Liu Menghan calmly asserted her position as the mistress of the mansion, declaring her authority over all affairs. Feng Ruoyan, she implied, was merely an interloper occupying a rightful place.
"My dear sister, are you implying that I failed to inform you? It is all my fault. Please do not take offense."
Feng Ruoyan immediately adopted a pitiable demeanor, her brow furrowed slightly, tears welling in her eyes, making her appear even more fragile and captivating.
"Your Highness, please speak with my sister for me and ask her not to blame me. Today’s events were my oversight. I was so preoccupied with the auspicious occasion of our child's celebration that I forgot to report the banquet preparations to my sister…"
Liu Menghan did not intend to merely assert her status as the Third Prince's consort. If that was what Feng Ruoyan desired, then Liu Menghan would graciously step back and feign weakness to preserve Feng Ruoyan's reputation as the lady of the house.
Unable to bear seeing his beloved suffer, Chu Yanxi's expression immediately darkened. Any lingering goodwill he had towards Liu Menghan vanished completely.
"Ruoyan has already informed me of these matters, and everything was done under my instructions. If you have any further questions, you may ask me directly. Ruoyan is unfamiliar with these affairs!"
Chu Yanxi's overt defense of Feng Ruoyan left Liu Menghan utterly humiliated. Immediately, hushed whispers spread throughout the entire hall.
Liu Menghan, suppressing her overwhelming sense of grievance, clenched her fists tightly. Her fingernails dug into her flesh, yet she felt no pain. The physical pain was far less than the ache in her heart at that moment.
To preserve her last shred of dignity, she maintained a smile on her face. "Your Highness, you ordered elder sister to organize this banquet. It is precisely because I know elder sister is unfamiliar with these matters that I have been so attentive to every detail. I was also concerned that elder sister, having recently given birth, might be physically weak and unable to handle such a task. I also worried that any misstep might bring discredit to Your Highness and this residence."
"My concerns stem from a desire for prosperity, all for Your Highness and for our household. There is absolutely no intention to target elder sister. I implore elder sister and Your Highness not to misunderstand my intentions."
Her words were spoken with utmost sincerity, and Liu Menghan further lowered her own status, as much as she possibly could.
Chu Yanxi found himself cornered. He suddenly realized that his actions, fueled by Feng Ruoyan's words, had been too impulsive. He had nearly forgotten that Liu Menghan was his official wife. To publicly humiliate her in such a setting would reflect poorly on him as well.
Clearing his throat, Chu Yanxi gently withdrew his hand from Feng Ruoyan's side and stepped forward to help Liu Menghan up. "I understand your intentions. I was too impulsive just now. Please do not take my unintentional words to heart."
"My heart understands."
She knew clearly that this was Chu Yanxi's final concession. Following his lead now was the wisest course of action.
Although Feng Ruoyan was immensely displeased, seeing that Chu Yanxi had spoken, she could not say anything further. She had no choice but to swallow all her grievances.
"Sister Feng Jin, look at how miserably she lives. How much suffering must she endure? If it were me, I couldn't possibly live like this for even fifteen minutes."
Lin Yuwei, witnessing Liu Menghan's utterly subservient appearance, felt a profound discomfort. Why endure life with a man who did not love you, living a life more miserable than that of a servant? If it were her, she would have sought a divorce long ago, not enduring another minute.
"The path chosen is one's own. Even if it is difficult, one must walk it."
Feng Jin, having observed everything that had transpired, knew this was the marriage Liu Menghan had pursued. No matter how thorny the road ahead, she had to endure it.
"However, living a lifetime like this is far too stifling. It makes me uncomfortable just looking at it."
To be humble before her husband and to smile at the woman her husband loved—any woman would find this unbearable. Liu Menghan's ability to endure this for so long was truly admirable.
"Let's not concern ourselves with their domestic affairs. We are here to attend the banquet. We'll present our gifts, eat our fill, enjoy ourselves, and then leave."
Feng Jin said calmly, raising the cup of fruit wine before her and taking a gentle sip. The taste was quite good. What pleased her even more was Feng Ruoyan's reaction; she was truly arrogant in her actions now, showing no regard for propriety. It seemed Liu Menghan would find it extremely difficult to handle Feng Ruoyan, and their relationship had already reached a point of irreconcilable conflict. How much longer could this superficial peace be maintained? It only needed a single spark to ignite their animosity into a raging inferno.
"That's true. If Chu Chenyi hadn't stubbornly refused to come, I wouldn't have come to this place. I feel uncomfortable just being here, and I still have to deal with them. It's so tiring."
Lin Yuwei complained incessantly, her dissatisfaction with Chu Chenyi growing. Next time, she vowed, she would absolutely not come. Whoever wanted to come could come; they shouldn't count on her.
"Princess Jing, Young Madam, you have also arrived."
Liu Menghan's exceedingly gentle voice sounded from behind them. Feng Jin smiled faintly and looked towards the source of the sound, while Lin Yuwei felt a jolt of dread, sensing that trouble had arrived.
"Imperial Consort, your body is growing heavier. You must be careful. Places crowded like this should be avoided."
Feng Jin engaged in polite pleasantries. Observing Liu Menghan's figure, she estimated she was close to delivery. To still come to such a place with her belly protruding like this, it was evident she felt threatened.
"It is not a matter of concern. This child within me is very well-behaved and does not cause much trouble. Today is an auspicious day for the child, and as the legitimate mother, I naturally must come and see."
Liu Menghan's every word was an emphasis on her status as the legitimate wife and mother, a constant reminder of how much she valued this identity. The more anxious and insecure she became, the more likely she was to do things that were inexplicable. The more chaotic the Third Prince's residence became, the more advantageous it would be for them.
"As the legitimate consort, the Third Imperial Consort naturally must possess the demeanor of a legitimate consort. She must absolutely not allow extraneous individuals to steal the spotlight."
Feng Jin's lightly spoken words struck a chord in Liu Menghan's heart, perhaps awakening a suppressed thought.
"Young Madam's words are most fitting." Liu Menghan replied calmly, reaching out to caress her bulging abdomen. Everything she was doing was for the child in her womb. If anyone dared to block her son's path, she would not let them off.
Lin Yuwei, watching the exchanges between the two, could not interject. She simply began to eat, deciding not to neglect her own stomach.
"A few days ago, when I went to the palace, I heard the Empress Mother mention that the Second Imperial Brother and Second Imperial Sister-in-law have a harmonious marital relationship. The celebrations for the Imperial Grandson must also be imminent."