With the emperor’s and the Empress Dowager’s favors in precedence, no one dared to trouble or provoke Wufu, lest they fail to provoke and instead get humiliated. Moreover, even the emperor praised her exceptional talent; who would dare to court the emperor’s displeasure?

Thus, the Imperial Banquet passed peacefully without incident, and finally, it was time to leave the palace, allowing Wufu to breathe a long sigh of relief.

This tedious banquet had finally come to an end.

Carrying the Jade Ruyi gifted by the emperor and the headdress bestowed by the Empress Dowager, Wufu even managed to board the sedan chair out of the palace.

"Please wait, County Magistrate Ruifu."

Wufu turned her head and saw Princess Consort Wei following behind her, so she stopped.

"I have some words to bestow upon the County Lord." Princess Consort Wei fixed her gaze on Wufu and said, "A woman, you see, is better off being less sharp, more gentle. Unlike a hedgehog with spikes all over, which can easily hurt others and oneself."

"Thank you, Princess Consort, for your guidance." Wufu replied with a smile, "Yet, has Princess Consort Wei shared these words with Princess Ping Xi?"

Princess Consort Wei’s eyes sharpened.

"Princess Ping Xi, even at a young age, knows how to strike others from the shadows. I’ve heard she whipped her father’s mistress to death!" Wufu seemed startled, covering her mouth, "Oh dear, this is just hearsay, so please excuse me, Princess Consort. But reputation is important for a woman, so..."

At Prince Wei’s Manor, her face turned livid, her eyes fixed sharply on Wufu.

"I know the Princess Consort’s words are for my good. However, the emperor has already decreed marriage between me and Prince Jin of Beiyan. Soon enough, I will wed to Beiyan, so whether I’m sharp or not hardly matters. Perhaps once I leave Nanyue, no one will remember who I am! Meetings with Princess Consort Wei will likely become rare, right? Also, I have a flaw where I can’t bear grievances. If someone tries to stir me, they better be prepared for my retort." After Wufu finished speaking, she slightly curtsied and boarded her carriage to leave.

"You little vixen, sharp-tongued!" Princess Consort Wei cursed, "Return to the manor."

...

"Miss, with Princess Consort Wei repeatedly provoking, she must truly detest you." Purple Jade frowned.

Wufu said, "She is bound to resent me, after all Song Jiaoer was forced to retreat to the Northwest, because of me."

Purple Jade retorted coldly, "Had she not been sinister herself, how would she be coerced into retreating?"

"Not everyone thinks like you, especially mothers who tend to blame others for every fault, believing their children are blameless." Wufu chuckled softly and closed her eyes.

Back at the manor, Madam Zhou had yet to sleep, waiting for Wufu to return.

The day’s events had already been relayed to her – public proposals and gifts – leaving her restless and eager to get the details.

"Mother, with your heavy body, don’t wait up for me, rest early." Wufu frowned at her mother’s large belly, helping her to sit down.

Madam Zhou was due to give birth in a couple of months; her belly was huge and exceedingly cumbersome.

"How could I sleep soundly? You must tell me, what’s this about Ah Jiu proposing and the betrothal decree? I heard you received favors in the palace as well?"

All these were joyous occasions, and Wufu had nothing to hide, so she recounted the day’s events, letting her mother share in the joy, and showed her the Jade Ruyi and the headdress.

Madam Zhou indeed was overwhelmed with joy, tears brimming as she fondled the Jade Ruyi repeatedly, brimming with delight beyond herself.

Amidst the continuous string of joyous occasions, she felt like she was in a dream, somewhat unreal. Only these tangible items and the Imperial Edict enshrined on the altar convinced her it was all real.

Wufu truly had achieved ultimate honor.