The Crown Prince's demeanor toward her today hadn't been as overtly disgusted or disdainful as in the past. Which, she supposed, was a step in the right direction. Her self-imposed mission was to treat everyone connected to Yihuan with kindness, and that certainly included the Crown Prince, whether she liked it or not.
She sighed inwardly. Most men are so predictable. They're drawn to women who are easily controlled, seemingly innocent, and utterly harmless.
"Miss, that wretched maid Xiaoying is so ill-mannered! Wouldn't it be so much simpler to just sell her off?" Ziyuan grumbled, clearly still fixated on the matter.
Qiao Wanyan gave her a disapproving look. "Disposing of a maid is a trivial matter, a mere snap of the fingers. But I'm keeping her around because she's of considerable use to my elder sister. Besides, Xiaoying hasn't committed any offense severe enough to warrant such a harsh punishment."
Ziyuan pouted, her frustration evident. "Fine, fine. This servant isn't as clever as Miss. Whatever Miss does is always right."
Qiao Wanyan gently touched Ziyuan's cheek, a hint of affection in her eyes. "Ziyuan, I particularly admire your straightforward and honest nature. But you must remember that it's not always wise to express every thought that crosses your mind. Sometimes, you need to consider whether your words will help or hinder you. But today," she added with a playful smile, "I'll have the kitchen stew a massive pork knuckle just for you, so you can grow bigger and, hopefully, think a little more clearly."
I actually have a soft spot for this maid, Yanyan thought. She's like a blank canvas, full of potential. It's a shame the original Wanyan painted her black, but it's not irreparable. Ziyuan is still young; there's still time to guide her down a better path.
Ziyuan's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Miss, you're the kindest person in the world!"
What a glutton, Yanyan thought, amused.
However, something about her young lady's words felt… off. A subtle dissonance that she couldn't quite place.
Forget it, forget it. I don't want to dwell on it any longer. Whatever Miss does is right!
If the young lady was suddenly being nice to the eldest young lady, then that was a good thing, right? As long as the young lady was happy, that's all that mattered.
The winter weather remained unforgiving, but after spending many days confined to the mansion, Qiao Wanyan's cold had finally abated.
Ziyuan had been a bundle of nerves for days, and now, standing in Yongning Pavilion, clutching a letter and casting anxious glances at her young mistress, her unease was palpable.
After a moment of visible hesitation, she blurted out, "Miss, why don't we escape to your maternal grandfather's estate in Yongzhou to avoid the impending storm?"
Qiao Wanyan, who had been engrossed in a book beside the fragrant incense burner, looked up at the sound of Ziyuan's frantic voice. She extended her hand. "Whose invitation is this? Give it here."
Ziyuan eagerly surrendered the letter. "Miss, Prince Jing returned to the capital the day before yesterday, and I've been in a state of panic ever since! Prince Jing now wields immense military power and influence, and his return to the capital can only mean one thing: he's here to seek revenge on you! Now that the Crown Prince has organized a welcoming banquet and extended invitations to both you and the eldest young lady, it's almost guaranteed that you'll cross paths with Prince Jing!"
Qiao Wanyan found Ziyuan's anxiety rather amusing. "If he's truly determined to exact revenge upon me, wouldn't he be able to track me down even if I were to hide in the farthest corner of Yongzhou?"
Ziyuan frowned, unconvinced. At least, if they fled, her young lady could postpone the inevitable suffering.
Ever since she had received word of Prince Jing's impending return to the capital, she hadn't enjoyed a single peaceful night's sleep. Yet, the young lady remained unnervingly composed, eating and drinking as if the world wasn't about to end.
If Miss were to attend the welcoming banquet, she would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the entire capital.
Qiao Wanyan unfolded the invitation and confirmed that it was, indeed, an invitation for both her and Qiao Yihuan to attend a banquet together.
Hmmm... let's see, what plot is this? Yanyan wracked her brain, struggling to recall the relevant details. It's no use; I can't place it. Forget it. I'll just observe the situation carefully and adapt as needed.
Just then, Minister Qiao and Madam Jin entered the pavilion.
As expected, they urged her to feign illness and avoid attending the welcome banquet. Qiao Wanyan endured a lengthy and tiresome round of pleading before finally managing to convince them to leave.
This is a significant plot point, and I have a feeling I can't escape it, no matter how hard I try. So why bother resisting? It's better to just go with the flow.