Chapter 50: Stop Pretending

Chapter 50: Stop Pretending

Pity the girl who was painting; she didn't know whether to continue or stop. Seeing that no one was giving her guidance, she had to gather her courage and continue filling in the details of the painting. After laboriously painting left and right, although it appeared rather muddled to keen observers, the general shape resembled a plum blossom.

She let out a long sigh of relief and hastily passed the painting to the girl who was supposed to guess the flower. It was as if she was passing a hot potato. The girl guessing the flower's face turned bright red, unsure if it was from anger or embarrassment.

Zeng Miaofu gritted her teeth and said through clenched jaws, "Guess already, why aren't you saying anything?"

The guessing girl jolted, her voice barely audible like a mosquito buzzing, "Plum blossom."

Indeed, each person's expression was more awkward than the last, forming a colorful spectacle.

Hong Baozhu could no longer contain herself. First, she let out a soft "pfft," followed by a burst of uninhibited laughter that shook her from head to toe with delight. Eventually, she even dramatically held her belly, as if overwhelmed by the hilarity.

She was genuinely amused, laughing until tears streamed down her face. "Oh, I can't take it anymore! This is too funny. You all are quite entertaining. Miss Huang spent forever drawing something like a mysterious symbol, only to end up with a plum blossom. Why bother? And Miss Li, didn't you know the answer was a plum blossom? Why did you whisper your response?"

Not only did Zeng Miaofu feel ashamed and enraged, but many of the other young ladies also perceived this as an insult.

They had always considered themselves the refined ladies of the Eastern Capital. When had they ever endured such humiliation? The two women sitting idly, seemingly watching a drama unfold, were once objects of their disdain - one, a man of no scholarly accomplishments, and the other, a foolish girl who had been incapacitated for years.

To be ridiculed by such individuals, how could one not feel ashamed?

What was originally meant to be a flower-appreciation gathering filled with the fragrance of ink and the melody of a zither had turned into a laughing stock. If word were to spread, not only would the hosts, Zeng Miaofu and Chen Yaozhi, lose face, but they themselves wouldn't fare much better.

"One might as well be trying to sharpen an axe at a carpenter's door," a young lady commented, followed by a few others echoing her words.

Hong Baozhu rebutted, "If you have the skills, why don't you try guessing one first?"

The girl who was criticized was infuriated to the point of near-collapse. This uncultured fool! Whether it was the guessing game about flowers or the poetry transmission game, they were all mere pretenses. What mattered was the process, the opportunity for them to showcase their talents.

"Are you skilled enough to guess the flowers, but lack the courage to play the zither and compose poetry?"

Hong Baozhu shrunk back, her face twisted in resentment as she fell silent.

Zeng Miaofu's expression improved slightly, and she looked at Pei Yuanxi and Hong Baozhu with disdain. One was foolish, the other was stupid - neither of them could play the zither or compose poetry, yet they still dared to vie for the flower-guessing game.

One of the girls standing by her side, noticing the softening of Zeng Miaofu's demeanor, hesitantly asked, "Miss Zeng, should we continue?"

"We must continue. We won't let the ignorance of some individuals spoil our enjoyment," Zeng Miaofu replied, lifting her chin as a signal to fetch another painting.

Chen Yaozhi stood serenely, giving the impression to others that she was unassuming and refined, not one to vie for attention. However, nobody noticed the venomous and resentful gaze she directed at Pei Yuanxi.

Last time, her pride in her talents meant nothing before this foolish girl; no one cared about her mastery of the zither or her prowess in poetry.

In this second life, she had spared no effort in preparation. She read miscellaneous books and studied geographical records, secretly plotting everything she desired. She believed that when she reappeared in the Eastern Capital City, she would be an unstoppable force.

To her surprise, this foolish girl still roused such intense hatred in her.

"Second Miss Pei, if you're truly intrigued by this game, why don't you give it a try?"

"Nothing much, I'm quite lazy. I prefer not to get my hands dirty; I only like to speak my mind," replied Pei Yuanxi, relaxed and composed.

The girl in green stepped forward again, "If you can't do it, just admit it. Why sugarcoat it?"

"Well, you're right, I truly can't. You all carry on, we'll just watch from the side," Pei Yuanxi said nonchalantly, showing no trace of embarrassment.

Zeng Miaofu's face twisted in anger. Were they mere performers now, expected to entertain a fool? Her expression was strained, barely concealing her irritation.

Hong Baozhu exclaimed dramatically, "Oh dear, Miss Zeng is angry! So Miss Zeng enjoys being angry, she looks like a morning glory, bursting into bloom with rage!"

