Today, Wei Rao arrived at the Duke of Yingguo's Manor for the first birthday banquet neither too early nor too late.
Zhaohui Hall was located in the northwest of the Duke's Manor, adjacent to the garden. After parting ways with Lu Zhuo, Wei Rao walked straight along the familiar bluestone path. As she approached the garden, she saw young ladies in colorful dresses scattered in small groups. In this early spring season, even the plum blossoms were still tightly closed in their buds, but these graceful young ladies fluttered like butterflies, adorning the garden with vibrant charm.
"Big... Princess!"
With a slightly hesitant exclamation, Lu Changning—Lu Zhuo's only cousin—sprang out from the circle of young ladies. While the others resembled small butterflies, Lu Changning was like a swift swallow, joyfully flying to Wei Rao's side.
"Princess, you're so beautiful!" Seeing Wei Rao up close, Lu Changning's bright eyes revealed undisguised admiration, even infatuation.
Though she had seen Wei Rao countless times before, after such a long separation, Lu Changning realized that her former sister-in-law had blossomed into even greater beauty. It wasn't just her appearance—her demeanor had also transformed! The Wei Rao who once lived in the Duke of Yingguo's Manor was merely striking in her features, as if deliberately toning down her radiance to embody the dignified composure of an elder sister-in-law. But today, as a noble princess, Wei Rao was no longer anyone's sister-in-law. Instead, she resembled a maiden who had never married—a true princess born into nobility, exuding unparalleled beauty. She was fully aware of her own charm and status, carrying herself with pride and an air of superiority.
When Wei Rao had first divorced Lu Changning's elder brother, Lu Changning had felt regret on Wei Rao's behalf, thinking that losing a husband like her brother was Wei Rao's loss. Yet at this moment, Lu Changning suddenly realized that Wei Rao had become even more beautiful after leaving her brother—so beautiful that Lu Changning almost felt as though, despite losing him, Wei Rao could attract the admiration of many other outstanding men no less remarkable than her brother. How could such a woman ever worry about marriage?
Thoughts bubbled up in Lu Changning's mind like a spring, but she simply stared dazedly at Wei Rao, utterly captivated.
Wei Rao was amused by Lu Changning's reaction and teased, "What's wrong, Changning? Don't you recognize me anymore?"
Snapping out of her trance, Lu Changning noticed Wei Rao's gentle smile and the lack of distance despite the divorce. Relieved, she stepped forward and linked arms with Wei Rao, saying affectionately, "Of course I do! It's just that you're so beautiful, I was mesmerized."
Wei Rao said softly, "Changning, you're a grown lady now. Why are you still so childlike?"
Lu Changning was only a year younger and had also entered her seventeenth year. Wei Rao guessed that Second Madam and Old Madam would surely arrange Lu Changning's marriage this year.
Pouting slightly, Lu Changning noticed more guests arriving behind them and whispered into Wei Rao's ear, "I must go greet the guests now. Please stay a little longer today, Princess. After the banquet, let's have a proper chat."
Wei Rao smiled but neither explicitly agreed nor refused.
A short walk ahead lay Zhaohui Hall.
The Duchess of Yingguo, Lu Zhuo's mother He Shi, Second Madam, Third Madam, and Fourth Madam were all there. Fourth Madam accompanied the Duchess in receiving newly arrived guests, while He Shi and her other sisters-in-law entertained the seated ladies in the flower hall.
When they saw Wei Rao, both the Duchess and Fourth Madam's eyes lit up.
"Wei Rao pays respects to Old Madam and Fourth Madam," Wei Rao greeted them generously, performing a junior's bow.Fourth Madam came over with a smile and helped her up. The Duchess of Yingguo carefully examined Wei Rao, growing more satisfied and emotional the longer she looked.
Gossip could defeat many people. Even if it didn’t completely crush the slandered individual, it could wear away their pride and sharpness, building a wall in their heart that made them timid in words and deeds, constantly fearing they might say or do something wrong and be attacked by rumors again. Yet there were also those who remained fearless, resolutely following their own path no matter how society pointed fingers.
The latter were exceedingly rare, and for such a trait to appear in a young girl was especially remarkable.
The Duchess of Yingguo admired dignified and gentle girls, but for an "unconventional" one like Wei Rao, her feelings went beyond mere admiration.
Setting aside her personal appreciation, from the perspective of the Duke’s Manor alone, a dignified and gentle matron might raise gentlemen and refined ladies, but with Wei Rao, she could nurture unyielding, iron-willed generals and resilient girls who could forge a path out of the mud, rather than delicate women who relied solely on their husbands for support.
In other words, Wei Rao was unique. Throughout the entire capital, there was no other girl like her, while dignified and gentle young ladies could be found everywhere in the manor today.
Manners and conduct could be taught by elders—with enough strictness and a few more governesses, even the most unruly girl could be molded into an impeccable, well-mannered lady. But pride and integrity were rare; they had to be instilled by elders who themselves possessed such qualities.
