"Who is she? How can she be compared with the mother of the Regent Princess?"

Duke Su was not someone who thought highly of the princess and her mother, but was forced by the situation. "Noble families are now walking on thin ice in the capital. Do you want our entire Duke's Mansion to be destroyed for such a woman?"

The previous emperor was strict in governing the country, yet he was helpless against the nobles who had ruled for a hundred years. The regent is not even the emperor, but now he intends to ascend the throne. At this critical moment, if he doesn't work hard to win over the nobles, how dare he take action against the Duke's Mansion?

Han Xiucheng thought that his father was exaggerating just because he wanted him to give up marrying Mianmian.

"Don't worry, father. Mian'er's current situation is similar to that of the princess's mother. The princess is kind and filial, and will definitely support Mian'er."

Seeing that his son was not listening, Duke Suguo became more and more angry, "Someone, lock this bitch in the woodshed!"

Madam Han had doted on her son since he was young, so she naturally didn't want to see the father and son turn against each other, so she stopped him and said:

"I think Cheng'er is right. When the princess sees Mian'er, she might think of her mother. If Cheng'er is as heartless as General Shen, the princess will be dissatisfied and take the opportunity to blame him. Then..."

"The Prince Regent has arrived—The Princess Regent has arrived—"

Before the family could come to an end of the argument, the carriage from the Regent's Palace appeared.

The prince and princess arrived, and no one dared to make trouble anymore.

Duke Su hurried down the stairs, followed by everyone else. Prince Han pulled his Mian'er to kneel down and pay their respects, saying in unison:

"Meet the Prince Regent, meet the Princess Regent."

Without the word "no need to show courtesy", no one dared to raise his head.

Mo Chengying got off the carriage first, then handed his hand to Shen Yangui, helped her out of the carriage and up the stairs, and then let everyone stand up.

The Duke's Mansion still follows the old system, with men and women sitting at separate tables before the banquet.

Old Duke Han and the old lady bent over to clear the way, leading Mo Chengying and Shen Yangui to their respective places.

Qingshuang helped Shen Yangui back, and Chunqi, Xia'an, Qiusui and Dongxi followed behind.

Wherever they passed, the corridors were hung with red lanterns, and even the handrails of the pier were wrapped with red silk. The bleakness of winter was concealed, and the whole house was filled with joy.

The place where the women waited was to the north of the lake, with tables and cushions placed along the lake.

Because the banquet was held in the name of the harvest at the manor, the kitchen prepared a lot of things.

Not to mention the fresh fruits and vegetables, there are also all kinds of novel snacks and new wine made from fresh grains and fruits.

The cups, plates, and bowls used are also in accordance with the scene, and are not only exquisite but also very particular.

Although the banquet was held in the back garden of the Duke's Mansion, no one dared to enter before the princess arrived, so everyone was temporarily arranged to sit to the west of the lake, near the stage.

The ladies were listening to the opera and chatting, while the young ladies were playing by the water. When they saw the old lady leading the princess across the Nine-Curve Bridge to the waiting area, they all looked over.

In the sunlight, two palace maids led the way carrying incense burners. The princess was dressed in a long robe that trailed on the ground, looking dazzling.

Because it was a private banquet, the ceremonial procession was simplified, but when the princess arrived at the center of the lake, the accompanying ceremonial procession was still waiting to go up the bridge.

Who wouldn’t say it’s impressive when seeing this?

The older lady whispered, "Back then, the Empress Dowager ruled the country from behind the curtain, and it was at its peak, but it was not as grand as the princess's."

The word "favor" is not enough to describe the princess's position in the prince's heart.

To be fair, these women envy Shen Yangui.

With such a background and such a high position, even the wife of the Duke had to bow and nod before her and serve her carefully.

When everyone's eyes were looking towards the center of the lake, Shen Lin quietly left this place and went behind the rockery nearby to avoid everyone.

Han Linqiu was still young and felt bored following his grandmother to accompany the princess. But when he saw the little Shen Yuanyuan in the crowd on the other side of the lake, his brows immediately lit up with joy.

"My Lady Princess, can I go play with the Princess?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Han scolded: "You are not allowed to do that in front of the princess..."

Shen Yangui raised his hand to interrupt Madam Han, "I remember you, my classmate from Yongjia."

