Perhaps sensing that her previously aggressive attitude had displeased most of the Yanbei girls, Yan Ningshuang now displayed a touch of grace by letting Ren Yaoqi pose the first question, which she would then identify the source of.
Ren Yaoqi also wanted to test Miss Yan's depth, so she did not decline. After a brief moment of thought, she said, "The hopes of later generations do not lose the natural order. Farmers and artisans have their gains, men and women have clothing and food. The common people treasure wealth, officials carry out their duties..."
Before Ren Yaoqi could finish, Yan Ningshuang interrupted, "From The Biography of King Mu of Zhou." She glanced at Ren Yaoqi and curved the corners of her lips. "Now it's your turn. 'In the sea stands a golden terrace, rising a hundred zhang from the water, exquisitely crafted with divine skill, its light stretching across rocky shores, shining brightly among the stars.' Where does this line come from?"
Ren Yaoqi answered just as quickly, "From Records of the Unseen."
Yan Ningshuang was somewhat surprised. Records of the Unseen was a collection of supernatural tales, and she hadn’t expected Ren Yaoqi to have read it.
Next, the two took turns posing questions to each other. To probe Yan Ningshuang's limits, Ren Yaoqi selected passages from various miscellaneous books, including histories, classics, travelogues, and geographical works. To Ren Yaoqi's surprise, Yan Ningshuang was able to identify the source of every one. Although the books Ren Yaoqi tested were all relatively common, for someone of Yan Ningshuang's age to have read and remembered them all was quite impressive. No wonder Yan Ningshuang had dared to challenge her with such confidence.
Yan Ningshuang, on the other hand, was determined to defeat Ren Yaoqi. She even tested her on astronomy and calendars, medical texts and pharmacopoeias, Buddhist sutras, and Daoist treatises. Yet, to Yan Ningshuang's astonishment, no matter how obscure the source of the passages she quoted, Ren Yaoqi was able to answer correctly. Yan Ningshuang herself possessed a photographic memory and had memorized all the books in her family's study—whether she understood them was secondary. She couldn’t believe Ren Yaoqi had the same ability! But as they stood face to face, it was clear Ren Yaoqi had no opportunity to cheat.
As the two went back and forth, the audience below watched with great interest. Apart from the three officials, everyone present was female. Some of the book titles mentioned by Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang were ones they had never even heard of, yet these two could recite passages or lines effortlessly.
The reason Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang could answer each other's questions was that the collections in both Pei Zhiyan's study and the Yan family's study encompassed most of the books circulating in the market. This was especially true of Pei Zhiyan's study, as many people modeled their own libraries after the Imperial Tutor Pei's collection. Unless they were rare or precious editions that were difficult to obtain and seldom shown to others.
By noon, the two still had not determined a winner, as neither had managed to stump the other. The Princess Consort glanced at the sky and discussed with Lady Xu, "Can we think of a way to decide the winner more quickly?"
Pei Zhiyan, seated nearby, overheard their conversation and leisurely spoke up, "I do have a method that could help them decide more swiftly."
The Princess Consort smiled and asked, "What idea does Mr. Pei have? Please share it."
Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang both turned their attention to Pei Zhiyan.
Pei Zhiyan smiled slightly and asked Ren Yaoqi and Yan Ningshuang, "Are both young ladies familiar with Miscellaneous Talks of Autumn Sun?"Just moments ago, Yan Ningshuang had quoted a line from Autumn Sun Miscellany for Ren Yaoqi to guess, which was why Pei Zhiyan had asked this question. The book Autumn Sun Miscellany was not considered a great work—it was merely a collection of essays by an old scholar from the previous dynasty, covering topics such as customs and geography, calligraphy and painting, music and dance, and flora and fauna.
Ren Yaoqi replied, "I wouldn’t say I’ve studied it thoroughly, but I’ve skimmed through it."
Yan Ningshuang glanced at Ren Yaoqi. "I’ve also skimmed through it."