In Wei Rao at this moment, the Duchess of Yingguo saw the incorruptible Master Wei the Second and the indomitable Shou An Jun.
What a fine child.
Without even speaking, Wei Rao could sense the elderly lady’s affection for her in her kind and accepting gaze.
Wei Rao had been raised under the care of her grandmother and maternal grandmother, and kindness from elders always moved and softened her heart.
"Old Madam, how is your health?" Wei Rao asked with concern as she was called to the Duchess’s side.
The Duchess held her small hand and replied softly with a smile, "My health is quite robust. It’s just that I lack a lovely granddaughter-in-law by my side, leaving my heart feeling somewhat empty."
Only Wei Rao heard these words. Even after the annulment, the Old Madam still referred to her as a granddaughter-in-law, which made Wei Rao blush slightly.
"There are so many young ladies in the garden—you could choose any one of them. Please don’t tease me," Wei Rao said gently, withdrawing her hand and turning to Fourth Madam. "Where is the Sixth Young Master? I’d like to go see him."
Fourth Madam considerately took her hand and led her away.
The Duchess of Yingguo watched them depart with a beaming smile.
The female guests who had been discreetly observing the scene were inwardly astounded. If their earlier speculation that the Duke’s Manor had invited Wei Rao to curry favor with Emperor Yuanjia’s partiality toward her had seemed plausible, the Duchess’s behavior now defied explanation. As a mother who had raised three sons who died for their country, even Emperor Yuanjia treated her with respect and courtesy. Why would the Duchess bother feigning cordiality with a half-step princess like Wei Rao?
Could it be that there were hidden circumstances behind Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo’s annulment? Was the Duchess delaying Lu Zhuo’s marriage arrangements because she was waiting for Wei Rao to complete her mourning period?
Wei Rao had already been led by Fourth Madam to the training ground reserved for Fourth Master at Zhaohui Hall.At this moment, Chaohui Hall had been taken over by a group of young boys, mostly two or three-year-old sons from various noble families. They were gathered together playing with clever toys like push carts, rattle drums, and wooden ramps, while their wet nurses kept close watch over their little masters.
"Rao Rao, guess which one is Brother An?" Fourth Madam asked with a laugh in the corridor.
Wei Rao looked among the toddlers who were still unsteady on their feet and immediately identified the most beautiful child. Like Fourth Master, Lu Zhuo, and other young men of the Lu Family, the little one had phoenix eyes. While phoenix eyes were typically narrow and long, the Lu men all had double eyelids that made their phoenix eyes appear large and bright—imposing when serious, dashing when smiling.
"The sixth young master is truly handsome. His eyes resemble Fourth Master's, while his mouth takes after you," Wei Rao praised with a smile.
Fourth Madam leaned closer to her, cheeks slightly flushed. "It's all thanks to you, Rao Rao. Without your secret remedy, I don't know how much longer I would have had to wait."
She had finally spoken these words of gratitude aloud.
In broad daylight, Wei Rao's face also reddened.
Fourth Madam actually had many questions she wanted to ask Wei Rao, but with so many guests present, she couldn't monopolize Wei Rao's time for long.
After seeing Brother An, Wei Rao returned to the flower hall.
She occupied a table by herself, with the seats on the other three sides empty.
The female relatives from the Qi Family of the Marquis of Pingxi's estate arrived—all familiar faces. There was the still sprightly Old Madam Qi, the Madam Marquis of Pingxi, the heir's wife Deng Shi, along with her eldest daughter Qi Miaomiao and eldest son Qi Dalang. Qi Miaomiao was eight years old, with a darker complexion and more heroic than delicate features. Qi Dalang, only four, had a sturdy, robust look that clearly marked him as a Qi family child.
On the surface, the Four Elite Armies maintained harmony, but they were actually divided into two factions: the Lu Family of the Duke of Yingguo and the Qi Family of the Marquis of Pingxi were as close as sharing trousers, while the Han Family of the West Pavilion Marquis Estate and the Li Family of the Marquis of Zhennan had been intermarrying for generations.
Today, Old Madam Qi would certainly share a table with the Duchess of Yingguo. The Madam Marquis of Pingxi took Qi Dalang to find acquaintances, while Deng Shi unexpectedly brought Qi Miaomiao over to Wei Rao's table.
Wei Rao couldn't conceal her surprise.
Deng Shi smiled at her and instructed her daughter, "Miaomiao, when you were little, you almost choked from eating too greedily. It was the Princess who saved you. Do you remember?"
It had happened three years ago, but Qi Miaomiao still remembered because every year during cherry season, her family would keep a particularly close eye on her.
"Thank you, Princess, for saving my life," Qi Miaomiao said obediently, her dark, bright eyes studying Wei Rao with curiosity.
Wei Rao stood up. "It was just a small effort, not worth mentioning."
Deng Shi and Qi Miaomiao then took seats at the table.
Wei Rao wasn't one to hold grudges, but the contempt these female relatives from the Marquis of Pingxi's estate had shown her back then had been too obvious. Their sudden change in attitude today certainly couldn't be because she had been granted the title of Princess.
