Mingxia Jie had decided to take the women on and sit in the middle of the banquet hall. When she first walked into the room, she noticed that all the women were from legitimate families. Both families that supported and attacked Kangxi wangye's position. On her left side was the wangfei's of high ranked military families such as Gu, Ren, and Sho. On her right side were the wangfei's of high ranked scholarly families such as Yeng, Wu and Zhao. All families had relations with one another, be it allies or enemies. Most overlapping with marriages, but none of this would be of importance later on. A wangfei from the Wu clan snorted with contempt:
-"Is Kangxi wangfei lonely? Is having been ignored by Kangxi wangye really made you in outcast."
The women that sat with Wu clans' wangfei all snorted with laughter, Mingxia Jie looked at them and sneered:
-"From what I hear, aren't you an outcast in your own home? Or is your relationship with Wu wangye as fake and cheap as the silk you're wearing?"
The ladies that had a direct connection to the imperial family heard Mingxia Jie's remark and couldn't help but smile smugly. They had been waiting for someone to knock Wu wangfei's pride down a few pegs. Seeing as it was Kangxi wangfei, they had decided to trick their husbands into supporting Kangxi wangye. They flocked to Mingxia Jie's table and began to whisper and laugh. As a thin smile spread over Mingxia Jie's face 'It's not like I like any of you, so I don't really care if I step on their toes. I'll be gone in no time by the time they have licked their wounds'. The sound of drums could ring clearly through everyone's ears as it brought Mingxia Jie out of her thoughts.
Every woman stood up and bowed to the door as the host had arrived. Her name was Princess Xiao, she was beautiful and tender with phoenix eyes, plump red lips, and clear jade white skin. As everyone arose Princess Xiao's eyes fell on Mingxia Jie's extravagant dress. They stared at each other, not giving away an inch. Princess Xiao smiled and sat down at Mingxia Jie's table. Everyone was astounded by the turn of events. Princess Xiao was a woman who did not see any woman as her equal and showed it through her clothing, wearing the finest and most expensive silks and jewellery.
The women sitting at Mingxia Jie's table were all beauties; however, Mingxia Jie and Princess Xiao outshined them all. Every woman, both military and scholar couldn't voice their opinions about the two and could only silently reproach the most beautiful women in the room. Mingxia Jie was becoming bored with the conversations and stayed quiet the entire time. Princess Xiao had been curious about what type of woman Kangxi wangfei was, but would never get the opportunity because of a question Zhao wangfei asked:
-"Princess, if I sound rude. Why did you arrive late?"
She explained how she couldn't decide what to wear. Mingxia Jie smugly looked at the Princess as she lied through her teeth. The clothing the Princess was wearing was of the latest fashion, in mint condition and the jewellery she wore was made the previous day. Princess Xiao made eye contact with Mingxia Jie, and a brief flash of astonishment passed through them before it completely disappeared. Mingxia Jie had noticed the sun was about to set and stood up
-"Excuse me."
-"Don't you want to stay for the surprise I prepared?"
Everybody perked up at the question: 'What could it be?' Mingxia Jie was curious as well an spoke:
-"Please do not be hesitant to explain Princess Xiao."