Han Linqiu clasped his fists and bowed deeply, "Thank you for your concern, Princess. I am Han Linqiu, a classmate of the princess. I made mistakes before, and the princess beat me. When I came back, my mother also explained the reason to me. I have reconciled with the princess and will no longer bully other classmates."

The little guy is very serious and polite, which shows that Song taught him very carefully.

"Go." Shen Yangui still had things to do, and it was not good to ask this little guy to watch him.

Han Linqiu bowed and thanked him, looked around, chose a shortcut, and ran over.

Shen Yangui withdrew his gaze and noticed the woman next to Old Madam Han. She was dressed in scarlet brocade and her eyes were fixed on Han Linkiu with love in them.

Scarlet is a color very close to red.

But if you get closer, yes it is and no it is not.

Shen Yangui had seen Song Xiangyi before, but she was not the woman in red next to Madam Han.

Thinking about the affectionate look between Prince Han Xiucheng and the woman when the man and woman were separated just now, this woman is most likely the sister that Lin'an was talking about.

Maybe it's more than that.

Shen Yangui had an idea in mind and praised: "The Duke's Mansion is indeed a century-old noble family, it is indeed magnificent."

Madam Han did not dare to stand up straight, and said modestly: "Princess, you are too kind. How dare the Duke's Mansion compare with the Prince's Mansion? I can only try to avoid being laughed at."

"I've heard that the Crown Prince's wife is dignified and good at managing the household. Today's banquet is very well arranged, which is very pleasing to me."

Shen Yangui turned his head to look at the woman in red clothes next to him, held her hand, and said affectionately: "As expected of the daughter of Master Song, the Crown Prince's wife is thoughtful."

Old Madam Han's face turned green. She was afraid that Mianmian would speak and cause trouble, so she winked at the nanny beside her.

Nanny Liu answered quickly, "Princess, you misunderstood. This is not the Crown Prince's wife."

Shen Yangui is not here to enjoy the feast today, he is here to cause trouble.

It doesn't matter who says it, it makes no difference what they say.

She covered her lips with the handkerchief in her hand, coughed lightly, and said indifferently:

"The Duke's Mansion has a good family tradition."

Everyone likes to be praised, but inexplicable praise will only make people feel scared.

Old Madam Han didn't understand what he meant.

Qing Shuang explained in a cold voice: "The princess asked a question, but the old lady didn't answer. Instead, a servant interrupted her. The rules in the Duke's Mansion are really strict."

Madam Han's heart skipped a beat and she bowed her head to admit her mistake. "I didn't discipline you properly, please forgive me, Princess."

Just a simple word of forgiveness is enough?

Shen Yangui stopped where he was, neither moving forward nor backward, and remained silent.

The scene was a little awkward.

How could Madam Han be such a fool after living in the rear house for so many years?

This is to make her speak up and punish the people around her.

The old lady gritted her teeth and said, "Madam Liu, you are disrespectful in front of the princess. You will be slapped thirty times."

Madam Liu did not dare to beg for mercy, "I have violated the rules, and I am willing to be punished."

After saying that, he raised his hand to hit himself.

"Spring blanket."

Shen Yangui frowned and looked sideways towards the west side of the stage. Lin'an, who was standing behind the crowd, raised his wine cup towards this side.

Chunqi stepped forward and grabbed Madam Liu's wrist. "Madam Guogong is so powerful! Is this a slap in the face of her own madam, or is she intentionally embarrassing the princess? Do you want to tell everyone that the princess is harsh on the people in the Duke's Mansion?"

Madam Han was so frightened that her knees weakened and she knelt down to beg for mercy, "Princess, please understand, I dare not!"

The women who were watching the fun were stunned.

"Don't dare? I think you dare! The princess has arrived, but the mistress doesn't come to greet her. Instead, she lets a concubine who is not worthy of being on the stage come out to entertain her. Who are you putting on airs for? Speak!"

Qingshuang suddenly raised her voice, "Did you do it on purpose?!"

The princess seldom criticized so harshly. Qingshuang did not have enough experience as an "evil servant" and her words were lacking.

Fortunately, with the support of the Regent's Palace, Tianran's words were more powerful, which fulfilled Qingshuang's dream of "bullying others by taking advantage of power".

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