Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 121 - 10: Calamity Brought by Beauty (Part 2)

Over the years, I’ve only encountered one oddity like Fifth Miss, who somehow harbored malice against me, although she wasn’t like this when we were young.

By afternoon, around three o’clock, this little banquet was coming to an end, and it can be said both host and guest were thoroughly pleased.

After the ladies bade farewell to the Imperial Concubine, they followed protocol and went to sit in the Princess Consort’s courtyard.

Princess Qingning, Lady Shen, Sixth Miss Song, Cousin Zhao, and Miss Zhao from the Wenchang Marquis Mansion had already become very close friends, sharing endless topics and interests. As the year-end approached, every household was busy, and these little ones had already planned to meet again after the fifteenth day of the first month.

Everyone came joyfully and should have left joyfully, but who could have known that trouble would arise just after leaving the Princess Consort’s courtyard gate.

It was previously mentioned that in prominent families, etiquette and rules are of utmost importance. Even within a family, one must distinguish between the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard. If there are outside guests in the inner courtyard, especially female guests, even the male head of the household cannot enter casually. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Yet, it was also said earlier that the male master of Prince Gong Mansion is a romantic prince who indulges in love affairs, drunkenness, and beauties. Knowing his daughter’s banquet in the inner courtyard, he asked his new beloved beauty to deliver a few words about headaches and bellyaches at the outer courtyard, ignoring the rules to enter the inner courtyard, giving no regard to reputation.

On top of that, with the beauty whispering words against the Princess Consort, the prince flew into a rage, storming in to confront the Princess Consort.

The beauty was merely a Yangzhou thin horse presented by an off-site official, who, newly favored, was dazzled by gold and silks, unaware of heaven and earth. Normally, she was not very respectful towards the Princess Consort, a fact seen by Princess Qingning, who reprimanded her a few times.

This time, knowing the Princess was hosting a banquet, she instigated the prince to harass the Princess Consort, intending to embarrass the Princess.

Just as the girls left the Princess Consort’s courtyard, they encountered the furious Prince Gong. Caught off guard, unable to retreat, they inadvertently appeared before Prince Gong’s eyes. Although maids and servants rushed forward, Prince Gong still caught sight of Susu.

Prince Gong, Li Yu, suddenly felt heaven and earth lose color, his eyes fixed on the woman whose stunning beauty couldn’t be hidden even as she lowered her head, his ears filled with the heart’s pounding, as if ready to leap from his chest. Li Yu felt for the first time that he understood what "love at first sight" meant.

The ladies, having no time to escape, had no choice but to greet Prince Gong, waiting for him to either proceed or retreat so they could leave the mansion. Who would have thought Prince Gong stood there stunned, unable to urge him or raise their heads, they could only bow and avoid him.

Only Princess Qingning, seeing her father’s expression, internally exclaimed "disaster", following his gaze to indeed find Susu standing at the end.

Though Princess Qingning was young, she was long aware of her father’s indiscretions. At this moment, she felt both embarrassed and angry, quickly instructing maids to escort the ladies out of the mansion.

Once out of Prince Gong’s sight, the ladies breathed a sigh of relief. Some wiser young ladies, aware of Prince Gong’s nature, gave Susu and Fourth Miss Song an intricate look.

If it were Fourth Miss Song, it would be a different matter, but if it were Susu...

If Prince Gong truly asked Shun’an Earl Mansion for Susu, Shun’an Earl Mansion would certainly not oppose Prince Gong over a mere maid!

In the minds of other noble ladies, Susu seemed destined for Prince Gong Mansion’s entry, leaving Qingning uncertain of her place.

Susu was also badly frightened, not noticing Princess Qingning’s complex glance cast her way.

Princess Qingning knew Susu was no ordinary girl, considering her appearance and capability, if she entered Prince Gong Mansion, there wouldn’t be a place for a mother concubine. Yet her father’s thoughts weren’t so easily dismissed.

Words being unspeakable, Princess Qingning halted at the second gate, merely observing as the ladies exited the inner courtyard.

Ruan Qiniang also startled, shocked at her cousin uncle’s impropriety. Before the Princess could escort ladies out, she sent her maid to report to Consort Xiang Ronglao Hall. Having confided in the Imperial Concubine, she hopes the Imperial Concubine can control Prince Gong, the source of discord.

Once outside Prince Gong Mansion, the ladies from Annan Earl Mansion realized that Second Sister-in-law hadn’t come out. Hearing from a servant that a handkerchief was left at the Imperial Concubine’s place, they waited a while.

The girls from Rongxian Marquis Mansion, though worried about their aunt, were mindful of their lady status, saying little before boarding their carriage to report at home.

Wenchang Marquis Mansion was allied with the Song Family, due to their sister, so the ladies comforted each other, but since no one knew what to say, they sighed upon boarding the carriage.