Chapter 54: Clashing Blades

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After all, Liu Qingmei was the wife of the Prime Minister, a lady of first-rank official standing. Few present dared to speak as bluntly as the Duchess of Mengguo; most could only smirk quietly, unwilling to respond. Yet Madam Qin, wife of General Qin and seated beside the Duchess of Mengguo, was different. She took the conversation without hesitation and sneered:

“Sister Meng’s words are still polite, but from what I’ve heard from my daughter, the story is quite different. Everyone knows that the Second Miss Ji behaved most improperly at the Lakeside Banquet.”

“She was competitive and craving attention, afraid her sister would steal her limelight. To achieve this, she even lied—claiming the eldest Miss Ji injured her finger to excuse playing the zither herself.”

“Tsk tsk, so many people witnessed the event, yet she dared fabricate such a lie. Such audacity is rare. Today, seeing Miss Meng talking with the Duke of Mengguo, she probably thought to seize the moment and steal some glory…”

Madam Qin’s tone dripped with disdain.

“Tsk! Doesn’t she realize that Miss Meng was invited by the Duke of Mengguo on official business? Did the Second Miss Ji have any official matter to discuss with the Prime Minister?”

“Ah, what an eye-opener! The family rules and upbringing of the Prime Minister’s household are truly something we can only envy!”

“At least my daughter would never behave that way — so refined, so reserved, ha ha…”

There was no subtlety here; this was a direct verbal attack.

Liu Qingmei’s face darkened to an ashen hue, and her forced smile was on the verge of breaking. The atmosphere suddenly turned palpably tense.

Unbeknownst to when it began, the female guests had gradually divided into two clear factions. Around Madam Qin and the Duchess of Mengguo clustered groups of noble ladies and young misses, while Liu Qingmei was similarly surrounded by her own supporters.

A keen observer might be surprised to notice that those near Madam Qin mostly supported the Crown Prince, while those around Liu Qingmei leaned towards Prince Xuan. Of course, a small number remained neutral, content to watch the spectacle unfold.

After all, it was merely a rivalry among women, not yet escalating to the affairs of the court—a silent power struggle beneath the grand hall.

Most importantly, this scene clearly displayed a personal feud between Madam Qin and Liu Qingmei. Outsiders were wise to remain spectators and not meddle.

By their very identities, Liu Qingmei and Madam Qin were natural adversaries. Madam Qin’s husband was a military general, whereas Liu Qingmei’s was a civil official—both high-ranking first-tier officials in the imperial court.

One represented the pen, the other the sword.

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Setting aside the princes and their factions, the contrast of civil versus military seemed to inherently breed opposition.

However, if no conflicts of interest arose, a superficial peace could have been maintained.

Yet some people simply could not tolerate a harmonious existence.

Most knew that when the former Lady Ji presided over the Prime Minister’s household, the Prime Minister enjoyed excellent relations at court because she was adept at managing social affairs.

But after her untimely passing and Liu Qingmei assumed the position of matron, the household changed.

No one knew why, but from the moment she began attending social functions, Liu Qingmei frequently invoked the rules and etiquette for ladies.

On one occasion, she even admonished Madam Qin’s daughter, Qin Bao’er.

She remarked that though a general’s daughter, Bao’er must still observe proper decorum and not behave too boisterously, lest she lose the gentleness and grace befitting a lady.

Otherwise, she might find it difficult to marry in the future!

This was a hornet’s nest waiting to be stirred.

Qin Bao’er was cherished like a treasured jewel by General Qin and Madam Qin, held with the utmost care.

For Liu Qingmei to pick on her so openly was a deliberate provocation aimed squarely at Madam Qin.

From then on, the two women became bitter rivals.

At every banquet—unless organized by the royal family—they tacitly agreed to a truce; otherwise, whenever Liu Qingmei and Madam Qin crossed paths, a confrontation was inevitable.

Over time, their feud deepened.

Madam Qin’s biting words today were hardly surprising; after all, she had finally found an opening, exploiting the very rules and etiquette Liu Qingmei often preached.

Liu Qingmei had previously claimed that Madam Qin’s daughter lacked decorum.

Now, her own daughter had behaved improperly—and in front of so many witnesses—leaving her unable to excuse or smooth over the situation.

The irony was exquisite.

Everyone could see the weakness, and how could Madam Qin, such a seasoned adversary, pass up this opportunity?

Her ridicule was merciless.

Liu Qingmei’s anger boiled within. She wished she could drag her daughter forward and slap some sense into her.

But she could only hold back.

In such a public setting, she could not show weakness; she had to grit her teeth and cover for her daughter.

Yet she knew that blaming Ji Wenbin was useless.

Ji Wenbin and General Qin held equal rank; neither outranked the other.

Even if onlookers dared not mock openly, they surely looked down on her daughter in their hearts.

So she had to invoke someone of even greater weight than Ji Wenbin to end the quarrel today.

If not to claim victory, then at least to avoid a crushing defeat.

With this in mind, Liu Qingmei immediately altered her approach, though it came off somewhat abrupt and stiff.

“Ah, pardon my forgetfulness. Actually, before coming to the racetrack, Lan’er told me that Prince Xuan had spoken with her earlier, saying he wished to speak with her during today’s race festival.”

“She was to seek him out once she arrived at the track. After all, Prince Xuan is a royal prince; it would be improper to ask him to humble himself to meet my daughter.”

“I thought, with the wedding approaching, it’s only natural for the young people to get to know each other better. I’ve been so busy lately that my memory failed me, leading to this misunderstanding.”

Having spoken, she turned to Madam Qin, her tone growing colder.

“Madam Qin, you are still Lan’er’s elder. Without evidence, please do not speak recklessly!”

“Such words can tarnish a young lady’s reputation! You yourself have a daughter—best practice some restraint!”

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Meanwhile, among the male guests.

Upon seeing Ling Yuzhao, Prince Xuan immediately approached him.

Disregarding whether Ling welcomed the conversation, he brought up the matter from the imperial study.

“Are you still angry about the study incident, brother?”

His expression wore that of one who had taken advantage yet feigned innocence, truly vexing.

Ling Yuzhao’s demeanor remained cold and indifferent, showing little desire to engage.

Yet Prince Xuan would not relent.

A trace of sympathy appeared on his face as he said, “Brother, please don’t be upset. I’ve learned more about Feng Yueyang’s situation—his family’s decline and eventual ruin under pressure—it’s truly pitiable.”

“Though his actions against me were unjustified, I do not hold a grudge against him. However, I cannot influence Father’s decisions; the realm has its laws, and the family its rules.”

“After all, Feng Yueyang did err, and Father’s reprimand was already merciful. You should also advise your cousin, Gu Ziru, accordingly.”