CHAPTER 286: CHAPTER 286: A DISPLAY OF AUTHORITY

"Madam Yun, I am a maid serving the County Princess, sent by her, to escort you into the mansion," Huang Ying spoke humbly.

There was still no response from inside the carriage.

"It seems Madam Yun does not wish to disembark. In that case, driver, kindly drive the carriage away," Meng Yao remarked blandly.

"Moreover, Madam Yun might consider replacing the driver from your esteemed mansion. If he can’t even park the carriage stably, how can he drive well? If Madam Yun were to get hurt, that would be unfortunate," Meng Yao added.

She had heard every word the driver had muttered earlier.

Coming as a guest and yet giving the host household a hard time, Qi Yunye did say Madam Yun was not ordinary. Ha, with such petty ways, she truly is not ordinary.

The driver was somewhat annoyed.

However, before he could speak, a gentle voice drifted from the carriage, "Magpie, have we arrived? Why did you not wake me? How discourteous."

"Madam, you have been so worried about the Princely Heir’s matters recently, and seeing you asleep, I couldn’t bear to wake you," the young maid’s voice was slightly aggrieved.

"Oh you, we are out visiting," Madam Yun chided gently.

With that, the carriage door opened, the driver quickly placed the step stool, the young maid descended first, and then Madam Yun stepped down from the carriage.

Her face was round and kind, with a slightly plump figure, yet her attire was so appropriate that she did not appear overweight.

Her presence, being the Duchess, and respected by the Yun clan, naturally stood out.

"And this is the Le’an County Princess? Indeed an extraordinary person," Madam Yun spoke with a smile, warmly enough to seem like she was Meng Yao’s elder sister.

"Madam Yun, likewise, meeting you far exceeds your reputation," Meng Yao replied. "Quick, Huang Ying, guide Madam Yun."

Huang Ying moved forward and curtsied, "Madam Yun, this way please."

Madam Yun glanced at Lady Du, assuming she had just arrived as well, gave a slight nod, and followed Huang Ying through the grand entrance.

"Lady Du arrived first and yet no one led her inside, a sign that this County Princess also knows how to honor the high and belittle the low," the maid Magpie whispered next to Madam Yun.

Though her voice was quiet, Huang Ying had always had slightly better hearing than others, so she heard it perfectly.

She intended to inform Madam Yun that Lady Du was at the entrance to welcome Noble Consort An, but before she could speak, she heard a voice announcing, "Noble Consort arrives."

Madam Yun’s steps halted.

Did she hear wrong?

Why would the Noble Consort come?

This didn’t make sense.

"Miss Huang Ying, did I just hear that the Noble Consort has arrived?" Magpie, catching Madam Yun’s cue, quickly asked Huang Ying.

Huang Ying felt a sense of relief, "You heard correctly, the Noble Consort came, yesterday, Lady Wan Yue from her side informed our County Princess that the Noble Consort would attend the banquet."

Arriving to put on airs, but in front of the Noble Consort, do you still consider yourself anything special?

But they had walked a short distance by now, turning back would mean they would meet the Noble Consort’s party face to face.

If they had waited at the entrance from the start, that would be respect.

Coming out upon hearing the commotion, it simply appears insincere.

Madam Yun was secretly angered, thinking this was definitely Meng’s doing; otherwise, she should have informed her upon disembarking that the Noble Consort was coming too.

This way, she surely would’ve waited at the entrance to welcome her.

Now, with no other choice...

Madam Yun had to continue following Huang Ying with a stiff upper lip.

A country woman, truly employing such unsophisticated tactics.

Using the Noble Consort to oppress her, does she think the Noble Consort is her backer?

The Noble Consort’s visit was most likely under the Emperor’s instruction, as the Emperor had to show Duke Qi some face.

Surely, Noble Consort An must be reluctant.

Thinking this, Madam Yun’s anger gradually subsided.

She had let herself get carried away, why bicker with a country woman? Not lowering herself was her priority.

She didn’t wish to come today, but Duke Qi’s mansion had sent an invitation, and when the Duke saw it, he insisted she attend.

She had no choice.

Although she didn’t want to bother with this Meng, how dare she entangle herself with that illegitimate child?

For this alone, she and Meng were destined to not get along.

For Meng to willingly let her son mix with an illegitimate child shows how clueless this family is.

Huang Ying mused, this Madam Yun indeed had a high opinion of herself, hearing about Noble Consort An’s arrival, and still so composed following behind, without any thought of going to welcome her.

Upon reaching the Flower Hall, Madam Yun surprisingly did not choose the main seat.

Without Noble Consort An, she would naturally deserve the main seat.

After sitting for a short while, Noble Consort An arrived at the Flower Hall accompanied by Meng Yao.

"Oh, Sister Meng, I thought I was early, but the Duchess arrived before me," Noble Consort An exclaimed in surprise.

Yet this surprise was overly deliberate.

Madam Yun knew very well, Noble Consort An said this intentionally for her to hear.

The mockery was palpable.

"This humble servant greets the Noble Consort," Madam Yun rose to salute Noble Consort An.

"Why so courteous, Duchess? I am here for a banquet, same as you, there’s no need to stand on ceremony," Noble Consort An remarked.

This was a continuation of the mockery towards Madam Yun.

If she were truly courteous and respectful, why not welcome her at the entrance? After all, she was the Noble Consort. Oh, without an Empress, she was the highest in the harem.

Noble Consort An took the main seat, animatedly praising the decor of the Flower Hall.

Madam Yun still maintained her saluting posture.

Noble Consort An mentioned not standing on ceremony, but did not say she could dispense with the formalities.

Since becoming the Duchess, no one has managed to belittle her, especially not using such blunt tactics, a disgrace and humiliation to her.

"Sister Meng, you look beautiful today," Noble Consort An complimented Meng Yao.

Meng Yao happily responded, "This is all thanks to the outfit, truly a piece of clothing makes all the difference. Really, it’s all due to your good taste, bestowing upon me such fitting attire."

"Oh indeed, the moment I saw it, I knew it would suit Sister Meng," Noble Consort An declared.

Noble Consort An deliberately used "I" to indicate closeness with Meng.

Madam Yun remained impassive, observing, trying to discern even a hint of reluctance on Noble Consort An’s face.

If so, it would prove Noble Consort An came under duress, not willingly.

However, after watching for some time, Madam Yun saw no reluctance.

Noble Consort An was genuinely pleased, truly fond of this Meng.

"Ah, why is the Duchess still saluting? Wan Yue, I was too busy chatting with Sister Meng, why didn’t you remind me? Poor Duchess must be tired by now," Noble Consort An exclaimed.

This stagecraft wasn’t very subtle.

Thus, it was exceedingly irritating.

Wan Yue was a bit aggrieved, "Your Majesty, this servant did not notice."