The last time Lu Qing brought Yan Shu to visit in the prison, Zhu Yu thought it was probably due to the previous relationship between her and Yan Shu, so he just brought her along.

After all, it’s hard to change one’s nature; during that time outside, Lu Qing always appeared smart and capable on the surface, but in reality, he was indecisive and lacked a backbone, which really annoyed Zhu Yu.

Thus, she found it hard to believe that Lu Qing would really change much.

But today, seeing him bring Yan Shu to the banquet, without trying to cover up by dressing Yan Shu as some attendant, but instead bringing her openly in the capacity of his wife, and dressed beautifully at that.

Yan Shu, originally tall and slender, although her skin wasn’t as fair as the ladies of Jin Country, possessed a natural healthy beauty. Now, dressed in a simply cut and well-fitted gown, she was quite striking.

Especially since there had been widespread rumors that the Commandery Princess of the Jie Country was ugly and fierce like a Yaksha, with talk even about some "palm-wide protective heart hair"; many guests here had heard of these rumors. Observant and opportunistic by nature, they noticed that Duke Yan was not in favor of the marriage between Lu Qing and the Jie Country’s Commandery Princess, so they naturally believed the gossip to a large extent.

Because of this, seeing the Commandery Princess of the Jie Country in person today, with her exotic charm and bold demeanor, the lively scene suddenly quietened. Some looked at Yan Shu in amazement, never dreaming that the notoriously fierce Jie King could have such a beautiful daughter.

The looks of Princess Yi were vastly different from the rumors outside!

Duke Yan’s expression was also not good, his face tense, and he glared at Lu Qing with displeasure, silently questioning why he had to be so thoughtless as to bring this Jie woman here, not even sparing a glance at Yan Shu, resolved to ignore her completely.

Yan Shu was always aware of Duke Yan’s hostility towards her, so when he ignored her, she ignored him as well. Standing beside Lu Qing with a stern face, devoid of any smile.

Then two maids arrived, respectfully leading Yan Shu to the inner courtyard where the female guests were hosted.

As Yan Shu followed the maids away, she didn’t look very happy. Perhaps her thoughts were much like Zhu Yu’s, dreading the scrutiny and phony small talk with the host of ladies in the inner courtyard, feeling drained before she even began.

"If I had known..." Zhu Yu sighed, watching from a distance as Yan Shu, unaware of her presence, left the front courtyard with a hint of regret in her heart. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Lu Qing didn’t need to hear her finish to guess her thoughts and shook his head at her: "Don’t overthink it, just look at where we are sitting."

Zhu Yu chuckled.

Indeed, she might have been overthinking things.

Even if she disguised herself today as the wife of that Zhao Bi family relation and met Yan Shu at the banquet in the inner courtyard, what then?

No matter her personal feelings about Yan Shu, she was the legitimate Princess Yi, very noble, and later required to sit with the ladies of the Duke Yan’s household.

Even if she wore a false face, and Yan Shu couldn’t recognize her immediately, even if she dared to hint privately to her, could the two really afford to openly chat and laugh together?

If they did so openly, even if Yan Shu were tight-lipped, others were neither blind nor foolish, and would surely perceive something amiss.

So no matter what identity she assumed at the banquet today, she couldn’t approach Yan Shu, let alone accompany her.

With these thoughts, Zhu Yu could only sigh inwardly, hoping that the Duchess Yan’s invited ladies would behave appropriately and not try to curry favor by making sarcastic remarks to Yan Shu.

After all, the Duchess Yan had previously wanted Lu Qing to marry her own family member, to strengthen family ties, and although this desire hadn’t been fulfilled, it wasn’t Yan Shu’s fault as it was a marriage decreed by Emperor Jin. Yet, being human, perhaps not daring to blame Emperor Jin, they may not be entirely fair towards Yan Shu.

Moreover, Zhu Yu hoped that Yan Shu could keep her composure today and not react if someone tried to provoke her.

After all, one cannot fight against many, and a good tiger cannot match a pack of wolves.

If it turned into a scene, Lu Qing might not have the courage to stand up for her in front of the matriarch.

After a while, the birthday banquet began, guests gradually took their seats, and the surroundings of Lu Qing and Zhu Yu also filled with people, leaving the two no room for further conversation. Especially Zhu Yu, who put on the expression of a cautious child accompanying her brother to pay respects to distant relatives, leaving everything to Lu Qing to handle.

After all, neither of them was truly "upright and forthright" today, being impostors. Speaking out of turn would only invite trouble.

Lu Qing, accustomed to navigating the court, was relaxed and confident, adopting a facade of humility, responding calmly to inquiries with seemingly honest replies that, upon closer examination, revealed themselves to be empty words without substance.

But since the family they were impersonating wasn’t particularly notable, the surrounding guests, once identifying their supposed relatives, quickly lost interest in these unremarkable distant kin, turning instead to chat and network with others.

Zhu Yu wondered whether the dishes up front for the dignitaries were better, as their own table, at the corners, offered food that was hardly impressive, things even ordinary folks could afford with some effort.

Still, the cook at the Duke Yan Mansion was indeed exceptional, turning ordinary dishes into something rather delightful to taste.

Zhu Yu abstained from alcohol, for fear of missing anything worth watching once drunk.

About three rounds of wine later, the birthday celebrant, Duchess Yan, who had been in the inner courtyard, was supported by two maids to the front courtyard.

The guests, who had been chatting, quickly paused, stood up, and bowed to Duchess Yan, offering birthday greetings.

The sun had not yet set, and the golden dusks spread across the yard, illuminating Duchess Yan’s dress, turning the entire courtyard into a dazzling spectacle.