Female guests gradually arrived, with clusters of three or four lavishly dressed ladies and madams gathering to drink tea and chat. Young ladies in the prime of their youth also increased in number, with acquaintances and close friends huddling together to converse. The women present either hailed from ducal households, high-ranking official families, or at the very least, came from bureaucratic lineages.
Molan seemed to spot someone and rose with a smile, walking over to pull aside two or three exquisitely dressed young ladies to chat. Lianjie turned to Minglan and remarked, "Your sister certainly has a way with people." Rulan, watching Molan laughing and talking amid the crowd, pursed her lips discontentedly and said, "Not everyone has the knack for such instant familiarity."
Minglan observed Molan among the noble young ladies, her face beaming with smiles as she seized every opportunity to chime in with flattering remarks, clearly trying to curry favor. She couldn’t help shaking her head inwardly—after all, they weren’t from the same social circle. Could genuine friendship really be won through such obsequiousness?
Lianjie’s branch of the family was a minor offshoot, so she didn’t know many influential figures, and she couldn’t be bothered to feign politeness. Thus, she remained seated with the two Lans.
"What a pity it’s so cold now, with a thin layer of ice on the ground, or we could go out for a stroll. The late Old Marquis’s wife was from a prominent southern family, so this garden was modeled after southern-style landscapes. It must be absolutely breathtaking in the spring when flowers are in full bloom," Lianjie lamented, gazing wistfully out the window as if eager to venture outside.
Minglan, eyeing the vast white expanse outside, shivered from the cold and curled her toes, smiling at Lianjie. "You’re part of the family—you can come anytime. Let’s wait for warmer weather."
Lianjie shook her head, her face crestfallen. "Aunt Princess Pingning is very strict with rules. It’s not easy for us relatives from separated branches to visit, especially lately when she often entertains distinguished guests. Usually, we aren’t allowed into the garden."
Rulan, who had been sulking, finally snapped out of her mood upon hearing this and asked, "Could it be County Princess Jiacheng? I’ve heard outside that the Princess is on good terms with the Sixth Royal Concubine." Lianjie feigned a mysterious expression and said, "I didn’t say that... Oh dear, speak of the devil."
Just then, an elderly maidservant announced from outside that the Sixth Royal Concubine and County Princess Jiacheng had arrived.
Princess Pingning was the first to step out to greet them. Immediately, all the seated female guests rose, some following her out, others standing properly in place to wait. Tucked away in a corner, the two Lans and Lianjie went unnoticed, the three girls leisurely observing from the sidelines.
Before long, a group of women adorned in brocade and pearls swept in. Leading them was a middle-aged beauty engaged in warm conversation with Princess Pingning, followed by a young lady surrounded by attendants. Minglan knew this must be the Sixth Royal Concubine and her daughter.
The Sixth Royal Concubine had a fair, plump complexion and wore a grand red gown embroidered with gold floral patterns, appearing quite amiable. She was quickly surrounded by female guests paying their respects. Minglan then turned her gaze to County Princess Jiacheng, noting her graceful figure and noble bearing. With a charming, delicate oval face lightly touched with makeup, Minglan couldn’t help but smile softly and murmur, "The County Princess bears some resemblance to the Princess."
Lianjie patted Minglan’s shoulder, exclaiming as if finding a kindred spirit, "You’ve hit the nail on the head! I’ve always thought so too, but I could never quite put it into words!"County Princess Jiacheng appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen, at that lovely age where she was just budding into bloom. Surrounded by seven or eight noble young ladies, she stood out like the moon amidst stars. She alternated between delicate laughter and playful banter, her graceful and sociable demeanor bearing a striking resemblance—about sixty to seventy percent—to Princess Pingning.
Turning to Princess Pingning, she now poured all her enthusiasm into the Sixth Royal Concubine, acting so warmly they seemed like biological sisters, while paying little attention to anyone else. Rulan glared darkly at her and suddenly muttered under her breath, "Bootlicker!"
Minglan was startled and quickly glanced around. Fortunately, the chatter was loud, and no one had heard. She promptly pulled Rulan further away from the center of the crowd, finding a stool in a corner to sit on. Lianjie followed them over.
Minglan steered the conversation, drawing Rulan into discussing the southern scenery from their time in Quanzhou. Lianjie, who had never left the capital, was very curious. Minglan, who had been so ill at the time that her mind was a muddle, naturally didn’t know much either. Under the two girls' persistent questioning, Rulan finally grew interested and began speaking with an air of authority, detailing everything carefully. The three girls chatted and laughed, finding each other quite congenial.
Just as Rulan was vividly describing Quanzhou’s famous snack—radish-stuffed vegetable buns—nearly making Lianjie drool with anticipation, Princess Pingning’s voice suddenly rang out loudly: "...The stage scenery is all set up. Let’s head over now."