Pei Zhiyan nodded with a smile. "That’s perfect, then. I’ll ask a question about this book, and whoever answers correctly wins. How does that sound?"
Pei Zhiyan looked at Ren Yaoqi. Since Miss Yan had posed the earlier question, she had held the initiative, so strictly speaking, Ren Yaoqi was at a disadvantage. The other two officials and the matron sent by the Empress Dowager saw no issue with this arrangement.
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi didn’t seem to mind. She lowered her head respectfully and said, "I have no objections."
Although Yan Ningshuang appeared to have the advantage, she showed no sign of joy. Beads of sweat had already begun to form on her forehead. She had initially believed that her extensive reading would allow her to easily surpass Ren Yaoqi, but she hadn’t expected Ren Yaoqi to be so formidable. Now that Pei Zhiyan proposed to ask a question, although she trusted that he wouldn’t secretly assist Ren Yaoqi to undermine her, Yan Ningshuang remained cautious about anything she wasn’t absolutely certain of winning.
She was now the only one left from the Empress Dowager’s delegation. She couldn’t afford to lose to Ren Yaoqi; otherwise, she would have no way to answer to the Empress Dowager, and she would never be able to hold her head high in the Yan family again.
However, while Miss Yan wanted time to consider, those around her didn’t give her the chance. After sitting here for half a day, everyone was growing hungry. The matrons sent by the Empress Dowager, as if fearing that the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion and Ren Yaoqi might change their minds, hurriedly accepted on Yan Ningshuang’s behalf.
Pei Zhiyan leaned back in his chair, tilted his head slightly, and pondered for a moment before asking, "Scholar Wei once visited a place the locals called Tiger Hollow. What was the staple food of the villagers in Tiger Hollow during winter?"
Yan Ningshuang was taken aback by the question. After thinking it over carefully, she said, "Lord Pei, Autumn Sun Miscellany doesn’t mention this."
Pei Zhiyan smiled amiably. "Are you certain, Miss Yan? What about Miss Ren?"
Ren Yaoqi stood there with a peculiar expression. This scenario felt all too familiar to her.
"Miss Ren?" Pei Zhiyan called her again when she didn’t respond.
Ren Yaoqi cleared her throat and replied, "Sweet potatoes and cabbage."
Pei Zhiyan raised an eyebrow, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he nodded in approval. "Correct."
Yan Ningshuang’s expression changed, and she argued, "Autumn Sun Miscellany doesn’t mention the winter staple food of the villagers in Tiger Hollow."
Pei Zhiyan turned to Ren Yaoqi with a smile. "What do you think, Miss Ren?"
Ren Yaoqi suddenly felt the urge to laugh, but she maintained a serious demeanor and replied, "The entry about 'Tiger Hollow' indeed doesn’t mention it. However, in the same book, the entry about Ziyang’s 'Yuyang Mountain' in the neighboring county mentions that Scholar Wei encountered a woodcutter while climbing the mountain with friends during the Double Ninth Festival. The woodcutter’s daughter-in-law was from Tiger Hollow, and... well, he mentioned something about food."
Pei Zhiyan turned back to Yan Ningshuang. "Miss Yan?"
Yan Ningshuang bit her lip, her face pale and her eyes reddening.The matron at the side hurriedly said, "Lord Pei, perhaps you could ask another question? The two young ladies are not yet prepared."
Pei Zhiyan glanced at the matron with a half-smile, lowered his head to sip his tea, and did not respond.
Someone below mocked, "Indeed, it would be best to ask something Miss Yan knows but Miss Ren does not. Only then can it be said that 'both young ladies' are prepared."
At this, the matron’s expression also faltered. However, this was Yanbei, and even though she was a person of the Empress Dowager, these unruly commoners would not show her any deference.
Ren Yaoqi, on the other hand, spoke magnanimously, "Lord Pei, please ask another question." Otherwise, she felt as though she were going home to tattle and calling in adults to bully Yan Ningshuang together, which seemed rather unkind.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi speak up, Pei Zhiyan said, "Then let’s ask another question." He glanced at Yan Ningshuang and asked with a smile, "Both of you have read The Collection of Strange Tales and The Annals of Yinchuan County, correct?"
