Although there had been a somewhat startling incident, Princess Huijia and the ladies and young ladies of various families seemed to be unaffected, with only a few more glances falling on Daohua, but nothing else unusual.
The seating at the Princess Residence was arranged in an inverted "U" shape, allowing the guests to enjoy performances by musicians while they dined.
Due to Daohua’s status as a countess, the seats for the women of the Yan Family had been arranged relatively to the front.
Daohua was enjoying the lavish dishes of exotic delicacies on the table while watching the central song and dance performance, completely indifferent to the various measuring glances directed at her.
After a dance performance, everyone raised their glasses to toast Princess Huijia.
Just as everyone was laughing and setting down their glasses, Madame Jiang spoke again, "Just now, Miss Yan’s agile and effortless movements were truly a sight to behold; she must have a profound background in dance."
Saying this, she smiled at Princess Huijia.
"These musicians’ dances are repetitive; after watching too much, it gets a bit boring. Today is Princess Huijia’s birthday; I wonder if Miss Yan would be willing to perform to liven up the celebration for the princess?"
Upon these words, the room fell silent.
The expressions of the ladies from various families varied, and they gained a new understanding of Madame Jiang’s audacity.
Even though the Jiang Family and the Yan Family did not get along, Miss Yan was still a countess personally conferred by the emperor and had even been granted a title, making her status slightly more prestigious than Jiang Wanying.
Yet, Madame Jiang dared to compare her to a musician and suggest she perform for entertainment!
Madame Li was furious, unable to maintain her composure any longer, her face filled with anger as she looked at Madame Jiang.
Han Xinran, too, had not expected Madame Jiang to challenge them this way, and she, along with Yan Yihuan, looked worried.
Princess Huijia was also extremely annoyed; today was her birthday, and Madame Jiang’s challenging the guest she had invited was blatant disrespect.
Just as Princess Huijia was about to speak in disapproval, Daohua stood up.
First, she bowed to Princess Huijia, then to the other people present; only then did she smile and say, "Being new to Beijing, I am not familiar with many of the local customs."
Saying this, she turned towards Madame Jiang.
"Madame mentioned a performance to help cheer. Since you brought it up, I assume you and your family are very familiar with it. How about asking Miss Jiang to give a demonstration first, so that I can learn?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
Madame Jiang’s face changed, and she angrily slammed her chopsticks down on the table, glaring fiercely at Daohua, "Presumptuous! How dare you suggest my daughter perform in public!"
Daohua’s expression also cooled, her smile frosty as she looked at Madame Jiang, "I am the Countess of Shengping, personally conferred by the emperor, just like your daughter. If you can ask me to perform publicly, why can’t she?" frёewebnoѵēl.com
Madame Jiang angrily retorted, "Public performance is the act of a musician; my daughter is a lady of a respectable family, how could she do such a thing?"
Daohua’s face lost all trace of a smile, her voice tinged with coldness, "Madame, if it’s an act for musicians, why then ask me to perform?"
"Yes, my background may not be as noble as Miss Jiang’s, but I am now the Countess of Shengping, conferred by the emperor himself. Your insistence is such that those who know, know you look down on me, those who don’t, might think you have issues with the emperor’s decrees."
Hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed, their looks towards Daohua gaining new elements.
Madame Jiang could not ignore this any longer, she glared to stop Madame Jiang, then turned to Daohua with a cold smirk, "Countess Shengping is indeed quick-witted, it was just a joke. If you do not wish to perform to cheer the Princess, you could have just said so, there’s no need for such insubordination."
Daohua directly returned the gaze, scoffing, "So, suggesting that the daughter of an Imperial Envoy perform for entertainment is a joke in the eyes of the Madames Jiang? I apologize, I was unaware the Jiang Family had such customs; my mistake."
With that, she poured herself a cup of wine, then raised her glass to those present.
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