This child has been a bit out of control lately, but thankfully, she behaves like a proper lady in public.
The Grand Princess's gaze fell upon Xiao Che, seated below the Emperor. Though born to Consort Yao, he did not resemble the Yao family. With sword-like brows, bright eyes, and a spirited demeanor, he possessed much of the Emperor's youthful charm, which somewhat eased her heart.
Yu Mingyue was, after all, just a child. The banquet was long, and she would inevitably need to change her clothes midway. However, she had been to the palace several times before, and the palace maids always informed her of the general location of nearby facilities, so she was quite familiar with the paths here.
Perhaps heaven heard her thoughts, for on her way back, she happened to encounter Luo Lingyi. Although they hadn't known each other before, they had seen each other at the palace banquet, so a greeting was in order. Isn't that how relationships are built?
"Greetings, Sister Luo!" Yu Mingyue greeted her proactively. She was so adorable, smiling so sweetly; Luo Lingyi, being so astute, should be able to see her overtures, right?
"Greetings, Sister Yu!" Luo Lingyi returned her smile.
Indeed, the ancient saying held true: "Give a peach, receive a jade pendant." The ancients did not deceive me. It worked!
"I felt an immediate affinity for Sister Luo the moment I saw her today, as if we had known each other before," Yu Mingyue decided to take the initiative, aiming to win over the beauty.
Chi Dan: ...
It was one thing for their young lady to act like a lecher when she saw a handsome man, but why was she not sparing even pretty young ladies?
Luo Lingyi was amused by Yu Mingyue's words. Though direct, her sincere expression made her words seem not abrupt, but rather frank and endearing.
"I feel quite a connection with Sister too." Yu Mingyue's frankness made Luo Lingyi feel a little guilty. After all, she had come to the capital this time to snatch Yu Mingyue's fiancé.
"This must be what they call hitting it off at first sight."
"Sister Yu is as lovely as jade and adorable; you must be doted on at home."
"Sister is indeed clever. I am always well-loved at home. You can tell from my name: 'everyone dotes on me'!" Yu Mingyue said playfully. "Sister, there's a pavilion ahead. Why don't we go sit there? Honestly, the palace banquet is a bit boring!" Yu Mingyue lowered her voice for the last few words.
Luo Lingyi bent down to match her height. "I feel the same."
After speaking, the two exchanged a smile. Flattery never fails; praise is key. She had called her Sister Yu just now, and now she was Sister.
As noble ladies of the Great Wei, they had both learned similar things, so they naturally had much to talk about. Furthermore, the matriarch of the Cui family was a descendant of the Wang clan, the aunt of Empress Dowager Wang. In a way, both of them carried Wang clan blood.
Yu Mingyue secretly thought that compared to Luo Lingyi, Luo Shi was worlds apart. Princess Huayang truly lived up to her reputation.
The two felt like old friends upon meeting and chatted merrily, only reluctantly parting when they returned to the banquet hall. The Grand Princess noticed the change in her daughter's expression. She had seemed preoccupied earlier, but now she returned with a smile.
"That young lady from the Yu family is quite cunning," the Grand Princess murmured. In other words, one should never be fooled by her appearance.
Huayang naturally disliked that fool Luo Shi, but Luo Shi had been outmaneuvered by a young girl multiple times, which reflected poorly on her.
"Mother," Luo Lingyi called softly. However, it was clear she did not agree with her mother's assessment.
Princess Huayang looked at Yu Mingyue, her eyes darkening. This girl was indeed formidable, winning hearts so quickly that even Lingyi sided with her. No wonder Luo Shi always suffered losses at her hands.