These were the very books Yan Ningshuang had previously used to question Ren Yaoqi. From the surface, it seemed Pei Zhiyan was still looking out for Yan Ningshuang.
Ren Yaoqi nodded, and Yan Ningshuang nodded as well.
Pei Zhiyan spoke in a gentle, unhurried tone, "The Collection of Strange Tales mentions a type of sea demon with a bird’s head, a snake’s body, and fleshy wings. They hide by day and emerge at night, feeding on fresh brain matter. My question for you is: if a clan of over three hundred sea demons migrated from Minchuan County to Yuyang County in the summer of the twenty-second year of Guangyuan, how long would it take?"
Yet another baffling question. Yan Ningshuang mentally estimated the distance from Minchuan County to Yuyang County. Although sea demons had fleshy wings, according to the book’s records, they could not fly for long without needing to hunt for food, and their movements were sluggish. Converting this, it would take at least a month or more. However, Yan Ningshuang did not dare to give this answer lightly. She couldn’t help but glance at Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi’s face showed no extra expression, making it impossible to tell whether she knew the answer or not.
Seeing Yan Ningshuang hesitate, Pei Zhiyan leisurely added, "If both of you give the same answer, the one who states the correct answer first will win."
Just as Ren Yaoqi was about to speak, Yan Ningshuang hurriedly interjected, "It would likely take over a month."
Pei Zhiyan neither affirmed nor denied this and turned to look at Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi said, "They would never reach Yuyang. The Annals of Yinchuan County records that from late spring of the twenty-second year of Guangyuan, a large-scale plague broke out near Dazhou and Lizhou. Both Minchuan County and Yuyang County were in the severely affected areas, with nine out of ten households empty and hardly any survivors."
Pei Zhiyan laughed heartily, nodded, and said, "Well done." Then, ignoring the matron beside him who was frantically signaling with her eyes, he stood up and left the banquet.
The color drained from Yan Ningshuang’s face. She could hardly believe she had lost to Ren Yaoqi. Faint laughter drifted up from below the stage. Yan Ningshuang felt that all these sounds were mocking her. The words she had spoken earlier to Ren Yaoqi now felt like slaps to her own face.
Seeing Yan Ningshuang looking utterly disheartened, Ren Yaoqi said nothing further to her and returned to her seat. All ten young ladies from the imperial court had made their appearances one by one. Although many of Yanbei’s young ladies had yet to take the stage, everyone knew that the highlight of this year’s Thousand Gold Banquet had already passed.Ren Yaoqi had almost single-handedly defeated the ten young ladies sent by the Empress Dowager, winning brilliantly. Not only did she bring honor to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion, but the other young ladies of Yanbei also shared in the glory. Ren Yaoqi had made a grand impression this time, gaining fame throughout Yanbei. Although many envied and resented her, compared to Yan Ningshuang and her group, the vast majority in Yanbei still preferred Ren Yaoqi to win.
The Princess Consort was in high spirits today. After saying a few polite words, she prepared to leave. The Thousand Gold Banquet would continue after lunch and a short rest, but Ren Yaoqi's task was already considered perfectly accomplished. When she stepped down from the stage, she let out a long sigh of relief.
Seeing this, the Princess Consort couldn't help but smile and praise, "Today's victory was truly splendid."
Xiao Jinglin added from the side, "I thought those people the Empress Dowager handpicked would be more formidable."
Ren Yaoqi, however, felt a bit embarrassed. Remembering how Xiao Jinglin had hidden one of the girls' bowls earlier, she couldn't help but ask, "Can you perform magic tricks too?"
Xiao Jinglin curved her lips slightly. "What magic trick? It was just quick movements."
Ren Yaoqi asked curiously, "Where did you hide her bowl?" The young girl had been so upset she cried.
