Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Couldn’t Keep an Eye on the Eldest Miss

Tonight’s palace banquet is theoretically a birthday celebration for the Crown Prince.

However, Tang Xiaobai found it rather pointless since the Crown Prince himself was too ill to leave the Crown Prince Mansion.

But interestingly, did someone actually have the audacity to provoke her?

The splendor of Duke Yan Mansion truly incited envy, and as soon as she entered, she felt the jealous and resentful gazes of many people.

Yet the question is, why didn’t this group dare to speak up before Tang Jiaojiao was called away by Consort Zheng?

“I’ve heard that the Second Miss Tang’s inaugural mentor comes from the prestigious Zhang Family of Qizhou. It’s indeed an illustrious connection! Finally, Duke Yan Mansion remembers to educate their children in propriety and learning!”

“The Zhang Family of Qizhou is said to be very aloof, unwilling to even teach princes and princesses. I wonder how many treasures the Duke Yan had to offer to hire just one…”

“Whatever it takes, the future literary prowess of the Duke Yan Mansion will surely depend on the Second Miss Tang!”

“Perhaps now, the Second Miss Tang finds it effortless to compose eloquent pieces. Why not compose a poem on the spot for the Crown Prince’s birthday?”

Tang Xiaobai raised her gaze, looking directly at the person who mentioned her name, her eyes so bright that the person involuntarily shrunk back.

This young lady, you’re quite audacious!

Initially, Tang Xiaobai was conflicted, as despite their murmurs in her presence, they hadn’t mentioned her name, which made confronting them tricky.

Her voice was soft and gentle; if she forced her way into the conversation and got talked over, it would be embarrassing.

And she couldn’t speak too loudly, given they were at a palace banquet.

Having someone mention her name was wonderful!

Tang Xiaobai cleared her throat slightly and said solemnly, “Composing on the spot refers to essays. Although poems and essays are often mentioned together, they shouldn’t be confused. This young lady might want to learn a few more words before testing me?”

The girl who called her out turned red and was left speechless.

Miss Wei, daughter of the Ministry of Justice’s Chief of Staff, covered her mouth with a light laugh: “Our Second Miss Tang has spoken differently since reading books for half a year. Whether it’s poetry or prose, perhaps the Second Miss could broaden our horizons?”

Tang Xiaobai caught sight of a girl in blue walking toward them and furrowed her brows sharply: “Miss Yan has studied for over a decade and hasn’t managed to do so. I’ve only studied for half a year, and you think I’m superior to Miss Yan? How dare you belittle Miss Yan so?”

The girl in blue stopped in her tracks.

“Miss—Miss Yan…” someone here noticed the girl in blue, their face changing.

As a villainess who could rival Tang Jiaojiao, Yan Jingjing had a very powerful background. Her grandfather held the position of Grand Tutor, being the current Emperor’s teacher, and her father served as the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, the superior of both Second Uncle Gu and Little Uncle Gu.

Yan Jingjing herself was not of a gentle and amiable disposition.

Miss Wei hurriedly explained: “Sister Yan, I didn’t…”

“Ha!” Yan Jingjing let out a cold chuckle, not looking at anyone else, but with chin up, loftily and indifferently glanced at Tang Xiaobai, just as she was about to speak—

“By order of the Empress Dowager, summoning the second daughter of Duke Yan!”

…

This was Tang Xiaobai’s second time stepping into Zhaoren Hall, where the Empress Dowager resided, and she was even more nervous than the last time.

The last time she was summoned by the Empress Dowager, she was under the watchful eyes of the Empress and the Emperor, being in a perilous situation; the Empress Dowager’s summons was like a lifeline.

But this time, while she was happily sparring with the girls, why had the Empress Dowager suddenly summoned her?

Zhaoren Hall was as solemn and quiet as last time. After Tang Xiaobai performed the proper courtesies, she lowered her head and awaited the Empress Dowager’s inquiry.

The Empress Dowager did not speak immediately, her gaze resting on Tang Xiaobai for a moment before she said: “Raise your head.”

Tang Xiaobai complied, swiftly glancing at the Empress Dowager.

A thin face, indifferent expression, exuding an air of authority without anger.

Her gaze seemed as inquisitive as last time, perhaps with a hint of curiosity.

