Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 153

“Audacious—“

“How dare the two of you rise without permission when the County Princess has not given you leave to do so?”

A stern-faced maidservant dressed in deep blue-green standing behind Murong Yan berated Huang Yaning sharply.

Huang Yaning had met this woman in her past life. She was the Third Princess’s capable assistant, addressed as Auntie Ping.

Having come from the palace, she was rigid and exceptionally particular about etiquette.

Murong Yan had actually invited someone from the Third Princess’s circle to bolster her authority, all just to embarrass Huang Yaning.

But Huang Yaning wasn’t afraid in the slightest. She remained composed and unhurried as she replied.

“Auntie, the County Princess has always been broad-minded and kind to others. She surely would have granted my cousin and me permission to rise. That is why I took the liberty of standing…”

Auntie Ping’s expression darkened instantly, her imposing aura radiating a palpable pressure.

“Insolence!“

“The County Princess’s actions are her own prerogative; who are you to speak out of turn?!”

“Kneel at once and beg the County Princess for forgiveness!”

Auntie Ping’s presence was formidable. Some young ladies were so startled they couldn’t help trembling, while others watched Huang Yaning with sneering, amused expressions, eager for the spectacle.

Sheng Mingzhu was among them. Having learned her lesson, Sheng Mingzhu now kept her mouth shut, simply enjoying the show.

Huang Yaning shifted slightly to stand in front of her cousin, Xian Jie’er, and offered a bright smile.

“Auntie, I am also considering the County Princess’s reputation.”

“If my cousin and I remained in our bowed positions, people watching from afar might mistakenly think the County Princess still holds a grudge over the incident at Libai Tower and is deliberately making things difficult for us…”

“Wouldn’t such a misunderstanding make people think the County Princess is petty and vindictive?”

“To prevent anyone from misunderstanding the County Princess, I mustered the courage to stand up—”

Auntie Ping seemed taken aback that her imposing manner hadn’t intimidated a mere young girl. Moreover, the girl’s words contained a twisted logic that left her momentarily speechless.

Murong Dan, standing beside Murong Yan, had been simmering with anger and could no longer hold back. She erupted furiously,

“You’re spewing sophistries!”

“It’s clearly you who showed disrespect to my elder sister! In my opinion, Auntie Ping should drag you away and give you ten slaps to teach you a lesson—”

“You misunderstand, Fourth Young Lady Murong. I meant no disrespect to the County Princess. I truly only wished to avoid casting her in a negative light…”

Huang Yaning replied cheerfully. Based on her relationship with the Princess and her understanding of Murong Yan’s character, she was certain Murong Yan wouldn’t dare to openly slap her in front of everyone.

Murong Yan was clever. She wouldn’t appear so mean-spirited and vengeful in public.

Furthermore, if she really had Huang Yaning slapped in front of this crowd, once the Princess arrived, every one of Murong Yan’s lackeys would be in for a beating!

Murong Yan wouldn’t sacrifice her followers’ loyalty for a moment of gratification.

“You—you’re being unreasonable—”

Murong Dan was practically exploding. If Murong Zhu hadn’t been holding her back, she might have lunged forward to hit someone.

Huang Yaning simply responded with another radiant smile.

The other young ladies from official families present all kept their heads bowed silently. Few here were fools.

Everyone could see that Murong Yan intended to elevate Sixth Young Lady Sheng and deliberately make things difficult for Seventh Young Lady Sheng—

Yet, this Seventh Young Lady Sheng was astonishingly bold, quick-witted, and sharp-tongued!

After Seventh Young Lady Sheng’s speech, if the County Princess continued to pursue the matter of them rising without permission…

she would indeed be confirming herself as narrow-minded and petty.

“So, should this County Princess thank you?” Murong Yan asked with a sardonic smile.

Initially, Murong Yan had been furious, feeling this wild girl completely disregarded her!

She seemed several times more arrogant and insolent than before!