Xiao Jinglin coughed lightly, leaned in, and whispered, "When I waved my sleeve, I loosened my grip, and the bowl fell onto my shoe. Then I hid it under my skirt."
Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but laugh out loud, while Xiao Jinglin grew somewhat embarrassed from her laughter.
They were originally supposed to return to the Moon Embracing Pavilion with the Princess Consort for lunch, but as soon as they arrived, a maid from Consort Dowager Yun came over. Consort Dowager Yun had invited Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin to her Feiwu Pavilion for lunch.
After Consort Dowager Yun's servant left, Xiao Jinglin looked at Ren Yaoqi, frowned, and said, "Why don't you stay here? I'll go alone. I'll just say you're not feeling well." Xiao Jinglin had noticed last time that Consort Dowager Yun didn't like Ren Yaoqi, especially after what happened yesterday. Who knew if her grandmother might take her anger out on Ren Yaoqi?
Ren Yaoqi also knew that Consort Dowager Yun disliked her, so she wasn't sure why she had been invited for a meal. However, Consort Dowager Yun was, after all, an elder—and one who held a grudge against her. Ren Yaoqi didn't want to defy her too much, as there was no major conflict or clash of interests between them. If they could get along harmoniously, that would be best; if not, they should at least avoid becoming enemies.
After some thought, Ren Yaoqi decided to ask the Princess Consort.
The Princess Consort thought for a moment and said, "Since Consort Dowager Yun has invited you for a meal, you should go."
Seeing that the Princess Consort agreed, Ren Yaoqi changed her clothes and went with Xiao Jinglin to Feiwu Pavilion.
Consort Dowager Yun was still sitting on the Arhat Bed in the side room, her expression as cold and detached as ever. When Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin stepped forward to pay their respects, she nodded and motioned for them to sit down.
As before, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
Consort Dowager Yun instructed her maid, "You may serve the meal."
While waiting for the meal to be served, Consort Dowager Yun took a few sips of tea and finally spoke, "Have you read many books?"
Ren Yaoqi glanced at Consort Dowager Yun, unsure of the intention behind the question, and replied cautiously, "I've read some of the books in my father's study."
Consort Dowager Yun nodded. "Your memory is quite good."Ren Yaoqi blinked, unsure whether Consort Dowager Yun's words were meant as praise. She could only smile, not knowing how to respond.
Consort Dowager Yun seemed to notice Ren Yaoqi's cautiousness in her presence and chose not to ask further questions. The three of them resumed sipping tea together.
Fortunately, the meal was soon served, and Consort Dowager Yun led them to the table. Though only the three of them were dining, the dishes filled an entire Eight Immortals table.
Consort Dowager Yun was not one for conversation, so the maid behind her smiled and said, "Commandery Princess, please see if today's dishes suit your taste."
Xiao Jinglin nodded. "Most of them are my favorites."
The maid smiled. "These were prepared on Consort Dowager's personal instructions."
Xiao Jinglin looked surprised and quickly said, "Thank you, Grandmother."
Consort Dowager Yun nodded without saying anything, then picked up an eggplant fritter herself, signaling Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi to begin eating.
The maid, clearly accustomed to serving Consort Dowager Yun, wore a friendly smile and said to Ren Yaoqi, "Miss Ren, please let me know which dishes you prefer. I'll make a note so the kitchen can prepare your favorites next time you dine with Consort Dowager."
Ren Yaoqi was almost overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.
The maid's words were clearly a gesture of goodwill, and as Consort Dowager Yun's trusted attendant, she was conveying the consort dowager's own goodwill.
Ren Yaoqi glanced at the silent Consort Dowager Yun and replied cautiously, "I'm not picky. I enjoy whatever the Commandery Princess likes."
The maid smiled sweetly and stepped forward to serve her a bowl of soup.
Throughout the meal, Consort Dowager Yun spoke very little, and Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin also remained mostly silent. The three of them finished their meal in near silence.
After lunch, maids attended to them as they washed their hands and rinsed their mouths before serving tea again.
