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墨書 Inktalez
"Leave it to the Daughter-in-law?" Yang Yunqing frowned, "Are you sure this will work?"
He Yu did not answer immediately; instead, he smiled and said, "Once, Yao Yao gave me a term called 'Madam Socializing.'"
"Madam... socializing?" Yang Yunqing repeated with a furrowed brow. It wasn't hard to understand from the literal meaning, but... Yang Yunqing looked up at He Yu, "Are you sure this will have any significant effect?"
"I don't know," He Yu honestly admitted, noticing that the prince's brow was beginning to furrow again. He quickly added, "After all, we are all brothers. How much trouble can a few women really cause? I think it's better to let them interact more. Although I don't know how effective it will be, it shouldn't ruin things, right?"
Yang Yunqing thought for a moment before slowly nodding. "That's true. How about this? In a couple of days, isn't there Duke Wei's chrysanthemum appreciation banquet? I'll have Qingye get closer to your family then."
"Yes, that sounds good." He Yu nodded. "Yao Yao hasn't had anyone she knows well since she came here. Her Elder Brother was sent out to host the Provincial Examination shortly after arriving, and she doesn't even have a maternal family to return to. Having a sister-in-law to share a few intimate words with would be nice."
Hearing this from He Yu, Yang Yunqing smiled and nodded.
Qingye is Su Hong's courtesy name. The Su Family has many preparations as a prominent family, and since he is the prince, there are naturally many formalities that can be quite bothersome. Qingye is also introverted and well-educated; he and Hong Ming's Xiao Yao complement each other quite well.
Yang Yunqing looked up and asked, "Aren't you going to give your princess a courtesy name?" Just like him, Qingye is the courtesy name he gave to Su Hong—refreshing and pleasant, just like Su Hong herself.
He Yu waved his hand dismissively and said casually, "Just call her Yao Yao; that's her courtesy name too."
"You really are quite unparticular," the prince teased.
"Military Aristocracy; we don't fuss over such things," He Yu shook his head proudly. "Our He Family has always valued loyalty and companionship for life."
Yang Yunqing looked at He Yu and smiled, "I believe you can do it."
"That's a must," He Yu revealed a confident smile. "If I can't even protect my own family, then I wouldn't be of any use as a prince."
Yang Yunqing admired his confidence and patted He Yu on the shoulder, and the two exchanged smiles.
Three days later.
Xiao Yao was leisurely having breakfast in the residence when Yun Zhu hurriedly walked in. "Princess, Eldest Miss Su has come to visit."
"Eldest Miss Su?" Xiao Yao was momentarily taken aback, and Yun Zhu quickly reminded her, "She is the Legitimate Daughter of the Su Family who is about to become a Consort."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yao immediately remembered and slapped her forehead. "Ah, I forgot! The prince mentioned last night that Su Hong would come to invite me to Duke Wei's Residence. Yun Zhu, please invite Sister Su to the front courtyard; I'll be there shortly!"
"Yes." Yun Zhu complied and hurried off, after all, she was the future Consort, and they couldn't afford to neglect her.
Xiao Yao quickly finished her rice porridge, stood up, and said, "Hurry and rinse your mouth and change clothes; we can't keep her waiting too long."
Yun Yue and Yun Bi also became anxious. After all, who in the entire capital didn't know that Su Hong was the future Consort? Xiao Yao had never interacted with this future Consort, so she was unsure of her personality, which made her a bit nervous.
Fortunately, since they knew they were going to Duke Wei's Residence, the outfit had been chosen the day before. Since she was going to accompany those unmarried young ladies, Xiao Yao thought it best not to dress too ostentatiously. If she outshone those unmarried girls, wouldn't they all return home feeling defeated? This was what she had thought while choosing clothes with He Yu yesterday.
Hearing such a cute speculation from his Daughter-in-law, He Yu leaned against the door frame laughing so hard he nearly doubled over. He rubbed Xiao Yao's cheek and said, "My dear Daughter-in-law, you really think too much."
"Of course! I am a married woman; I must uphold my duties!" Xiao Yao replied earnestly.
This only made He Yu laugh even more; he was almost rolling on the couch. If it weren't for the servants needing to be mindful of his status as a prince, he might have actually rolled around on the couch.
After changing into clothes, this time she wore a light blue long dress paired with a white short blouse. The blouse had buttons shaped like flowers, which was a new idea that Xiao Yao had recently come up with. The cuffs matched the color of the long dress—light blue—complementing the white silk blouse perfectly.
Her hair was also styled up, adorned with pearls and green gemstones that gave an elegant and noble appearance. After checking herself in the bronze mirror and finding everything satisfactory, she hurriedly headed towards the front courtyard with Yun Yue.
After arriving at the front yard, Yun Zhu was already waiting at the door. "Where is Sister Su?"
