A Ruthless Slap in the Face

"There is no need for so many formalities; I am feeling a bit dizzy. By the way, I heard from Hong Yi that the Langhuan Library in the Marquis Wuwen mansion has a very rich collection of books. I have heard even back in my own country that Marquis Wuwen is a rare hero in this world, and I admire him greatly. I would like to view his library today; I wonder if Lady Zhao would allow me to read there?"

Lady Zhao's eyes had turned calm, her expression remaining graceful and composed; no one could tell what she was thinking. Seeing Hong Yi and Princess Zhennan chatting and laughing, everyone—from Lady Fang and Madam Rong to the mansion's guards, stewards, nannies, and maids—was stunned.

"It is a tremendous honor for this humble lady that the Princess would grace us with her presence," Lady Zhao said hurriedly, then ordered, "Shuang'er, Tong'er, take twenty maids each into the library to tidy up. Once I have finished tea with the Princess, I will accompany her inside."

Because Princess Zhennan had brought her sedan chair, along with her blade guards, crossbow guards, and cavalry, there was no lack of protocol. Yet, she herself was walking outside, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a youth in a green shirt, chatting and laughing, looking exceptionally happy and vibrant.

Hearing this, everyone in the main hall was dumbfounded.

"Hong Yi is my friend, Lady Zhao. Why are you scolding him? He was the one who invited me today. Just a moment ago, I invited him to sit in my sedan chair, but he declined, saying his status did not permit it, and gave a whole list of reasons about it being inconvenient. I wanted to talk to him, so I stepped out of the sedan myself. If you must scold someone, scold me, but do not scold Hong Yi. He is my good friend."

Moreover, this Princess Zhennan was someone highly favored by the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress, frequently summoned to the palace to chat and receive gifts. Of course, given the status of Marquis Wuwen in the imperial court, a princess without real power might not require such a grand reception, but this Princess Zhennan held actual authority; the Dagan Empire relied on the Divine Wind Kingdom to guard the southern seas. This status was no small matter.

The main gate of the Marquis mansion was wide open, with two rows of maids standing on either side. In the courtyard behind the gate, an incense table was set up with sandalwood smoke curling upward. The three ladies of the mansion sat beside the table, letting the nannies and old women constantly walk to the gate to peer into the distance.

"It is nothing. The Princess will be at the gate on foot soon. Let us go to the entrance to welcome her," Lady Zhao said in a flat tone, as if forcibly suppressing something from erupting.

"The Princess is welcome to come at any time. If it is an intrusion, this humble lady is truly terrified," Lady Zhao said, quickly standing up. She then said to Hong Yi, "Hong Yi, serve the Princess well and do not be negligent."

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside; it was Luo Yun returning.

When Princess Zhennan, Luo Yun, reached the gate, the three ladies of the mansion first performed the proper greetings. Lady Zhao then reprimanded Hong Yi, her eyes containing a sharp, chilling coldness.

Lady Zhao had set the stage today to enforce family discipline upon Hong Yi, but she had not expected him to invite Princess Zhennan as a guest, leaving her with no place to vent her anger and forcing her to dutifully light incense and change her clothes to welcome them.

The youth was indeed Hong Yi.

"I suddenly remembered something I needed to tell Lady Zhao," Luo Yun said suddenly. "A few days ago, while I was talking with the Empress Dowager and Consort Yuan in the palace, Consort Yuan mentioned she was homesick. Seeing that other noble consorts could return home to visit their families during the holidays, she felt lonely and wanted to recognize some relatives. The Empress Dowager, knowing Consort Yuan was married from the Yuantu Kingdom and had no kin in Yujing, agreed and let her choose a family. Consort Yuan said Marquis Wuwen's name shakes the Yuantu Kingdom, and she wished to recognize this family. The Empress Dowager agreed, and the decree will likely be issued in a couple of days. Consort Yuan heard of Hong Yi's poetic talent while chatting with Princess Yongchun and wishes to meet him when the time comes."

Even the Rong Prince Mansion would prepare three days in advance upon hearing that Princess Zhennan intended to read in their library. They were especially afraid of being accused of poor etiquette, which would damage the reputation of the Dagan Empire as a land of ritual. Madam Rong calculated this in her heart.

"No need for that. Hong Yi can introduce me. Reading requires quiet, and I do not need many people serving me. Hong Yi and I still have things to talk about," Luo Yun said.