Since Consort Dowager Yun did not dismiss them, they followed her to the side room to continue drinking tea.
When the tea was nearly finished, Consort Dowager Yun suddenly said to the maid, "Go and fetch the items."
The maid acknowledged and withdrew, returning shortly with a pair of red lacquer boxes carved with floral patterns.
"Give one to each of them," Consort Dowager Yun said calmly.
Ren Yaoqi found herself holding a six-inch square red lacquer box inlaid with cloisonné, which felt somewhat heavy.
She glanced at Xiao Jinglin with a questioning look, but Xiao Jinglin shook her head, indicating she was also unaware of the situation.
The maid smiled and said, "Commandery Princess and Miss Ren, please open them and take a look."
Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin opened their boxes. Ren Yaoqi looked down and froze. Inside were hair ornaments and jewelry. She didn't examine them closely, but even the gemstones on the gold hairpin placed on top were of exceptional quality.
"Grandmother, what is this?" Xiao Jinglin raised an eyebrow and asked.
Consort Dowager Yun replied, "I have no use for these. You may wear them."
Ren Yaoqi was truly overwhelmed by the gesture. She almost began to think that her earlier impression of Consort Dowager Yun's indifference had been a misunderstanding.
Consort Dowager Yun paused before adding, "I know you lack nothing, but these are tokens of an elder's affection. Please accept them."Xiao Jinglin glanced at Consort Dowager Yun, then looked at Ren Yaoqi, before smiling and accepting the box. "Thank you, Grandmother."
Ren Yaoqi had no choice but to accept the box given to her by Consort Dowager Yun as well. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Consort Dowager Yun nodded, sat in silence for a while longer, then waved her hand. "You may go and rest now. You must be tired today. Inform the Princess Consort that I won’t be going over this afternoon."
Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi acknowledged her words, then stood up and withdrew.
After walking a good distance away from Feiwu Pavilion, Xiao Jinglin and Ren Yaoqi exchanged a glance before silently returning to Moon Embracing Pavilion.
The two of them brought the jewelry boxes given by Consort Dowager Yun to the Princess Consort.
The Princess Consort opened their jewelry boxes and glanced inside, speaking lightly. "Since they were given to you, just keep them."
Seeing there were no outsiders in the room, Xiao Jinglin spoke bluntly. "Mother, didn’t Grandmother dislike Yaoqi? What happened today?"
It made sense for Consort Dowager Yun to give her jewelry—after all, she was her biological grandmother. Although her attitude was usually rather cold, she never failed to give her gifts during festivals and holidays, treating her fairly well. But during their last meeting, Consort Dowager Yun’s disapproval of Ren Yaoqi was obvious. Why had her attitude changed so quickly?
The Princess Consort did not directly answer Xiao Jinglin’s question. After a moment of thought, she turned to Ren Yaoqi. "What do you think, Yaoqi?"
Ren Yaoqi glanced at the Princess Consort, feeling somewhat embarrassed. After all, she was not yet a member of the Xiao Family, while the Princess Consort and Consort Dowager Yun were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
The Princess Consort smiled. "There are no outsiders here. Say whatever comes to mind. No one will blame you if you’re wrong."
Ren Yaoqi tentatively asked, "Is it because of what happened yesterday?"
The Princess Consort nodded with a smile. "You’re a clever child. So, accept it with peace of mind."
Ren Yaoqi looked at the Princess Consort, nodded, and said nothing more.
Just as Xiao Jinglin was about to ask, Nanny Xin entered, seemingly with something to report to the Princess Consort. Seeing this, Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin had no choice but to leave first.
Only after returning to their room did Xiao Jinglin ask Ren Yaoqi, "You said earlier that Grandmother’s change in attitude was because of yesterday’s incident?"
Ren Yaoqi nodded, handed the jewelry box to a maid to put away, then pulled Xiao Jinglin to sit by the kang. "If it hadn’t been Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang yesterday, but someone from another family, how would the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion have dealt with them?"
