Yu Mingyue, though her expression remained unchanged, inwardly chuckled. The intention of this Madam Feng to stir up trouble was far too obvious.
Madam Feng’s father was the Military Governor of Jizhou, highly favored by the Sage. Before the Lunar New Year, Governor Feng came to the capital for his annual report, and it was heard that the Sage specifically detained him for a few days to participate in the spring hunt before returning to Jizhou.
Because her father was a favored official by the Sage, Madam Feng had recently been quite popular among the noble ladies in the capital.
"This is the Sixth Daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion," Mo Yuxi introduced with a smile.
Feng Yingying immediately responded with a knowing smile, "So, it's her."
The mockery in her tone was clear to everyone present.
Mo Yuxi's expression soured instantly. Her grandfather was the current Prime Minister, and besides the late Prime Minister Gu, no other minister was more favored by the Sage.
This mere daughter of a Military Governor dared to call her "sister" out of respect, yet she took it seriously and used her to insult Mingyue.
"Madam Feng," Mo Yuxi was about to defend Yu Mingyue.
However, Yu Mingyue stopped her. With a smile, she said unhurriedly, "It seems Madam Feng has done her homework for today's banquet."
The basic etiquette of social interactions among noble ladies in the capital was to remember the relationships between the figures in various mansions.
Yu Mingyue's remark that Madam Feng had done her homework was also a subtle jab at her lack of manners.
Although the Duke of Dingguo had been demoted by the Sage, his mansion still stood, and one could not be so easily slighted.
"That's not necessary, after all, Yu Liuniang is quite famous in the capital." Feng Yingying's tone was dismissive.
"Is that so?" Yu Mingyue's smile never wavered. "Then thank you for your compliment, Madam Feng."
"Tsk!" Feng Yingying covered her mouth with her fan and let out a laugh. "Where did you hear me complimenting you?"
Everyone knew about the Sixth Daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion being jilted by the Seventh Prince.
"Why else would you say that?" Yu Mingyue asked with a childlike innocence, as if she couldn't detect Madam Feng's malice. "Madam Feng, you're not complimenting me, are you perhaps trying to embarrass me in front of everyone? But we've just met, with no prior grievances. Unless you're out of your mind, in which case, it's best to see a doctor soon."
"You..."
"Madam Feng, being new to the capital, might not be familiar with its customs. Noble ladies in the capital always avoid gossip and are kind to others. It seems Madam Feng should learn more from the elder sisters around her."
Yu Mingyue tugged at her silk shawl, gently fanned herself, and spoke softly and unhurriedly, her eyes, however, held a hint of disdain. This caused Feng Yingying's face to flush as red as a pig's liver.
Yet, none of the noble ladies present spoke up for Feng Yingying. Yu Mingyue's words had elevated all the other noble ladies, placing them in the same circle.
Feng Yingying's father was the Military Governor of Jizhou, and though favored by the Sage, they were not in the same social circle. Feng Yingying would eventually return to Jizhou.
Even though Yu Mingyue had broken off her engagement, she was still the Sixth Daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion. There was no reason for them to side with Feng Yingying.
Almost in an instant, the noble ladies who had been standing by Feng Yingying's side quietly shifted their positions.
The surroundings became extremely quiet, but their actions were like heavy slaps to Feng Yingying's face.
Those who had just been calling her "sister" and "younger sister" had turned their backs on her without a second thought.
Yu Mingyue maintained her smile, appearing calm and composed, as if Feng Yingying's predicament had nothing to do with her.
Feng Yingying, having suffered a silent loss, wanted to turn and leave. However, as she turned, she saw her elder brother.
"Second Brother," Feng Yingying, who was doted on at home, naturally wanted to complain after being humiliated here.
The banquet today was attended not only by the ladies of various households but also by young gentlemen of similar age.
Everyone had clearly witnessed the little drama that had just unfolded. However, as it was a dispute between young ladies, they found it difficult to intervene, lest it become even more awkward.