TSWRLM -Chapter 286 Attending the Banquet

Li Huaijing had been stationed in Wengzhou for nearly ten years. Now, having been appointed as the Commissioner of Maritime Trade, he could stay in Hanjing. This time, the banquet at the Grand Tutor’s residence was exceptionally grand.

The servants of the Grand Tutor’s household were well-trained. Despite the large number of guests, there was no congestion at the entrance. After registering their names, servants guided the guests to separate areas for male and female attendees.

Chun Xi was now more than four months pregnant. Although her belly had not yet become noticeably rounded, Shen Qingyuan was uneasy leaving her alone. He had specifically arranged for her to be accompanied by Nanny Li and Nanny Zhang.

These two nannies had previously been recruited by Princess Hengyang from the Consort Xian’s palace to care for Chun Xi. They were well-versed in palace rules and alert to the subtle currents within noble households. With them by her side, Chun Xi felt as if she had two formidable bodyguards—she was extremely safe.

Following the Grand Tutor’s servants, Chun Xi arrived at the back garden. Before she even reached the garden, Yun Wantang came forward with a smile: “A-Xi, you’re here! You shouldn’t overexert yourself now. Come, let’s go sit and rest.”

Speaking, she eagerly took Chun Xi’s hand, as though no unpleasantness had ever occurred between them, and their relationship was extremely close.

In the garden, Yun Wantang had reserved the pavilion with the best view for Chun Xi. She had even arranged soft cushions and back supports on the benches. As soon as Chun Xi sat down, Yun Wantang said, “You’re pregnant now, so you shouldn’t drink tea. I had the kitchen specially prepare top-grade bird’s nest soup for you.”

Top-grade bird’s nest soup was expensive. Chun Xi had only been able to taste a small portion during Princess Hengyang’s temporary stay, yet Yun Wantang now used it to entertain guests. Even despite previous disagreements, Chun Xi couldn’t help but admire Yun Wantang’s generosity.

Soon, the bird’s nest soup was served. Chun Xi had just taken a sip when Princess Hengyang appeared.

Accompanied by Madam Zhao, Yun Wantang remained by Chun Xi’s side. Only when Princess Hengyang stepped into the pavilion did Yun Wantang help Chun Xi stand and bow: “Your Highness, I pay my respects.”

Princess Hengyang found it slightly irritating that Yun Wantang was holding Chun Xi’s arm, but this was not her residence, so she didn’t make a fuss. She said lightly, “Stand up, no need for so much formality.”

After speaking, she sat down beside Chun Xi. Madam Zhao exchanged a few polite words with the princess before going back to greet other guests. Yun Wantang had no intention of leaving, however, and even served a bowl of bird’s nest soup to Princess Hengyang.

Although the soup was premium, it wasn’t a rare treat for Princess Hengyang. She snorted and said to Chun Xi, “Mother and my sister-in-law gave me many fine things recently; the storeroom in the princess’s residence can’t even hold it all. A-Xi, come by tomorrow and take whatever you like.”

Chun Xi quickly thanked her. Yun Wantang smiled and said, “The princess is truly kind to Madam Shen.”

Princess Hengyang raised an eyebrow, hinting at something: “I like straightforward and decisive people. A-Xi’s temperament suits me perfectly, so naturally I treat her well.”

Yun Wantang seemed entirely oblivious to the hidden meaning and replied earnestly, “Yes, Your Highness, you are generous and direct, forming friendships without regard for family status. Truly an example for the ladies of the capital’s noble families.”

“…”

The princess was taken aback. Was she being complimented while being subtly mocked?

After a moment, the household maids arrived with little Yue’er.

Yue’er was fearless and curiously studied Princess Hengyang and Chun Xi. After being reminded by Yun Wantang, she immediately bowed properly: “Yue’er pays respects to Your Highness and Madam Shen.”

Yue’er was no more than five or six years old, her voice sweet and childish. She wore an orange-red embroidered carp dress, and her meticulously styled double-ring bun made her round, chubby little face even cuter than a New Year painting doll.

Even Princess Hengyang, who disliked Yun Wantang, couldn’t help but glance at Yue’er twice.

Feeling the princess’s gaze, Yue’er boldly took her hand and said softly, “Princess, you’re so beautiful, like a fairy descended to earth.”

Princess Hengyang: “…”

The princess struggled to maintain composure, though the corners of her lips betrayed a small smile. In her heart, she was internally screaming: Ah! How could Yun Wantang give birth to such an adorable and articulate daughter?!

After a moment of silence, she replied as calmly as possible, “You’re very beautiful too.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Princess.”

Yue’er accepted the praise without modesty. Princess Hengyang, unable to resist, took a precious Eastern pearl from her head and gave it to Yue’er.

“Princess, this… it’s too precious, isn’t it?”

Yun Wantang stood, slightly flustered. Princess Hengyang glared at her: “It’s not for you, why so worked up?”

The princess’s tone to Yun Wantang was sharp, but to Yue’er, she spoke sweetly: “Yue’er, do you like it?”

Yue’er nodded vigorously: “Yes, Princess. When I grow up, I want to wear it like you.”

“Since you like it, keep it.”

“Thank you, Princess, for your gift.”

After Yue’er imitated the adults and bowed, Yun Wantang prepared to take her to greet other noble ladies. Yue’er was reluctant: “Mother, I like the princess. Can I play with her more?”

Yun Wantang hesitated, whispering, “Your Highness is busy and pregnant; she doesn’t have much time to play.”

Yue’er lowered her head in disappointment, but quickly perked up again, eyes sparkling as she looked at Princess Hengyang: “Princess, when your baby is born, can Yue’er play with him?”

Faced with such a sweet little face, Princess Hengyang could not refuse and nodded: “Alright.”

Yue’er held out her small hand to make a pinky promise with the princess, then obediently followed Yun Wantang to greet others.

Once mother and daughter walked away, Princess Hengyang suppressed her smile and quietly asked Chun Xi, “Was Yun Wantang feeling proud just now?”

Chun Xi shook her head: “It seemed not, Your Highness.”

Princess Hengyang relaxed, muttering, “It was just a small pearl, and not even for her. I suppose she couldn’t possibly feel proud.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Chun Xi nodded in agreement while picking up the unfinished bird’s nest soup. Feeling the princess’s gaze, she quietly explained, “Bird’s nest soup is expensive, and it’s already prepared. Not eating it would be a waste.”

Chun Xi ate calmly, and Princess Hengyang’s unease quickly dissipated.

Indeed, no matter how Yun Wantang was, this premium bird’s nest was genuinely good, and the child was lively and adorable. Giving the child a pearl while Chun Xi had a bowl of bird’s nest was a trivial matter and didn’t signify any change in her relationship with Yun Wantang.

Yue’er’s charm and sweetness quickly won praise from all the guests.

Just as the atmosphere grew lively, an elderly noblewoman suddenly confronted Chun Xi: “Madam Shen, you’re already pregnant, yet you go to Wuyou Pavilion for amusement. Aren’t you afraid something might happen to your child?”