Wang Qingyao's guess was correct; the Xia Kingdom had precisely this intention.
However, she likely didn't know that this Silver Moon Princess harbored ambitions of becoming empress.
Their initial step, however, met with a Waterloo, which greatly angered the Silver Moon Princess.
Within the Duyuan Inn where the Xia Kingdom's envoys were lodged, the two princesses and a few trusted envoys were discussing their next plan.
"First, find someone to kill that Ding'an Consort," the Silver Moon Princess said, her anger rising at the mention of Wang Qingyao, especially since Wang Qingyao was smarter than her. "Once I've successfully entered the Ding'an Prince's manor, I'll kill the Ding'an Prince! How dare he call this princess ugly!"
In the Silver Moon Princess's mind, these two had offended her deepest taboos, and their deaths were a certainty.
But what she said now was clearly born of anger. Xia Kingdom held no advantage at present. Rashly killing the Ding'an Consort would surely attract the attention of the authorities. If their identities were accidentally exposed, their entire plan would be ruined, and the loss would outweigh any gain.
Princess Jinyang comforted her sister, "The most important thing now is to marry into the Ding'an Prince's manor. As for the Emperor of Da Sheng, there's no need to worry. The Emperor has so many concubines; one more or one less makes no difference. As long as you successfully marry into the Ding'an Prince's manor, he won't mind one more concubine in the harem."
An envoy said, "There will be banquets inside and outside the palace for the next few days. This might be an opportunity."
Princess Jinyang frowned slightly, "Just a few banquets, and the Ding'an Prince might not change his mind."
The Silver Moon Princess sneered, "He doesn't need to change his mind. I heard that the women of Da Sheng are different from those in our Xia Kingdom. As long as a man has seen a woman's body, even if nothing happens, that man must marry the woman. Hmph, isn't the Ding'an Prince deeply devoted to his consort? I'll make him slap his own face and do something that betrays his consort."
Everyone understood the Silver Moon Princess's intention.
"Does the Second Princess have a plan?"
The Silver Moon Princess displayed a cold smile.
Meanwhile, Wang Qingyao and Feng Jiangduo returned to the manor. Not long after, an imperial decree arrived with gifts.
Feng Jiangduo had won against the Silver Moon Princess in archery at the Southern Imperial Garden. The Emperor not only bestowed many gifts but also granted her the title of county princess: Princess Nange.
Previously, although Feng Jiangduo was a county princess, she had no personal title. People simply called her "Little County Princess." With a title, it was different. How many noble daughters of the imperial clan in Duanjing had no titles?
"Congratulations, Princess Nange."
The eunuch who delivered the decree was the same Changshou Eunuch they had seen in the Empress Dowager's palace last time.
The Emperor sending him to deliver the decree was a thoughtful gesture.
He happily handed the imperial decree to Feng Jiangduo. Wang Qingyao leaned over and whispered, "Eunuch Changshou, I also won against the Second Princess. Did the Emperor give me any rewards?"
The elderly Eunuch Changshou couldn't help but laugh heartily. After laughing, he lowered his voice and said, "Yes, yes, the Consort also received rewards, but the Consort's rewards cannot be openly discussed."
It was a tradition for the Emperor to bestow rewards upon those from Da Sheng who triumphed over Xia Kingdom in the Southern Imperial Garden.
Wang Qingyao had defeated the Silver Moon Princess, not in archery, but with a Rubik's Cube, and for a matter involving competing for a man.
If the Emperor had openly rewarded her, it would have been a complete loss of face for Xia Kingdom.
Wang Qingyao nodded in understanding and happily accepted the gifts.
Of course, imperial gifts were always the same few items, lacking novelty.
However, who would ever complain about having too much money?
Feng Jiangduo was undoubtedly the focus of the day. Everyone crowded around her, heading to the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, even the Old Madam was pulled along to join the fun.
Consort Dowager Fang hesitated for a moment and said, "I won't go. I still have matters to attend to in my courtyard."
Yun Zhu glanced at Consort Dowager Fang with some regret. What was wrong with sitting for a while?
No one urged Consort Dowager Fang to stay.
Xiao Mo had not gone to the Southern Imperial Garden. He listened to Wang Qingyao's animated description in the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, a gentle smile unconsciously appearing on his lips. He looked at Feng Jiangduo with pride, as if he were sharing in her glory.
Wang Qingyao suddenly had an idea and said to Xiao Mo, "Xiao Mo, can you make a Rubik's Cube?"
Xiao Mo, true to his merchant nature, understood Wang Qingyao's intention with that single sentence.
"If I had one to study, I could certainly make it."
"No need, I'll explain it to you."
Wang Qingyao called for paper and brush. She drew and explained as she went. She had even disassembled a Rubik's Cube before, so her explanation was more thorough. However, modern Rubik's Cubes were made of plastic, while the two from Xia Kingdom were made of wood.
Xiao Mo nodded repeatedly as he listened, "I understand. No problem."
"We can spread the word now: the Xia Kingdom princess challenged the Ding'an Consort with a Rubik's Cube. The Consort, with her brilliant talent and photographic memory, utterly defeated the Xia Kingdom princess, bringing glory to our nation! This small toy can be promoted nationwide, giving everyone an opportunity to bring glory to the country!"
Old Madam Fu clapped her hands, "Yaoyao, you are truly a skilled businesswoman."
"Not at all, not at all," Wang Qingyao said humbly. "I only have the ideas. The execution depends on Xiao Mo. I'm just talking on paper."
Everyone burst into laughter.
After a lively conversation for a while, everyone else left, leaving Xiao Mo and Feng Jiangduo alone.
A moment later, Xiao Yun also returned.
"Fang Zheng will send people to investigate tomorrow."
Having a sense of vigilance was good. Duanjing was not that large, and the people from Xia Kingdom were unfamiliar with the place. They would surely uncover something.