Stewardess Gao now looked at Qi Yuan with a hint of reverence in their eyes.
Truly, it was something no one had expected!
Indeed, Qi Yuan had always said that she was taught proper manners by Jiang Momo and that she knew the Eldest Princess.
But honestly, no one had really taken it seriously.
Madam Lu had mocked her so coldly earlier in the front courtyard precisely because she thought it was impossible.
Even if the Eldest Princess had truly taught her something, surely it was just out of boredom—perhaps a few casual tips. How could it possibly be real teaching?
And how could she have genuinely cared about Qi Yuan?
Let alone come down the mountain to attend such a meaningless recognition banquet!
When the invitation was sent, even Qi Zhen hadn’t taken it seriously!
But who could have thought the Eldest Princess actually showed up?
It wasn’t just Stewardess Gao’s attitude toward Qi Yuan that had changed.
In fact, when word arrived that the Eldest Princess had come, even the old marquis and Qi Zhen, who were entertaining the male guests in the front courtyard, exchanged a look—unable to hide the shock in their hearts.
The guests were all visibly stunned.
Commander Lu asked incredulously, “Which Eldest Princess?”
But after asking, even he felt the question was unnecessary.
There was only one Eldest Princess in the capital!
Lu Shangshu clicked his tongue and patted Qi Zhen’s shoulder, calling him by his courtesy name: “Yuanze! Your face sure carries weight!”
Qi Zhen snapped out of it, stifling his joy and cupping his hands with a smile: “Elder, you flatter me. It’s not due to my own face at all. I’m both humbled and fearful. Her Highness the Eldest Princess gracing our humble home is merely because she once instructed my daughter and came to visit her.”
At those words, everyone’s expressions shifted again.
No one had expected this girl, newly returned to the Qi family, to have such a powerful background.
To have been personally taught by the Eldest Princess—what incredible fortune!
The old marquis didn’t waste any more words and led Qi Zhen to personally welcome her, opening the central gate wide in her honor.
The Eldest Princess arrived in purple robes, her head adorned with little ornamentation. When she saw Qi Zhen and the old marquis, her expression didn’t change. She spoke calmly: “A person who has renounced worldly life doesn’t need a grand welcome. No need for the central gate. You two are being overly ceremonious.”
The old marquis quickly replied, “Your Highness! You possess the grace of a dragon and the dignity of a phoenix—such nobility must be received accordingly!”
The Eldest Princess stood still, waiting for him to finish, then raised her brows slightly: “This princess only came down the mountain to see an old acquaintance. Where is she?”
The old marquis and Qi Zhen quickly led her to the rear courtyard.
Madam Wang and the second and third madams had long been waiting at the decorative entrance gate, their heads buzzing. Even now it all felt unreal.
Who could’ve dreamed that Qi Yuan would actually manage to invite the Eldest Princess?
If only they had known…
Though Madam Wang wasn’t even sure what she would’ve done if she had known.
Once the Eldest Princess arrived, all the women of the household knelt on the ground. She glanced over them lightly and asked, “Where is Qi Yuan?”
Just then, Stewardess Gao happened to bring Qi Yuan over.
Madam Lu stood up with the other ladies, bitterness flooding her heart.
Where had her daughter fallen short?
She’d known long ago that the Eldest Princess had lost her daughter. That’s why she’d schemed.
And their families weren’t unrelated—after all, the Eldest Princess had married her husband’s elder brother, her uncle-in-law.
By blood and marriage, her daughter Lu Zhenzhen even had to call the Eldest Princess aunt.
She had sent Zhenzhen up the mountain when she was only a few days old, hoping she would be raised there. But shortly after, the Eldest Princess had sent the child back, saying she was cured.
Madam Lu had assumed the Eldest Princess had truly cut off all earthly ties.
And yet she’d taken in another girl?
Qi Yuan didn’t know what Madam Lu was thinking, and even if she did, she wouldn’t have cared.
Seeing Jiang Momo by the Eldest Princess’s side, a wave of emotion hit her, and tears nearly welled up in her eyes.
She knelt formally before the Eldest Princess, bowing low.
The Eldest Princess’s expression softened, and she gently helped her up: “I had assumed you were merely a village girl. Who would have thought you’d come into such fortune.”
Jiang Momo smiled kindly and said: “It’s plain to see she’s a lucky girl.”
Madam Wang stiffened, unsure what to say.
Thankfully, the second madam quickly chimed in: “Though she hasn’t been home long, she carries herself with dignity and poise. Only later did we learn she had the fortune of being taught by Jiang Momo.”
Jiang Momo smiled: “It wasn’t formal teaching—she’s a sweet and obedient girl. Life on the mountain is quiet, and sometimes Her Highness grew weary. Having the young miss visit us often brought joy to our days.”
The Eldest Princess nodded and asked Qi Yuan meaningfully: “Now that you’ve returned home, have your family treated you well?”
Madam Wang grew even more rigid, her body tense, terrified Qi Yuan might say “no.”
Luckily, just then, a loud commotion broke out in the outer courtyard.
Madam Wang panicked—so many distinguished guests, not to mention the Eldest Princess herself—if something happened now, it would be a disgrace for a lifetime!
She hurried to find out what was going on. But before she could get far, Liu Zhong rushed in, disheveled and breathless: “Madam—no, it’s bad! The ancestral hall caught fire! The marquis and old marquis have gone to put it out!”
The ancestral hall—on this day?!
Madam Wang nearly fainted, her vision going dark.
It took her a moment to collect herself, clutching her chest. She turned to apologize profusely to the Eldest Princess and the ladies.
Thankfully, the ancestral hall was far away, and the fire wouldn’t spread to the back courtyard.
Madam Wang repeatedly reassured the Eldest Princess and the guests.
The Eldest Princess said calmly: “It’s nothing. The air’s been dry lately. Fires are common. We’ve had several forest fires on the mountain this winter already.”
Since the Eldest Princess herself said it was no matter, no one else dared make a fuss.
Meanwhile, Han Yue’e casually brushed her eyebrows as she stood before the mirror.
The reflection showed a delicate, pretty face—undeniably a beauty.
Lian’er smiled and praised her: “Our young lady doesn’t usually bother with dressing up, but once she does, no one else can compare.”
Han Yue’e tapped her nose with a smile: “Alright, enough with your flattery. So, has the fire started?”
Lian’er straightened her collar and whispered, “You needn’t worry, miss. We’ve been watching from the start. Even if Qingsong hadn’t done it, our people would’ve helped. From what I saw, the flames are already rising. I’d say the front courtyard is in chaos right about now.”
Han Yue’e smiled with satisfaction: “What a shame. She’d just started to think she’d gained a foothold in the family. But now, with this fire, her true colors will be revealed. Such a pity. Such a pity.”
Lian’er couldn’t help but cover her mouth and giggle.
