Prince Kang's heir and his younger son both readily agreed, promising to come that evening and even requesting two dishes.
Things did not go so smoothly with Princess Mingzhu of Prince Kang's Residence. The steward was taken to see her, and at the sight of her haggard face and red, swollen eyes, he realized she had suffered some injustice.
Indignation immediately rose in the steward's heart. Their princess was gentle and virtuous, her beauty second to none, and her skill at managing a household went without saying.
The Zheng family had married far above their station by securing their princess, yet instead of treating her well, they had made her suffer. The steward resolved to tell the prince and princess all about it once he returned.
Seeing the steward from the Prince's Mansion, Xiao Mingzhu rallied her spirits and said, "Uncle Li, what brings you here at this hour? Does Mother miss me and Yan'er?"
Hearing the obvious strain in her voice, the steward nodded. "Indeed she does. Her Highness misses you and would like you to bring Young Master Yan back to the Prince's Mansion for a few days.
"Besides, the Prince's Mansion is hosting the Carefree Prince, Prince Jing, and Lord Shen of the Court of Judicial Review this evening, so she specifically sent this old servant to invite you back for the banquet."
When Xiao Mingzhu heard that they were hosting the Carefree Prince and Prince Jing that evening, she understood perfectly. They were relatives, after all, so visits were only natural.
What puzzled her was how sudden it was, and the inclusion of Lord Shen from the Court of Judicial Review. She knew about Shen Shixu and Xiao Jinyi, too. In fact, there was no one in the entire Capital who did not.
Inviting Shen Shixu