The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 655: Chapter 654: Poison-Tipped Tongues

The underlying meaning of these words was evidently heard by others too. As a result, the glances that were cast over bore different implications—contempt, amusement, disdain, mockery, a slight scoff, indifference...

However, the young girl under such focused scrutiny remained composed and calm, her face so strikingly beautiful that it was hard to look away, yet with a detached elegance.

Many people prided themselves on their lineage, considering themselves superior.

But this woman exuded an innate nobility and grace.

Perhaps her origins were not genuinely noble, but her eyes and brows carried an aura of one who once held high status.

The nobility born of a privileged background seemed less awe-inspiring compared to this natural aura.

Xia Wenjin’s gaze swept past without even glancing at Kang Xiaomin and Liu Xiuyin and said to the attendant, ”Lead the way, or shall I go in myself?”

The attendant graciously said, ”I will lead Miss Xia inside!”

Despite speaking so much, the attendant remained respectful toward Xia Wenjin without a hint of disrespect, which was infuriating. Moreover, the young girl didn’t even glance at them, as if they were mere clowns.

Kang Xiaomin felt greatly humiliated and sneered, ”Thick-skinned enough to fear being exposed and want to directly enter the hall? Do you even know what place this is? Is it somewhere you can enter?”

No sooner had Kang Xiaomin finished speaking than someone laughed and said, ”Miss Kang, you are mistaken. Don’t forget that every hall has actors and musicians. Isn’t it shameful to argue with people like that?”

The one speaking was Xu Man.

The eldest daughter of the Xuanping Marquis’ residence, her sharp gaze was like a dagger aimed at Xia Wenjin.

Indeed, her words were more like a poisoned blade.

It was one thing for Kang Xiaomin to claim that someone didn’t qualify to enter, as those who could enter First-Rank Halls were of high status, not ordinary people.

But for Xu Man to say others were actors or musicians?

Among the girls, being slightly inferior in familial background was not unusual, but to directly equate someone with low-status actors and musicians was a malicious insult.

The attendant’s face slightly changed as well, for they were sent by the Seventeenth Princess to welcome guests.

This girl was serene and courteous all the way, yet troublemakers kept arising, each more excessive than the last.

The attendant exchanged a glance with the attendant who brought Kang Xiaomin and Xu Man over.

Then, the attendant beside Xu Man bowed and said, ”Miss Xu, please don’t delay on the road; let’s enter the hall and rest first.”

Xu Man’s smile held a semblance of charming delicacy, but in reality, it was laced with a few shades of malice. However, because she looked delicate and seemingly obedient, anyone who didn’t hear her words would likely find this young girl very endearing.

The implicit reminder in the attendant’s words was not lost on Xu Man, but she also noticed the explosion her words had caused among everyone.

Though there was some shock at her words, there was more doubt about Xia Wenjin’s identity, leading the gazes directed at Xia Wenjin to change, carrying a hint of contemptuous speculation.

There, the attendant also smiled at Xia Wenjin, saying, ”Miss, please enter the hall and rest!”

Xia Wenjin glanced lightly at Xu Man; the hostility of these people was too obvious to ignore.

In fact, Xia Wenjin didn’t care about such provocations; they were mere jesters, speaking out of turn and thinking they had gained a great advantage, yet unaware of what they had lost! Such people, as foolish as pigs, were not worthy opponents.

If she were to argue here with Xu Man and the others for fairness, it would be like being bitten by a dog and then grappling with it.

Of course, doing nothing and bearing the insult would also invite sneers and scorn.

Xia Wenjin smiled faintly and said, ”Seems like whether I qualify to enter this hall will require the host’s decision?”

The attendant was taken aback, feeling a bit anxious. The Seventeenth Princess instructed them to settle everyone properly, but such an incident had now occurred. These young ladies were aggressive, and anyone would be provoked, now this young lady was provoked as well.

If a conflict erupted here, it would first reflect poorly on their execution of duties.

The attendant hurriedly smiled and said, ”Miss, please go ahead and rest in the hall. Should anyone cause a disturbance against the guests, the princess has said that such people can be directly escorted out!”

This was a warning to Xu Man and her companions.

Xu Man was stunned, her face turning crimson, for she could clearly understand that the attendant’s words were directed at her indeed.

She flushed with fury, meeting Luo Fu’s gaze next to her. Xuanping Marquis was but a title, but Luo Fu’s father was a Guanglu Doctor of the Second Rank, and earlier during the commotion, Xia Wenjin offended not just Luo Fu but also Imperial Army General’s son Geng Shuang.

Thinking about the blue invitation in her hand and recalling when the attendant inquired earlier, Luo Fu responded with a red invitation led her to provoke, ”Sister Luo, being in the same hall with such a person truly drags down your status!”

Xia Wenjin chuckled lightly, ”Who is shameless enough to speak about dragging down someone’s status yet doesn’t even qualify to enter the hall?”

Saying this, she ignored Xu Man and the others and proceeded into the hall ahead.

Xu Man was utterly furious, ”You...” She seemed ready to rush over and argue, but the attendant stopped her, ”Miss Xu, although the Seventeenth Princess is good-tempered, she also values her reputation. If it’s known someone attempted to ruin her matters, the consequences won’t be bearable!”

Xu Man: ”...”

Such an overt warning; not to understand it would be foolish. Though in different halls now, the flower appreciation event has main features yet to occur, allowing her time to make the other person suffer later. She huffed and entered Yiju Hall.

Luo Fu hesitated for a moment, and under the attendant’s guidance, walked into Youlan Hall.

Inside Youlan Hall was spacious, with many young ladies already present, such as Jiang Jingzhu, granddaughter of the Duke, Duan Yan, daughter of the Minister of Rites, Wei Shanshan, granddaughter of Dingyuan Marquis and daughter of the Assistant Minister of War, Zhao Keyan, the most cherished and only daughter of Grand Tutor Zhao...

Not only were they inherently high born, but they also had intricate connections behind them, such as relatives from the Empress Dowager’s family, the Empress’s family...

These were undoubtedly distinguished young ladies with extraordinary status in the Capital City, even if Luo Fu’s status in this hall was at the bottom.

Luo Fu was both nervous and apprehensive. She internally encouraged herself, having attended many grand events, though none as high-end as this one, with participants of so high a station. Still, she had been well-taught since childhood and mustn’t show weakness.

Even as the daughter of a Guanglu Doctor of the Second Rank, could she fall short against someone of lowly status who could only ride a shabby, common blue-draped carriage?