"I will report this matter to the Marquis. After the Princess leaves, I will still carry out the family discipline," Lady Zhao said, waving her hand to stop Madam Rong from speaking.

According to the rules, when a princess went out, she was to ride in an eight-bearer sedan chair draped in gold silk and gold phoenixes, surrounded by twenty cavalry, twenty blade guards, and twenty crossbow guards to display royal status and ensure her safety.

But when they looked from afar at the gate, they understood, and the shock on their faces completely stripped away the graceful composure that "noble ladies" were supposed to possess.

"Sister, what is going on?" Madam Rong had already heard from the servants that the martial arts Hong Yi displayed were the Small Heavenly Dipper Grappling Hand of Hong Xuejiao. Hong Xuejiao was the daughter of the second branch.

"How would this humble lady dare to say the Princess is wrong?" Lady Zhao hurriedly curtsied in apology, and Lady Fang, Madam Rong, and the nannies and maids all followed suit in a wave of bowing. Otherwise, gossip would spread.

The first branch's Lady Zhao could still maintain her posture, but the second branch's Lady Fang and the third branch's Madam Rong already had beads of sweat on their foreheads. In a great household, one could not afford the slightest error in protocol.

Suddenly, a guard arrived at the gate and passed a message to an old woman, who hurried inside and whispered into Lady Zhao's ear.

Lady Fang and Madam Rong both asked.

"Sister, this... this is simply too audacious!" After Hong Yi and the Princess left, Madam Rong exclaimed.

Luo Yun mentioned the book collection, her excitement unmasked, making her words seem even more innocent and naive.

"I dare not defy the Princess's wishes," Lady Zhao curtsied again.

"Yes." Hong Yi was respectful, his etiquette flawless, and he led Luo Yun away.

The group followed Luo Yun like stars surrounding the moon, heading to the main hall of the mansion for tea.

"Why did Princess Zhennan come to our mansion for no reason? She should have notified us beforehand so we could prepare. If we were unprepared and lacked proper etiquette, and it got out, that would be no small matter."

"Why is the Princess walking? Why not take the sedan chair? This is not in accordance with the law."

"Hmph, although I know your Hong Xuejiao secretly taught Hong Yi martial arts, I am not so stupid as to mention it in front of Lady Zhao; that would only look like I am sowing discord. Anyway, the Master is discerning; one look and he will see the truth. When he erupts, heh, it won't fall on my head."

"Mother, although I borrowed the influence of Princess Zhennan today, I have at least slapped Lady Zhao in the face. I hope your spirit in heaven can find comfort. Although I know this will bring great trouble, I have my own ways to handle it," Hong Yi thought silently.

"The tea is finished. Thank you for today, Lady Zhao. Hong Yi, accompany me to read," Luo Yun said, standing up, unable to wait any longer.

At this moment, Madam Rong no longer mentioned Lady Zhao enforcing family discipline on Hong Yi; there were priorities in all things. However, this sharp-tongued woman kept glancing at Lady Fang of the second branch with hostility, which left Lady Fang feeling quite bewildered.

As the one who invited Luo Yun, Hong Yi had a seat in the main hall for the first time. Seeing the surprised looks of the nannies, maids, and servants, as well as Lady Fang's confusion and Madam Rong's anger, he only sneered inwardly, remaining calm on the surface.

This was a naked blow to Lady Zhao's prestige in the mansion!

"Princess, why have you returned? Are you not going to read?" Lady Zhao stood up again.

Even though Lady Zhao's expression remained as calm as usual, possessing the grace of a matriarch, her face still changed slightly: "Understood."

Therefore, the three "noble ladies" of the mansion did not dare to be negligent after hearing the news. They had to change into the official attire bestowed by the court to show formality.

Not taking a sedan chair and visiting a Marquis mansion without such protocol was slightly impolite. Thus, Lady Fang and Lady Zhao were a bit displeased.

Princess Zhennan, Luo Yun, spoke, winking at Lady Zhao.

However, this situation made Hong Yi particularly vigilant. Princess Zhennan was a princess personally enfeoffed by the Emperor, equivalent to a prince, and her title was already far above that of a Marquis.

Just now, when they heard the news that Princess Zhennan was coming, they had immediately arranged everything, cleaned up, and spent half the day busy. They had put on the phoenix coronets and robes bestowed by the court, finally getting everything ready, and then sat in the courtyard waiting anxiously, not even having time to drink a cup of tea.