You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

Lou Yao's face flashed with embarrassment, but she quickly regained her smile. She hadn't expected "Xie Wanru" to refuse so directly, and even used Xie's status as a military officer as a shield, putting her in a difficult position once again.

"Haha, what the princess says is true. I was being presumptuous. I forgot that the princess is a valiant and heroic woman, not a young lady."

Lou Yao smiled as she spoke, trying to hide her embarrassment, but she was actually dissatisfied with Lin Qing's attitude. She had originally wanted to use this opportunity to embarrass Xie Wanru, but she didn't fall for it.

Seeing this, the guests echoed Lou Yao's words.

Lin Qing maintained a polite smile throughout. She didn't think Lou Yao would let her off so easily. She knew that as long as the banquet wasn't completely over, Lou Yao would definitely have more tricks up her sleeve.

Sure enough, Lou Yao changed the subject after a short while and said, "Since it is inconvenient for the princess to display her talents, how about we have a literary contest? I have heard that the princess is not only skilled in martial arts, but also has outstanding literary talent. Today, let us make friends through poetry. I wonder what the princess thinks?"

Lin Qing sneered inwardly. This Lou Yao was really persistent, wanting to embarrass her in front of everyone. But would she give in so easily?

She smiled gently and said, "The Third Princess Consort is in such high spirits. Have you perhaps forgotten your important business today?"

Lou Yao's expression changed slightly. She did intend to embarrass Lin Qing in order to show off her intelligence and also to dampen the Xie family's arrogance.

But Lin Qing's words subtly reminded her of the true purpose of today's banquet—to raise funds for suppressing bandits.

"Third sister-in-law, let's take care of business first. All the ladies are waiting."

Wu Xuanyi spoke out at the right time.

"My sister-in-law and the princess are right, I almost forgot." Lou Yao feigned composure, then changed the subject, "Since we've brought up serious matters, I might as well speak frankly. As you all know, His Highness the Third Prince has gone to various places to suppress bandits. I, too, am concerned for the people of the world, and I hope that His Highness can..."

Lou Yao began her eloquent speech, and all the ladies knew that they had no choice but to pay the money.

Madam Shen glared at Shen Nianqing again.

Before leaving, they ran into Shen Cong'an, who reminded them that this was a trap and advised them not to attend.

After all, the Shen family doesn't have any extra money right now.

However, Shen Nianqing said that her elder brother was talking nonsense and didn't want their Shen family to prosper. He didn't even attend the banquet of the Third Princess. Was their Yong'an Marquis's Mansion going to decline?

Madam Shen came here because she was dissatisfied, and now she regrets it terribly.

Shen Nianqing felt a little guilty after being glared at by her grandmother, but still stubbornly said, "Mother, why are you glaring at me? Does our Shen family lack this little bit of money?"

"You're not in charge of the household, so you don't know the cost of oil and salt. Do you think the mansion is still the same as before?"

Madam Shen tried her best to control her temper. The ladies present today were all wealthy and noble, unlike her own family where she could throw tantrums at will.

Shen Nianqing, who had been scolded, dared not say another word. She knew that since her elder brother had returned Xie Wanru's dowry, there was not much cash left in the mansion.

It had prevented her from going out of the mansion to buy fine clothes for a long time. Thinking of this, she glared at "Xie Wanru" not far away and felt that all her misfortunes were brought about by Xie Wanru.

Wu Xuanyi observed quietly from the side. Lou Yao seemed clever, but in reality, she was impatient for quick success and instant benefits. Today's actions would probably backfire.

For the dignified Third Imperial Consort to personally ask for money is not only undignified, but also inappropriate for a young, newly married woman to do such things. However, Wu Xuanyi was happy to see her like this, so that she wouldn't have to rack her brains to deal with it.

Just as Lou Yao was giving a passionate speech, trying to persuade everyone to donate, Wu Xuanyi suddenly spoke up: "Third sister-in-law, you care deeply for the people and are truly a model for women everywhere. However, the matter of suppressing bandits requires the concerted efforts of the entire court to succeed. Although we are women, we are also willing to do our part. However, the money in everyone's hands is not something that grows on trees, so it must be used wisely to show its value."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at him.

Everyone says that His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Third Prince are just superficial brothers, and it seems that it's true!

Actually, Wu Xuanyi just didn't want Lou Yao to focus all her attention on "Xie Wanru", so she deliberately picked a fight with Lou Yao.

"Sister Wu is right, money is the most sensitive thing."

"Xie Wanru" replied casually.

Lou Yao was also taken aback, but then realized that "Xie Wanru" was implying that her method of raising money was not transparent enough, and it was difficult to guarantee that the money would actually be used to suppress bandits.

“Your Highness is absolutely right. I will personally oversee the use of the funds to ensure that every penny is spent wisely.”

Lou Yao quickly made a statement, trying to salvage the situation.

A playful smile appeared on Xie Wanru's lips. She did not dwell on the topic, but instead gently raised her teacup, took an elegant sip, as if everything was under her control.

At this moment, a rather cold female voice rang out from the crowd, "The Third Imperial Consort's determination is truly a blessing for the country and the people. However, supervising the use of funds is no small matter and requires a fair and selfless person to be competent."

Upon hearing this, the banquet hall fell into a brief silence. The person who spoke was none other than Lou Yao's sister-in-law, Shen Mengning.

After she finished speaking, everyone's eyes were focused on Lou Yao, waiting for her answer.

Lou Yao's heart tightened. She hadn't expected Shen Mengning to be so persistent. She was her sister-in-law, after all. Shouldn't she speak up for her? How could she help someone else embarrass her?

Just as she was pondering a solution, Shen Mengning slowly spoke again: "Actually, this matter is not difficult to resolve. We only need to make things open and transparent, establish special accounts, and publish them monthly to the court and the people. Then, a supervisory group composed of respected senior officials in the court or influential gentry from the populace can jointly oversee the process. This way, we can ensure the whereabouts of the silver are clear and enhance the people's trust in the court. Why not do it?"

Shen Mengning's words made everyone present take a second look at her. What was originally a sensitive matter was resolved by her so easily.

Although Lou Yao was displeased that Shen Mengning had embarrassed her, she had to admit that Shen Mengning's suggestion was quite pertinent. Moreover, her purpose was only to raise funds, and she didn't care who supervised her. She just wanted the Third Prince to see that she was working hard to help him.

She forced a smile and said, "Madam Lou is absolutely right. I will definitely consider this matter seriously and strive to do my best."

Calling her "Madam Lou" seems to be the greatest respect one can show her.

Shen Mengning didn't say anything. She knew her sister-in-law's temper. When she was in a good mood, she would call you "sister-in-law" when she needed something, but otherwise, you wouldn't hear a single nice word from her.