5153

Chapter 5153: 5.0905 Hitting the Mark

The little Crown Princess walked along, observing the aristocratic young ladies from various families lining up to greet her. Each one was well-behaved, showing no sign of overstepping, and their demeanor was much more respectful than usual. Almost all of them had their heads bowed, looking like quail.

"Mhm." The little Crown Princess raised her small hand and waved, saying expressionlessly, "No need for formalities."

The women quickly thanked her, then respectfully rose and retreated to stand quietly on either side. Dozens of female attendants stood by the pond, silent as a crowd.

Fang Mingyue, however, was fuming. Staring at her elder sister, who had arrived with such an impressive entourage, she said sarcastically, "Sister truly has quite the aura."

"Now, your actions and demeanor are increasingly mimicking that of the First Madam."

Fang Liuying sneered, "Is Younger Sister blind? How dare you be so rude in the Crown Princess's presence. Haven't you seen all the other young ladies from various households step forward to pay their respects? Younger Sister truly doesn't understand etiquette. Why don't you quickly step forward and pay your respects? You're disgracing the Marquis's residence."

Fang Mingyue gritted her teeth, forcing a smile as she took a few steps forward, feigning a bow and curtsy. "This humble girl, Fang Mingyue, greets the Crown Princess." She barely bent her knees before standing upright, smiling at Qiao Mu.

Fang Mingyue thought: Bowing and such are just for show. Since I am Grand Consort Fang's grandniece, the Crown Princess surely wouldn't deny me this small bit of face.

"Cai Xiu." Unexpectedly, the little Crown Princess walked past Fang Mingyue, her small face cold and expressionless, showing no intention of acknowledging Fang Mingyue.

Fang Mingyue's forced smile immediately froze on her face, and she couldn't help but inwardly grumble. This Crown Princess is too much of a snob. She has completely different expressions for Eldest Sister and for me. Could it be that she looks down on me because I'm a concubine's daughter?

The little Crown Princess's face had been expressionless and stoic from beginning to end, but for some reason, in Fang Mingyue's eyes, it had turned into two different faces.

Over there, Cai Xiu nodded at the command, took a few steps forward, and kicked the back of Fang Mingyue's knee. Caught off guard, Fang Mingyue yelped, "Ow!" and stumbled forward, falling heavily to her knees.

"Crown Princess, you..."

"Did the Crown Princess tell you to rise?" Cai Xiu said coldly, her pretty face stern. "Talking to yourself without understanding etiquette."

"Kneel properly!" Cai Xiu roared, scaring Fang Mingyue, whose heart trembled slightly.

Qiao Mu walked directly to the edge of the pond, had someone bring her a stool to sit on, then leisurely looked at Su Xitao, whose eyes were wide with anger.

The little stoic raised her small hand and pointed at Su Xitao, who was standing to one side. Just as Cai Qi was about to step forward, Su Xitao gritted her teeth and curtsied. "Greetings, Crown Princess."

The little Crown Princess frowned. "Why are you still here?"

"Why are you, a stirrer of trouble, everywhere I go?" Just now at the gate, Su Xitao was already so disheveled, yet she hadn't returned home. Instead, she actually followed them into the Marquis of Huainan's residence? She was annoying to look at. Her face, twisted with hatred and gritted teeth, was directed at her, even her expression distorted—it was truly an eyesore.

"You wouldn't happen to be deliberately staying here, plotting against this Crown Princess, would you??"

Su Xitao almost bit her own tongue. This cursed woman was truly sharp, leaving her utterly speechless.

"This Crown Princess advises you to behave yourself!" Qiao Mu snorted coldly. "If you want to play games with me, I'll play to the end. I just wonder if you can afford to play."