The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 155 Going to the Banquet

Before they knew it, the day of the banquet arrived.

Princess Jianing's mansion was never short of gold and silver, and its banquets were always lavish and extravagant. As soon as Jing Anle's carriage arrived at the gate, she heard music and singing coming from inside the mansion.

"Princess, we've arrived," Mu Ping whispered a reminder.

"Ah."

As soon as Jing Anle stepped off the carriage, the rumble of another carriage came from behind, prompting everyone to turn around and look. A moment later, a beautiful young woman in a pink silk dress stepped out of the carriage. She wore light makeup, but it couldn't hide her stunning beauty. Every movement she made was elegant.

"Princess! Greetings, Princess." The person who came was Chu Mingyue. She was also taken aback. Jing Anle was already stunningly beautiful on ordinary days, but today her attire was even more dignified and gorgeous. She couldn't help but admire her.

"Mingyue, no need for formalities, get up quickly." Jing Anle had deliberately arrived late, but he didn't expect Chu Mingyue to arrive so late as well.

"Thank you, Princess." Chu Mingyue got up and glanced around casually, as if looking for someone.

"It sounds very lively inside, let's go in together."

Seeing Jing Anle's enthusiasm, Chu Mingyue smiled and said, "Yes."

Before they even entered, a group of people came out. The lanterns at the entrance were exquisite, and the light shining down made the jewels on the group of noble ladies appear even more luxurious.

"Princess, I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner." The voice was filled with laughter, and although it was self-reproach, it was still pleasant to hear.

Jing Anle looked up and saw that the person speaking was wearing a dark red silk robe, with a gold hairpin and a dangling ornament in her hair. She had a gentle demeanor and graceful manners. Behind her were Kou Shuran, Jing Rou, and a group of noble ladies. This person must be Princess Jianing.

In her previous life, Jing Anle was unable to attend the banquet and had only met Princess Jianing a few times at banquets in the palace. They were not familiar with each other. She had only heard that this person appeared respectful and virtuous on the surface, but was actually a real tigress in private, and was very strict with her husband.

Jing Anle was about to bow when she spotted a familiar figure among the noble ladies—it was Murong Yunyan! Murong Peifeng's younger sister!

Memories of her past life flooded back. In order to get closer to Murong Peifeng, she frequently summoned Murong Yunyan to the palace, asking her to help deliver tokens. However, this person was not very bold. Although she dared not act recklessly, Jing Anle remembered that she always used her name to act arrogantly outside. In short, she was not a good person. She just didn't know what her fate was in her past life.

"Auntie is fine."

Although Jing Anle is a princess, one rank higher than a county princess, the Jing Kingdom has always maintained a strict hierarchy based on seniority, so Jing Anle naturally cannot give anyone a handle to use against her.

Princess Jianing was taken aback. This Princess Anle was quite different from the rumors. She was well-mannered and graceful, and her face was very similar to that of the late Empress.

"Your Highness is too kind. The banquet has been prepared. Please take a seat."

After Princess Jianing finished speaking, she noticed Chu Mingyue standing next to Jing Anle.

"See the Princess."

"So it's Miss Chu. I've long heard of the elegance of Miss Mingyue, the daughter of Prime Minister Chu. Seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved. Please come in quickly."

"Thank you for the compliment, Princess. I am truly unworthy of it."

At first glance, there seemed to be nothing wrong with what she said, but it was clear that Princess Jianing was closer to Chu Mingyue. This showed that Kou Shuran had said a lot of bad things about herself to Princess Jianing. When she looked up, she saw the smug look in Kou Shuran's eyes.

Jing Rou, standing beside Kou Shuran, wore a smile, seemingly enjoying the spectacle. Even if the other noble ladies noticed something, they dared not say anything.

But Jing Anle didn't care about any of that. She flicked her sleeves and led the group inside.

Since the event hasn't started yet, everyone can stroll around the mansion.

Because it was a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet, rare chrysanthemums could be seen everywhere, but everyone knew perfectly well that this was Princess Jianing providing an opportunity for the noble ladies and gentlemen of various families to meet.

Therefore, after exchanging pleasantries with Jing Anle, everyone went off to look for men they fancied. Chu Mingyue was originally with Jing Anle, but Princess Jianing pulled her aside to talk to her, it seemed that Princess Jianing was deliberately leaving her alone.

Princess Jianing dared to do this entirely because her husband, Kou Yu, was extremely wealthy. Although he had no real power, he was a major pillar of the Jing Kingdom's finances. Moreover, even if word got out, no one would dare to say that she had actually done anything wrong.

Jing Anle knew that Princess Jianing harbored ill intentions, but she would deal with whatever came her way; she had other matters to attend to. At this moment, she strolled leisurely in the garden with Afang and Muping, enjoying the chrysanthemums under the bright moonlight—a truly delightful experience.

Although Jing Anle's eyes were on the chrysanthemums, his mind was on other things.

"Does the princess also like chrysanthemums?"

A familiar voice rang out behind Jing Anle. Jing Anle paused, then immediately realized what it was, but did not turn around. Instead, she said, "It's not that I particularly love chrysanthemums among flowers, but that after this flower blooms, there are no more flowers left."

"This place is beautiful, why should the princess be sad?"

The person who arrived was Xiao Heng. He had come early today and had been keeping an eye on Jing Anle's figure until now, when he finally found her.

Jing Anle slowly turned around and met Xiao Heng's deep, affectionate eyes. She was stunned. She had known that Xiao Heng was handsome, but how could he be so captivating under the night sky?

Jing Anle composed himself and smiled, "I'm just lamenting the ruthlessness of the autumn wind, which destroys flowers and willows."

"Youth fades quickly, and even if flowers wither, they will bloom again next year. Princess, there is no need to be sad," Xiao Heng replied.

"Crown Prince Xiao is right!"

The person who came was Qi Zhi, and Jing Rou came with him.

"So the princess is here too."

Even though Jing Rou harbored hatred for Jing Anle in her heart, she was now a beautiful noblewoman in front of the princes of the two countries. Her voice was soft, and most men would probably lose control upon hearing it.

"What a coincidence, Prince Qi and the Princess are coming together. But..." Jing Anle paused, looking as if she knew everything, and continued, "The two of you are quite a good match." She smiled, but inwardly she was mocking: This Jing Rou, she can't hold back so quickly. I wonder what Murong Peifeng will think when he finds out.

Upon hearing this, Jing Rou was taken aback, wondering if Jing Anle had seen through something. She remained calm on the surface, but felt inexplicably annoyed inside. Qi Zhi, on the other hand, was clearly quite pleased.

"I apologize for speaking too quickly. Princess and Prince Qi, please don't be angry." Jing Anle looked at Jing Rou's expression and understood that Jing Rou didn't not want to be with Qi Zhi, but she didn't want to be discovered so quickly. After all, it would be bad if word got out that they were together without any official status.

Jing Rou smiled gently, "Your Highness is too kind. I merely had a chance encounter with Prince Qi."

Seeing the beauty's reaction, Qi Zhi chimed in, "That's right." But as he spoke, his eyes were smiling as he looked at Jing Rou, unaware that this scene had been observed by a shadowy figure hiding in the distance.