Wei Yu pondered. Feng Jiang Duo's affections for Xiao Yun were feigned, but Princess Yin Yue's were genuine. If she were to successfully marry into the Ding'an Prince's manor, the days within would surely be troubled.
Given Princess Yin Yue's temperament, even if Wang Qing Yao had never offended her, she could still sow discord between the legitimate wife and Xiao Yun. This was especially true given their existing animosity.
Feng Jiang Duo, however, was different. Her relationship with Xiao Yun was a pretense from the start. Even if something happened, given Feng Jiang Duo's status and personality, she would not simply accept it if she married into the Ding'an Prince's manor. She would undoubtedly investigate who had framed her.
If the investigation led to her, it would be disastrous.
After careful consideration, Wei Yu chose Princess Yin Yue. The thorn of Xiao Yun and Feng Jiang Duo had already been planted in Wang Qing Yao's heart, and there would be plenty of opportunities later.
Furthermore, if it were Feng Jiang Duo today and Princess Yin Yue tomorrow, wouldn't Wang Qing Yao feel like a fool?
The thought of Wang Qing Yao witnessing Xiao Yun and Princess Yin Yue together sent a surge of satisfaction through Wei Yu.
Princess Jinyang, upon hearing Wang Qing Yao's words, also smiled. "Your Highness the Consort jokes. Yin Yue is a princess of a nation, and she and Prince Ding'an are deeply in love. How could she be merely a concubine if she married into the Ding'an Prince's manor? For the sake of diplomatic relations, your Emperor would either grant her the status of co-consort or at least a secondary consort, who holds a rank and is recorded in the imperial genealogy."
Princess Jinyang had clearly done her research.
Wang Qing Yao had to admit she was right.
Her insistence on calling her a concubine was merely to provoke the people of Xia. If Yin Yue were truly to marry into the Ding'an Prince's manor, for the sake of Xia's reputation, she could not be a mere concubine.
Moreover, Princess Jinyang had mentioned "deeply in love" twice, each time with increasing volume. While it appeared to be a response to Wang Qing Yao's words, it was actually intended to make everyone hear that Princess Yin Yue and the husband of the Ding'an Prince's Consort were "deeply in love."
Princess Jinyang had hoped Wang Qing Yao would inquire further, allowing her to elaborate. However, Wang Qing Yao did not engage with the "deeply in love" remark, showing no reaction.
"Oh, really?" Wang Qing Yao said, feigning disinterest.
Princess Jinyang grew anxious.
If Wang Qing Yao did not ask, there were always onlookers willing to do so. Of course, others might be too embarrassed, but Wei Yu was not.
"What?" she exclaimed, feigning surprise. "Princess Yin Yue and Prince Ding'an are deeply in love?"
She covered her mouth, blinked at Wang Qing Yao, and looked at her with an expression of profound sympathy.
Wei Qing quickly tugged at her sleeve.
Wei Yu continued unabashed, "No wonder Princess Yin Yue was so insistent on marrying Prince Ding'an before! So, they were already in love. Princess Yin Yue is truly touching, willing to be a concubine just to marry the man she loves?"
She sighed dramatically.
Princess Jinyang seized the opportunity. "I imagine Prince Ding'an will not let her suffer any grievances in the future."
These two, in their back-and-forth, were practically weaving a tale of eternal love between Xiao Yun and Princess Yin Yue.
Feng Jiang Duo interjected coldly, "If they are deeply in love, would Prince Ding'an find Princess Yin Yue ugly?"
The crowd, engrossed in the gossip, suddenly remembered this detail.
Ah, they had been led astray.
What deeply in love couple would find the other ugly?
The onlookers cast suspicious glances at Princess Jinyang.
A thin sheen of sweat broke out on Princess Jinyang's forehead.
Wei Yu chuckled softly. "I've secretly read many romantic novels at home. It seems that when lovers quarrel or get angry, they sometimes say such things to attract each other's attention!"
"Yes, yes, yes," Princess Jinyang quickly agreed, seizing the excuse. "Exactly."
This forced explanation was barely plausible.
Wang Qing Yao inwardly sneered, then said calmly, "Oh, really?" still appearing unconcerned.
Wei Yu's smile widened. "Princess Jinyang, the Ding'an Prince's Consort does not seem to believe you!"
Princess Jinyang stated, "We agreed that Yin Yue would no longer petition your Emperor to marry Prince Ding'an. However, if Prince Ding'an himself were to petition the Emperor for a marriage decree, that would be a different matter."
She spoke with such conviction that it almost seemed true. Some of the onlookers began to believe it, their hushed whispers filling the garden.
"Ah, is it true?"
"Didn't they say Prince Ding'an hasn't touched his four concubines yet?"
"So, it was all rumors..."
"I knew it. What man doesn't stray? What man wants to be faithful to just one woman?"
"It must be the Ding'an Prince's Consort's jealousy that prevents it..."
...
These voices were not loud, but Wang Qing Yao heard them all clearly.
Just days ago, she had been met with envious gazes. Now, those gazes had turned to pity and mockery.
Some people are like that; they cannot bear to see others happy and fortunate. Once there is a possibility of them falling, they will do their utmost to pull them down, hoping others will become like them.
Wang Qing Yao smiled faintly.
Wei Qing glanced at her with concern.
Just then, a maidservant from a distance cried out, "Bad news, bad news!" and ran quickly towards them.
She was out of breath, her cheeks flushed, but she ran not towards Wei Qing, but towards Princess Jinyang, and announced loudly, "Bad news, Princess Jinyang, Princess Yin Yue is in trouble!"