Chapter 88 -

Chapter 88: Chapter

[ System Notice: Bai Zhengyu’s favorability points +5! Current total: 25 points. ]

Yimei kept her composure, her eyes flashing with quiet satisfaction. She didn’t know what triggered the boost, but seeing his score rise to 25 points meant her plan was working. She simply carried on pouring warm tea for the Count’s wife with practiced elegance.

Across the room, Zhengyu’s brow twitched. He kept his fingers resting against his jaw, his dark eyes locked onto Yimei’s back. He saw the knowing look that passed between her and Xiao Jun.

For some reason, that realization did not sit well with him at all. A sharp irritation flickered deep in his chest, though he couldn’t find the right words to describe it.

"Young Master," Liu Feng whispered, leaning down. "Should I look into how Young Madame knows Master Xiao Jun?"

"No," Zhengyu said softly, his voice cold. "Not yet. Let us see how far she takes this little game."

Meanwhile, at the main table, the Prime Minister’s wife took another delightful sip of ginger tea. The warm, sweet flavor completely washed away the terrible taste and embarrassment of Madame Liu’s rotten leaves. She set her cup down and looked at Madame Bai with genuine warmth.

"Madame Bai," the Prime Minister’s wife called out, her voice echoing across the silent hall. "Your First Branch has raised a remarkable young woman. Your daughter-in-law is exceptionally talented and thoughtful! To step forward so calmly and fix such a chaotic situation...."

Madame Bai felt a wave of relief and pride fill her heart. She stepped forward gracefully, bowing her head with a humble smile. "You praise her too much, Madame. Yimei is merely fulfilling her duty as a member of the Bai family."

"Nonsense!" the Prime Minister’s wife declared, waving her fan. "Good behavior should be rewarded! Look at her, so gentle and wise. Compared to certain disgraceful people who bring street weeds and cheap glass into my estate, Young Madame Yimei is a true gem."

Every word felt like a flaming arrow shot straight into the hearts of the rival branches.

Madame Liu’s face turned from bright red to an ugly green. Her hands shook so violently that her gold bangles clattered together loudly. She had spent a fortune on that fake tea just to win favor, only for Yimei to step over her ruined body and take all the glory with simple ginger tea!

Beside her, Bai Xiuying stared at Yimei with pure hatred. Her heart burned with jealousy not just because Yimei received praise from the highest ladies, but because Xiao Jun, the man Xiuying dreamed about for years, was looking at Yimei with undeniable respect!

"Mother..." Xiuying hissed under her breath, her fingernails digging into her palm. "How did she do this? She planned this! She knew our tea would fail!"

"Shut your mouth!" Madame Liu whispered back harshly, though her own heart burst with rage. "If you speak out now, the guards will throw us out just like they threw out that drunk fool Wenjiang!"

On the other side of the room, Madame Chen bit her tongue to keep from screaming. Her daughter-in-law, An Yulan, stood frozen beside her, looking like a helpless ghost.

An Yulan’s mind was in total chaos. Her husband was being dragged through the dirt outside like a stray dog, her fake jade hairpin had been exposed, and now her mortal enemy, Yimei was showered with praise!

"This isn’t fair..." An Yulan whimpered softly, tears of pure humiliation stinging her eyes. "She did this to us... Mother, Yimei set us up!"

"Hold your tongue, you useless girl!" Madame Chen snapped in a harsh whisper, glaring at her with cold disappointment. "You couldn’t even keep your own husband sober for one hour! You dragged our entire Third Branch into the mud today!"

Madame Zhang and Madame Zhao stood a few steps back, quietly backing away from Madame Liu and Madame Chen. They didn’t want the crowd’s mockery to touch them.

"Unbelievable," Madame Zhang muttered, fanning herself quickly. "The First Branch was supposed to be ruined today, yet they are the only ones walking away with honor!"

As the nobles began chattering and showering Madame Bai and Yimei with compliments, Yimei finished pouring the last cup of tea. She bowed politely to the hosts and stepped back with effortless grace.

As she walked toward the side of the hall, her eyes briefly met Zhengyu’s dark, intense gaze.

He was still staring at her, his posture straight in his wheelchair, his expression unreadable and cold. Yimei simply offered her husband a calm, polite smile before moving to join Madame Bai and her sisters-in-laws.

Soon, the grand banquet came to a successful end. Guests began making their way toward the exit, chatting happily about the marvelous event.

However, Yimei couldn’t leave just yet. A large crowd of high-society noble ladies had completely surrounded her, all eager to speak with her. With the New Year fast approaching, every major household in the capital was planning their own grand banquets and private parties. After witnessing the Prime Minister’s wife praise Yimei’s ginger-herbal tea so highly, every lady wanted that exact same delicious tea served at their upcoming events!

"Young Madame Yimei, you simply must bring your wonderful tea to my estate next week!" one noble lady pleaded with a bright smile.

"No, please come to my estate first! I will pay whatever price you ask!" another chimed in eagerly, waving her silk fan.

Seeing Yimei completely overwhelmed by the eager crowd, Madame Bai walked over with a gentle, proud smile. She patted Yimei’s hand softly and whispered, "Yimei, stay here and handle everything you need to settle with these ladies. Do not rush. You can come back home in a separate carriage whenever you are finished. The rest of us will head home first."

"Thank you, Mother. Please travel safely," Yimei replied politely, bowing her head.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the courtyard, Madame Liu and Madame Chen awkwardly shuffled over to the Prime Minister’s wife. Their heads were hanging low, their faces pale and full of shame.

"Madame... please forgive our huge mistake today," Madame Liu stammered, bowing until her back nearly broke. "We truly did not mean to cause any offense—"

Before they could even finish their rehearsed apologies, the Prime Minister’s wife simply turned her back on them, not bothering to listen to a single word. She walked away with her head held high, leaving both women standing there like complete nobodies. Crushed and humiliated, Madame Liu and Madame Chen quickly scurried off toward their carriages to hide their burning faces.

Madame Zhang and Madame Zhao stood near the grand gates, watching the whole mess unfold.

Madame Zhang shook her head, letting out a loud, mocking scoff. "Look at those two foolish vipers. They tried so hard to act grand, and now they are the laughingstock of the entire capital!"

"Serves them right," Madame Zhao replied with a bitter sneer, adjusting her heavy gold cloak. "Trying to steal the spotlight without any real skill. But... we need to be careful now. That Yimei girl isn’t as weak and simple as she used to be. She completely turned the tables on everyone today."

Madame Zhang’s eyes narrowed dangerously as they climbed into their carriage. "Let her enjoy her tiny victory for now. Today was just one banquet. When we get back to the estate, we will see how long her lucky streak lasts!"