Xiao Jinglin thought for a moment. "It’s hard to say whether they could have kept their lives."
"Then why were Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang unharmed?" Ren Yaoqi raised an eyebrow.
Xiao Jinglin understood immediately. "Naturally, it’s because Grandmother protected them."
Seeing that Xiao Jinglin understood, Ren Yaoqi said no more.
Consort Dowager Yun had protected Yun Qiuchen and Yun Wenfang, allowing them to return to the Yun Family unscathed without holding the Yun Family accountable. This naturally involved a compromise from the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion.
Consort Dowager Yun understood this and thus gave face to the Princess Consort and Xiao Jingxi. That was why today, Consort Dowager Yun had not only helped Ren Yaoqi out of a difficult situation and invited her to a meal but also sent her a box of jewelry—all because she felt indebted to the Princess Consort and Xiao Jingxi.
Although Ren Yaoqi knew that Consort Dowager Yun’s actions were not due to a change of heart toward her, she did not resent Consort Dowager Yun’s behavior.As the birth mother of the Prince of Yanbei, mother-in-law to the Princess Consort, and grandmother to Xiao Jingxi, Consort Dowager Yun did not take everything she did for granted. At the very least, after shielding her family members, she understood that she was in the wrong and knew to find ways to make amends and compensate. In this world, there are too many people who take advantage of their status, position, seniority, or age to act as they please. In comparison, Consort Dowager Yun was more easily forgiven.
As for whether Consort Dowager Yun liked her or not, Ren Yaoqi did not force it. No one can manage to please everyone in every way; being able to achieve mutual respect is already quite good.
After the midday break, the Thousand Gold Banquet continued in the afternoon.
However, compared to the liveliness of the morning, the afternoon felt much quieter.
Neither the Old Princess Consort nor Consort Dowager Yun attended. Yan Ningshuang and Zhao Yingqiu were also absent, having reportedly rested in their courtyards after tiring themselves in the morning.
Although Ren Yaoqi remained with Lady Xu and the others, only young ladies from Yanbei performed in the afternoon, and no one specifically requested guidance from "Mr. Ren." Compared to the morning, Ren Yaoqi spent the afternoon quite leisurely.
After the day's Thousand Gold Banquet concluded, several young ladies from Yanbei approached Ren Yaoqi, expressing a desire to see Silly Girl.
What Ren Yaoqi did not know was that since Silly Girl's majestic appearance the previous night, the entire hot spring villa had been filled with tales about her. While these young ladies naturally feared fierce beasts, many were also curious—especially after witnessing the imposing tiger become as docile as a kitten upon seeing Ren Yaoqi, which left onlookers deeply envious.
Upon learning of this, the Princess Consort said with a smile, "Take them to see her, but remember to keep a distance so no one gets hurt."
The Princess Consort also hoped Ren Yaoqi would become acquainted with these young ladies from Yanbei's prominent families, making social interactions easier after she married into the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
With the Princess Consort's approval, Ren Yaoqi naturally agreed.
Thus, Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin led a group of brave young ladies to the Rare Treasures Garden.
These young ladies were lively and chattered animatedly along the way.
One even deliberately flattered Ren Yaoqi, saying, "Miss Ren, you are truly remarkable. Those sent by the court were all arrogant, yet they all ended up bested by you."
"Indeed, especially that Miss Yan, who relied on her family's connection to the Empress Dowager to act so insolently, thinking herself immensely talented! In the end, Mr. Pei's test exposed her. Someone like her could study for a lifetime and still fail even the lowest imperial examination—utterly dull-witted!"
This young lady came from a prestigious family, was young, straightforward, and unafraid of offending others. During Yan Ningshuang's competition with Ren Yaoqi, she had intermittently undermined Yan Ningshuang from below.
Although Ren Yaoqi disliked Yan Ningshuang, she did not enjoy gossiping behind others' backs. She frowned slightly and was about to remind these young ladies to watch their words when someone nearby coughed heavily.