"Princess Trumpet Flower, that title suits you!" Zeng Miaofu trembled with rage, snatching the freshly drawn picture and fiercely crumpling it before tossing it to the ground.

Hong Baozhu pretended to be fearful. "Miss Zeng, you need to control your temper. You're the model for all the young ladies of the Eastern Capital City. Concubine Zeng often praises you. If this behavior gets out, what will others think? Didn't you see how frightened Miss Huang and Miss Li were?"

Zeng Miaofu glared, indeed noticing the surprised looks on many faces.

Frustrated, she took a few deep breaths and asked Chen Yaozhi, "Sister Yaozhi, you came up with this game. Do you have any other ideas?"

Hong Baozhu secretly chuckled, knowing that these girls, so skilled in maintaining appearances, were anything but innocent. They had just been singing Chen's praises, but now, with things having escalated, Zeng immediately shifted the blame onto her.

Chen Yaozhi, however, was no expert in games; her talents lay in music and poetry. Spotting the discarded drawing on the floor, Hong Baozhu turned to Pei Yuanxi and inquired, "I think that one looks interesting. I wonder what the new drawing depicts. Sister Yuanxi, why don't you give it another try?"

Pei Yuanxi, aware of Hong's mischief, pretended to ponder for a moment, looking troubled. "Common flowers are so unoriginal. It can't be another plum blossom or chrysanthemum. I'd guess it's a cassia tree."

Zeng Miaofu was astonished. How could she have guessed correctly?

Unable to hide her astonishment, Hong Baozhu burst into laughter, taunting, "Sister Yuanxi, you're incredible. It seems you've guessed right again."

"It's impossible!" The girl in green exclaimed, picking up the discarded painting and unfolding it with a visibly disturbed expression.

What else could that painting depict but a mandarin duck flower?

Hong Baozhu laughed even louder. She was genuinely thrilled today. If Yuanxi were a man, she would have taken her as a spouse in an instant, given how well they seemed to understand each other.

Pei Yuanxi wore a gentle smile, not taking credit for her prowess. In fact, she had deduced the answer from Zeng Miaofu's silent lips when the latter had sent someone to retrieve the painting earlier.

At this point, even if Zeng Miaofu intended to continue, many of the other young ladies had lost interest in the game.

What a mess the Flower Guessing game has become. Who could still be interested in continuing? Initially, everyone found it an ingenious and novel idea. Yet, it turned out that even a fool could see through the trick, truly disgracing us all.

There were those who had never quite reconciled themselves to Chen Yaozhi's elevated status, wondering how a girl from a humble, unremarkable family dared to put on such airs. After all, even if their own fathers and brothers held but minor official posts, why should they be expected to kowtow to her?

Chen Yaozhi felt a bitter resentment welling up within her heart.

She had intended to seize this opportunity to make a name for herself in the Eastern Capital City, to let Pei Yuanxi witness firsthand how she would become the center of attention and adoration. Unexpectedly, Zeng Miaofu proved so vulnerable to provocation, pushing her forward at a crucial moment.

With a sudden coldness in her expression, she proudly stepped aside.

"Yuanxi, my dear sister, today's performance was truly delightful, even more so than what we see in the theaters," Hong Baozhu taunted, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery. "The last time my father took me to watch a monkey show, it was hilarious. But today's act surpasses even that, it was far more entertaining."

Being compared to a performing monkey, Zeng Miaofu could no longer bear it.

In a fit of rage, she swept everything off the table in front of her. The sound of shattering porcelain and scattered snacks, tea, and flames echoed as some of the tea splashed onto the people nearby.

"You... are pushing it too far. One foolish, the other idiotic. I invited you both here out of respect for Sister Yaozhi, yet you dare to meddle in my flower appreciation gathering."

Pei Yuanxi stood up slowly, her gaze fixed on Zeng Miaofu. "So, we should be grateful to Miss Chen? You called me an idiot just now, but perhaps you've never seen what a true fool looks like?"

What did she mean?

As everyone was left puzzled, Pei Yuanxi leisurely sipped her tea. Then, with a loud "bang", she shattered the cup, followed by kicking over the low table in front of her.

Everyone was stunned, including the furious Zeng Miaofu.

Chen Yaozhi secretly rejoiced; this was perfect. Pei Yuanxi had just dug her own grave by offending the Zeng family and all the noble ladies of the Eastern Capital City. She was eager to see how this fool would win back any favor after today.

