It wasn't surprising that the Second Prince was blinded by love, nor was Consort Wei, nor Wei Qing.
Perhaps the Wei family bloodline simply had a penchant for it.
After scolding the brothers Wei Wenbin and Wei Wenci, Consort Wei turned to Prince Qi, "Zhao'er, tell me, what exactly happened?"
Prince Qi glanced at Xiao Yun and Wang Qingyao, rubbed his nose, and stammered, unsure where to begin.
Consort Wei's anger flared again, and she looked towards Prince Wu.
The Seventh Prince couldn't hold back and jumped out to complain, "Consort, it was the Wei brothers who first called Princess Consort a jinx and said Brother Yun wouldn't live to twenty-five even without a curse. Brother Yun couldn't stand it, so he retaliated..."
Consort Wei was furious, her phoenix eyes glinting with frost as she glared at the Wei brothers. They were truly two fools!
Wang Qingyao hadn't expected to be involved in this matter. Her eyes blinked, and tears immediately welled up, "You... you've gone too far! *Wuwuwu*, Your Highness, I don't want to live anymore!"
Everyone: "..."
Enough, it was a bit too melodramatic.
Weren't you just rolling up your sleeves, ready to fight alongside us a moment ago?
Xiao Yun gently comforted her a few words, then looked at Consort Wei, "Your Ladyship, the Wei brothers insulted the Princess Consort. I will not pursue it out of respect for you, but they must apologize to the Princess Consort!"
Consort Wei said without hesitation, "That is only right." She immediately looked at the Wei brothers, signaling them to apologize to Wang Qingyao.
Wei Wenbin and Wei Wenci were naturally unwilling. They had already been beaten, and now they had to apologize to a woman!
However, they didn't dare to refuse. If Xiao Yun were displeased and reported them to the Emperor, they would be in serious trouble.
The two brothers exchanged glances, then awkwardly shuffled over to Wang Qingyao and said reluctantly, "Sorry."
Wang Qingyao suppressed a smile and scanned them from head to toe. She unexpectedly discovered several silver notes hidden inside their clothes, and they were of no small denomination.
Who would bring so much money to a banquet?
Wang Qingyao found it strange and frowned slightly.
She said softly, "It's okay." It still sounded a little reluctant.
This only made Wei Wenbin and Wei Wenci even more incensed.
The matter was considered concluded.
Wang Qingyao helped Xiao Yun to "treat his injuries." She overheard Prince Qi asking behind them, "Where is Miss Kang? Why isn't she by Mother Consort's side?"
Consort Wei said, "There was a small incident in the inner court..."
A wet nurse who had accompanied them then explained the situation in detail. Upon hearing this, Prince Qi's face fell, "I thought she was the legitimate eldest daughter, and had been taught household management from a young age. Who knew such a small banquet would have so many mishaps!"
He looked at Consort Wei with a wronged expression.
The implication was that if a small banquet could be managed so poorly, how could she be expected to manage the vast royal estate in the future?
Although Consort Wei was also somewhat displeased, as a loyal supporter of the Emperor, she would never question the Emperor's decision.
"Miss Kang is young. She has done quite well given the circumstances. Besides, whatever she hasn't done well, she can learn slowly after she marries in. She is an intelligent girl and learns quickly."
Prince Qi was dejected at not receiving Consort Wei's support.
As soon as they were out of everyone's sight, Xiao Yun's spirits lifted. His injuries were minor and didn't require a doctor; he just needed to freshen up.
Wang Qingyao asked Yuan Bao to fetch spare clothes from the carriage and had the maids of Prince Qi's manor lead them to a side room.
As Zhenzhu went to fetch water, Wang Qingyao asked Xiao Yun, "You're not an impulsive person. Why did you get into a fight just because they insulted me? There were two of them! If something happened to you, how would our family of the old, weak, sick, and disabled survive?"
She chattered on like an old woman, making Xiao Yun unable to help but laugh.
"With Yuan Bao helping me from the shadows, those two fools couldn't have hurt me."
He added, "Wei Wenbin and Wei Wenci deliberately came to cause trouble." He thought back to the situation, "It seemed they intentionally provoked me into acting. I suspect they received a hint from Prince Qi to stir up some trouble at the banquet, so I didn't hold back."
He became excited as he spoke, "It felt so good to beat them!"
Now Wang Qingyao understood why the Wei brothers had large sums of silver notes in their pockets.
When she told Xiao Yun this, he sneered, "It seems it wasn't a hint, but an explicit instruction. Those two from the Wei family are spineless! All they think about all day is causing trouble!"
"Will this marriage still happen?"
"The Emperor's decree of marriage is not easily revoked. No matter how unwilling Prince Qi is, or how many tricks he plays, as long as it's not a matter of chastity or treason, he'll have to go through with it!"
Wang Qingyao thought of the charming Miss Kang and felt it was a pity.
The subsequent events were no longer their concern. With the food ruined, the banquet naturally couldn't proceed. Prince Qi personally came out to apologize to everyone and explain the situation.
Everyone whispered and discussed. Kang Yutong's face flushed crimson, and she felt utterly ashamed.
As the guests dispersed and returned home one by one, Kang Yutong glanced at Prince Qi. She wanted to step forward and explain a few words, but Prince Qi merely swept her a cold glance before turning and leaving.
Kang Yutong's tears could no longer be held back and streamed down her face.