Looking up, Ren Yaoqi saw Yan Ningshuang standing under a tree at a fork in the path not far ahead, glaring at them with an unpleasant expression. She had likely overheard the two young ladies' disparaging remarks.
The Yanbei young ladies felt somewhat embarrassed.
Yan Ningshuang ignored the others, coldly staring at Ren Yaoqi for a moment before turning and walking away without a word.
Xiao Jinglin glanced at Ren Yaoqi and whispered, "It seems she's blaming you for this."
Ren Yaoqi smiled wryly and whispered back, "Even without this incident, she never liked me."
The previously chatty young lady, noticing their exchange, asked curiously, "What are you discussing, Commandery Princess and Miss Ren?"
Xiao Jinglin looked at her expressionlessly. "We're discussing how to handle being caught gossiping about someone behind their back. Would you like to hear?"
The young lady blushed, stuck out her tongue, and lowered her head, not daring to speak further.Yan Ningshuang walked ahead of them. As they approached the Rare Treasures Garden, they saw that Yan Ningshuang was also heading toward it, especially since a maid accompanying her carried a food box.
Everyone couldn’t help but feel curious—what was Yan Ningshuang here for?
Once Xiao Jinglin entered the garden, she called someone over and asked where Silly Girl was now.
“Reporting to the Commandery Princess, the young master just took Silly Girl for a bath,” a matron in the courtyard hurriedly replied.
Xiao Jingxi was here too? Xiao Jinglin raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ren Yaoqi.
The young ladies following behind also began whispering among themselves. Second Young Master Xiao had always been elusive, and many had never even seen his true face, let alone interacted with him. They couldn’t help but feel curious.
However, Xiao Jinglin clearly had no intention of satisfying their curiosity. She nodded and instructed the matron, “We’ll wait in the pavilion ahead. Once Silly Girl finishes her bath, have someone bring her over.”
The matron quickly accepted the order and left.
Xiao Jinglin took Ren Yaoqi’s hand and led the dozen or so young ladies to the pavilion in the Rare Treasures Garden.
Ren Yaoqi glanced in the direction Yan Ningshuang had gone. Noticing this, Xiao Jinglin whispered beside her, “Don’t worry. Even if she intends to find someone, she definitely won’t get close. This garden is filled with guards everywhere. If she still manages to find Xiao Jingxi under these circumstances, it can only mean… Xiao Jingxi wants to see her!”
Ren Yaoqi: “…”
They didn’t have to wait long before Silly Girl arrived. And it was certain that Xiao Jingxi had no intention of seeing Yan Ningshuang, because Xiao Jingxi appeared together with Silly Girl.
The young ladies, who had been startled by the sudden appearance of the fierce beast and its terrifying roar, were on the verge of screaming and fleeing in panic. But when they saw the man appearing behind the white tiger, they froze in place, forgetting to escape.
Xiao Jingxi bent slightly and gently patted Silly Girl’s head, stopping the white tiger from joyfully pouncing forward. The handsome man, dressed in dark robes with black hair and an ethereal aura, stood beside the majestic white tiger. This scene made all the women present blush and their hearts race, as even the originally fierce and dangerous beast seemed to lose its intimidation.
Xiao Jinglin coughed lightly, breaking the strange silence.
The young ladies snapped back to reality, blushing as they lowered their heads and curtsied. Though no one spoke of who this man resembled, everyone already had the answer in their hearts.
Xiao Jingxi nodded to them.
Xiao Jinglin pulled Ren Yaoqi over, and Silly Girl immediately stretched her head out to nuzzle them.
“Did you just take her for a bath?” Xiao Jinglin asked.
Xiao Jingxi replied, “We hadn’t started yet when you arrived.”
Silly Girl sat there, wagging her tail happily, clearly delighted to have just escaped her bath.
Among the young ladies, one of the bolder ones, seeing how docile Silly Girl was, walked over and curiously tried to imitate Xiao Jinglin by reaching out to pat the tiger’s head. Unexpectedly, the white tiger, which had been as gentle as a kitten just moments before, suddenly stood up, bared its sharp fangs at the young lady reaching out to it, and let out an earth-shaking low growl. The young lady screamed and fell to the ground on the spot.
