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The Princess Consort held the utmost importance among the guests, earning her the privilege of arriving last. As she meticulously prepared herself, Qiao Xuan, unaware of her status, arrived at the East Palace.

Caught in the midst of dressing up, she lacked the time to fully entertain Qiao Xuan. Their initial exchange consisted of a few polite pleasantries, after which she swiftly dispatched a maid to guide Qiao Xuan to the tea hall.

However, Auntie Fu intercepted their path, extending a warm and courteous greeting.

Qiao Xuan remained unfazed by the Princess Consort’s demeanor. She was well aware of her elevated position and understood why the Princess Consort might view her with a hint of condescension. After all, she lacked the backing of a prestigious family name.

With indifference, she continued to abide by the rules, harboring no aspirations to partake in the Princess Consort’s family wealth or favor. Thus, she refrained from ingratiating herself.

Auntie Fu’s friendly yet respectful manner induced a touch of guilt within Qiao Xuan. Inwardly, she couldn’t help but envy the competence of servants honed by noble households.

Engaging in conversation, Qiao Xuan and Auntie Fu discussed her attire. She couldn’t help but express her uncertainty, “Auntie, please don’t mock me. I’ve never attended such a grand banquet, and I’m quite unfamiliar with proper attire. My only wish is to present myself decently. I hope I haven’t transgressed any protocols.”

Auntie Fu couldn’t help but appraise Qiao Xuan. She was adorned in embroidered garments with delicate borders, a white collared intermediate attire, a tasteful plum blossom knot adorning the collar’s peak, and a pleated skirt accentuated with white silver threads.

Her ebony hair was elegantly coiled into a graceful horse bun, secured with a golden hairpin adorned with pearls. One side of the hairpin sparkled with emerald and red sapphire blossoms, while the other featured two exquisite begonia silk flowers. Interspersed among them were dainty hairpin flowers, adding an exquisite touch to her appearance. In full makeup, she exuded an aura of elegance and beauty.

Auntie Fu held a favorable opinion of Madame Shao, believing her to be highly astute and skilled in handling situations of this nature.

With a warm smile, Auntie Fu nodded and said, “Madame Shao, you’re being too humble. Your makeup looks perfect – there’s nothing to worry about. While you’re at the Fourth Prince’s mansion, feel free to reach out if you need anything; there’s no need to hold back.”

Grateful for Auntie Fu’s reassurance, Qiao Xuan smiled back, saying, “Thank you, Auntie, but please don’t stand on ceremony with me. I hope I won’t trouble you.”

Auntie Fu chuckled in response, “Of course not!”

After a considerable wait, when the Princess Consort was finally ready, she dispatched someone to fetch Qiao Xuan, and together, they made their way to the Fourth Prince’s mansion alongside her two daughters-in-law.

As expected, upon their arrival, they found themselves among the last group of guests. The Fourth Princess Consort, accompanied by the Third Prince’s Concubine and the Second Prince’s Concubine, emerged with a gathering of female attendees.

As the host, the Fourth Princess Consort warmly greeted everyone with a smile. The Princess Consort tugged at her and the Third Prince’s Concubine’s sleeves, remarking, “We’re all family here; there’s no need for such formality. We shouldn’t have arrived so late and made everyone uncomfortable.”

In response, they all smiled and expressed gratitude to the Princess Consort, praising her for her kindness and approachability.

With a friendly demeanor, the Fourth Princess Consort invited them inside.

The banquet took place in the Furong Pavilion, situated on the eastern side of the Fourth Prince’s mansion garden. The pavilion was surrounded by casually arranged peonies and variously shaped rockeries, creating a charming juxtaposition between the peonies and the natural landscape.