3499

Chapter 3499: 4.1099 Unfathomable

After saying that, she pointed to the gentle woman bowing on the left and said lightly, "This is Princess Yan Yun of Zhu Ci State. She has been in the palace for quite some time, but the Crown Princess has been busy with important matters and has never met her."

Qiao Mu raised an eyebrow slightly. Princess Yan Yun of Zhu Ci State? Wasn't that the woman the old empress dowager wanted to marry off to the emperor, to be Mo Lian's stepmother?

She scrutinized her for a few moments, seeing Princess Yan Yun nod slightly and give her a faint smile. She was indeed very beautiful, and her temperament didn't seem arrogant. However, the thought of this woman wanting to usurp Mo Lian's mother's position gave Qiao Mu an inexplicable sense of discomfort, and her gaze towards Princess Yan Yun gradually grew colder.

Her mother-in-law, whom she had never met, though unseen, was clearly someone who would not tolerate any disrespect, judging by what others said. If these inexplicable women truly became Lian's stepmothers, wouldn't her legitimate mother-in-law be furious to death if she woke up? No, absolutely not!

Qiao Mu's gaze swept coldly over Princess Yan Yun of Zhu Ci State, then she said indifferently, "No need for formalities."

Princess Yan Yun saw her cold expression but didn't get angry. Instead, she nodded gently and amicably once more, saying softly, "Crown Princess, Yan Yun's uninvited presence is indeed a bit presumptuous."

Since this small banquet was only for family, Princess Yan Yun and Alchemist Shan's presence was indeed quite inappropriate. However, the Empress Dowager had extended such a warm invitation that Yan Yun couldn't decline after several attempts and had to come. But Alchemist Shan, who sat beside her, had been appearing very pleased, probably finding this small banquet quite interesting.

Qiao Mu, the little poker-faced fellow, was indeed a difficult child, but she never threw a tantrum at someone who greeted her with a smile without reason. Seeing Princess Yan Yun's good attitude and apologetic demeanor, Qiao Mu truly couldn't maintain her cold expression any longer. She nodded faintly and said, "As a guest from afar, and since you are invited by the Empress Dowager, please feel at ease and enjoy the banquet."

She knew perfectly well who brought these two women! The Emperor wouldn't be so bored. He probably had long forgotten about Princess Yan Yun.

Empress Dowager Chen was actually feeling quite anxious, breaking out in a cold sweat. She had expected the little Crown Princess to fly into a rage upon seeing two extra people in the hall. Then she could have used the opportunity to tell the Emperor that the Crown Princess was too overbearing and unruly, and truly needed a governess to teach her proper etiquette, lest she disgrace the royal family in the future.

However, to her surprise, the little Crown Princess seemed to have changed her personality today. Not only did she not erupt, but her manners and etiquette were also quite proper. She truly couldn't fathom this person.

Recalling the day the little Crown Princess looked at her coldly like a ghost, threatening her word by word, Empress Dowager Chen's heart tightened again, and her grip on her round fan gradually tightened. This young girl, despite her tender age, was definitely a ruthless character.

Just as Qiao Mu was led to sit at the round table, someone joyfully announced that Prince Zheng Mo Xikang and Princess Zheng Shi Yongyan had arrived. Qiao Mu frowned slightly. Prince Zheng's family had been remarkably quiet recently, almost like invisible people, which made her forget that this adopted brother's family would also attend the small banquet.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager." Prince Zheng Mo Xikang and Princess Zheng Shi Yongyan stepped forward in unison and bowed.