3344 Suggestion

Currently, it seemed the Crown Princess was more inclined to speak with the direct descendant, Mu Rouqin. This was probably the difference between direct and collateral lines.

Mu Yuanyuan's expression flickered. She helped Mu Rouqin stand, saying, "Rouqin, let's go greet Madam Zhongli." After all, the Crown Princess might not care about Madam and Young Madam Zhongli, but they certainly did.

Aside from the little Crown Princess, all the women rose in unison to greet them, bowing respectfully and humbly.

Madam Zhongli today wore a bright red brocade dress, with an eight-treasure gold tassel hairpin on her head, radiating dazzling charm. The Eldest Young Madam, Lady Luo, had a radiant smile. Beneath her luxurious attire, her features appeared quite ordinary.

The two walked in together, smiling cordially, returning greetings to the noble young ladies who came forward to say hello. There was no hint that they were here to stir up trouble.

However, the presence of a general's wife at Old Master Mu's birthday banquet was itself quite intriguing. After all, this was a gathering of noble families; what business did an official's wife have coming to join the excitement?

As they pondered, Madam Zhongli, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, walked over with a cheerful smile. When she saw that expressionless face, her eyes flickered slightly, and she struggled to control her emotions from erupting.

Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law behaved with extreme grace and generosity, bowing to Qiaomu with very polite expressions.

Qiaomu nodded faintly, her gaze lingering on Madam Zhongli for a moment before she withdrew it. Seeing the little Crown Princess's淡漠 expression, showing no intention of speaking to her, Madam Ma's eyes subtly flashed with a cold light.

"Today is Old Master Mu's birthday banquet; I'm just here to join the festivities," Madam Ma said with a smile, glancing around. She patted her daughter-in-law Lady Luo's hand. "You young people can chat for a bit. When I came over just now, I saw Madam Gu and Madam Meng; I'll go chat with them."

"Of course, Mother," the Eldest Young Madam nodded gently, secretly exchanging a look with Madam Ma.

Madam Ma left with a smile. Qiaomu unexpectedly looked up, watched her retreating figure for a moment, then lowered her gaze, concealing the mockery in her eyes.

She clearly hates me to her core, yet she's putting on such a gentle and amiable facade. The little deadpan secretly found it amusing.

Zhongli Zhiwei kept courting death in the secret realm and ultimately caused her own accidental demise. If the Zhongli Mansion wanted to vent their anger, they'd have to see if Qiaomu was someone who could be angered with impunity.

The Eldest Young Madam, Lady Luo, smiled and sat down in front of Qiaomu and the others. With a seemingly good-natured smile, she said, "How long have you ladies been sitting here? Hehe, the banquet won't start for over an hour, right? Don't you all feel a bit bored?"

A young lady nearby smiled and said, "Does Eldest Young Madam have a good suggestion? We've been sitting here for quite a while."

"Just now, when I came from the front courtyard, I saw many young masters from noble families gathered there competing in archery. Why don't we go upstairs and watch from a distance? It's better than just sitting around idly."

Mu Rouqin smiled, a difficult expression on her face, and said softly, "That might not be entirely appropriate. It would seem a bit frivolous."

Lady Luo's expression stiffened, then she raised her hand to cover her lips, chuckling. "Fifth Miss is truly a well-bred young lady who doesn't step out of her gates much. What era is this now? There aren't so many rigid rules anymore."