At the flower banquet, Yin Hui naturally encountered Xu Qingwan. In the past, when everyone resided in the Yan Palace, they were close enough to meet almost every day. However, with the Duan Mansion and the Shu Mansion in different directions, it wasn’t as easy to cross paths.
During their reunion, Yin Hui observed that Xu Qingwan had regained her former grace. Emerging from the difficulties of her natal family, she appeared as dignified and elegant as when Yin Hui first met her, though the passage of time had left some traces on her face.
The garden was filled with beauties from aristocratic families, each delicate and youthful. While Xu Qingwan’s appearance might not have stood out, there was always a royal or distinguished lady by her side. At that time, Xu Qingwan resembled Empress Xu, emanating grace that seemed inherent, beyond question.
Noticing Yin Hui enjoying the flowers, Xu Qingwan smiled and approached with a fifteen-year-old girl.
Ji Xianxian, concerned that Yin Hui might not recognize her, whispered, “This is the Fifth Sister-in-law, Wang Junfang, who is about to be married. The Wang family once tutored our father-in-law, and after he ascended the throne, Mr. Wang also became the Emperor’s teacher.”
Even if Emperor Yongping hadn’t ascended the throne, the fact that Mr. Wang was initially invited by the Late Emperor to teach the princes in the palace spoke volumes about his profound knowledge.
Fu Shan looked at Wang Junfang with admiration in her eyes.
She grew up in the grassland. Even though she had learned the Central Plains culture since she was a child, compared with her sister-in-laws, her knowledge was pitifully small.
From what she experienced from her previous life, Yin Hui thought that the talented fifth younger was arrogant. Except for being respectful in front of Xu Qingwan, Wang Junfang was not conscious of her, Ji Xianxian and Fu Shan. Therefore, since Wang Junfang married the Fifth Master, she immediately became Ji Xianxian’s second most hated sister-in-law. Ji Xianxian often said bad things about Wang Junfang in front of Yin Hui which went from one ear to the other. It was as if hearing Ji Xianxian criticizing Xu Qingwan, she never cared about it.
She didn’t dislike Wang Junfang either. Although they were sisters-in-law, they didn’t live together, and they only exchanged pleasantries during banquets. It was just a short conversation, and nothing to have an anger with each other. Yin Hui even endured Ji Xianxian’s contempt and negligence when she first married into the Yan Palace. Not to mention that Wang Junfang just didn’t like to talk to her but never said anything disrespectful.
“You are all here. This is Junfang. Ah Hui and Fu Shan have never met her before. Let’s get to know each other in advance,” Xu Qingwan introduced with a smile, presenting Yin Hui and Fu Shan to Wang Junfang.
Wang Junfang saluted the two princesses, and although she smiled, a hint of self-admiration inadvertently showed. In Jinling, where many talented women resided, Wang Junfang stood out as the only one possessing both beauty and talent. As a daughter of an aristocratic family, her only shortcoming might be her somewhat cold temperament.
Fu Shan, being enthusiastic, addressed her as “Fifth Sister-in-law”. However, Wang Junfang frowned slightly and turned her head away.
Seeing that Fu Shan was surprised with her reaction, Ji Xianxian laughed delicately and scolded her, “It’s too early to call her that. Sister Junfang hasn’t married into the family yet, so we have to wait another day before we can call her Fifth Sister-in-law.”
Fu Shan quickly apologized, and Wang Junfang responded softly, “No problem.”
Xu Qingwan, understanding Wang Junfang’s temperament, swiftly took her away from the gathering.
Fu Shan lightly patted her chest and turned to Yin Hui, saying, “I was a little nervous!”
Yin Hui smiled reassuringly, “She just met you, but it’ll be fine once you get acquainted.”
Ji Xianxian snorted, “It’s useless to get acquainted. Some people are naturally cold, like the Third Master. You’ve been married to him for so long. Did he ever smile at you?”
Yin Hui recalled subconsciously. Wei Luo did smile before; for instance, when she gave birth to Xiao Heng, he came to comfort her and smiled once.
It was just that he smiled too rarely; it could be counted on the fingers. Of course, Wei Luo would smile at the children more often, but it seemed that the children would never think that their father liked to smile.
After gathering for a while, Ji Xianxian went to talk to the familiar wives of the aristocratic family. Fu Shan was called over by Concubine Guo Xian. Yin Hui, not familiar with the wives in the capital, was about to accompany her mother-in-law, Concubine Wen Shun, when someone covered her eyes from behind.
Yin Hui laughed, and without waiting for the other party to speak, she called out, “Third Sister.” The one who dared to play with her so much on that occasion was naturally Wei Ying.
“Third Sister-in-law, you’re very busy. I have waited for a long time to come to you,” Wei Ying teased when Yin Hui turned around.
The maids of the two stepped aside tactfully.
Yin Hui replied, “I saw you a long time ago. You were surrounded by ladies. I was too embarrassed to go there.”
Wei Ying was wearing an apricot-yellow dress, matching her status as the Third Princess. Her smile was as bright as her dress, and she seemed to have a little secret that she couldn’t help but share.
Yin Hui walked away with her, Wei Ying looked around, and said actively, “Sister-in-law, Father has agreed to let me do what I like to do and will never force me to get married again.” Then she explained how she persuaded him.
Yin Hui was very shocked. Parents in this world wish that their daughters could marry a good husband, and their sons could marry a virtuous wife. Only those who were physically disabled, too ugly, or had too bad conduct could really have no partner. Wei Ying was good in everything, and she was a dignified princess, how could her father-in-law think so?
Wei Ying said proudly, “I am not an ordinary princess, and my father is not an ordinary father. I am open-minded. As long as I have reasons and evidence, my father will naturally agree.”