I nervously tightened my grip on the hem of my clothes, suddenly remembering that I would be attending the princess's birthday banquet later. If I were to wrinkle my clothes, it would surely damage the reputation of the Shangshu Mansion. With no other choice, I had to let go of my grasp on the skirt.

Zhong Cui's words may sound reasonable, but they are actually full of loopholes. Anyone who has had any dealings with the Shangshu Mansion would know that my older brother is someone who rarely smiles and has no interest in women. He wouldn't even spare a glance at ordinary women, let alone compliment their beauty. Those who know my older brother well would also know that I am the only person who can make him happy. Even when it comes to his superior, the Crown Prince, he always maintains a certain distance. If Zhong Cui's words were meant to deceive ordinary commoners, that would be one thing. However, the person before me is a guard of the Princess's Mansion. Being stationed at the front gate of the Princess's Mansion, they must be aware of the gossip and affairs of various officials' households. Moreover, my father is a high-ranking official, so it's no secret that my older brother has a cold personality.

Thinking of this, I anxiously glanced at the guard, only to see that his eyes were fixed on Zhong Cui and he didn't pay any attention to me. It seemed like he hadn't even thought about what Zhong Cui had said. I breathed a sigh of relief, lifted my head with a superior attitude, and pushed Zhong Cui aside, pointing at the guard, saying, "You arrogant fool! How dare you block the way of this young lady? If I arrive late to the princess's banquet because of you and disturb her enjoyment, can you bear the consequences?" Although I may be a bit mischievous, I'm far from being like an ordinary young lady from a noble family. It was quite challenging for me to act like a spoiled and capricious young mistress. After finishing my sentence, I took the opportunity while the guard was stunned to glance at Zhong Cui. When I saw him nod at me, I finally relaxed and continued, "This young lady initially thought you were a guard of the princess's mansion and gave you face, speaking politely to you. But you don't know what's good for you and insist on blocking me outside the gate. You're nothing but a gatekeeper, while I am the legitimate daughter of the Shang Shu mansion. If I'm not here, there will be countless others willing to come and guard the princess's mansion. Do you think the princess will lower herself to protect someone like you, who is so blind?"

It was clear that my words had caught the guard off guard. He glanced at Zhong Cui beside him, seeking confirmation, before cautiously asking, "Miss Zhong, is this truly the young lady from the Shangshu Mansion?" His voice had lost its initial arrogance and his tone sounded particularly cautious. There was also a hint of deference in his gaze towards me.

Zhong Cui adjusted her moon-white gown and exclaimed dramatically, "Brother Wang, even if you haven't seen Yu Ying, you must have heard the talk about her in teahouses and taverns, right? Everyone in Yancheng knows that the legitimate young miss of the Shangshu Residence, Yu Ying, lacks the manners of a proper lady. All she does every day is mingle in the streets. She has even driven away four or five governesses that the Shangshu Residence hired for her, and there have been numerous instances of her bullying others with her status. If this isn't Yu Ying, then who else could it be?

And let's not even mention anything else. Have you ever seen any young miss from any household freely rent a horse carriage and flaunt herself around on the streets? Furthermore, everyone in Yancheng knows that Lord Shangshu intends to officially promote Madam Wei to the position of the main wife. In short, Madam Wei will become Yu Ying's stepmother. Yet, Yu Ying's maidservant still insists on addressing Madam Wei as 'concubine.' This just shows how arrogant Yu Ying is in private. Brother Wang, I advise you not to offend Yu Ying."