Chapter 56: The Competition
The Fifth Prince smiled meaningfully. "That's good. Keep your eyes wide open tonight and see for yourself—the young ladies of our Da Jin Dynasty are all exceptionally graceful." With that, he cast an ambiguous glance at Ye Li, who responded with a gentle smile.
The Exquisite Boat was already abuzz with excitement. The arrival of Jinying Wang and the Eighth Prince this year had stirred the noble ladies into a frenzy, each secretly determined to make a name for herself aboard the boat.
Wen Feifei shook her head and remarked, "It's just two men, yet they’re so beside themselves—utterly ridiculous."
Her offhand comment unintentionally caused Xu Ruoxi’s face to pale. Zhao Jin nudged Wen Feifei, who quickly realized her blunder and hurriedly added, "Ruoxi, I wasn’t referring to you. It’s just that those girls are being far too improper..." Unfortunately, coming from a martial family, her explanation was clumsy, and Xu Ruoxi only grew paler.
Dong Yinger looked flustered, but Jiang Ruan smiled softly and said, "Sister Wen is right, but today’s circumstances are different. Jinying Wang and the Eighth Prince are both dragons among men. To behold their noble presence is a rare fortune, and being awed by the royal aura might lead one to act out of character. After all, this is about being overwhelmed by imperial majesty—it has nothing to do with propriety or impropriety."
By framing admiration for young men as reverence for the royal aura, Jiang Ruan eased Xu Ruoxi’s discomfort. Wen Feifei shot her a grateful look, though Jiang Ruan herself was lost in thought. It was clear Xu Ruoxi harbored feelings for Xiao Shao, yet in her past life, there had been no rumors of Jinying Wang ever favoring any maiden. Xu Ruoxi’s affection was likely doomed to be unrequited.
At the same time, Jiang Ruan was puzzled. In her previous life, Xiao Shao had not appeared at the Lantern Festival. Why had he suddenly shown up this time? With events unfolding years ahead of schedule, were some things quietly changing?
As she pondered, the guests on both the Evergreen Pine Boat and the Exquisite Boat had all arrived. The boatman gave a shout, and the vessels began to glide slowly along the Moat River.
The water reflected the glow of countless festive lanterns, illuminating the scene like a celestial paradise. Standing there, one could almost feel transported to another world. The two boats sailed side by side, allowing Jiang Ruan on the Exquisite Boat a clear view of those aboard the Evergreen Pine Boat.
Ye Li, dressed in snow-white robes, looked as if time had rewound several years. On this very boat in her past life, she had first laid eyes on this refined and gentle scholar, offering him her entire future.
As Ye Li sat sipping tea, he suddenly sensed an icy gaze upon him. When he turned to look, the young ladies on the parallel Exquisite Boat were laughing and chatting, many casting admiring glances his way—but none carried the chilling intensity he had just felt.
Shaking his head, he dismissed it as paranoia. Unnoticed by him, a red-clad maiden by the window lowered her head as if by chance, concealing a glimmer of cold light in her eyes.
A young noblewoman on the Exquisite Boat proposed, "As in previous years, now that we’ve reached the river’s center, let’s begin the competition. The winner shall claim the most beautiful festive lantern aboard."
Her tone was charming, and her eyes discreetly flickered toward the occupants of the Evergreen Pine Boat, though her deeper intentions remained unclear.
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, noticing how Jiang Susu, seated nearby, unconsciously straightened her posture, a faint smile gracing her lips.Jiang Susu would never let such an opportunity slip by, especially tonight with the Eighth Prince and Jinying Wang present. A flicker of mockery passed through Jiang Ruan's eyes—why hadn't she realized back then? Both she and Jiang Susu were legitimate daughters of the Jiang family. How could Ye Li have taken a fancy to her, notorious as she was, while overlooking Jiang Susu, whose music had captivated the entire city that night?
Looking back now, it was nothing more than a rather crude joke.
The speaker was Princess Rongya of the Gongqin residence. Beautiful and gentle in demeanor, her gaze drifted subtly toward the black-robed young man aboard the Evergreen Pine Boat.
Another young lady chimed in, "Exactly. I wonder who will win this year's Rabbit Lantern."
Princess Rongya smiled. "In that case, let me start first. How about I paint a picture?"
The noble ladies around her all voiced their approval. A maid brought forth Hui ink and Xuan paper. Princess Rongya was indeed talented, but knowing she couldn't surpass Jiang Susu today, she chose a different approach. The painting took only a short while, and soon the maid slowly unrolled the paper. Princess Rongya set down her brush. "Forgive my poor effort."
Her painting depicted a Spring Plum Blossom Painting—a single branch in the snow, its trunk thickly covered, revealing nothing. Yet two butterflies perched upon it, presumably drawn by the fragrance of plum blossoms hidden beneath the snow.
The technique was nothing extraordinary, but the composition was clever, and the artistic conception stood out. As the painting unfurled, it earned murmurs of admiration from the crowd. A hint of pride flashed across Princess Rongya's face, and she stole another glance at Jinying Wang on the neighboring boat. Finding him merely sipping tea without so much as a look her way, she couldn't hide her disappointment.
Aboard the Evergreen Pine Boat, the Fifth Prince propped his chin on his hand and said to Ye Li, "Princess Rongya's painting is quite interesting. Her temperament seems rather endearing too." The remark seemed casual, but there was an underlying probe. Princess Rongya was the jewel of Prince Gongqin's eye. Winning her favor would secure the prince's formidable support.
Ye Li shook his head with a faint smile. "Is that so? I find the painting somewhat frivolous."
The Fifth Prince narrowed his eyes meaningfully. "The Eighth Prince's standards have always been high."
As their conversation ended, silence fell once more. In previous years, noble ladies would eagerly showcase their talents—not to outdo Jiang Susu, but to seize any chance at fame. Yet this year, with the Eighth Prince and Jinying Wang present—one an untouchable imperial scion, the other an aloof and peerless noble—both exceptionally distinguished, the ladies seemed too shy to speak up.
Jiang Ruan remained an observer until a timid voice beside her suddenly spoke up. "Since Princess Rongya has started, let me go next."
It was Xu Ruoxi. At her words, everyone at the table except Jiang Ruan looked surprised. Xu Ruoxi was known for her aloof and proud nature, utterly disinterested in such competitive displays. Why would she volunteer today?Only Jiang Ruan's eyes flashed with understanding. Xu Ruoxi's current demeanor undoubtedly stemmed from her admiration for Jinying Wang, Xiao Shao. A woman always wishes to present her best side before the one she loves. No matter how aloof Xu Ruoxi usually was, in front of the person she liked, she was just an ordinary girl. Thinking of this, Jiang Ruan actually felt a bit of admiration for Xu Ruoxi. Not all women had the courage to let go of their pride before the one they loved, willing to bloom only for him alone.
Xu Ruoxi's sudden behavior also surprised the noble ladies around her. They were all regular guests of the Exquisite Boat, and in previous years, Xu Ruoxi had never participated. Her abrupt appearance this year was puzzling for a moment.
Princess Rongya paused briefly before smiling and asking, "What would Miss Xu like to compete in?"
(End of chapter)
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