Having been slighted at the Ling family's residence before, she was determined to reclaim her dignity today, and to tear down the Ling family's reputation, trampling it fiercely underfoot to appease her burning resentment.
Feng Jin's expression gradually darkened. Indeed, experience was the best teacher. The minor tactics employed by Guo Li earlier paled in comparison to Princess Yongping's, by more than just a little.
"Listening to the Princess's words, it seems she has introduced women to our young general... Could it be..."
Feng Jin didn't voice the rest of her words, but her gaze fell upon Guo Li, who stood to the side, scrutinizing her. In the end, she couldn't suppress her laughter.
"What are you laughing at!"
Perhaps out of guilt, Guo Li shouted angrily.
Feng Jin quickly stifled her laughter, covering her mouth with her hand, "Apologies, I just couldn't help myself..."
Composing herself, Feng Jin took a deep breath, "Your Highness, if you truly harbored such intentions, my husband would never look favorably upon it. His standards wouldn't be that low, would they?"
"You..." Princess Yongping was also provoked by Feng Jin, glaring at her, "As expected, sharp-tongued. A woman as cunning and scheming as you is no wonder she has凌墨寒 (Ling Mo Han) so smitten."
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed. Did this Princess Yongping speak without thinking? Didn't she realize where they were, and the kind of things she dared to utter?
Did she still believe her noble status as a princess made her invincible, looking down on everyone?
Or did she genuinely believe there was nothing improper about her words? It seemed Princess Yongping was overly confident.
"May I ask, Your Highness, is this a case of 'if you can't get it, you hate it,' sour grapes because you can't have the grapes? Wouldn't that be an embarrassment to your status as a princess?"
Feng Jin's words were like sharp knives, piercing Princess Yongping's most sensitive point. Everyone in the capital knew that Princess Yongping had intended to arrange a marriage with the Ling family, but she had been severely rebuffed by 凌墨寒 (Ling Mo Han), instantly becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital.
Unable to bear the whispers and gossip, Princess Yongping had taken Guo Li on a trip, only returning to the capital a couple of days ago.
By chance, she encountered Feng Jin again at this banquet. Naturally, her pent-up rage had nowhere to go, and seeing Feng Jin only served to ignite her fury, leading to her unfriendly demeanor.
"How dare you talk back to me! It seems that without a proper lesson, you truly don't take me seriously!"
As a princess, everyone treated her with utmost respect and obedience. It was rare for someone like Feng Jin to defy her.
In front of so many people, if she didn't establish her authority today, who in the capital would respect her in the future?
"Guards, seize her and slap this presumptuous woman severely!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Your Highness, wait!"
Lin Yuwei stepped forward and stood directly in front of Feng Jin. Because of her status as the Princess of Jing, the maids immediately hesitated to advance.
"Princess of Jing, what do you mean by this? Are you also going against me? I am your elder. Even the Prince of Jing bows to me respectfully!"
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness. I do not wish to defy you, but rather to ask for a favor, imploring you to be merciful."
Princess Yongping let out a cold snort, her usual arrogance evident, "This favor cannot be granted. If I don't teach her a lesson today, will anyone take me seriously in the future? Beat her soundly! Anyone who dares to stop you will be beaten as well!"
The maids, upon receiving the order, charged forward aggressively. Lin Yuwei stood frozen, momentarily forgetting to dodge. It was Feng Jin who reacted first, pulling Lin Yuwei behind her to shield her.
She grabbed the maid's raised hand with a powerful twist, sending the maid flying directly in front of Princess Yongping.
"You... you... how dare you! You dare to attack me in front of Princess Yongping! I will report you to the Empress for insubordination, and your entire Ling family will suffer!"
Princess Yongping pointed at Feng Jin, furious. She had initially intended to scare Feng Jin, never expecting her to fight back.
"Your Highness, you misunderstand. I am also a princess, enfeoffed by the Empress Dowager. We are of the same rank, so how can there be insubordination? Furthermore, the one who stepped in front of me just now was the Princess of Jing. If I hadn't intervened, wouldn't your maid have struck the Princess of Jing as well? What would the Prince of Jing say if he knew..."
"With so many witnesses present, if a few loose tongues spread this to the Marquis of Pingyang's mansion, or if it reaches the ears of important figures in the palace, it won't be something you can explain away with a few words, Your Highness. Everything I did just now was for your own good. I still implore you to calm your anger and not be so agitated; it's better for your longevity."
Feng Jin walked up to Princess Yongping with a smile, offering gentle advice. If this princess were wise, she would quickly shut her mouth.
If not, Feng Jin had other ways to deal with her.
"You think you can scare me with the Emperor and the Empress? You're not qualified. I grew up by the Empress Dowager's side as a child, and I am close friends with the Empress. You, a wild girl raised in the countryside, dare to act out in front of me? Today, I will discipline you on behalf of your father, to teach you what the heavens are like!"
"Your Highness is truly putting on airs. My daughter needs no instruction from you. If you have the spare time, you should first manage your own daughter."
Feng Yuanping's resonant voice echoed throughout the hall, drawing all eyes to him.
Feng Yuanping strode forward, standing beside Feng Jin, shielding her behind him, and directly confronting Princess Yongping.
"Prime Minister Feng, it's good that you're here. This daughter of yours has so brazenly defied me. You should discipline her properly!"
She had heard that Feng Yuanping detested this daughter of his, even going so far as to disown her at one point. Today would be a good opportunity to discipline her, saving her the trouble.
Feng Yuanping let out a cold laugh, "Your Highness, you jest. Since I am here today, no one will be able to harm my daughter in the slightest!"
Hearing Feng Yuanping's protective voice, a warm current surged through her heart. She looked up slightly at the man towering over her, a sense of reliance immediately blossoming.
Princess Yongping was slightly taken aback. Wasn't it rumored that Feng Yuanping detested this daughter and had even cut ties with her? Why was he protecting her so fiercely today?
"Since you won't act, then I shall do it myself!"
"If you dare to touch my daughter today, tomorrow I will ensure Minister Guo is retired!"
Princess Yongping, who had just raised her hand, hesitated before slowly lowering it, her eyes burning with rage as she glared at Feng Yuanping.