"Second Miss Pei, what are you doing?" she pretended to be surprised.

Pei Yuanxi glanced around, "I'm not doing anything. Since I've been called a fool, I should look the part, shouldn't I? Otherwise, how would you all justify constantly addressing me as one?"

As she spoke, she kicked over a low table beside her. The items on the table clattered to the ground, instantly creating a mess.

Hong Baozhu had been startled earlier, but now, as she regained her composure, she felt an indescribable surge of emotion in her chest. She rushed over and slammed a zither onto the floor.

The strings snapped, producing a piercing sound.

"Y-You... Hong Baozhu, what are you doing?" someone cried out in shock.

Hong Baozhu shrugged her shoulders provocatively, "Didn't you all say that playing the zither for me was like playing for a cow? Now that I'm the cow, aren't I allowed to let loose a little?"

She turned to Pei Yuanxi and raised an eyebrow, "Don't you agree, Sister Yuanxi?"

It was exhilarating!

Sister Yuanxi was truly impressive, doing something she'd always wanted to do but never dared. She had longed to assert herself in front of these people, and if she backed down today, she would never live up to the name of Hong!

"You can all keep your sarcastic remarks. After all, in your eyes, I'm just a cow who doesn't understand your music. Next time anyone dares to mention 'playing for a cow' in my presence, I won't hold back anymore!"

Not only would she not endure it, she would retaliate.

Everyone was stunned. Zeng Miaofu was on the verge of losing her mind with rage.

Chen Yaozhi's gaze remained fixed on Pei Yuanxi, delighted by the chaos. In this lifetime, Pei Yuanxi had lost her advantage to her and could only gather fools like Hong Baozhu around her.

With a cold glance, Pei Yuanxi said, "Miss Zeng, have you seen enough? If you're still unsure what fools and madwomen look like, we won't mind showing you again."

Zeng Miaofu was so furious that she couldn't utter a word.

"Silence means you've learned your lesson. In that case, we've taught you something. There's no need for gratitude." Pei Yuanxi beckoned to Hong Baozhu. "Let's go."

Enchanted by Pei Yuanxi's domineering arrogance, Hong Baozhu followed obediently. Everyone watched in disbelief as they left as if nothing had happened.

Just as they were about to exit through the moon gate, someone cried out, "This seven-stringed zither is a gift from Miss Chen!"

The girl who shouted angrily blocked the two, demanding compensation for the zither from Hong Baozhu. As the legitimate daughter of a general's household, Hong Baozhu was certainly not short of money.

"Huang Miss, weren't you the loudest when people spoke of playing music to a cow? What's wrong with me breaking your zither? Do you dare to let me tear your mouth apart?"

Born into a martial arts family, Hong Baozhu carried an air of the wandering world. With a raised eyebrow and a glare, she intimidated Miss Wang, who had been clamoring for compensation for her damaged instrument.

"It's not just me saying it, why are you picking on me alone...?"

"You were the loudest, so you'll have to accept your fate."

Miss Wang was indignant, "The zither was a gift from Miss Chen, it's not just any ordinary instrument..."

Before Hong Baozhu could continue her scolding, Pei Yuanxi intervened.

With a cold gaze, Pei Yuanxi spoke calmly yet firmly, "It's just a zither, we can still afford to compensate for it. In a few days, when my own zither shop opens, Miss Wang can choose any instrument you desire."

Chen Yaozhi was astonished. This silly girl was actually planning to open a zither shop. Did she think it was as simple as running a general store? Not even proficient in the five musical tones, yet she dared to open a zither shop - it was utterly ridiculous.

In her previous life, Pei Yuanxi had no knowledge of music theory, possessing no remarkable talents aside from her handwriting. She remembered vividly that the other party couldn't play the zither.

Hong Baozhu was equally perplexed, "Sister Yuanxi, you're opening a zither shop?"

"Yes, indeed. Not only a zither shop, I'm also considering a stationery store, a poetry club, and if conditions permit, I plan to establish a scholarly academy in the future."

What audacity.

Opening a music shop and stationery store might be feasible, but establishing a poetry society and a scholarly academy is not within the reach of ordinary people. Relying solely on her foolishness, where does she derive such self-confidence, and how could she possess the ability and financial resources for such endeavors?

Not to mention others, even Hong Baozhu assumed that Pei Yuanxi was intentionally provoking those individuals.

"Yes, yes, we should establish a poetry society and an academy!"

