Chapter 411 - 403: Quarrel
Zhang Xian argued so shrewdly, but instead she ended up becoming even more despised.
"In your eyes, even if a daughter is born to a beggar, as long as she’s legitimate, she’s always superior. Is this how they see people in the Vice Minister Zhang’s family? When you return home, it’s better to learn some etiquette. Since you’re a proper legitimate daughter, how can you do something so embarrassing in public? Always talking about status, Sister Ying and others are legitimate daughters of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, even if they crawled out of a concubine’s belly, they have higher status than you. You dare to look down on others here, have you looked at yourself? Among everyone in this hall, your father’s rank is the lowest." Sister Ran was relentless.
The words she spoke were sharp and caustic.
Zhang Xian’s face turned beet red from what she said, tears welled up in her eyes. Even though she stirred up the matter, she now acted so aggrieved, making Sister Ran at a loss for words.
Zhou Yuyan is the host here, naturally, she should step in at this moment, but Zhou Yuyan remained silent, as if not seeing the argument, continuing to talk with Wu Xueqin, while Wu Xueya sat alongside, a smile on her face, clearly enjoying the quarrel unfolding before her.
Even though Sister Jian was daydreaming, she knew she couldn’t ignore it now, "Sister Ran, watch your words!"
Sister Ran glared at her, "We’re being bullied here, of course, I can’t remain silent. It’s Rainbow Sister’s first time attending a banquet, and we can’t just let a mere Assistant Minister’s daughter bully her."
"What are you rambling on about? Miss Zhang just spoke casually, it wasn’t intentional, why are you being unforgiving here?" Sister Jian stood up, wanting to pull her sister over, "Miss Zhang is already about to cry, so say a little less. Quarreling here, aren’t you afraid of being laughed at? Watch out, Grandmother might scold you when you return."
Sister Jian usually wouldn’t speak like this, but today, her words made others feel Sister Ran was also disruptive within the mansion.
Though Sister Ran’s temper was straightforward, she wasn’t foolish; she immediately glared at Sister Jian, not believing her sister would tarnish her reputation this way.
Soon, she understood why, disdainfully sneering without saying more.
Lin Youning stood up, "I feel the room is a bit stifling, Rainbow Sister and Sister Ran, accompany me outside for a walk."
Xu Ya’an unexpectedly also stood up, "Yes, I’ve felt the room is stifling for a while. Since Sister Lin is going out, I’ll also join to relax, go with Sister Lin. I haven’t met the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s daughters before, it’ll be good to know them, maybe we can keep in touch in the future. I usually don’t have many people to interact with."
Since Xu Ya’an had already spoken, Lin Youning wouldn’t say more, beckoning Sister Ying and Sister Hong to join them outside, Sister Ran glared at her sister and followed out.
Being a concubine’s daughter, Sister Jian saw Sister Hui chatting with others, realizing Hui Sister was feigning ignorance, felt awkward staying, and also went out.
Zhang Xian, seeing that no one approached her in the hall, shed tears she couldn’t hold back anymore. She knew her father’s rank was the lowest here, but never had anyone mentioned it; today Sister Ran openly spoke about it, leaving her without face.
"What’s wrong, Miss Zhang? Don’t cry, I wasn’t attentive and upset my sister." After all, since it’s Zhou Mansion hosting the banquet today, Zhou Yuyan saw someone crying, fearing it would reach her mother, so she hastily stood.
Zhang Xian took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, "It’s nothing, just wind in my eyes, making Sister Zhou laugh. I recalled Mother has some tasks for me, I’ll go to learn from Mother."
Zhang Xian bowed to everyone in the hall, then turned and walked out.
The awkward scene in the hall led more people to leave. Zhou Yuyan felt rather aggrieved, thinking the Gu Mansion people really lacked discernment, displeasing others at a banquet hosted by another mansion.
Wu Xueqin stood up as well; without Lin Youning, she found no interest staying in the hall, choosing to follow and see what’s happening, knowing there’s always something happening around here.
With Wu Xueqin leaving, few remained in the hall, before long Princess Yuanhua entered, Zhou Yuyan couldn’t leave, instead sat and conversed with Princess Yuanhua.
"I heard the East Mansion’s Madam is at your house? Didn’t expect so many to visit when Mother returned home." Princess Yuanhua slowly sipped tea, "I remember when entering the palace, Mother would often inquire about Lin Youning. After all, the East Mansion’s Madam is indeed intriguing. You must entertain her well; when Mother arrives, she will surely summon her alone."
Zhou Yuyan promptly responded, "Auntie is right, I’ve arranged everything well, ensuring the East Mansion’s Madam will be properly entertained."
"In the future, you’ll enter the Prince Mansion as Princess Consort. With so many attending the banquet, pay close attention, build good relations with each noble family, it’ll benefit the Prince." Princess Yuanhua asserted her seniority.
Though Zhou Yuyan internally dismissed it, she outwardly responded with respect.
In the gardens of Zhou Mansion, as it’s now December, no flowers or plants were blooming, everything covered in white snow. Lin Youning brought Rainbow Sister and Sister Ying out to prevent them from being mocked.
"Engaging with outsiders is like this, sometimes they seem friendly on the surface but privately have hidden motives. It’s better to have direct expressions, at least you know their intentions and need not be overly cautious." Outside, Lin Youning comforted the pair, "Regarding the words from the Assistant Minister Zhang’s daughter, don’t take them to heart. You are legitimate daughters, that status is unquestionable, you’ve come from the Prime Minister’s Mansion, your status is elevated, few surpass you. Don’t look down on yourselves, fueling their contempt, only showing you to be petty."
Lin Youning was actually very satisfied with their demeanor today.