The princess, linking arms with the Sixth Royal Concubine, led the way out first, followed by a stream of ladies and young misses chatting and laughing as they filed out, leaving the maids and elderly servants to slowly tidy up the tables, chairs, and tea sets.
Lianjie sprang up lightly, reaching out to pull both "Lan" girls, and said cheerfully, "Come on, let’s go watch the opera! Auntie has invited the most popular Shuangxi Troupe this time. Their performances of 'The Mystic Maiden Pays Homage' and 'Drunken Beating of the Princess' are all the rage in the capital!"
Minglan was also quite intrigued and had just started to rise from the stool when, as she set down her teacup, a young maid tidying up nearby accidentally tilted her hand, spilling the dregs of a honeyed date paste onto Minglan’s hand.
Minglan let out a soft "Ah!" Lianjie couldn’t help scolding, "Clumsy girl! What are you doing?!"
The little maid, only eleven or twelve years old, immediately apologized and knelt upon realizing her mistake, repeatedly begging forgiveness. Minglan sighed helplessly, "Forget it. Luckily, it’s just on my hand—if it had gotten on my clothes, it would’ve been troublesome." As she shook her hand, she felt a sticky, warm sensation between her fingers.
The little maid was very quick-witted and promptly said, "Please come to the back to wash your hands, miss. Once you’ve washed, it’ll be fine."
Rulan frowned, "What about the opera? It’ll start soon if we’re late." Lianjie, an opera enthusiast, was equally anxious. Having long admired the Shuangxi Troupe, she was eager not to miss it. Seeing their expressions, Minglan smiled and said, "You two go ahead. I’ll join you after I’ve washed my hands."
Lianjie was delighted and, after giving the little maid a few instructions, took Rulan and left first.
Minglan sighed inwardly at her bad luck and followed the little maid out through the back to an inner room where she sat down. The maid quickly brought a basin of warm water, helped Minglan roll up her sleeves, removed her rings and bracelets, and carefully washed her hands. Then, using a clean cloth, she dried Minglan’s hands and helped her put the jewelry back on. In no time, everything was done.Minglan was slightly surprised by her deft movements. As she smoothed her sleeves, she teased, "Look how quick you are—seems like you often wash people's hands. Do you often spill date paste on others?"
The young maid was quite clever and replied sweetly, "How could you say that, miss? I wouldn't dare." While speaking, she kept stealing glances at Minglan and praised, "You're so beautiful, miss, and so kind—like a fairy."
Minglan sighed inwardly: This is a marquis' residence, after all. Even the maids are skilled in both action and speech!
Then the little maid volunteered to guide Minglan: "Watch your step, miss. Let me support you. The path is slippery, and it's closer to the opera stage this way."
Being directionally challenged, Minglan had no choice but to follow obediently. After passing through the festooned gate, she saw maids and matrons bustling about. Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat as she noticed something amiss—all the servants attending today wore matching indigo waist-length vests over their clothes, but this young maid wasn't wearing one. However, it wasn't her place to inquire about another household's affairs.
The maid guided Minglan swiftly, turning left and right until the path grew increasingly secluded. Minglan's heart began to pound, and she repeatedly questioned their route, each time receiving the same reply: "We're almost there."
The more Minglan observed the maid, the more she resembled a human trafficker. Yet, being utterly lost, she had no choice but to endure a while longer. After traversing two full sections of covered corridors and continuing forward until they reached a deserted garden pavilion, Minglan finally couldn't bear it any longer. She shook off the maid's hand and glared, "Where exactly are you taking me?"
The maid pointed ahead and whispered, "Look, miss, we've arrived." Minglan, slightly angered, retorted sharply, "Arrived where? Would your family set up an opera stage in a place completely devoid of people?"
Suddenly, a light chuckle sounded as someone remarked, "Am I not a person then?" Startled, Minglan quickly looked up and saw an elegant young man in brocade robes and a golden crown leaning against the corridor, smiling—none other than Qi Heng.
Seeing her task completed, the maid curtsied to Qi Heng and vanished in a flash, leaving Minglan no time to stop her. Fuming, she thought: Did you practice supernatural swiftness or what?
With a smile playing on his lips, Qi Heng approached Minglan and performed an exaggerated bow. "Sixth sister, it's been a while."
Angry yet fearful of being seen, Minglan ignored him and turned to leave. Qi Heng grew anxious and quickly blocked her path. "This place is very secluded—no one will come. Besides, Chun'er is my maid. You needn't worry."
Minglan found his words somewhat ambiguous and replied coldly, "Mind your propriety, Young Master Qi."
Qi Heng immediately brightened and reached out to pat her head. "Little girl, still putting on airs with me? When I visited your home a few days ago, everyone was there except you. What happened?"
Minglan jerked her head away and said with forced seriousness, "The journey fatigued me, and I felt unwell, so I rested in bed."
Qi Heng scowled and scolded, "You little liar! You've loved deceiving me since childhood. I already asked your third brother—he said you were perfectly fine and lively just two hours before I arrived." He made to pinch her ear.