Wei Rao glanced toward the Duchess of Yingguo in the distance.
As if sensing her gaze, the Duchess smiled and nodded at her, her kindness unchanged from years past.
So Wei Rao accepted Deng Shi's attempt at conversation and chatted with effortless ease.
Soon after, the female relatives from the West Pavilion Marquis Estate also arrived. Wei Rao turned her head and saw Han Liao's mother, the Madam Marquis of Xiting, Han Liao's only legitimate daughter Han Ying, and her cousin Zhou Huizhen.
Han Ying was seventeen this year, Zhou Huizhen nineteen.
What was laughable was that although they were nominally mother and daughter, Zhou Huizhen's timid gaze showed she was barely keeping up appearances, far less poised and steady than Han Ying.
Wei Rao felt a headache coming on for Zhou Huizhen's sake and lamented her foolishness. What was there in such a Han Family worth her clinging to?Zhou Huizhen first followed her mother-in-law to pay respects to the Duchess of Yingguo. As they moved toward the guests, her eyes immediately fell upon Wei Rao.
Though Wei Rao was seated in a relatively inconspicuous spot, her snow-white skin seemed to glow, making her stand out like a luminous pearl. Every arriving guest noticed her first.
The moment their eyes met, Zhou Huizhen felt a pang of bitterness.
When she learned that Wei Rao had "voluntarily returned home," Zhou Huizhen had secretly rejoiced. Her mother had once said Wei Rao would look after her, yet in the end, Wei Rao was driven out by the Lu Family, while she herself became the wife of the heir to the Marquis of Xiting, holding a status higher than Wei Rao's. Even when Han Liao grew distant, Zhou Huizhen found solace in comparing herself to Wei Rao, who had been cast out by the Lu Family.
But then, Wei Rao was enfeoffed as a princess, and even granted the former princess's residence as her own manor.
Princess A! Not only Zhou Huizhen, but even her mother-in-law would have to bow upon encountering Wei Rao. Her mother had said Wei Rao was destined to be favored by men throughout her life—and indeed, no sooner had she lost Lu Zhuo than Emperor Yuanjia elevated her to princess, making her the highest-ranking young lady in the capital. With the three princes either without daughters or unmarried, Wei Rao's position remained unshaken until the next true princess came of age.
And there sat Wei Rao, every bit the princess, effortlessly overshadowing Zhou Huizhen's own radiance.
"Go pay your respects to the princess," the Marchioness of Xiting commanded indifferently. Had it not been for Wei Rao's new title and the possibility of Little Zhou's restored favor, the Marchioness would never have brought a daughter-in-law of Zhou Huizhen's standing to such an elite gathering.
This was, in fact, Zhou Huizhen's first appearance as the heir's wife of the Marquis of Xiting at a noble banquet.
The previous evening, Han Liao had urged Zhou Huizhen to draw closer to Wei Rao, to act like affectionate sisters.
Han Liao had been cold to her for some time, but as soon as Wei Rao's mourning period ended, he seemed eager for Zhou Huizhen to curry favor with her cousin the princess. His recent nights of passion felt almost like their newlywed days.
Zhou Huizhen was both pleased and uneasy—she often felt that in their intimate moments, Han Liao's gaze seemed to see another person through her.
Burdened by these mixed emotions, the two cousins sat together yet struggled for conversation.
Zhou Huizhen lowered her head, her heart in turmoil.
As female guests nearby frequently glanced their way, Wei Rao noticed Zhou Huizhen's isolated and pitiable state. After all, they were cousins—Wei Rao couldn't simply ignore her.
"How have you been lately, sister?" Wei Rao initiated, gradually steering the conversation toward jewelry and fashion, topics Zhou Huizhen loved.
With Wei Rao guiding the exchange and Qi Miaomiao's youthful, cheerful laughter lightening the mood, Zhou Huizhen gradually relaxed and even began to smile.
By the time the banquet neared its end, Zhou Huizhen felt unexpectedly reluctant to part.
It had been so long since anyone had spoken to her so kindly. Liu Momo only offered admonishments, Han Liao seemed to value only her beauty, and her mother-in-law and others were even less approachable. After all this time, Wei Rao had turned out to be the one who treated her most warmly.
"Rao Rao, I'll send you an invitation soon—would you visit the Marquis Estate?" Zhou Huizhen clasped Wei Rao's hand.
Wei Rao replied softly, "Let me invite you instead. Your place is too crowded and watchful. Wouldn't it be more joyful for us sisters to enjoy ourselves alone? I'll invite Huizhu as well."
Zhou Huizhen nodded repeatedly. That would be better—it would prevent Han Ying from finding another excuse to upset her."Princess, the First Madam requests your presence for a word."
Just as the two cousins had reached their agreement, He Shi suddenly sent a maid to relay the message.
Wei Rao saw He Shi standing in the corridor, smiling at her.
Wei Rao then bid farewell to Zhou Huizhen and went to meet her former mother-in-law.
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