had never encountered someone who openly complained about their mother-in-law. However, on second thought, although Wang Qingyao was displeased with the Grand Consort, she had spoken in a low voice, only to her.
It seemed she was still cautious.
This intimate conversation instantly increased Consort Wei's favor towards Wang Qingyao, making her feel as if they had become close friends.
"Do you need my help?"
Wang Qingyao smiled and said, "No, no, I can handle it."
As they chatted and laughed, time passed quickly.
Consort Wei had no intention of staying for the banquet. As the time approached, she prepared to depart for the palace.
Everyone quickly stood up and escorted her outside.
Kang Yutong also received the news and hurried to see Consort Wei off.