Noble Consort Zheng’s favor with the king had never diminished, and she could be said to have blotted out half the sky with a single hand for so many years in the harem. So in recent years, Queen Zhao had never seen her trounced like this.
Now, seeing her being so infuriated that her entire body was trembling just from the crown prince consort’s few words, Queen Zhao needed to properly reevaluate this daughter-in-law. After all, this truly was a capable person…
Although this child was young, had an extremely aloof temper, and was a person of few words, she didn’t expect that her sharp tongue was so wicked that it could anger people to death.
Glimpsing at a certain someone who was so livid that her chest was slightly heaving, Queen Zhao secretly tugged at the corner of her mouth while a faint smile surfaced in her eyes.
Courtesan Zheng had been arrogant for so many years, and it was hard to come by a young lady that could anger her half to death upon speaking. Needless to say, Queen Zhao even felt quite thrilled about it in her heart.
Hence, upon glancing at Qiao Mu’s little stoic face now, she felt that it looked slightly more pleasing than before.
The young lady that her son likes would certainly be impressive, Queen Zhao pondered in her mind. For the time being, I’ll just observe her some more before commenting.
“Royal Mother, then your son will take his leave now and come back an hour later to pick up his crown prince consort.” Before saying goodbye to the queen, the crown prince even escorted Qiao Mu to her seat while holding her hand.
Queen Zhao really wanted to grab the teacup by her hand and hurl it at his head. This awful son really only just gave her an hour to interact with the crown prince consort!
After the crown prince paid his salute, he exhorted his little wife again before leaving leisurely with a flick of his sleeves. He naturally also brought away the many young girls’ infatuated gazes from the Brilliant Sun Hall.
Queen Zhao didn’t know what to say. In any case, she felt like she had raised a son for nothing!
Noble Consort Zheng was originally planning to leave with a fling of her sleeves too, but when Queen Zhao questioned, “Is Younger Sister really as the crown prince consort says, not giving this queen face?” she could only grit her teeth and sit next to Consort Cheng. The handkerchief that she was wringing in her hands was practically about to be torn to tatters.
“Noble Consort Zheng, the crown prince consort is still young and seems to have an innocent and unaffected temperament, so you shouldn’t be too particular with her.” Consort Cheng drank a mouthful of tea before speaking to Noble Consort Zheng with a chuckle.
Noble Consort Zheng didn’t say anything and only wore a sneer at the edge of her lips.
On the other end, after Mu Qianqian was punished with a beating, her mouth had already completely festered.
Eldest Madam Mu wiped her tears, full of heartache. She didn’t dare to leave with her daughter at this time either, so she could only stiffly watch as her daughter sat there on tenterhooks with her wounded mouth while suffering those noble daughters and young ladies’ unfriendly sniggers.
Mu Qianqian would occasionally send her malicious gaze towards Qiao Mu. However, seeing that person sitting aloofly in the first seat below the queen, her entire heart felt very uncomfortable.
It was all because of that slut that His Highness the Crown Prince punished her in front of so many people, causing her to simply be unable to raise her head up high in front of everyone.
The Mu Family’s second branch didn’t have it good either. They were sporting heads drenched in soup and tea and could only do some simple wiping, so their complexions right now also weren’t very pretty.
In this small banquet, the Mu Family simply became the laughingstock of the entire capital’s noble ladies and daughters.
“This queen hosted this small banquet today for you all to meet the crown prince consort.” The queen said faintly, “Will the crown prince consort’s mother please come forward.”
Wei Ziqin stepped out and ceremoniously saluted, “This subject greets Her Majesty.”
After the queen casually praised the crown prince consort without somewhat meaning it, she also bestowed many presents to Wei Ziqin, giving the Qiao Family sufficient honor before having her withdraw to continue with the meal.
Noble Consort Zheng frigidly eyed Wei Ziqin’s face and struck a pose of holding her teacup, not saying anything.
At this moment, a woman suddenly stood up and left her seat, curtsying towards the queen.
——