Having been betrayed by both siblings in one day, Minglan flared up. She pushed his arm away forcefully and exclaimed, "Are you the emperor himself? Must our entire family come out to greet you when you visit? Are you displeased just because I wasn't there?"Minglan exerted some effort, her small face flushed with urgency, her porcelain-white skin so tender it seemed one could squeeze water from it. Qi Heng felt a sudden stir in his heart, grabbing her arm and leaning close to whisper, "I just wanted to see you. You know that."
His tone was gentle, his affection lingering.
Minglan nearly choked with frustration. Since childhood, she had never given him a kind look or spoken more than a few polite words, yet he insisted on pestering her. She had no idea when he had conjured up such delusions in his mind. Watching Qi Heng grip her arm and draw so near she could almost feel his masculine presence, Minglan grew desperate. Steeling herself, she looked down, aimed, and lifted her foot with all her strength—delivering a solid kick.
Qi Heng stumbled back in pain, crouching to clutch his foot. Only then did Minglan relax, straightening her posture to declare sternly, "Speak properly! No touching!"
Qi Heng watched Minglan stamp her foot childishly, her pouting lips exquisitely crimson. He couldn’t help but feel enchanted, defending himself boldly, "If you would just talk to me properly, I wouldn’t have to resort to this." Minglan sneered, "Young Master Qi has truly improved. If you applied this much dedication to your studies, you might even snag a top rank in the imperial exams."
Qi Heng’s face paled instantly. He slowly rose, took a few steps toward Minglan, then halted and murmured, "There’s no need to mock me like that. I know you’re angry. It’s been over half a year since I last saw you—I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Hearing the grievance in his voice, Minglan’s heart softened slightly. She knew she shouldn’t act impulsively; even if she needed to keep her distance, she mustn’t offend him. Softening her tone, she said, "I’m right here. Look your fill."
Qi Heng studied Minglan carefully from head to toe. Though only a few months had passed, she seemed entirely transformed—her face like water reflecting radiant light, her eyes like the clear glow of the moon. He grew slightly dazed, smiling as he remarked, "You’ve grown taller, and... more beautiful."
Minglan thought for a moment, then stepped closer to Qi Heng and said earnestly, "Brother Yuanruo, have you met Lady Jiacheng?"
Qi Heng was taken aback. "Yes. Why?"
Minglan heaved a deep sigh, deciding to lay things out plainly: "Brother Yuanruo, you’re intelligent. How could you not know what all the capital is talking about? As her son, you should have understood the Lady’s intentions long ago."
Qi Heng’s lips trembled, his expression shifting through several shades before settling from panic into resolve. Suddenly lifting his head, he declared, "But I don’t want to. She... I don’t like her."
Minglan felt profoundly weary, advising gently, "Whether you like her or not is beside the point. But you shouldn’t come looking for me anymore. I know you’ve always been close with our family’s siblings, but we’re growing up now. How can you not exercise some caution? If rumors were to spread, my sisters’ reputations would be ruined."
For some reason, Qi Heng seemed to have an epiphany, his brow smoothing into a radiant, almost innocent smile. He said tenderly, "I’m not a frivolous man—I would never allow that. I know what’s proper. It’s just... now that your elder brother has entered the Hanlin Academy, I fear it won’t be easy for me to visit your home anymore." Lowering his voice, he added softly, "I just wanted to see you... desperately."Though Minglan had been tempered to steel in the courtroom, such tender words of affection directed at her still brought a flush to her cheeks. Yet the iron-clad reality before her compelled her to harden her heart. "Young Master Qi, please exercise restraint. I come from a humble family and am unworthy of your deep regard."
Qi Heng looked bewildered, murmuring dazedly, "...I simply adore you, sister." She was peculiar and critical, appearing obedient and earnest in public yet lazy and petty in private. She treated him poorly, deceived him, avoided him—and yet he loved her nonetheless.
A faint bitterness welled in Minglan's heart as she forced herself to meet his gaze earnestly. "I beg of you, do not mention me—not even half a word—in public or private. If any gossip should arise, neither the princess consort nor even the Sixth Prince is someone my family can afford to offend. Even if it weren't County Princess Jiacheng, a lowly-born daughter like me would never be considered. Having grown up witnessing such matters, surely you understand this?"
Qi Heng knew she spoke the truth. His face turned ashen, his spirit deflated.
Steeling herself, Minglan added fuel to the fire: "Do not seek me out again. If we happen to meet, do not speak to me. If you must address me, let it be with proper decorum! In this world, women already tread a treacherous path—if rumors were to spread, I would have no choice but death! You must remember this!" Minglan stared directly at Qi Heng, her eyes pleading intensely. He nodded woodenly.
With a helpless sigh, Minglan lowered her head and turned away. Qi Heng could only gaze blankly at her retreating figure until it gradually disappeared at the end of the long corridor.
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