Chapter 208 - Silent Defence

Ever since Xu Qing entered, the group of noblewomen led by the Eldest Princess Consort and the Second Princess Consort had been staring at Xu Qing.

They were very jealous of Xu Qing. How many women could obtain her husband’s wholehearted love in an era where power reigned supreme? Moreover, everyone in the capital had already experienced how much Qiao Yanhui doted on Xu Qing. Qiao Yanhui had even promised to only marry her in his life. This was something they would never be able to get, so how could they not be jealous?! What they couldn’t get, they naturally didn’t want to see anyone else get it.

From a political perspective, their family and Qiao Yanhui were archenemies. According to how much Qiao Yanhui cared about Xu Qing, as long as something happened to Xu Qing, Qiao Yanhui would lose his cool! This way, their husbands would have an opportunity to swoop in! When their husbands obtained power, their maiden family would naturally benefit. This was a marriage alliance. Everyone’s relationship was based on benefits. Xu Qing was different and could do whatever she wanted, so there were many people who wanted her dead!

“Mom, how long will we be here?” Xu Hanxue felt a little bored after watching for a while. After all, they were children and didn’t have much patience for things that they weren’t very interested in.

“Soon.” Xu Qing thought.

The Eldest Princess invited them to a banquet, but didn’t appear even after a long time. Although they didn’t know what had happened, if the Eldest Princess didn’t come, they couldn’t leave.

Finally, just as everyone was beginning to feel puzzled, Qiao Yanqi helped the Eldest Princess out. Qiao Yanqi even said something to the Eldest Princess amiably, making the Eldest Princess smile. She looked even younger.

When the Eldest Princess looked up and saw Xu Qing, she frowned slightly. Disgust flashed in her eyes, but then she looked away.

Xu Qing’s expression darkened slightly. She looked at Qiao Yanqi, who was beside the Eldest Princess, and sneered. Qiao Yanqi wanted to chase her away with that lame trick of hers? Qiao Yanqi really underestimated her. Xu Qing saw the bright red palm print on Qiao Yanqi’s face and instantly smiled. She really didn’t know what Qiao Yanqi was thinking. What occasion was it today? What would everyone think of the Qiao family? However, it was obvious that if Qiao Yanqi really cared about the Qiao family’s reputation, she wouldn’t have framed her.

Xu Qing knew very well how she had slapped Qiao Yanqi. Qiao Yanqi must have slapped herself again in order to leave a mark. This crazy woman was unscrupulous and didn’t hesitate to hurt herself to achieve her goals. It could be seen how vicious she was. Since she liked to act so much, she didn’t mind letting Qiao Yanqi continue this show!

The Eldest Princess asked everyone to take a seat in the garden. However, the Eldest Princess didn’t arrange a seat for Xu Qing. Just as she was about to see how Xu Qing would deal with this matter, she looked up and saw Xu Yuandeng behind Xu Qing. Her eyes were filled with shock.

This was because Xu Yuandeng looked exactly the same as Qiao Yanhui when he was young! Although the other two children didn’t look that similar, she could still see Qiao Yanhui’s shadow. Ao Li’er was instantly puzzled. When she looked at the three children again, Ao Li’er’s heart softened.

This exasperated Qiao Yanqi. All her efforts just now had been in vain? Ao Li’er was really too naive and foolish! Qiao Yanqi gritted her teeth.

Ao Li’er thought that she couldn’t be amiable to Xu Qing just because of the three children. After all, she had a bad impression of Xu Qing, so she wanted to take a good look at the children later. Now, she had to get down to business. The banquet had to begin.

Ao Li’er’s expression improved a little, and she didn’t make things difficult for Xu Qing anymore. She got someone to arrange a seat for Xu Qing. The seating was reasonable. She was on the side of the Eldest Princess Consort and the Second Princess Consort. No matter what, Qiao Yanhui was a prince.

Seeing this, Xu Qing also smiled at the Eldest Princess before sitting down with the three children. She was polite because the Eldest Princess was also tactful. At least she didn’t make things difficult. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken it lying down. She wouldn’t allow anyone to bully her. Although there were only women here today, they represented their families. If she tolerated it today, she would be embarrassing Qiao Yanhui. She couldn’t do anything beneath her dignity.

Looking at how dignified and graceful Xu Qing was, Ao Li’er felt even more puzzled. Rumors were just rumors after all. Before she saw her in person, no one knew what this woman was like! All these years, she had seen too many women framing another person out of jealousy. She should have been more rational. After all, she was too soft-hearted.