A smile played on Pei Yuanxi's lips. "I've already thought of the names. Our music shop, stationery store, poetry society, and academy will all bear the title 'First.' First Music Shop, First Stationery Store, First Poetry Society, and First Academy. If I dare to call them 'First,' others can only settle for 'Second.' Later, I'll invite the emperor to personally inscribe plaques for us."

Looking around, the young ladies seemed to have been stunned into silence. Their gazes at Pei Yuanxi were not just those of fools, but also of someone deranged. Who would dare to entertain such ideas, let alone a young lady?

Either their ears were malfunctioning, or Pei Yuanxi was truly a fool.

Swallowing her saliva, Hong Baozhu felt that Sister Yuanxi was being sincere. "Sister Yuanxi, are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking? Let's put the poetry society and academy on hold for now. Opening a music shop and stationery store wouldn't take too long. You can invest, no matter the amount. In the future, wherever you go, you can proudly tell others that you own shares in a music shop and stationery store, marking you as an elegant person."

"Y-yes, y-y-yes," Hong Baozhu stammered, repeating herself thrice. "Please don't joke with me, Sister Yuanxi. I'll immediately retrieve my personal savings. If you really open a poetry society and academy, you must reserve a share for me."

"Of course," Pei Yuanxi chuckled, lowering her voice. "These aren't profitable ventures. If I ever come across a lucrative opportunity in the future, I'll include you."

Hong Baozhu's eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly like a puppet.

"Sister Yuanxi, from now on, I'll do anything you ask. I've chosen to stand with you!"

"You have good judgment. Following me will guarantee that you won't regret it," Pei Yuanxi replied with a cryptic smile, glancing at the startled girls before looking up at the sky. "Who can I be afraid of when I have someone backing me, such a massive support? Naturally, I can do as I please, and who would dare to compete with me?"

Indeed.

Some realized that Pei Yuanxi had the Emperor's support. Although the idea of a poetry club or academy sounded implausible, even absurd, if the Emperor were secretly behind it, Pei Yuanxi might actually attempt it.

But would the Emperor really indulge in such frivolous matters with her?

Regret started to surface among some. Perhaps they shouldn't have offended Pei Yuanxi? Given her favor with the Emperor, befriending her wouldn't be a bad idea.

Who had misguided them, causing them to miss the chance to mend their relationship with Pei Yuanxi? The more perceptive ones exchanged glances between Chen Yaozhi and Zeng Miaofu, their expressions turning subtle.

Some began to stammer their goodbyes, and soon, nearly half of them followed suit. Not only was Zeng Miaofu's face twisted with anger, but so was her nose.

What a mess this flower viewing gathering has become, all thanks to that foolish girl!

Pei Yuanxi and Hong Baozhu had already passed through the moon gate, their laughter and chatter echoing from afar, with Hong Baozhu's exaggerated cheers still audible.

It was Pei Ji who came to fetch Pei Yuanxi. As the son of the Marquis, even though he hadn't been officially designated as the heir, everyone in the Eastern Capital City knew he would one day be the Marquis Xuanping.

The young nobleman was gentle and composed, a disposition that easily captured the hearts of maidens. Standing elegantly by the carriage, he attracted the frequent glances of the young ladies who had accompanied them.

Pei Ji's gaze remained unwavering, quietly observing his sister conversing with a woman in red.

That vibrant woman in red must be Miss Hong. Still brimming with excitement, Hong Baozhu held onto Pei Yuanxi, "Sister Yuanxi, it's settled then. I'll go retrieve the silver right away. I want a share in whatever business you have."

"Alright," Pei Yuanxi agreed, stealing a glance at Chen Yaozhi, who had come to see them off.

Shangxing had mentioned that Chen Yaozhi was destined to marry her brother.

Ever since learning this news, she had intentionally hinted at it before her brother, repeatedly bringing up the incident near Qinglong Academy and implying that Chen Yaozhi had deliberately made things difficult for her.

Pei Ji doted on his younger sister more than anyone else. Of course, he was aware of the previous incident and how the Emperor had taken it upon himself to avenge his sister by ordering a search of all Chen's establishments in the Eastern Capital City.

Upon hearing someone address Miss Chen, he instinctively looked over.

Chen Yaozhi was also looking at him with a mixture of complexity and nostalgia. After being married for several years, she couldn't possibly regard him as a stranger. To be honest, he was a decent husband with admirable character.

During their married life, she had developed feelings for him. However, his affection towards her had always been more respectful than loving. On the contrary, he cherished his younger sister, Pei Yuanxi, as if she were a precious gem, fueling her jealousy towards Pei Yuanxi even more.

