Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1453 - 1442: The Lady Who Doesn’t Seek Status

When the carriage from the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion arrived, the entrance of the Jiang Residence was bustling with people, yet everything was orderly, without a hint of chaos.

As the three ladies alighted from the carriage, the surroundings fell into silence, only to become lively again shortly after, not for any reason but because Ye Qiu and the others each had their own unique elegance.

Zhang Yanjing, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Mansion, needed no further mentioning — poised, generous, gentle, and beautiful. On her left, Duan Yinyin in a bright red dress was youthful, bright, and charming. In comparison, Ye Qiu seemed somewhat plain.

Mainly because her attire today was quite ordinary, and her delicate and sickly appearance was not admired in the capital. However, her unyielding gaze and ethereal demeanor drew attention to her, leading passersby to wonder which noble lady she was to be sitting in the Marquis’s carriage.

"Fourth Sister, the seating for men and women is separate, so Second Brother and I will head in first!" Zhang Yanwei beamed at Zhang Yanjing.

Zhang Yanjing waved her hand: "Go on, but today, you mustn’t act recklessly again. Listen more to Second Brother."

"I know, Father already reminded me before we came. Please take care of the cousin for me."

Zhang Yanjing gave him a sideways glance: "Do you even need to say that?"

Zhang Yanwei smiled and turned to Ye Qiu: "Cousin, just wait for news from me and Second Brother, and then make sure to give them a surprise."

Ye Qiu simply smiled, agreeing, "Alright."

Beside her, Duan Yinyin pursed her lips, her face taut. Watching him go inside without a word to her, she cast a resentful glance at Ye Qiu before storming off.

Zhang Yanjing’s smile faded as she turned to Ye Qiu: "Ignore her; Xiao Wu doesn’t favor her, yet she shifts the blame onto you. With Second Aunt backing her, she’s become even more temperamental. She and I aren’t real cousins; who would indulge her?"

Ye Qiu replied with a faint smile, "Second Aunt is overthinking. I have no interest in any of the cousins in the mansion."

Zhang Yanjing squeezed her hand endearingly: "I understand you, but given your status, it’s natural for Second Aunt to overthink. Once Grandmother arranges your engagement, things will be easier."

"In that case, I can avoid Fifth Cousin’s visits in the future as much as possible, right?"

"Alas!" Zhang Yanjing sighed, pondering how things turned out this way. Although she once harbored suspicions about her cousin, after genuinely interacting with her, she realized her cousin wasn’t such a person, and Second Aunt was unnecessarily overanxious.

However, she couldn’t change Second Aunt’s attitude. She thought that once she married the Third Prince in Dongyue, she could then pay more attention to finding outstanding and ambitious young men for her cousin. Although her cousin was an orphan, she was indeed Grandmother’s only maternal descendant. Even apart from Grandmother, Father would support her cousin out of gratitude. A Duke Family might be hard to arrange a marriage with, but a common official’s family would certainly do.

At the same time, Zhang Yanjing thought, if Second Aunt truly favored Duan Yinyin so much, she should persuade Second Uncle and Fifth Brother to settle things early; keeping her in the mansion while targeting her cousin was uncalled for.

As Zhang Yanjing contemplated these issues, she entered the Jiang Residence, soon greeted by familiar ladies.

"Yanjing, you’re finally here." The speaker was a lively and charming young lady, also in bright red attire. However, her waist was tightly cinched, resembling somewhat a man’s attire, and her makeup was relatively simple, with a high ponytail adorned with a golden phoenix crown, appearing valiant and imposing.

"Little Commandery Princess." Zhang Yanjing curtsied, with Ye Qiu following suit.

The Little Commandery Princess, who was not one to fuss over formalities, waved her hand immediately: "That’s enough, given our relationship; there’s no need for such courtesy. Who’s this? I don’t recognize her."

"You’ve only just returned from Jiangnan, so it’s natural you don’t know her. This is my cousin, Ye Qiu." Zhang Yanjing smiled as she introduced them, "Ye Qiu, this is the Little Commandery Princess from the Ping County Prince Manor. If you’re ever bullied, just find her; she’s always willing to stand up for others."

"You’re teasing me again." The Little Commandery Princess snorted at her, though she simply nodded at Ye Qiu without being overly warm due to Zhang Yanjing.

Ye Qiu knew her appearance was disadvantageous and didn’t mind much. Besides, the Ping County Prince Manor was no ordinary household. The Little Commandery Princess’s grandfather was the late Emperor’s cousin. When the late Emperor rose to power, his family largely opposed him, except for the Little Commandery Princess’s grandfather, who offered all his assets in support. Therefore, after ascending the throne, the late Emperor was not particularly close to his brothers but showed special favor to his cousin, granting him the title of Commandery Prince with a decree that the title would not be downgraded for three generations, a testament to his favor. What could she do but disregard it?

"As soon as the Little Commandery Princess stepped out, I knew there would be endless topics for you two to discuss, so hurry inside. Everyone’s waiting. I have some pots of ink chrysanthemums and pink chrysanthemums in full bloom, take a look. I’ve also prepared paper and brush, so we can indulge in elegance today. My uncle is at home, and I invited him to appraise our work." Emerging in a crowd was a young woman dressed in pink, her aura somewhat resembling Zhang Yanjing’s, though more free-spirited amidst her poise. This was today’s host, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang Family, Jiang Rong.

"Sister Rong." Toward this young woman, Zhang Yanjing was highly appreciative, her smile widening instantly, "Today’s critique by Mr. Lv Zhu would be a great honor indeed."

"Exactly, I initially considered not coming due to not feeling quite well. But upon learning Mr. Lv Zhu would also host a gathering at home, my illness vanished immediately."

"You’re incorrigible, blowing some wind the other day and exaggerating your condition, wasn’t it just an excuse for idleness?"

"Sister is teasing me again."

The young ladies from the boudoir shared a round of laughter, soon finding themselves in the Jiang Residence’s back garden. Given the male and female guests today, the garden had been partitioned by curtains into two sections, with only the waterside pavilion remaining unobstructed, allowing one to glimpse from afar. Although societal norms typically segregate male and female interactions, some families use such occasions for social observations, which the Jiang Residence had facilitated.

"The scenery in Sister Rong’s residence remains fascinating visit after visit." Leading the way, the Little Commandery Princess nodded approvingly.

Jiang Rong chuckled at her: "What compares to your Commandery Prince Manor? Now that’s truly magnificent and beautiful!"

The Little Commandery Princess laughed heartily: "All thanks to Grandpa and Uncle Emperor’s favor."

Switching topics, she inquired of Zhang Yanjing: "Sister Zhang, don’t tease me anymore. Everyone knows Third Cousin respects you, and the Third Prince Mansion is decorated to your tastes. You must invite us to visit in the future!"

As soon as she finished, the noble ladies surrounding burst into giggles, causing Zhang Yanjing’s cheeks to redden: "You really can’t stop, can you? Even if no one else gets an invite, I certainly can’t exclude you!"

"That’s right, although not officially, I can still be considered your sister-in-law. How could a sister-in-law not endear herself to her sister-in-law?"

Zhang Yanjing came up to feign hitting her: "Quiet that mouth of yours!"

Watching the lively banter, Ye Qiu’s face also wore a smile. Yet she clearly understood that the joys of the boudoir would differ vastly upon marrying, especially within these privileged families entangled in imperial power struggles. Who could maintain their original intents?

But all she wished was to stay away, unwilling to immerse herself in such tumultuous whirlpools.