"She is having tea with noodles. There's no need for the master to worry too much; Sister Su is very easygoing," Yun Zhu said while adjusting Xiao Yao's slightly messy collar with a smile.
Hearing Yun Zhu's words, Xiao Yao felt a bit relieved. However, it was ultimately her own oversight, which didn't sit well with her. Thinking this, she lifted her foot to walk into the inner room, wearing an apologetic smile. "It's my sister who is late; please don't blame me."
Su Hong also put down her teacup, stood up, and smiled. "Your Highness, that is not the case at all. It was I who came too early and disturbed your breakfast; it’s my fault."
Xiao Yao frowned slightly and smiled. "Sister need not be so humble. If the Crown Prince hears this, he might think I am bullying you!"
Upon hearing the words "Crown Prince," Su Hong's face flushed with embarrassment as she said, "After all, we are not yet married, so these formalities cannot be neglected."
"You are being too formal," Xiao Yao took Su Hong's hand affectionately and said, "The Prince and the Crown Prince grew up together like brothers. Since you have been betrothed, it is a settled matter. Calling me sister in advance is nothing serious. Look, I’m not bothered by it; why should you be?"
Xiao Yao blinked at Su Hong, who genuinely believed what the Crown Prince had said to her a few days ago. "Don't worry; Consort Xuanping is very lively and easy to get along with. Just treat her like a sister."
At this moment, Su Hong really did appear like a younger sister. She pursed her lips and thought for a moment before smiling gently. "Since my sister has said so, then I will indeed take the liberty to call you sister."
"Oh!" Xiao Yao was very pleased to hear this and grinned as she asked, "Sister, you didn't wait long, did you? Originally, the Prince reminded me yesterday; look at my memory—I completely forgot and made you wait."
"It's nothing," Su Hong smiled; there was really no need to fuss over it. "I came too early; you need not blame yourself."
Hearing this from Su Hong, Xiao Yao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for not blaming me, sister."
Su Hong chuckled softly; she truly was like a child. She had heard Xuanping Wang say that his princess was always treated like a child, but she didn't believe it until now. Seeing Xiao Yao in person made Su Hong somewhat convinced because it was rare to find someone so lively in the intricate circles of high society in the capital.
Thinking about this, Su Hong felt a bit envious of Xiao Yao. Although the Crown Prince valued her as well, she knew it was also related to her family background. Moreover, she had been raised as a potential consort for the prince from an early age; some things were deeply ingrained in her bones. No matter how much the Crown Prince might cherish her in the future—like Xuanping Wang cherished Consort Xuanping—she could never truly reach that level of affection.
However, there are some things that cannot be envied, and Su Hong is well aware of this.
Su Hong and Xiao Yao each took a carriage. After all, they both came from prominent families, and it wouldn't look good for them to squeeze into one carriage. Fortunately, Duke Wei's residence was not far away, and they arrived in no time.
The steward at the entrance spotted them from a distance and immediately urged the attendants nearby, "Quickly go call the lady! Consort Xuanping and Sister Su have arrived!"
Upon hearing that one was the wife of the first noble of a different surname and the other was a future consort, the attendant rushed back into the courtyard to invite the Duchess of Wei and her eldest daughter out. When the Duchess of Wei learned that Xiao Yao and Su Hong had come, she quickly brought her eldest daughter out to greet them. Although Duke Wei's family was considered one of the noble families in the capital, it could not compare to Xuanping Wang's family, let alone the Crown Prince.
The invitation had been sent out as per usual practice, but Madam Meng had never expected these two would come. Moreover, neither of them had replied to the invitation. Unexpectedly, they showed up out of the blue, which added prestige to Duke Wei's Residence. Even if they were unprepared, they had to make arrangements on the spot.
Madam Meng stood at the door with her daughter for a while when she saw two luxurious carriages slowly approaching. The Su family's carriage was much more understated, only showing off its elegance through its decorations. However, Consort Xuanping's carriage was different; its silk surface shimmered faintly from afar without being glaring, indicating its considerable value. As expected, upon closer inspection, it turned out to be plain cloud brocade adorned with pendants made of eastern pearls. The wood framing of the windows was made from golden silk nanmu, which left Madam Meng nearly dazzled.
Xiao Yao and Su Hong got off their carriages, and Madam Meng immediately stepped forward to greet them. "I have met the princess." Since Su Hong had not officially married yet, she did not need to perform any formalities. Instead, as an elder, Madam Meng received a greeting from Su Hong. "Madam is well."
"Please rise, madam," Xiao Yao said with a smile. After all, Duke Wei and Xiao Yao were not very familiar with each other; their demeanor and etiquette were very formal. Even Su Hong beside her couldn't help but be surprised.
Just moments ago, she was still a girl who liked to act spoiled; now she was displaying the demeanor of a princess.
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