"You!"
Before Liang Luo could even speak, Bai Siruo continued her retort.
"As for what you two said, I beg to differ. Thunder in broad daylight? What utter fools who have never read a book!"
She berated one, then looked at the other, her expression as gentle as ever, but her words sent a chill down one's spine.
"Killing a maid for indecency will preserve the dignity of the Great Jin? Would you dare say that to Aunt Changlin?"
The person was so frightened her face turned ashen.
If it was about indecency, no one in the capital city could compete with the Eldest Princess Changlin, who vied for handsome young men to take into her manor. With this interpretation, it seemed Bai Siruo was insulting the Eldest Princess Changlin.
This was a grave offense. If someone with ill intentions were to relay these words to the princess, her life might be forfeit.
The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became, beads of sweat trickling down her forehead.
It was supposed to be the gentle spring breeze of March, yet she felt as if she were in a blazing furnace, her body burning.
"Hmph, no matter how bad my reputation, I am merely strict. Unlike some others, who wish to have the reputations of shamelessness and illicit relations with men branded onto their faces."
"Someone? Who are you talking about?"
"Whoever answers is who I'm talking about!"
Bai Siruo feigned an "Oh," and her previously bright and cheerful expression instantly turned into a tempest.
With a cold face, she slapped over, swift, accurate, and fierce!
This was Liang Luo's second slap across the face!
She still remembered the first one, delivered by Xu Mingyue, quite clearly!
"You! You're seeking death! How dare you hit me!"
"I dare to hit you because I am the Princess of Anping, personally enfeoffed by His Majesty. Hitting you is beneath me. Otherwise, as the daughter of a mere second-rank official, what could you do even if I had you caned immediately?"
Bai Siruo had never carried herself as a county princess before, and many had forgotten her distinguished status.
Now, she was even more honored!
To be precise, apart from the attending princes and princesses, she was indeed the highest-ranking person present!
Moreover, she was a郡主 (junzhu - a princess of a lower rank, often with a fiefdom and real power). The daughter of a second-rank official truly had no right to be presumptuous in front of her!
As soon as Bai Siruo said this, the others dared not make a sound. One by one, they lowered their heads, fearing they would be the next to be hit.
Feng Jinlin, standing nearby, had a sudden change of opinion about his cousin.
He had always thought of her as a naive, innocent, and somewhat spoiled young lady. Now, she appeared capable of handling matters independently.
Well done!
Without this display of authority today, they would never be able to hold their heads up in front of these people again.
Power was indeed a wonderful thing. It could make gossip detour, and even if you hated someone to the point of grinding your teeth, you could only swallow your anger.
Feng Jinyao stepped forward, intending to hold her hand and give her strength. Unexpectedly, Bai Siruo turned and silently said, "I'm fine!"
Her heart also felt a lot lighter.
She led Feng Jinyao and his brother to another tent. Su Cheng was already waiting there and beckoned them over.
At this polo match, men and women could mingle, with fewer rules. The warm-up was still ongoing, and everyone was practicing.
Once the Eldest Princess Changlin arrived, the stakes would be set, and the official match would begin.
"I heard Brother Su is playing today?"
Feng Jinyao spoke first. She had heard about it from her second brother on the way.
Su Cheng looked as if he were about to show them something impressive. "Of course. In polo in the capital, I'm second to none. You two sisters, just tell me what prize you fancy, and I'll win it back for you immediately."
"Such a big talk! I'll see later if you're as skilled as you claim!"
It was Feng Jinlin who spoke. His polo skills were not bad either. He had played against Su Cheng several times, though he had lost more often than not.
However, among those present today were not only the young ladies from noble families in the capital but also the Third Prince of Jiaoren and his subordinates, who were rumored to be skilled polo players. The two sides had not competed yet, and it was unclear who was more formidable.
Mentioning the Third Prince, Su Cheng's eyes lit up. He had not forgotten the matter entrusted to him by the Prince.
Previously, he had either stayed at the inn or the First Prince's manor, making it difficult to act.
Now, in such an "open and aboveboard" occasion, if there were an accidental collision, a broken limb, or something similar, it seemed it wouldn't be his concern.
Thinking of this, he smiled even more happily and sincerely.
Feng Jinyao, however, felt his smile carried a hint of calculation. Moreover, this was the Eldest Princess Changlin's event; it was best not to cause trouble or draw attention!
Especially her second brother!
Although she was now married to a驸马 (fuma - the emperor's son-in-law), the Eldest Princess Changlin's notorious promiscuity was well-known. It was best for her second brother to stay away!
Feng Jinlin was not the type to show off all the time. With Wen Xinglu as a precedent, he dared not draw attention. If the Eldest Princess Changlin took a liking to him, and a scenario of two husbands vying for one wife were to occur, he couldn't handle it.
Husband and wife, husband and wife. As he thought of these words, someone suddenly popped into his mind.
He hadn't seen her for several months, and strangely, he missed her.
Once his own results were out, if he truly succeeded in his exams, he would have to trouble his mother to inquire about her family's intentions.
The few of them chatted for a few sentences, laughing and talking happily.
Liang Luo, who had just been slapped, was now disgraced. The surrounding crowd had dispersed, and everyone went to other tents, leaving her alone.
Covering her cheek with a handkerchief, her hatred for Bai Siruo was now comparable to that for Xu Mingyue.
Indeed, they were good sisters. The two of them, one slap after another, had struck her. Just wait, there would come a time when they would have to bow their heads.
Her determination to marry the Ninth Prince grew even stronger!
When the Eldest Princess Changlin emerged, she was accompanied by Wen Xinglu and Wen Yuwei, brother and sister.
They were now favored by the princess, especially Wen Xinglu!
Since he entered her manor, the princess had not engaged in playful banter with other male companions. No one knew what methods he had used to win over the heart of this viperous beauty.
Even his sister, Wen Yuwei, was able to escape the bitter plight of the Wen family. After recovering from her illness, she moved directly into the princess's manor.
Liang Luo had a deep enmity with Wen Yuwei. Therefore, as soon as Wen Yuwei entered the polo field, she began looking around for Liang Luo's figure.
However, Liang Luo was quick to flee. Her sister-in-law, Madam Wei, had been busy organizing household matters these past few days and had not had time to come.
Without anyone to shield her, she was unwilling to confront Wen Yuwei. So, upon spotting others, she quietly slipped away.
Unable to find her, Wen Yuwei became somewhat displeased, but she did not dare to show it in front of the princess.
Jiaoren's Third Prince came with them. Today, he was also dressed in red, making him quite striking.
Following behind him were six people, all his close attendants. Each of them appeared strong and robust, and they seemed determined to win the polo match.