Meng Jinyu has always been a beloved figure in her own home. In the Grand Tutor's Residence, she is doted on by everyone and has never suffered any grievances. The Master of the Grand Tutor's Residence, Meng, had only married one wife, Lady Meng, and there are no extra female relatives in the Meng family. Meng Jinyu naturally does not understand the twists and turns in the hearts of other girls.

Although Meng Jinyu claimed that she only asked Chu Qitong to borrow the golden hairpin because she genuinely found it beautiful, her actions appeared to Ming Luan as if she were intentionally trying to snatch away her favorite princess.

Mingluan has two older brothers. She is the only girl in the mansion, so her cousin, Chuqitong, is her only playmate. Chuqitong is three years older than Mingluan, and she takes care of Mingluan in every way. In Mingluan's heart, Chuqitong has long been treated as her own older sister. When she heard Mian Jin Yu calling Chuqitong "Sister Hua" just like herself, Mingluan became angry without thinking.

Hua Jie had said before that she was the only sister, so what is Meng Jinyu? Can she really call Chu Qitong her sister like she does? This was the only thought in Ming Luan's mind at this moment.

If we're really counting, what angered Ming Luan wasn't the golden hairpin itself, but Meng Jinyu's casual remark of "Sister Hua".

Meng Jinyu's tears streamed down her cheeks as she listened to Ming Luan's words. Through Ming Luan's words, she realized the gap between their identities. Although she lacked knowledge in social etiquette and these trivial matters, she was not a fool. Seeing how Ming Luan used her status to suppress others in every sentence, she knew she couldn't retort against Ming Luan right now.

After understanding all this, Meng Jinyu slowly lowered her head. However, her tightly clenched hand on her skirt was venting her anger towards Ming Luan.

The young ladies from the official household who came to attend the banquet were caught off guard by this sudden change of events. Due to Ming Luan's identity, they all exchanged glances but not a single one of them dared to speak up for Meng Jinyu.

Seeing Meng Jinyu remain silent, Mingluan's lips curved into a cold smirk. She continued, "This princess doesn't have as good a temper as Lady Hua to indulge you. Although this Plum Appreciation Banquet was arranged by this princess inviting all of you, if you provoke this princess and make her unhappy, she can still kick you out just the same."

Mingluan's words made all the young ladies from official families lower their heads. Chu Qitong sighed and grabbed Mingluan's hand, pulling her, who was standing behind her, in front of herself, saying, "Alright, Luan'er, stop talking. Sister knows that everyone invited by Luan'er today is Luan'er's best friend. Let's not let this small matter ruin our good relationship."

After finishing her speech, Chu Qitong glanced at the group of young ladies who lowered their heads and wished to diminish their presence. She cleared her throat and said, "Everyone, I believe you all came to Ming Luan's banquet with the intention of becoming her friend. I'm sure you all understand Ming Luan's character. She is actually a kind-hearted girl, just a bit temperamental. Please don't take her impulsive words to heart. In fact, Luan'er sincerely wants to be friends with all of you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have introduced you to me."

Chu Qitong's words made Ming Luan's expression somewhat displeased. Ming Luan was usually not fond of how Chu Qitong treated people beneath her status with such kindness. Every time she saw Chu Qitong lower herself and speak softly to unnecessary individuals, Ming Luan felt as if someone else was trying to steal her art sister away.

Mingluan believed that as members of the royal family, even if they were not lofty and arrogant, they should still maintain the bearing expected of royalty. Although Mingluan admired Chu Qitong in her heart, she could not approve of Chu Qitong's behavior.