"Young Madam, we parted in such haste that day, and I've had no chance to see you again. I never expected our reunion would be at the baby's full moon celebration."
Liu MengHan smiled and stepped forward, taking Feng Jin's hand without hesitation, speaking warmly.
Feng Jin was taken aback, her eyes assessing Liu MengHan. Were they that close, or did Liu MengHan possess an extraordinary social butterfly talent?
"The Prince Consort's banquet is about to begin. Let's take our seats first."
Feng Jin subtly withdrew her hand from Liu MengHan's, her tone distant.
But to her surprise, Liu MengHan, like an unkillable grasshopper, continued to cling to Feng Jin, saying, "I specifically went to a temple to pray for a peace charm. It's thanks to RuoYan sister that it was sewn into a sachet. It's perfect for ensuring the child's safety. RuoYan sister also chose calming and soothing spices to place inside."
"It's also thanks to RuoYan sister's meticulousness and thoughtfulness. If it were me, I would probably just give a peace charm. No wonder Your Highness loves RuoYan sister so much. I really need to learn more from you, sister."
Liu MengHan's smile made her appear considerate and understanding to outsiders.
"Sister, you flatter me. I'm naturally nowhere near your level..."
Before Feng RuoYan could finish, Liu MengHan continued, "It's no wonder RuoYan sister is so invested in this matter. After all, you are sisters. Seeing your sisterly affection truly makes me envious. Fortunately, I have RuoYan sister by my side now."
"It's thanks to your care, sister. You're always working hard to manage the household affairs. All I can do is serve His Highness well, so sister doesn't have to worry about other things."
Feng Jin watched the subtle power struggle between the two, her disgust evident in her eyes. The infighting between women was truly detestable. Life for women was not easy in the first place; why should they make things difficult for each other?
"Ladies, the banquet has begun. Please save your sisterly affection drama for your own residences and take your seats."
Her voice was light, carrying a hint of a warning. If these two were sensible and kept quiet, they might still get a drink and a bite to eat. But if they were foolish enough to cause a scene at her son's full moon celebration, she wouldn't hesitate to show no mercy.
"Look at me, I got carried away talking. Oh, right, where's the child? Let me have a look." Liu MengHan's thick skin was comparable to a city wall; she completely ignored Feng Jin's words and continued to pester Feng Jin with trivialities.
"Young Madam is truly blessed to have gained two such adorable sons at once. I wonder if I will have the good fortune to bear a son or daughter for His Highness."
Liu MengHan reached out and touched her flat abdomen, her eyes revealing a clear sense of loss. She sighed softly, "RuoYan sister, I heard that the Guanyin Temple to the east of the city is very efficacious. Perhaps we can go together another day and pray to the Goddess of Bestowing Offspring for a son or daughter."
"I'll do as you say, sister."
The words were almost squeezed out from between her teeth, her smile frozen on her face. Feng RuoYan clenched her fists tightly within her sleeves, the veins on the back of her hand bulging. She glared resentfully at Liu MengHan's retreating back.
Ever since she had recovered, Liu MengHan had been incessantly bringing up the topic of heirs.
Although the imperial physician had said she still had a chance to conceive, the renowned doctors her mother had consulted had all concluded that she would find it difficult to conceive again, and even if she did, her current condition would make it hard to carry the child to term safely.
Ultimately, in this life, she would likely have no heirs. And Liu MengHan, this damned woman, was now feigning a gentle and generous demeanor, thinking of her in every way, in order to win the Prince's pity.
She had even used her poor health as an excuse to seize the authority of managing the household from her. In just over a month, everything she had built in the manor had been destroyed.
If she truly had no heirs in this life, her only reliance would be the Third Prince. These past few days, that damned Liu MengHan had been trying her utmost to seduce His Highness. She had to find a way to snatch His Highness away from her.
Feng Jin watched the two speak with insincerity and couldn't help but let out a cold snort. "Third Prince Consort, Concubine, I have other customers to attend to."
Fearing being further entangled by Liu MengHan, Feng Jin hurriedly left after speaking.
"Sister Feng Jin, why were you with those two just now? I was thinking of finding an excuse to call you over, and you came yourself."
"I got cornered. It took me a great deal of effort to get away."
Feng Jin truly saw Liu MengHan's capabilities. On the surface, she appeared fragile and gentle, but in reality, her mind was incredibly sharp. Such soft knives killed without drawing blood. Feng RuoYan might not even be her match.
"That Liu MengHan is incredibly difficult to deal with. At the beginning of the month, when I went to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress as usual, I happened to encounter her, and I almost fell for her trick. Now, when I see her, I avoid her if I can."
Lin Yuwei had witnessed Liu MengHan's prowess. Compared to Liu MengHan, Wang Qin's petty schemes were not even worth mentioning.
She finally understood why the Empress hadn't married Wang Qin to Chu Yanxi but had chosen Liu MengHan, who came from a less distinguished family. It turned out their intelligence levels were not on the same plane.
She struggled to deal with someone of Wang Qin's caliber. If she met Liu MengHan, she probably wouldn't even know how she died.
"You're getting smarter. Liu MengHan is not a simple person. Regardless, you are sisters-in-law. You will often meet when you pay respects to the palace or at banquets. You must be careful not to fall for her schemes. If you really can't handle her, then don't speak and try to stay away. Be vigilant about everything."
Feng Jin had also had dealings with Liu MengHan. Lin Yuwei's little tricks were not enough to play with her.
Currently, the relationship between Chu Chenyi and Chu Yanxi was outwardly calm, but inwardly, it was a turbulent storm. Once this thin veil of paper was pierced, the superficial peace would cease to exist.
And Liu MengHan, with her deep cunning, made Feng Jin worried that one day Liu MengHan would make a move against Lin Yuwei.
"I've noted it all down. I'll be careful when I encounter her again. Sister Feng Jin, this cake you made is truly delicious. Can you..."
Lin Yuwei was completely captivated by the taste of the cake. It was a pity there was so little of it. With so many people at the banquet, there was only a small amount of cake, and this small piece was snatched by Chu Chenyi for her.
She ate it all in a few bites and was still craving more, so she could only shamelessly ask for more.
"There's some more cake in the small kitchen. After the banquet, I'll have Cai Qing send it to you."
The cake in the small kitchen was a portion she had saved separately. She had originally intended to save it for Ling Mohan, but now she had to give it to Lin Yuwei first.