The two left one after another, and they’re not back yet. Could something have happened?

If something really did happen to them, Yao Mengdie wouldn’t gloat over their misfortune. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

In the eyes of outsiders, they all come from Duke Zhen’s Mansion and are biological sisters. If those two did something disgraceful, wouldn’t it implicate her?

Although Yao Mengdie used to target Yao Mengxian, it was merely small provocations.

No one can tolerate improper behavior from women. Of course, she wouldn’t want Yao Mengxian and the others to damage her reputation.

Besides, the second sister was her birth sibling, and she held some genuine feelings towards her second sister.

Mrs. Ke frowned. These two troublemakers come to others’ mansions and don’t know to be cautious with their words and actions.

"Mrs. Lian! Go look for the two ladies quickly. It’s almost time for the banquet to begin; bring them back immediately."

Princess Rong Jia felt relieved upon seeing Gu Chengyu arrive. However, she didn’t get a chance to meet Gu Chengyu today, and he probably hadn’t seen her at all!

Thinking about it, she felt stressed and anxious. Recalling her mother’s probing earlier, she sighed softly.

The Eldest Princess could tell her daughter was troubled, but with so many guests present today, she refrained from scolding her.

She wondered when Yuanyuan had met Gu Chengyu, was she infatuated? Could it be that they had an affair without her knowing?

The more the Eldest Princess thought, the more she felt it was likely. No! Later she would have Min probe Gu Chengyu’s thoughts.

If indeed there was an affair between them, she wouldn’t hesitate to be ruthless. The Eldest Princess’s eyes suddenly became sharp.

"Everyone! Please move to the flower hall for the seating!" The Eldest Princess signaled Nanny Chang to begin the banquet, and Nanny Chang quickly invited the guests to move.

After dispatching Mrs. Lian, Mrs. Ke planned to go to the flower hall with the others.

"Eh? Fourth Miss Yao, where are your second and third sisters?" Fourth Miss Yao from Duke Zhen’s Mansion, Qin Liangyuan, glanced at Yao Mengdie, surprised not to see Yao Menglian.

Based on Yao Menglian’s nature, she would surely cling to her third sister. Typically so eager, yet today, at the Princess’s Mansion, she wasn’t as proactive.

"They might have gone to the restroom." Yao Mengdie explained with a smile to Qin Liangyuan.

Yao Mengxian and Lianxin hid there watching Yao Menglian ahead; she felt anxious. It must be time for the banquet, but if those two don’t leave, neither she nor Lianxin can go.

Besides, she didn’t know whether Sister Kong had returned to the pavilion, nor if Miss Ji had been found. If Sister Kong saw she hadn’t arrived, she might worry.

Just as Yao Mengxian was extremely anxious, Yao Menglian finally separated from the man.

Yao Mengxian memorized the man’s appearance, uncertain which family’s mansion he belonged to. How did her second sister know him? When did they meet?

Aristocratic girls like them rarely leave the house; how would they get a chance to meet outside men?

After the two left, Yao Mengxian took Lianxin to hurry to the pavilion.

Unexpectedly, they encountered Nanny Liu, searching for them midway. Seeing Yao Mengxian, Nanny Liu let out a sigh of relief.

"Third Miss! This is the Princess’s Mansion, you mustn’t wander off. If you get lost or go somewhere you shouldn’t, it might implicate other ladies in the mansion."

Mrs. Lian finally found Yao Mengxian. Relieved, she also spoke sharply.

Originally, Yao Mengxian wanted to explain and tell a lie or two. However, upon hearing Mrs. Lian’s words, her face darkened.

But only for a moment, then she returned to normal.

"I did get lost! Mrs. Lian, did you see Second Miss on your way here? I just saw her walking ahead, unsure if she went somewhere she shouldn’t."

Lianxin was indignant seeing Mrs. Lian scolding the lady right away.

Even though Mrs. Lian is useful, she’s just a servant, feeling emboldened by the favor shown by the madam, acting domineering in the mansion.

"Yes! Mrs. Lian, did you see Second Sister earlier? It’s our fault worrying mother, both mine and Second Sister’s."

Yao Mengxian lightly jabbed at Mrs. Lian, then headed towards the pavilion.

This Mrs. Lian, acting usefully around the madam, even made them as masters heed her.

Stepmother Mrs. Ke is the Lady of the Clan, managing the mansion’s food, clothing, and other necessities. Correspondingly, the wet nurses and maids around Mrs. Ke’s status all rose considerably.

The mansion has plenty of servants currying favor with them, and sometimes Mrs. Lian is even more esteemed than those masters who aren’t favored.

She was just trailing Yao Menglian earlier; logically, Mrs. Lian came from that direction and should have bumped into Second Sister. Yet she didn’t hear Mrs. Lian scold Second Sister, seemingly targeting only her?

Soft targets are always picked; though Second Uncle’s official position isn’t high, he wins the mansion’s lady’s affections. The lady loves her second uncle’s children, so Yao Menglian’s treatment in the mansion is exceptional, unlike hers.

Mrs. Lian felt uncomfortable with Yao Mengxian’s jab. In the mansion, whether it’s young masters or ladies, who wouldn’t be polite to her? She never received such treatment.

"Third Miss, where are you heading? It’s almost time to start; if you don’t return, the madam might worry."

Seeing Yao Mengxian heading elsewhere, Mrs. Lian, though upset, didn’t dare go unchecked in another’s mansion, hurriedly asked.

To deal with Yao Mengxian, there would be plenty of opportunities back in their mansion; why bother worrying today?

Yao Mengxian didn’t look back, knowing she had already offended her, unconcerned if Mrs. Lian would badmouth her to the stepmother. Previously, she spoke kindly to Mrs. Lian but didn’t gain any favor. In that case, why should she bend over backward?

"Please tell Mrs. Lian to inform the madam that I promised to meet Sister Kong at the pavilion, and I’ll return shortly with her."

Mrs. Lian prepared to grab Yao Mengxian’s arm and forcefully lead her back.

She just caught up with Yao Mengxian, intending to stop her but got flicked away by Lianxin.

"Mrs. Lian, you should go back to report! Miss will return soon; don’t let the madam wait impatiently."

Lianxin previously feared offending Mrs. Lian, often acting timidly. But her lady later told her that currying favor with Mrs. Lian wouldn’t make them care, hindrances would remain.

Therefore, Lianxin hardened up; her lady was still young, and if she didn’t protect her, wouldn’t they be devoured by these people?

She followed her lady for life; why fear these petty people?

Mrs. Lian didn’t expect Lianxin to suddenly deal with her, nearly twisting her ankle when Lianxin pushed her off balance. By the time she steadied herself, Yao Mengxian and the others had gone far.