It was early in the Hour of the Monkey that afternoon.
Guests crowded the Rongguo Mansion.
The noblewomen, poised and exquisitely made up, headed to the banquet hall in groups.
Matriarch Jia had invited them to a banquet; they could hardly refuse her that courtesy.
What they most eagerly anticipated was the rumor that Jia Family Renjie would apologize to Her Highness the Princess Consort!
That fellow was a formidable Thousand-Household Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
Living in the Capital and belonging to families of distinguished service, they knew very well how much power a Thousand-Household Commander wielded.
And yet.
Before a hereditary prince's household, even a Thousand-Household Commander had to bow!
How could an upstart official easily shake the connections cultivated over decades, that tangled web of relationships?
This affair only deepened their awe of the Prince's Mansion's methods.
"Greetings, Matriarch."
The noblewomen curtsied to Jia Mu.
With a kindly expression, Jia Mu greeted each of them in turn.
Braziers stood every few paces throughout the banquet hall. Assuming the air of the household's mistress, Madam Wang directed the maids and matrons while energetically introducing Jia Baoyu.
Wearing a Purple-Gold Crown, Jia Baoyu held his head high and walked with stately, measured steps, earning considerable praise.
Suddenly, a commotion arose at the Ceremonial Gate.
"Her Highness the Princess Consort has arrived!"
The noblewoman entered the banquet hall with impeccable grace, surrounded by her maids. Inwardly, she hated the Jia Family to the bone, but with so many eyes upon her, she could not abandon decorum and give others something to criticize.
She looked at the silver-haired Old Madam and said coldly:
"Greetings, Matriarch."
Jia Mu smiled pleasantly.
"Your Highness is most courteous."
Seeing that the person she had come for was absent, the Princess Consort asked with a