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Chu Xingyao and Jun Xiaoxiao's conversation was like a spring breeze, warm and refreshing, and their friendship quietly took root in this unexpected way.

However, this tranquility was soon shattered by the appearance of Chu Xinglan.

Chu Xinglan's cousin, a woman who always carries a hint of gloom and jealousy, always makes the atmosphere tense when she appears.

Her gaze lingered on Chu Xingyao for a moment, a complex mix of envy and jealousy in her eyes.

Her fingers dug into her palms unconsciously; the jealousy was driving her almost mad, but she still maintained a pitiful expression on her face.

"Sister, your clothes are so beautiful. I've always dreamed of wearing clothes like these."

Chu Xinglan's voice trembled slightly, as if she were truly a pitiful younger sister neglected by her older sister, and a second daughter of the general's mansion who was mistreated.

Her words were full of grievance, but her eyes revealed a cunning glint, making one wonder about her true intentions.

Chu Xingyao turned around to face Chu Xinglan. Her eyes were completely calm, as if she had already seen through Chu Xinglan's disguise.

She knew that Chu Xinglan's closeness was just a facade; her real purpose was to show her innocence and pitifulness in front of everyone in order to gain sympathy.

"This dress was made from the fabric that His Highness the War Prince gave you for your coming-of-age ceremony. Why don't you go and tell His Highness the War Prince that he can give you some more for your coming-of-age ceremony as well?"

Chu Xingyao's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible mockery; her words were both a response and a challenge.

Chu Xinglan's expression changed slightly. She hadn't expected Chu Xingyao to bring up His Highness the War King so directly, which put her in a dilemma.

She dared not actually ask His Highness the War King for the fabric; to do so would undoubtedly be to humiliate herself.

So she could only say pitifully, "It's all my fault. I'm not as good at pleasing the prince as I am."

Ye Qin's arrival at this moment made the situation even more tense.

Her words were sharp and provocative, attempting to put Chu Xingyao at a disadvantage.

"Of course you're not as good as her. She dared to chase men all over the streets just because she's the most beautiful woman. Would you dare?"

Ye Qin's words were full of sarcasm and provocation, her eyes sharp, as if she wanted to gain the upper hand in this verbal battle.

Her words were directed at Chu Xingyao, attempting to use her beauty as a weapon of attack, unaware that such an attack only revealed her own ignorance and jealousy.

Chu Xingyao showed no panic or anger in the face of Ye Qin's provocation.

She simply smiled slightly, a smile that revealed composure and confidence.

There was a hint of disdain in her eyes.

"Yes, I am the most beautiful woman! What can I do? I am so beautiful that it makes people jealous!"

Chu Xingyao's voice was calm and firm. She was not swayed by Ye Qin's words, but instead declared her beauty with even greater confidence.

Her words were not offensive, yet every word was sharp and insightful, striking at Ye Qin's weak spot.

"Unlike you, who's so ugly, has such a foul mouth, food stuck in your teeth, and makeup caked on your face."

"And you go around criticizing others? What? Just because you're ugly, we have to give in to you?"

Chu Xingyao's words were direct and sharp, leaving Ye Qin no room for retaliation.

Every word she uttered was like a carefully crafted arrow, striking Ye Qin's pride with pinpoint accuracy.

Ye Qin was so angry at Chu Xingyao's words that her teeth itched. Her face turned ugly, and she was about to retaliate when she suddenly heard a clear laugh.

The laughter, like a clear spring, broke the tense atmosphere.

"Hahaha, Sister Yao'er, you're amazing!"

Jun Xiaoxiao burst into laughter, her smile pure and radiant, as if unaffected by the argument.

Her laughter was infectious, making those around her laugh along with her.

Jun Xiaoxiao's laughter contained no sarcasm, only praise and support for Chu Xingyao.

Chu Xingyao gently patted Jun Xiaoxiao's back to help her catch her breath, and then said softly:

"Let's go, the banquet is about to begin. Let's go into the hall. Remember to stay away from that idiot in the future."

Her words carried a hint of humor, but also revealed her care and protection for Jun Xiaoxiao.

Ye Qin's face darkened further, and she asked angrily, "Who are you calling an idiot?"

Her voice was shrill, almost shattering the tranquility of the plum garden.

Chu Xingyao turned her head and replied calmly, "Anyone who answers is a fool."

Her eyes held a hint of mockery, clearly showing that she didn't take Ye Qin's anger to heart.

Ye Qin was furious. She opened her mouth, but found herself speechless.

Her anger and embarrassment reached their peak at that moment, but she could only weakly utter, "You..."

Just then, a eunuch shouted in a shrill voice, "The banquet is about to begin. Please move into the hall."

His voice was sharp and high-pitched, bringing everyone back to their senses, and they all began to move into the hall.

Chu Xingyao and Jun Xiaoxiao exchanged a smile, then linked arms and gracefully walked into the hall.

Ye Qin stood rooted to the spot, her expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. Her hands were clenched into fists, her nails almost digging into her palms. Her gaze was fixed on the backs of Chu Xingyao and Jun Xiaoxiao, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes.

Seeing this, Chu Xinglan gently comforted her, "Sister Ye, their smugness won't last long. There will be plenty of opportunities to teach her a lesson. She's just a good-for-nothing."

Chu Xinglan's voice was low and cold, and her words revealed a hint of conspiracy.

Upon hearing this, Ye Qin felt her anger find an outlet. A cold smile curled at the corner of her lips, and a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes.

Chu Xinglan and Ye Qin straightened their clothes and stepped gracefully and calmly into the magnificent palace.

Despite their resentment and jealousy, they all wore polite smiles, displaying the demeanor and poise befitting nobility.

Chu Xingyao and Jun Xiaoxiao had already taken their seats, which were the most prestigious places near the Empress, symbolizing their status and influence in the palace.

Chu Xingyao's mother, the wife of the General of Zhennan, was sitting next to her.

She possessed an elegant and graceful demeanor, and chatted and laughed with the ladies around her, appearing very harmonious.

Chu Xingyao sat down gently, her gaze sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on Ye Qin and Chu Xinglan.

Her eyes held a hint of wariness, but more so confidence and composure.

Ye Qin and Chu Xinglan found their seats. Although they were not as prominent as Chu Xingyao and Jun Xiaoxiao, they were still seated at the head of the banquet, which was enough to show their status and position.

After Ye Qin sat down, her expression was still not good, but she tried her best to keep smiling and chat with the people around her, attempting to hide her displeasure.