She truly wished she could smash that wild girl’s mouth to pieces…

However, remembering today’s plan brought a measure of clarity, and she suppressed the rage in her heart.

“I dare not accept thanks from the County Princess. I only hope you will not hold my presumptuous act of rising against me—”

“This County Princess naturally will not blame you…”

With that, she once again affectionately took Sheng Mingzhu’s arm and moved forward.

“Phew—” Xian Jie’er let out a sigh of relief. “Cousin, perhaps we should go find Auntie up ahead…”

“Don’t be afraid. They can’t do anything to me,” Huang Yaning comforted Xian Jie’er. She believed in going with the flow now that they were here. Moreover, being in a crowded place felt safer, so leaving was even less advisable.

She led Xian Jie’er to sit among the gathered young ladies. While others didn’t dare engage with them, flocking instead to Murong Yan with many also praising Sheng Mingzhu.

Recently, Sheng Mingzhu’s master and senior brother had become highly sought-after figures in the capital.

This resulted in a lively, bustling atmosphere around Murong Yan and Sheng Mingzhu, while Huang Yaning and Huang Xianjing sat in a quiet, isolated bubble.

Anyone else might have found it unbearable and left, but Huang Yaning appeared perfectly at ease.

She chatted with Xian Jie’er from time to time, entirely unperturbed by the social isolation.

“County Princess, since today’s gathering is full of talented young ladies, what would you think of playing a round of ‘Pass the Flower During Drumbeats’?” a young lady suddenly suggested.

Murong Yan smiled, pressing her lips together. “This County Princess has no objection. What does everyone else think?”

The other young ladies naturally agreed with enthusiastic support.

In ‘Pass the Flower During Drumbeats,’ when the drumbeats stop, whoever holds the flower must perform a talent.

What a perfect opportunity to showcase one’s abilities!

All the guests at the Third Princess’s estate today were from noble or high-ranking official families. If their talents caught the eye of any distinguished person, it could provide more options for their future marriages…

Thus, a chorus of agreement rose. Murong Yan instructed servants to make preparations at the waterside pavilion.

The servants were efficient, and within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, everything was ready. Murong Yan then led the young ladies to the waterside pavilion.

Upon arrival, most of the young ladies blushed shyly, but each maintained perfect posture, their eyes gleaming with competitive spirit.

It seemed they couldn’t wait to display all their finest skills…

This was because directly across from the waterside pavilion was a spacious, cool spot.

A group of young noblemen were currently gathered there, some chatting, others simply enjoying the shade…

The corner of Huang Yaning’s mouth twitched. Murong Yan certainly knew how to please people.

She understood exactly what these young ladies desired most and had purposely chosen this location.

The drumbeats soon began, and the game started.

Before long, the first flower landed in Dong Qianqian’s hands.

Dong Qianqian stood up and said with a graceful smile,

“My talents are modest; I have only a slight grasp of painting. I fear I may embarrass myself…”

She left her seat and walked to a nearby table that had been prepared. Picking up a brush, she began to paint, finishing shortly after.

A maid hastily unrolled the painting for everyone to see. They realized Dong Qianqian had captured the very scene of them playing ‘Pass the Flower During Drumbeats.’

The figures in the painting were so vivid and lively that everyone couldn’t help but offer praise!

After looking, Huang Yaning also felt that Dong Qianqian had truly practiced her painting skills and had genuine talent.

Her thoughts then turned to Sheng Mingzhu. Sheng Mingzhu excelled at dance, her movements graceful and captivating. In her past life, she had made a name for herself in the capital with a single dance.

But in this life… Sheng Mingzhu’s leg had been ruined once by Minmin, and then Huang Yaning had destroyed it again later!

Even though her leg was treated and healed later at White Horse Temple, she probably couldn’t dance anymore, could she?

Huang Yaning’s gaze unconsciously drifted to Sheng Mingzhu’s face and noticed she looked quite displeased.