Attending the Empress Dowager’s imperial banquet for the first time, this was also a first for Wufu. Although she had been to some celebrity banquets in her previous life for missions, this was ancient times, with more rules and greater caution needed in behavior and speech. The number of maidservants one could bring into the palace was limited, so Wufu only brought Purple Jade.

Purple Jade was originally a Hidden Guard and had undergone extensive training for placement in high-status households, essentially an all-round training, so she knew a great deal. Bringing her alone was more than enough.

Dressed according to her rank, Wufu wore a luxurious palace outfit suited to a second-rank County Lord and arrived at the palace gate by carriage. As per the rules, noblewomen and ladies must walk inside unless an imperial command arranges for them to be carried in sedan chairs.

For the Empress Dowager’s imperial banquet, only officials of the fifth rank and above and their wives, along with certain noblewomen specifically named by the Empress Dowager, could attend.

Wufu also saw many familiar faces, some she had poor relations with, some were friendly, and some harbored resentment and hatred.

"County Magistrate Ruifu, Princess Yonghe has sent a servant to invite you inside for a conversation." An Inner Servant approached Wufu with a smile and bowed.

Wufu raised her eyebrows and replied with a smile, "Thank you, Sir." She then took a red envelope from Purple Jade’s hand and handed it over, "Is the sedan chair big enough for Miss Guan and me?"

"Wufu..." Guan Chuying was quite hesitant.

The Inner Servant, feeling the thickness of the envelope, smiled even more broadly and said, "Of course it is."

Hearing this, Wufu greeted Madam Guan and then pulled Guan Chuying onto the sedan chair with her.

This scene was observed by many, envying and feeling jealous.

Wufu had undoubtedly made a spectacular impression. Who didn’t know her exploits? Who couldn’t recognize her face?

But there were also people who were disdainful and sarcastic, quietly whispering about her humble origins and disregard for family ties.

Moreover, there was resentment, especially from Madam Wang, who had suffered at the hands of Wufu and her mother.

Watching Wufu leave in the sedan chair, Madam Wang tightly pinched the arm of the maid Qing Lian beside her, barely containing her bitterness and anger.

Qing Lian, feeling the pain, dared not make a sound.

"Madam Wu? My lady the Princess Consort has invited you." A maid dressed in a pink and blue skirt approached Madam Wang and bowed.

Madam Wang was taken aback and looked towards the direction she pointed, seeing Princess Consort Wei, dressed in palace attire, nodding at her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly walked over in small steps.

"Madam Wu Wang greets the Princess Consort." Madam Wang placed her hands on her waist and respectfully bowed.

Princess Consort Wei raised her chin slightly, "No need for formalities. I saw you standing over there, and invited you to come over for a chat."

Madam Wang awkwardly smiled.

Princess Consort Wei looked in the direction where Wufu had disappeared and asked, "Why don’t I see your Sister Ning?"

Madam Wang glanced at the direction of her gaze, pondered for a moment, and replied with a bitter smile, "That child is shy. She offended someone and was scolded, so she doesn’t dare come out."

Princess Consort Wei snorted coldly, "What’s there to be afraid of? Is this imperial city so big that only one person can walk freely? Shouldn’t others be able to walk as well? I’ve seen domineering people before, but never one quite like this."

Hearing this, Madam Wang’s heart calmed slightly, but her expression turned even more bitter. She sighed, "Princess Consort, circumstances really overwhelm us. The other party is aggressively oppressive, even Princess Ping Xi has been forced..."