Ren Yaoqi quickly had someone help the young lady up, while Xiao Jinglin gave the triumphant Silly Girl a pat."Silly Girl doesn't let others touch her head. As long as you don't touch her, she won't harm you." Xiao Jinglin glanced at the young lady and, unusually, offered an explanation for Silly Girl.
A tiger's head, like its rear, is not to be touched—even a tiger has its dignity!
Xiao Jinglin took Silly Girl to play her favorite Flying Wheel Game in the garden. The young ladies, finding it novel, followed to watch but dared not get too close. Some stole glances at the tiger while also sneaking looks toward Second Young Master Xiao.
Xiao Jingxi and Ren Yaoqi did not step forward. The two of them stood at the back, talking. From a distance, they looked like a perfect pair.
Xiao Jingxi teased in good spirits, "Mr. Ren, congratulations."
Ren Yaoqi glanced at him. "Young Master Xiao, what am I to be congratulated for?"
Xiao Jingxi curved his lips. "For sweeping the board and making a name for yourself—does that count?"
Ren Yaoqi glared at him. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
Ren Yaoqi herself didn't realize it, but her words, though sounding like a complaint, carried a hint of coquettishness. Xiao Jingxi felt a flutter in his heart and looked at her, lowering his voice. "You secretly used my moves without telling me first either."
Ren Yaoqi blushed and fell silent.
When she was playing chess, she hadn't thought much of it, but with Xiao Jingxi bringing it up like this, it suddenly seemed ambiguous.
Seeing her silent, Xiao Jingxi lowered his head and smiled. "Are you angry? How about I let you use all my moves from now on? You won, and I share in the glory."
Just as the atmosphere between them was turning pleasant, someone appeared who couldn't bear to see them happy.
Yan Ningshuang had appeared at some point and, oblivious to the mood, headed straight toward them.
"Young Master Xiao." Yan Ningshuang's eyes saw only Xiao Jingxi as she blushed and curtsied.
Xiao Jingxi nodded slightly. Though his expression remained unchanged, he was inwardly displeased.
Yan Ningshuang looked at Xiao Jingxi and said, "Young Master Xiao, could we speak privately? I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you."
Xiao Jingxi frowned and replied politely but coldly, "If Miss Yan has matters to discuss, you may seek out the Princess Consort or Jinglin. I do not involve myself in the affairs of the inner courtyard."
Yan Ningshuang hurriedly said, "It's not a matter of the inner courtyard." She glanced at Ren Yaoqi and added, "Young Master Xiao, I won't take up much of your time."
Xiao Jingxi thought for a moment, then called over his attendant Tong Xi. He said to Yan Ningshuang courteously, "For matters concerning the outer courtyard, Miss Yan may speak with my servant. He can handle many things on my behalf or relay them to me."
Upon hearing this, deep disappointment surfaced in Yan Ningshuang's eyes. She wanted to say something, but in front of Ren Yaoqi, she couldn't bring herself to beg Xiao Jingxi. In his presence, she could set aside her pride and dignity in hopes of catching his attention, but she was unwilling to show her humble side to anyone other than Xiao Jingxi.
Yan Ningshuang's eyes dimmed. She looked at Xiao Jingxi one last time before finally walking away.
Xiao Jingxi did not linger there for long either. After speaking with Ren Yaoqi for a while, Tong He came looking for him, and Second Young Master Xiao had to leave first.
Ren Yaoqi, however, couldn't help but wonder: when Yan Ningshuang said she needed to speak with Xiao Jingxi, was it truly about something important, or was it merely an excuse?
Yan Ningshuang was still in the Rare Treasures Garden, sitting in a pavilion with her head lowered, lost in thought.Please subscribe to the next chapter tomorrow morning. The author will finish revising very late, so no need to wait~.
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