By October 18th, the wedding day of Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingzhu, Wang Qingyao, as the Princess Consort and their cousin, arrived at the Wang family early to support them.
It was on this day that she met her two brothers-in-law for the first time, Weng Zhicheng and Pang Yan.
Wang Qingzhen had praised Weng Zhicheng to her several times, describing him as graceful, refined, and handsome. Now that she finally saw him, Wang Qingyao did not hesitate to scrutinize him from head to toe.
He was indeed a handsome man, with a high nose and deep-set eyes, of the stern type. Although his facial expressions were not varied, his eyes clearly conveyed his joy.
Dressed in red, he was a picture of a dashing young gentleman, causing many young ladies at the wedding to blush.
In contrast, Pang Yan was much more ordinary. He wasn't ugly, just of average appearance. He was tall, and with some effort in grooming and the splendor of his attire, he could barely pass as a handsome man of bearing.
But he couldn't be compared.
Especially on a day like this, standing next to Weng Zhicheng, the difference was even more apparent, making him appear disheveled and dull.
Yinzhu whispered gossip, "The third son-in-law is truly handsome. The fourth son-in-law doesn't even compare to the young servant boy beside him!"
Wang Qingyao hadn't paid attention to the young servant boy beside Pang Yan until Yinzhu mentioned it, and then she looked over.
Indeed, Pang Yan was accompanied by a young servant boy dressed in red with a red hat. He had delicate features, rosy lips, and white teeth, possessing a kind of effeminate beauty.
Others hadn't noticed, only finding the servant boy exceptionally handsome.
Wang Qingyao, however, recognized at a glance that this was a girl disguised as a boy.
This young servant boy, disguised as a male, would occasionally tug at Pang Yan's sleeve, and the two of them exchanged small gestures constantly.
Wang Qingyao narrowed her eyes and understood immediately. This servant boy was precisely Pang Yan's cousin and concubine.
Their affection was truly deep. On such an important day, Pang Yan had actually allowed her to disguise herself as a man and accompany him to the Wang family to escort the principal bride.
This cousin-concubine was also unconventional, bold, and charming. She had also given birth to Pang Yan's only two children. Her position was unshakeable.
Wang Qingzhu's future days would likely be difficult.
Wang Qingyao had no particular affection for Wang Qingzhu. She glanced coldly at the concubine. As long as this concubine didn't cause any trouble, she would pretend not to know anything.
As expected, the concubine did not stir up any trouble. She was likely there purely to observe and remained quietly by Pang Yan's side until the wedding procession departed.
With the sounds of music and singing from the two wedding processions, the entire street was filled with joyful melodies and the crackling of firecrackers.
Wang Qingyao stood at the entrance and listened for a while. She said to Yinzhu, "Tell the Old Madam that we are leaving."
Her two children were still at home, and she was concerned about them, so she did not want to linger.
Old Madam Wang was still wiping away tears, while Gu Shi and Bai Junya were beside her, speaking in soft voices to comfort her.
Others were also advising, "The Old Madam should be happy. Two granddaughters are getting married on the same day, and to such good families."
The Old Madam choked out, "While that is true, I still can't bear to part with them. I watched all the children grow up."
When Wang Qingyao entered at this moment, Old Madam Wang naturally embraced her and cried for a while longer.
Wang Qingyao smelled the ginger scent emanating from her.
Hmph, even her tears were fake. What pretense of deep grandmotherly affection was this?
After being comforted for a while, Old Madam Wang finally stopped crying and held Wang Qingyao's hands, rubbing them back and forth.
"Among the sisters, you married the best. In the future, don't forget your sisters. Both their families need the Prince's support."
Wang Qingyao smiled faintly, "Sisters should naturally help each other."
Old Madam Wang nodded with satisfaction. She knew that in front of so many people, Wang Qingyao would not dare to contradict her.
Perhaps having suffered losses from Wang Qingyao too many times, Old Madam Wang, in her moment of triumph, actually said something inappropriate.
"...Now that you have successfully given birth to a legitimate son and daughter, don't keep the Prince from visiting other courtyards. Those from before are understandable, but the newly arrived Consort Wei cannot be offended. Grandmother knows that you and the Prince share deep affection, and if that is the case, you must persuade the Prince to distribute his favor more evenly. As women, we should be virtuous and magnanimous, and not let outsiders gossip."
As soon as Old Madam Wang spoke, the hall fell silent.
Wang Qingyao was so enraged that she laughed. Originally, people outside were unaware of the affairs of the Ding'an Prince's mansion, but Old Madam Wang's words made it seem as if they were confirmed.
Gu Shi's face was filled with embarrassment. She wanted to say a few polite words to steer the conversation away from this topic, but for a moment, she couldn't think of anything.
Wang Qingyao smiled and said, "Grandmother, you may not know, but when the Prince and I first married, he promised me a lifetime of only one wife. The concubines and consorts in the mansion are merely decorations."
After Wang Qingyao's words, the hall became even quieter.
Everyone desired a lifetime with only one partner, but from ancient times to the present, how many men were willing to live their lives with only one woman?
Even if they harbored such fantasies, they only dared to think about them in their hearts, not to speak them aloud.
To speak them would be considered ignorant and ungenerous.
No one had ever been able to say this so resolutely, with a face full of calm pride, like the Princess Consort of Ding'an.
The married ladies looked at her with envy.
Old Madam Wang was stunned for a moment before raising her voice and scolding, "Absurd! What nonsense about a lifetime with only one partner? Don't all men have three wives and seven concubines? You are truly ignorant!"