“On Dragon Boat Festival day, how long did you stay at the Crown Prince Mansion?”

Tang Xiaobai quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

So this was the reason.

It was long known that the Empress Dowager’s heart and eyes were solely for her grandson, and indeed it was true.

“Replying to the Empress Dowager, it was less than two hours.” Having understood the reason, Tang Xiaobai was no longer as nervous.

“Did you meet the Crown Prince?”

“I did not.”

Empress Dowager Wang was startled.

Not met? Then why was the Crown Prince so attentive to her?

“The Crown Prince mentioned to me that you seemed to suffer a grievance at the Crown Prince Mansion that day. What grievance did you suffer?”

Grievance? What grievance?

Tang Xiaobai couldn’t remember for a moment.

After recalling for a moment, she slightly raised her eyebrows and replied, “It wasn’t really a grievance, just that Prince Jin…”

Prince Jin’s little scheme, see if I won’t make it known to everyone!

…

Half an hour later, Tang Xiaobai was escorted back to the palace banquet.

Upon entering, she happened to hear Prince Jin Li Shu speaking: “Despite being well-versed in literature, why appear so aggressive?” His words were sharp, sounding like a rebuke.

Tang Xiaobai glanced inside, noticing that all eyes in the hall were on Li Shu.

Facing Li Shu were two young beauties.

One was Yan Jingjing, the other was her eldest sister—

…

“Did you quarrel with Yan Jingjing?” Tang Xiaobai asked after leaving the palace following the banquet.

“No!” Tang Jiaojiao responded absentmindedly, her gaze wandering.

Following her gaze, Tang Xiaobai saw Prince Jin Li Shu emerging from the grand palace gates. His deep purple gala attire was adorned with a coiled dragon, appearing formidable under the lights. Yet, the tall, jade-like prince exuded grace and nobility, tempered by his handsome demeanor with an air of restraintliness, prompting even Tang Xiaobai to glance twice.

“Your Highness Prince Jin—”

Tang Xiaobai’s expression changed.

Just two glances, and she hadn’t managed to keep an eye on her sister, who headed towards Li Shu.

Tang Jiaojiao gracefully bowed to Li Shu: “Previously, thanks to Your Highness Prince Jin!”

Her voice was clear and crisp, like delicate ornaments clinking, her usual arrogance softened, revealing a hint of sweet girlishness.

Li Shu glanced down at the girl’s cloud-like bun, his voice indifferent, “I merely addressed the matter as it stood.”

Tang Jiaojiao faltered in her action of rising and said, “On Chongyang day, when Your Highness rescued me, this humble girl has yet to personally thank you.”

“It was a mere trifle.” Li Shu maintained his indifferent tone, and with that, he walked past her, eyes straight ahead.

An attendant led the horse forward, and Li Shu vaulted onto it, his robe fluttering, graceful and handsome in his movement.

Tang Xiaobai puckered her lips, stepping forward to tug on her sister’s arm, still watching with lingering eyes: “Let’s go! Time to head home!”

On the way back home, Tang Xiaobai inquired about what had just transpired.

It was much like the typical banquet squabble seen in historical novels.

Shortly after she left, Tang Jiaojiao returned, encountering her nemesis Yan Jingjing, and the two promptly exchanged verbal blows.

However, before much was said, Prince Jin Li Shu arrived and, subsequently, publicly reprimanded Yan Jingjing.

“Isn’t he—” Tang Xiaobai said three words but held back the rest.

It was best not to emphasize Li Shu’s unusual intervention, as it might stir a youthful infatuation.

“Since our father and brother secured victory in battle, even Prince Jin can’t resist currying favor with us!” Tang Xiaobai scoffed dismissively.

From the side, Gu Family laughed softly, patting her head gently: “Xiao Bai, you’re becoming perceptive.”

Yet, Tang Jiaojiao remained silent.

Upon returning to the mansion, just outside the main hall, as the sisters were about to part ways, Gu Family stopped Tang Jiaojiao: “Come, let’s talk.”

Tang Xiaobai suspected they wanted to discuss something about Li Shu, so she agreed obediently.

After seeing them inside, Tang Xiaobai turned away from the path leading to Bright Moon Building and doubled back.

She made her way to the entrance of the inner residence, peering stealthily at the shadows by the roadside trees.

“””

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep