Chapter 482: It’s an Apricot Tree

Chapter 482: It's an Apricot Tree

Among the invitations Xingxing had selected, the earliest one was from the Duke of En'guo's mansion, sent by Miss Nie Yuke.

The invitation simply mentioned a young ladies' gathering, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere.

When the day arrived, Xingxing showed up right on time.

Xingxing had always preferred simple and elegant attire over elaborate styles. Since the invitation described the event as a "young ladies' gathering," she wore a hairpin gifted by Empress Nie, adorned with scattered pearls in her bun, paired with a goose-yellow embroidered jacket and skirt with flower-shaped buttons. Over it, she draped an emerald brocade cloak with feather lining, looking crisp and lively as she rode in the carriage to the Duke of En'guo’s mansion.

The lane where the Duke of En'guo’s mansion was located, called Xin’an Lane, was home to long-established noble families in the capital.

Those who lived here typically boasted family histories spanning centuries, representing the cream of the crop among the nobility.

Upon arriving at the Duke of En’guo’s gate, Xingxing alighted from the carriage just as another lavishly dressed young lady arrived at the same time.

The young lady, who seemed unfamiliar with Xingxing, glanced her way.

Today, the maid accompanying Xingxing was Zhao Ying, known for her composed demeanor.

Zhao Ying approached the doorkeeper, presented the invitation, and announced who they were.

The doorkeeper smiled warmly, "Ah, so this is the Lady of Blessed Peace from the General of the Western Garrison’s residence. Our Fourth Miss has already instructed us to welcome you. Please, this way."

The welcome was warm but not overbearing—a testament to the refined manners cultivated by a centuries-old aristocratic household.

This was Xingxing’s first formal visit since being given the title of Township Lady.

She couldn’t help but think to herself, *This Township Lady title is actually quite useful, isn’t it?*

Once inside the Duke of En'guo’s mansion, the lavishly dressed young lady quickly caught up and said with a smile, "So you’re the famous Lady of Blessed Peace I’ve heard so much about… and you’re so young! I’m from the General Who Secures the State’s residence, my family name is Xu, the third daughter in my family. You can call me Shanshan."

Xingxing nodded with a smile, "Greetings, Miss Xu."

Xu Shanshan sighed and asked bluntly, "You’re amazing—so young and already given the title of Township Lady. Empress Nie must really like you?"

Xingxing wasn’t sure how to respond and simply smiled faintly, "Perhaps."

Though the titles "General Who Secures the State" and "General of the Western Garrison" differed by just one character, in Great Xia, the former was not a military rank but a noble title for commandery princes (excluding the eldest son). However, the title would be reduced when inherited.

Daughters of a General Who Secures the State, unless exceptionally favored or encountering special circumstances, couldn't usually get the Township Lady title—hence Xu Shanshan’s evident envy.

As they chatted, Xu Shanshan suddenly asked, "What performance have you prepared for today, Township Lady?"

Xingxing was taken aback, "Huh?"

*Prepared performance?*

Seeing her confusion, Xu Shanshan was equally surprised, "Ah? You didn’t prepare anything?"

Xingxing shook her head, completely confused, "Wasn’t it supposed to be… a young ladies' gathering? Why would we need to prepare performances?"

Xu Shanshan let out an "Oh" and explained, "It *is* a young ladies' gathering, but we often get bored, so whoever hosts sets a theme, and we prepare some acts. This time, since it’s at Ake’s place, she chose a tree in her garden courtyard as the theme."

She then reassured Xingxing, "Since it’s your first time joining our gatherings, Ake probably forgot to mention this usual practice. But it’s not a problem—nothing serious."

Xingxing nodded but said nothing more.

Upon arriving at Nie Yuke’s garden courtyard, Nie Yuke warmly introduced Xingxing to the other arriving guests.

Xingxing then noticed there was an "old acquaintance"—Yu Mingzhu.

Yu Mingzhu looked somewhat thinner, but since she was already extraordinarily beautiful, the slight weight loss only added a delicate, pitiable charm to her appearance.

Yu Mingzhu acknowledged Xingxing with a nod, which was both polite and appropriate.

Xingxing returned the nod and looked away.

Nie Yuke smiled and said, "Township Lady (Lady of Blessed Peace), after I sent you the invite, I realized I forgot to mention that we usually pick a theme for these gatherings, and everyone prepares some talent related to it. This time, it was my turn to choose, and after much deliberation, I just picked the tree in my courtyard... Since it’s your first time here, if you’re not comfortable participating, just observing is fine."

The noble ladies, clearly close friends, chided playfully, "A-Ke, you really are spoiling our new little sister."

Nie Yuke replied seriously, "My aunt specifically reminded me to take good care of the Township Lady (Lady of Blessed Peace)."

The conversation naturally turned to Xingxing’s being granted the title of Township Lady (Lady of Blessed Peace).

"Tell us, what did you say to the Empress that day? How did you win her favor so quickly?" Xu Shanshan pressed eagerly.

No one laughed at her—they all knew her family background. Being granted the title would certainly add prestige when she married.

But such titles were not easily bestowed.

Xingxing thought for a moment. "I don’t recall saying anything special. The Empress was very kind and just asked about everyday things and my past."

This answer clearly didn’t satisfy Xu Shanshan, but since Xingxing now held the title, Xu Shanshan couldn’t push further. She grumbled something under her breath and let it go.

In aristocratic circles, Yu Mingzhu had always been the center of attention. But now, many eyes were fixed on Xingxing. The thought of Xingxing’s title, "Lady of Blessed Peace," brought a flicker of resentment to Yu Mingzhu’s eyes.

She pressed her lips together and looked away.

*Just a nobody basking in borrowed glory!*

Lunch was served earlier than usual, and Nie Yuke, as the perfect hostess, was exceptionally attentive.

"This is prepared by our new chef," Nie Yuke said with a smile. "Last time, I even sent some braised pork strips to my aunt in the palace, and she rewarded the chef with silver, saying it was excellent."

The other girls were visibly envious.

Nie Yuke went back and forth between explaining the origins of certain dishes and describing their preparation methods, keeping the atmosphere lively and pleasant.

After the meal, the young ladies moved to a section of the winding corridor.

Charcoal heaters were placed around the seating area, making the open-air space comfortable rather than chilly, giving it a cozy, distinctive feel.

Nie Yuke pointed to the tree in the courtyard, its barely budding branches catching the light. "This is today’s theme. Come, let’s see what everyone has prepared!"

One young lady said she had composed a poem.

Another announced she had prepared a dance.

Yet another brought painting supplies, intending to create a work on the spot.

Xingxing watched quietly without speaking.

Nie Yuke approached her considerately. "Miss Yu, no pressure. It’s fine if you haven’t prepared anything."

Xingxing gave a small smile and simply replied, "Alright."

Then Yu Mingzhu exclaimed softly, "Oh!" and smiled. "I just realized—this is an apricot tree."