After the presentations, it would be the official birthday banquet. The concubines were not allowed to go to the banquet and had to leave back to their court immediately after the presentations were done. Unless the Madame had let them go to the banquet, they had no right to go to any banquets. I was very happy about this because, I didn't really want to go to the banquet anyway.

I was waiting for Madame to wave us out, but the sign never really came. Instead they lead us to the banquet room.

How sad I was with this occurrence. I just want to go back to my place. Why did the Madame let us go to the banquet? In the novel, the Madame had told them to go back to their courts. How did this get off the track? I want to cry right now. The longer I stay here the higher my chances of attracting enemies is.

When all of us concubines entered, the others went to chat with the other ladies, but I have no obligation to chat, so I went to my table instead. I sat there with Hao'er for an hour. Although I was sad that I couldn't go back to my court, I really love the food here. Although the way they served the food was very wasteful, I should say that the food is very good.

As a person who cooks herself, I can say that these dishes can make it to 5 stars restaurant. Unfortunately, I know how to cook even better than a 5 star chef, so these dishes are on average for me. I really miss my own cooking.

While the food kept on coming, I kept on getting pushed more and more to the edge of the table. It became so uncomfortable that I gave up on staying at the banquet any longer. I had used the excuse that I wasn't feeling well and had to leave the banquet early. I hope the Madame won't get mad at me for this.

When the Madame heard Zhao Ling's excuse to leave the party, she felt sympathy for the girl because she had no space at all at the table, but she also felt a feeling as if this girl was it.

When I got out of the banquet hall, I breathe a sigh of relief. The tension from my shoulders lifted. I walked down the path to my own courtyard, but something caught my eyes.

A man-wait, nope not a man... It was definitely the female lead. Definitely her, but I don't remember seeing a detail about her sneaking in the Wu Estate. Perhaps the author of the book left out this detail? Wait, first off, why is she in a tree?

I walked to the female lead, Ling Rui. She had on a shocked face and was scared. Perhaps scared by the fact that may call the guards on her.

"What are you doing in a tree?"

"Um...Um... I'm a servant in this estate and I was trying to retrieve something that I lost on this tree."

"That was a very excuse, but I'll let you off. I already know your true identity anyways."

"What!? Please don't call the guards on me."

"I won't, but explain to me why your in a tree from the Wu Estate."

"Well, since you already know my true identity... I'm going to marry Prince Wu, but I heard that he is a scary man. I heard that he is cold and heartless."

"Don't believe in what you hear! They are just rumors."

And two maids walked saying, "Sister, I'm still so freaked out from when the prince had the guards kill the maid in such a horrendous way."

Ling Rui immediately froze up. "Well, I got my info. I'll leave now."

"Hey, don't just go making assumptions on your own. Although, it is true that the prince is cold, that doesn't mean he is ruthless and heartless. If he was heartless, he would have not cared about the Madame."

"Look, your one of his concubines, so you would definitely support him, but I'm his wife-to-be and I want a man who will really love me for who I am, not because of an engagement. Today, I already made my decision."

"Wait! You should think twice before you act!"

(Sigh)... She just left like that. I feel so awkward now. Oh boy... I'm going to have a lot of insisting to do to that girl. I need to get on her good side anyhow. If I do that, in the future, she can help me dismiss my title of a concubine and I can be a free woman. How great would that be.

Not too far away, Prince Wu and Shu Xienghao was chatting and taking a walk when they noticed the human on the tree. Below the tree, was the prince's concubine.

"What do you think? Maybe she is cheating on you. Haha... Just joking don't take it seriously."

"She's not."

"I know, I know. I can hear it as clear as you. So that person on the tree is your future wife. Doesn't seem like. She may be talented and all, but she lacks brains. Still, I can't someone as cold as you can have a woman who can defend you like that. You guys haven't had that many intimate moments, yet, she is already defending you."

"What?"

"I'm jealous, okay? Hey, she is just a concubine, think you can give her to me?"

"No."

"Why not? You have so 2 other concubines waiting to warm your bed already, so give up one for me alright? I'm never going to have another chance to see a woman with brains and talents like her."

With a grin and eyes of full of annoyance and jealousy, to his friend he says, "No, she's mine and only mine."

"Alright, I'll back off."

The commotion comes to an end and Zhao Ling leaves to her small courtyard.