Feng Jin’s voice was righteous and strong, hitting Ling Wan’s heart.
“Yes, Eldest Sister-in-law,” Ling Wan said in a deep voice, immediately standing tall and straight, her gaze meeting everyone’s without fear.
“There will always be people who gossip about you in this world. You are not gold or silver, so you cannot be liked by everyone. You don’t need to care about others’ idle talk. But if someone bullies you, you must fight back hard. This is the style of our Ling family!”
Feng Jin said coldly, her gaze sweeping over everyone with deterrence.
Those who lacked courage no longer dared to be presumptuous and lowered their heads.
But there were also stubborn people who insisted on bumping into trouble.
“What do you mean? Your Ling family certainly puts on airs. Do you even control what we say?”
Madam Wang, with her fiery temper, put her hands on her hips and questioned Feng Jin, displaying the demeanor of a village shrew to perfection.
“When have I ever named anyone? Have I said it was you, Madam Wang? You shouldn’t be so confident. It’s best not to assume things about yourself.”
When it came to arguments, Feng Jin had never lost.
With a few words, she silenced Madam Wang, who had lost all her earlier momentum and retreated dejectedly like a defeated rooster.
“I’ve heard from the Third Prince’s consort that the young madam of the Ling family is eloquent. As expected, hearing is not as good as seeing. Young Madam, please take your seat first.”
Madam Ye, with a smile on her face, gestured for Feng Jin to sit.
“Let’s go, we’ll take our seats first.” Feng Jin said softly to Ling Wan, and the two sat down together.
After a while, Feng Jin realized that their table was filled with women.
Weren’t men supposed to be present too? Could the intelligence be wrong? But she had seen quite a few men around the racetrack when she arrived.
“Cai Qing, go find Ling Muzhu.”
“Yes, Young Madam.”
As Cai Qing got up and walked to the gauze curtain, she was stopped by a voice.
“Miss, it’s better not to go out yet. The seating is separated by gender this time. It’s best not to move around arbitrarily.”
A servant girl following Madam Wenchang Hou kindly reminded her.
Cai Qing was slightly taken aback, knowing the rules of gender-separated seating. She could only return to Feng Jin’s side sheepishly.
“Although this polo match is separated by gender, once the banquet is over, everyone can move around freely. Taking advantage of the flourishing spring, it’s a great opportunity to play polo. Everyone must fight a good match.”
“Everyone in the capital knows that you, Madam, are the master of polo. Didn’t you and the Marquis fall in love because of polo back then? This is a beautiful story in the capital.”
“Sister Li is right. With you here, Madam, how can our petty skills be displayed in front of you?”
Madam Ye smiled, waved her hand, and said, “Everyone, please stop bringing up those old matters. It’s been twenty years. My son is already of an age to get married. It’s really embarrassing to talk about these things. My old bones can’t play polo anymore. You young ladies are in your prime, so don’t waste it. Go down and play heartily later. I’ve prepared quite a few good prizes.”
“Yes, Madam.” The delicate young ladies from prominent families all responded in unison.
Feng Jin felt a wave of nausea looking at their feigned expressions. She pulled Ling Wan and asked in a low voice, “Can you play polo?”
“Eldest Sister-in-law, I’ve never even ridden a horse, so how could I play polo?” Ling Wan replied softly. Playing polo was something for those young ladies from distinguished families; she had no opportunity to come into contact with such things.
Feng Jin’s eyes narrowed. It was over. She didn’t know how to play either. What if they called on her later?
What she feared most came true. Just as Feng Jin finished her silent prayer, a discordant voice sounded.
“Young Madam Ling, how about a game of polo together?” The speaker was a young woman. Feng Jin couldn’t recall which family she belonged to, but she clearly remembered that this woman used to follow Ling Mohan around. This time she was looking for her, which seemed like ill intentions.
Feng Jin was not foolish and had some self-awareness. She wasn’t even very skilled at riding a horse, let alone playing polo on horseback.
“I’m sorry, I’ve lived in the countryside since I was young, so naturally I don’t know how to play polo. You should find someone else.”
Unexpectedly, the woman remained insistent. After being rejected by Feng Jin, she shifted her target to Ling Yan, “Then it’s you, accompany me down to play polo.”
Ling Wan was slightly taken aback and was about to speak when Feng Jin pressed her hand.
“Are you thick-skinned or brainless? I’ve already politely refused you, yet you’re still asking for trouble. If you’re really that bored, then leave quickly and don’t be an eyesore here.”
Feng Jin hated people who were shameless, thick-skinned, and thought they were clever. Dealing with such a “green tea” required quick, decisive action to expose her true colors.
“How can you be so rude? I was merely inviting you, why must you humiliate me like this? I…”
“Wang Xuan, just shut your mouth. If you say another word, you can get out of here.”
A sharp yet familiar voice came. Feng Jin couldn’t help but peek. Upon seeing Lin Yuwei, she instantly felt relieved.
“Greetings, Princess Jing.” Wang Xuan quickly said, regaining her composure.
“Greetings, Princess Jing.” The others present echoed in unison.
“You may all rise.” Lin Yuwei’s gaze fell on Wang Xuan, and she approached her step by step. Her imposing aura, without anger, scared Wang Xuan into trembling and backing away.
“Wang Xuan, I thought you would be smarter than Wang Qin, but it seems you are no different. If you want to be like her, I can fulfill your wish and ask the Empress to bestow you as a secondary consort to His Highness the Third Prince. What do you think?”
Wang Xuan had witnessed Liu Menghan’s methods. If it weren’t for her scheme, how could the two sisters have lost their positions as the Third Prince’s consorts?
If she were to be oppressed by Liu Menghan, would she have any way to survive?
“Princess, please forgive me.” Wang Xuan immediately knelt down and begged for mercy.
“You should know who you need to apologize to!”
Wang Xuan, understanding the implication, quickly realized what it meant. She hastily said to Feng Jin, who was watching the drama unfold, “Young Madam, I was blind. I beg Young Madam to be magnanimous and not hold it against me.”
Considering Wang Xuan’s decent attitude in admitting her mistake, Feng Jin decided to be magnanimous and let her off the hook, letting her leave quickly to avoid being an eyesore.
After everyone had mostly dispersed, Lin Yuwei finally lowered her posture. “Sister Feng Jin, wasn’t I very imposing just now? I immediately intimidated Wang Xuan.”