For an unmarried young lady to so openly scrutinize a man was highly inappropriate. A barely noticeable frown creased Pei Ji's brow, a hint of disgust flickering in his eyes.

Chen Yaozhi sensed his disdain, causing her hatred to intensify.

In her previous life, he had been deeply smitten with her when they finally met. He admired her intelligence and was captivated by her beauty. After their marriage, he treated her with great respect, not even having a concubine in their household.

Lost in thought, she found herself walking towards him without realizing it.

Coming back to her senses, she quickly turned in the other direction, heading towards Pei Yuanxi. "Second Miss Pei, I heard you mention opening a music academy earlier. Was that true?"

Pei Ji was utterly perplexed. He had never heard about his sister's plan to open a music academy.

Hong Baozhu stood in front of Pei Yuanxi, "Yes, that's right. We're opening a music academy. What's the problem? Are you saying only your Chen family is allowed to do so, and others can't?"

Chen Yaozhi skillfully portrayed a look of helplessness tinged with concern, her gaze subtly sweeping across Pei Ji, "Of course not. But running a music academy is different from running a shop. I'm worried that you might encounter many difficulties if you don't know the ins and outs of the industry."

Hong Baozhu raised an eyebrow, "Is Miss Chen afraid we'll snatch away your business?" She couldn't stand this seemingly ethereal Miss Chen. If she were truly a celestial being, why would she leave the tranquility of Yuncang to cause trouble in the Eastern Capital City? Clearly, there was more to her than meets the eye.

Chen Yaozhi remained unperturbed, not bothered by Hong Baozhu's sharp words, "Why would I think that? The world is vast, and anyone can open a music academy. It won't make a difference if one more joins the fray. I was simply offering a friendly reminder. If you're not afraid of losing money, feel free to ignore me."

Pei Yuanxi chuckled, "Miss Chen speaks wisely. Anyone can open a music academy in this vast world. Since Miss Chen is so generous and took the time to warn us, why not locate our academy right across from yours? We can always seek your guidance when in doubt."

Chen Yaozhi's face flushed with embarrassment.

Hong Baozhu gave Pei Yuanxi a look that said 'well played.' "Miss Chen, consider it settled. Don't regret it later."

Fuming, Chen Yaozhi struggled to find a retort. If not for the onlookers, she would have reprimanded Hong Baozhu harshly. A foolish creature, she deserved to be toyed with by Pei Yuanxi.

Pei Ji frowned, his disdain still evident in his eyes.

Her frustration boiled over. What was wrong with this man? In her past life, he had admired her, yet now, he looked at her with such disdain.

Pei Yuanxi, Pei Yuanxi, you've caused so many innocent lives to be lost, yet why do so many still protect you? In this lifetime, I won't stand idly by as you bask in wealth and adoration once more.

It doesn't matter if it's not Gongye Chu, no other emperor will do!

"Second Miss Pei, is this truly what you desire?" Threatening intent gleamed in her eyes.

As if she hadn't heard clearly, Pei Yuanxi leaned closer, "I can't quite hear what Miss Chen is saying."

"Second Miss Pei, I have no intention of becoming your enemy, I even wished to be friends with you. I don't understand why you harbor enmity towards me, nor why you constantly target me. If you didn't appreciate my goodwill, that's one thing, but to deliberately snatch business from my family, that's crossing a line."

How wronged she felt. If not for knowing that she was a reincarnated soul, longing to plagiarize her life, Pei Yuanxi might have truly shown compassion.

"Are you truly acting out of goodwill?" Pei Yuanxi's smile was icy cold.

"Certainly," Chen Yaozhi replied sincerely.

Pei Yuanxi drew even closer, her voice barely audible, "You deliberately courted Xia Sanyu and sought to gain Meng Huai's allegiance, not to mention today's flower guessing game. Don't tell me you're unaware of your own actions?"

Chen Yaozhi's heart jolted. How could she know? Could it be that she had guessed wrong, and the one who truly reincarnated was this woman? But then, why wasn't Gongye Chu the emperor in this lifetime?

"You... You're talking about something I don't understand..." The more her facade was exposed, the less she could afford to admit it. Chen Yaozhi's eyes flickered with uncertainty.

"Stop pretending. Whether you're human or ghost, it doesn't scare me. You've been meticulously planning to steal my life, but you must consider if I consent to it." Pei Yuanxi took a step back, her gaze colder than before. "If you wish to walk the path I've taken, I'll leave you with no path to tread!"

Chen Yaozhi's breath caught, a chill creeping over her body as if someone had seized her throat.