Ye Tinglan had not paid any attention to them recently, but the confinement order for Lanqing Courtyard had not been lifted.
They thought they would encounter resistance when they went out, but as soon as the two left the courtyard, the guards who had been waiting were nowhere to be found, and not a single person was in sight.
Feng Yinwan raised an eyebrow.
It seemed the banquet today was quite grand, even the guards watching her had been reassigned.
They entered the front courtyard unimpeded, and no one noticed.
As they approached, they heard the clamor. The garden was filled with guests, a lively scene.
Feng Yinwan peeked out and immediately spotted Qin Rulian beside Ye Tinglan.
After not seeing her for days, the "little white lotus" seemed to have withered or suffered greatly; she was even thinner than before.
The rash on her face had likely not yet subsided, but she had applied at least three layers of powder, so it wasn't very noticeable unless one looked closely.
At this moment, she had removed her veil and sat beside Ye Tinglan, laughing heartily. The word "triumphant" was practically written on her face.
Before Feng Yinwan could speak, Yuping indignantly exclaimed.
"Although she and the Prince were childhood sweethearts, she has neither status nor blood relation. How can she sit beside the Prince!"
That was supposed to be the Lady's seat!
Feng Yinwan snorted, "I'm not dead yet, and she can't wait to act like the mistress of the house."
Look at how straight her back was, even straighter than her own, the Princess Consort!
Yuping pouted. Before she could say anything more, she saw her young lady flick her sleeve and stride out with long strides, immediately becoming flustered.
"Miss, what are you doing?"
Feng Yinwan turned back and gave her a bright smile, "Of course, I'm being the Princess Consort."
Over there, at the banquet, Qin Rulian, with Ye Tinglan's approval, raised her wine cup.
"Thank you all for gracing Ruilian with your presence at my coming-of-age ceremony. Ruilian would like to express her gratitude to everyone here."
The smile on her lips was gentle and charming. When she held the wine, she deliberately placed her right hand on it, revealing the ring made of gems that Ye Tinglan had gifted her.
The ladies present all came from noble families and were naturally discerning. They recognized its considerable value almost at a glance.
"Is what Miss Qin is wearing on her hand the Azure Crystal, a specialty of the Western Regions?"
"Oh my, this Azure Crystal is priceless. Let alone such a large piece, even those made into earrings are extremely rare. This..."
The lady's gaze shifted to Ye Tinglan, and with an "I understand" expression, she chuckled, "Did the Prince of Mo specially find it to please Miss Qin?"
Hearing this, Qin Rulian covered her mouth and smiled shyly, "Madam has sharp eyes."
Her answer was ambiguous, but her fingers trembled, perhaps intentionally or unintentionally. The azure crystal, under the sunlight, refracted beautiful light and shadow, captivating all the ladies.
They immediately praised her in unison, "Ah, it truly lives up to its reputation!"
"Well~ While this Azure Crystal is indeed precious, in my opinion, His Highness Prince of Mo's affection for Miss Qin is even more unique! Such a perfect match, it's truly enviable!"
The praise was endless, with no repetition. Qin Rulian, listening, felt extremely pleased.
"You ladies flatter me. Ruilian dares not expect too much, I only wish to stay by the Prince's side."
After feigning modesty, she smiled again, "Ladies, please don't just tease this humble girl. These pastries were made by the kitchen this morning, using a recipe personally bestowed by the Empress. Please do try them."
With a wave of her hand, servants immediately presented the pastries. Being so highly regarded, she truly felt like the mistress of the Prince's manor.
Just as she was feeling pleased, a crisp sound of applause rang out at an inopportune moment.
Feng Yinwan, watching her smug face from afar, felt like she was going to vomit last night's meal. Now that she was closer and saw the thick foundation caked on her face, her lips twitched again.
"Miss Qin truly has a noble demeanor. This Princess Consort observed just now that your words and actions are more like a Princess Consort than this Princess Consort."
This "little white lotus," with just a moment's lapse of attention, had overstepped her bounds and was acting as Princess Consort for her!
Qin Rulian's eyes flickered, and she immediately apologized in feigned panic, "No, Sister, please don't be angry. I just wanted the ladies to try the pastries, and I had no other intentions."
Her eyelashes drooped, her tone was weak. If she had cried a bit at the right moment, Feng Yinwan would have been perfectly cast as the wicked woman in a drama.
Unfortunately, Feng Yinwan was least susceptible to such tactics.
She let out a cold snort and cast a chilling glance at the "little white lotus," "Is that so? Then bring some for this Princess Consort to try as well."