Du Ruyi looked at them with satisfaction as their faces alternated between pale and grim. All these years, haven’t these people made any progress? Before, they couldn’t gain the upper hand against her. Do they really think that getting older would allow them to turn the tables? They were certainly overthinking it. Du Ruyi held a smile at the corner of her mouth, a calm demeanor that made the hearts of those present itch with discomfort. "Du Ruyi, what are you so proud of? Carefully choosing among many options for Li Tanyun, and in the end, you were fooled by your good half-sister," Song Heyu sneered, "Didn’t you always think you were clever? Yet, now you’ve returned in disgrace." "Are you blind? Which eye of yours sees me as disgraced?" Du Ruyi shot a glance at Song Heyu, "Clearly, it’s a graceful return to the Capital City." "At your age, unmarried, without children, and abandoned by a man. Do you think your act of gracefulness truly makes you graceful?" Song Heyu mocked. "Madam Xu, let me clarify, our Ruyi and Li Tanyun are in complete separation. It’s approved by His Majesty, who praised our Ruyi. Is Madam Xu questioning His Majesty by saying this?" Lady Du slowly spoke, each word clearly resonating in the ears of those present. They all knew what complete separation meant. The man committed grave offenses against the Court and the people, while the woman courageously reported him, thus earning merit. The Government decided the couple should sever ties completely. Such situations were rare, so they only had knowledge of it without experience. Therefore, mocking Du Ruyi would amount to questioning His Majesty. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱 After all, His Majesty had praised Du Ruyi. The flower hall suddenly fell silent. "Is Miss Du returning to the Capital City with thoughts of remarrying? With the Minister’s Mansion as support, certainly Miss Du could find an ideal husband again," Lady Xie suddenly spoke, "However, Miss Du shouldn’t set her sights too high. One must have self-awareness." "Am I well-acquainted with Lady Zhao the Third?" Du Ruyi narrowed her eyes, "How do I remember not being acquainted? So what position is Lady Zhao the Third standing from to comment on my future? Whether I have self-awareness aside, Lady Zhao the Third definitely doesn’t." Du Ruyi bluntly retorted. Lady Xie was known for her fiery temper. Angered, she spoke recklessly. "You’re capable, don’t cling to our Zhao Mansion," Lady Xie said through gritted teeth. This sentence carried much implication. Everyone knew that currently, only Zhao Ting remained unmarried. So, was Du Ruyi aiming for Zhao Ting? They felt they’d understood the essence of today’s flower appreciation banquet. The Grand Princess intended to recruit Zhao Ting as the Prince Consort, although no one dared discuss this openly, it was understood. Du Ruyi was truly bold, daring to compete with the Grand Princess for a man. No wonder those present were all antagonistic toward Du Ruyi; the Grand Princess was using their hands to shame Du Ruyi. "What is Lady Zhao the Third saying? When did I cling to your Zhao Mansion?" Du Ruyi raised her brows, "Since returning to the Capital City, I’ve only visited the Zhao Mansion once to pay respects to Lady Zhao the Elder. In the past, I received much affection from her; as a younger member, paying respects and greeting an elder is simply propriety, how does that equate to clinging to your Zhao Mansion?" "Or does Lady Zhao the Third believe anyone visiting your mansion is seeking favoritism?" "If I’m not mistaken, Zhao Mansion only has a third-rank general, correct? Does our Du Mansion not measure up to yours?" "Isn’t Lady Zhao the Third’s husband merely fifth-rank?" The last sentence carried a mocking tone. Lady Xie’s expression faltered, she gritted her teeth, "Du Ruyi, don’t push it." "How am I pushing it? From start to finish, did I say anything incorrect? Was anything I said false? Lady Zhao the Third, please point it out, and we’ll face each other directly. If I’m mistaken, certainly I’ll apologize to her. But if there’s no mistake, I can’t let her throw dirt at me . I’ll seek justice from Her Highness the Princess. If Her Highness can’t resolve it, I’ll have my brother convey it to His Majesty, to have him make things right." Du Ruyi rattled off a bunch, "After all, I’m invited by Her Highness, and if wronged, surely she would intervene." "Miss Du, it’s a misunderstanding, all misunderstandings. Today everyone received Her Highness the Princess’s invitation for the banquet, harmony and peace, won’t Her Highness be delighted?" Lady Yu plastered a smile, jumping out to mediate, which was also a threat, given that it was at the Princess Mansion; causing a scene would be unpleasant. Would Du Ruyi be threatened? "Lady Zhao the Second, what misunderstanding are you referring to? Between Lady Zhao the Third and I, what misunderstanding could there be? Since returning to the Capital City, I’ve met Lady Zhao the Third only twice; the first time was at Lady Zhao the Elder’s, and the second time is here. We’ve barely exchanged two sentences, where’s the misunderstanding?" Du Ruyi looked bewildered. No matter how eloquent Lady Yu was, she was left embarrassed; how could someone be this obtuse? "My sister-in-law tends to be straightforward; she meant no harm." Lady Yu forced a smile, "If she said anything to displease Miss Du, as the second sister-in-law, I’ll apologize on her behalf. You’re generous, don’t mind her too much." "I’m reasonably generous, but it depends on the person. To some, I’m generous. To others, I’m meticulous," Du Ruyi responded without expression. "Second sister-in-law, why are you apologizing? It’s not me who’s shameless enough to have thoughts about our elder brother. If someone misbehaves, coveting what shouldn’t be coveted, isn’t she allowed to have ideas and remain unmentioned?" People’s guesses were one thing. Having it blatantly stated was another. Initially, Du Ruyi believed the two ladies from Zhao Mansion were hostile due to her status, considering her bad luck. Now she understood they were worried about her marrying Zhao Ting. As for why they were worried, she wasn’t foolish; she quickly figured it out. "What standing does Lady Zhao the Third have to meddle with the elder brother-in-law’s affairs? Even Lady Zhao the Elder hasn’t commented, what good is it for you to stir things up?" Du Ruyi didn’t rush to deny, instead retaliated against Lady Xie. "I’m naturally thinking for the good of Zhao Mansion!" Lady Xie burst out, "Besides, isn’t it known that the elder brother is set to be a Prince Consort?" Lady Yu sensed trouble, trying to stop it but it was too late. That fool! Although everyone understood some matters. It didn’t mean they could be spoken of. Especially when one party involved was the Royal Family’s Princess. If it really happened, it would be fine. But the elder brother-in-law clearly had no intentions toward the Princess; if he did, would he have left the Capital?