"Young Madam, it has been a long time since we last met so briefly. I never expected to see you again today at the baby's full moon banquet."
Liu Meng Han smiled faintly, stepped forward, and, disregarding propriety, took Feng Jin's hand, speaking with solicitous concern.
Feng Jin was startled at first, her eyes appraising Liu Meng Han. Were they that familiar? Or did Liu Meng Han possess an extraordinary social aptitude?
"The Prince Consort's banquet is about to begin. Let us take our seats first."
Feng Jin subtly withdrew her hand from Liu Meng Han's grasp, her tone decidedly distant.
Yet, Liu Meng Han, like a resilient weed, persisted, clinging to Feng Jin and saying, "I specifically went to the temple to pray for a protective charm. It's fortunate that Ruo Yan sister sewed it into a sachet. It will be perfect for the child's safety. Ruo Yan sister also chose calming spices to put inside."
"It is all thanks to Ruo Yan sister's careful consideration and thoughtfulness. If it were me, I would have probably just gifted a charm. No wonder His Highness dotes on Ruo Yan sister so much. I truly must learn more from you, sister."
Liu Meng Han's face wore a smile, appearing to outsiders as a picture of understanding and amiability.
"Sister, you flatter me. I am certainly no match for you..."
Before Feng Ruo Yan could finish, Liu Meng Han continued, "It's no wonder Ruo Yan sister is so devoted to this matter. After all, you are true sisters. Seeing your sisterly affection truly fills me with envy. Fortunately, I now have Ruo Yan sister to accompany me."
"It is all thanks to my sister's care. Sister is usually so busy managing household affairs. All I can do is serve His Highness well, so sister doesn't have to worry about other matters."
Feng Jin watched the veiled animosity between the two, her eyes betraying her undisguised disgust. The contests between women were truly loathsome. Life was already difficult enough for women; why must they make it harder for each other?
"Ladies, the banquet has begun. If you wish to continue your performance of sisterly love, please do so back at your residences. Let us take our seats first."
Her words, delivered with a light tone, carried an implicit warning. If they were sensible, they would quiet down now and at least get some food and drink. But if they dared to cause trouble at her son's full moon banquet, she wouldn't hesitate to show no mercy.
"Look at me, I was so engrossed in our conversation. Oh, right, where is the baby? Let me have a look." Liu Meng Han's shamelessness was as thick as a city wall. She paid no mind to Feng Jin's words, continuing to pester Feng Jin with small talk.
"Young Madam, you are truly blessed to have two such adorable sons. I only wonder if I will be fortunate enough to bear a child for His Highness."
Liu Meng Han reached out and touched her flat abdomen, a hint of loss evident in her eyes. She sighed softly, "Ruo Yan sister, I've heard that the Guanyin Temple in the east of the city is very efficacious. Let's go together one day to pray to the Send-a-Child Goddess for sons and daughters."
"Whatever sister says."
The words were almost squeezed out from between her teeth. The smile on Feng Ruo Yan's face was stiff. Hidden in her sleeve, her hand clenched into a tight fist, veins bulging on the back of her hand. She glared with resentment at Liu Meng Han's retreating figure.
Ever since she had recovered, Liu Meng Han had constantly brought up the topic of offspring.
Although the imperial physician said she still had a chance to conceive, her mother had sought out many renowned physicians, all of whom concluded that it would be difficult for her to conceive again. Even if she did conceive, her current frail health made it unlikely for her to carry the child to term safely.
Ultimately, she might never have children. Liu Meng Han, that wretched woman, was now feigning gentleness and magnanimity, acting as if she cared for her, all to gain the Prince's pity.
She had even used her poor health as an excuse to seize the authority of managing the household from her. In just over a month, everything she had built up in the residence had crumbled.
If she truly had no more children, her only reliance would be the Third Prince. These past few days, Liu Meng Han, that wretched woman, had been trying her utmost to seduce His Highness. She had to find a way to win His Highness back from her.
Feng Jin snorted, observing their insincere exchanges. "Third Prince Consort, Side Consort, I have other guests to attend to."
Fearing she would be cornered by Liu Meng Han again, Feng Jin hurried away after speaking.
"Sister Feng Jin, why were you with those two? I was just thinking of a way to call you over, and you came yourself."
"I got cornered. It took me a great deal of effort to get away."
Feng Jin had truly witnessed Liu Meng Han's capabilities. On the surface, she appeared delicate and gentle, but in reality, her mind was incredibly sharp. Her subtle manipulations were like silent daggers; Feng Ruo Yan might not even be a match for her.
"That Liu Meng Han is incredibly difficult to deal with. At the beginning of the month, when I went to pay my respects to the Empress as usual, I happened to run into her. I almost fell into her trap. Now, whenever I encounter her, I try to avoid her as much as possible."
Lin Yu Wei had seen Liu Meng Han's prowess firsthand. Wang Qin's little tricks were nothing compared to Liu Meng Han's.
She finally understood why the Empress had not married Wang Qin to Chu Yan Xi, but had instead chosen Liu Meng Han, whose family background was less prominent. It was clearly because their intelligence levels were not on the same plane.
She already struggled to deal with someone of Wang Qin's caliber. If she were to encounter Liu Meng Han, she probably wouldn't even know how she met her end.
"You've certainly learned to be shrewd. Liu Meng Han is not a simple woman. After all, you are related by marriage. You will encounter her frequently when you visit the palace to pay respects or at banquets. You must be careful not to fall into her schemes. If you truly cannot handle her, then try to stay away and be vigilant about everything."
Feng Jin had also crossed swords with Liu Meng Han. Lin Yu Wei's petty stratagems were not enough to contend with her.
Currently, the relationship between Chu Chen Yi and Chu Yan Xi maintained a facade of peace, but beneath the surface, it was a turbulent storm. Once this thin veil of understanding was pierced, the outward peace would cease to exist.
And Liu Meng Han, with her deep-seated cunning, made Feng Jin worry that one day Liu Meng Han might target Lin Yu Wei.
"I've noted everything. I will be careful when I encounter her again. Sister Feng Jin, the cake you made is truly delicious. Could you please..."
Lin Yu Wei was utterly captivated by the cake's taste. Unfortunately, there was so little of it. Among so many guests at the banquet, there was only a small amount of cake, and this tiny piece was snatched by Chu Chen Yi for her.
She had devoured it in a few bites and was still craving more. She had no choice but to shamelessly ask for more.
"There is still some cake in the small kitchen. After the banquet, I will have Cai Qing send it to you."
The cakes in the small kitchen were some she had set aside for herself. She had originally intended to save them for Ling Mo Han, but now she had to let Lin Yu Wei take them first.