Princess Qingfang turned pale after hearing that, and abruptly she said to the Sheng siblings, "Please allow me to excuse myself for a moment!"

Then, she hurried away with several maids, leaving some younger maids, about twelve or thirteen years old, to serve tea and refreshments.

Everyone knew that she had gone to take care of the sudden clamor outside. But, after Princess Qingfang's retreat, the clamor got louder instead of ebbing. Since the doors and windows were ...