Chapter 035: What Kind of Look Was That from He An?

Chapter 035: What Kind of Look Was That from He An?

"It's about time, let's go take a look at the garden as well." The Consort stood up. "The garden of the Crown Prince's estate may not be as enchanting as the Peach Orchard, but it does have some pear and cherry trees. It's the season for them to bloom, so it should be quite a sight."

Chu Li chimed in, "What's so great about the Peach Orchard? By autumn, Madam and I will come to the Crown Prince's estate to eat cherries and drink pear soup."

The Consort turned around. "Yes, yes, yes, I actually hope you come often. It would make the estate livelier."

There were no signs of the Crown Prince and his group in the garden. It was likely they had gone to discuss matters. As everyone saw the Consort approaching, they went forward to pay their respects.

In the crowd, Ruan Qinghuan spotted Ruan Xiaoyue. She was puzzled. Why was she here?

Ruan Xiaoyue was walking arm in arm with a young lady, looking quite close. Ruan Qinghuan whispered to Chu Li, "Who is that young lady over there?"

Chu Li followed her gaze. "That's the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, Qi Siwei. It's said that she excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and she has quite a reputation among the noblewomen of the capital."

The Ministry of Revenue?

Since ancient times, the Ministry of Revenue has been a lucrative position, and the current Minister of Revenue is the second prince's man.

In the original story, it was he who abandoned the relief efforts during the disaster in Lu City.

But this time, with He An accompanying him, it was uncertain whether he could save himself. Even if he did, once the embezzlement of the disaster relief funds was uncovered, for him, it would just be a matter of dying in a different place.

Seeing how close the Consort was with Ruan Qinghuan, Ruan Xiaoyue felt jealous. After all, Ruan Qinghuan had forced her way into the Prime Minister's estate through an engagement. Even if she sat as the main wife of the estate, wasn't it all just an empty title?

Ever since Ruan Qinghuan married into the Prime Minister's estate, Ruan Xiaoyue had been hoping she would return to her family's home. That would mean she wasn't happy there and had to come back for comfort.

What angered her was that both times Ruan Qinghuan had returned, He An was with her. It looked as if they were so in love. If she didn't know how much the Prime Minister had resisted this marriage, she might have actually believed it.

Why would someone like He An be interested in someone as arrogant as Ruan Qinghuan?

"I have to say, your sister is quite beautiful. Now that she's the Prime Minister's wife, as her younger sister, you must have benefited a lot from it, right?"

"Qi Sister, please don't say that. My cousin is selfish and arrogant. Everyone in the capital knows that. How could she possibly care about me and Xiao Rou?" Ruan Xiaoyue flattered. "Besides, she's not as beautiful as you, Qi Sister. You are naturally elegant, unlike her, who dresses strangely just to attract attention."

These words hit the mark with Qi Siwei, though her expression remained unchanged. "Simply put, their social statuses don't match."

"Exactly, I've always thought that the Prime Minister and Qi Sister would make a great match."

"Really?"

"Of course. Not only are you and the Prime Minister a perfect match in looks and talent, but your profound knowledge complements him as well. You are truly a match made in heaven." Ruan Xiaoyue sighed. "In the end, it's really a shame for the Prime Minister to have married my sister."

Qi Siwei remained silent, but the corner of her mouth slightly curled up.

Many noblewomen in the capital coveted He An, and Qi Siwei was one of them. She had met He An a few times but never found a chance to show her interest.

Recently, her father had asked if she would be willing to marry into the Prime Minister's estate. Qi Siwei's heart raced with excitement. She knew this was her father's way of securing his position, but she was genuinely willing.

Even if she started as a concubine, with her family background and knowledge, it would only be a matter of time before she ousted the useless Ruan Qinghuan. As long as things worked out, the position of the main wife of the Prime Minister's estate would eventually be hers.

That's why she had been taking the opportunity to get close to Ruan Xiaoyue, knowing that the cousins didn't get along. This made Ruan Xiaoyue the perfect accomplice.

Ruan Xiaoyue had similar thoughts. Knowing that Qi Siwei coveted He An and that she didn't wish Ruan Qinghuan well, having another woman in the estate would certainly cause chaos. With Ruan Qinghuan's temper, there would be constant chaos.

When it came to the poetry competition, the young masters and misses were eager to participate. Naturally, Qi Siwei also stepped forward.

Sitting under the shaded terrace, Chu Li's mind had already wandered. "Cousin, is Ji Lingchuan coming today?"

The consort turned cold and said, "Can you show some ambition?"

"I can, but Ji Lingchuan has to come."

Ruan Qinghuan stifled her laughter and said, "Don't worry, an occasion like this won't be without him."

Soon, several poems were recited, each with its unique flair. The young men’s verses were bold and spirited, while the noblewomen’s were filled with tender emotions.

As they competed, they praised each other’s work, making for a lively atmosphere.

The ambiance of the Crown Prince's estate banquet was far more enjoyable than the one in the Peach Garden.

Qi Siwei was highly regarded among the noblewomen in the capital, renowned for her literary prowess. As the atmosphere settled, she stepped forward and composed a poem: "Spring flows over the clear river, the shimmering light reflects the bright moon, flowers bloom and willows brush against the wind, again into the busy farming season."

"Good, good, good... excellent poem."

The crowd applauded enthusiastically, a mix of genuine praise and flattery, though everyone knew it.

Ruan Qinghuan, who had little interest in such matters, chatted with the consort while eating fruit, but then heard someone calling her.

"Miss Ruan, who has gained the favor of the Prime Minister, must be extraordinarily talented. Could Miss Ruan grace us with a poem for today's Crown Prince's estate banquet?"

The speaker was Qi Siwei.

Beside her, Ruan Xiaoyue looked smug, knowing full well that Ruan Qinghuan had never liked studying since childhood. Though she was literate, she lacked any real talent for poetry.

As soon as Qi Siwei said this, the garden fell silent.

Everyone knew that the Prime Minister had been unwilling to marry her and had delayed for two years, only bringing Ruan Qinghuan into the Prime Minister's residence when she turned eighteen.

Yet Qi Siwei claimed that she had gained the Prime Minister's favor, wasn't this a public slap in the face?

The consort was about to speak up for Ruan Qinghuan when she saw the Crown Prince and his party enter through the half-moon gate, with He An and Ji Lingchuan following on either side.

He An looked rather displeased; outside, he had overheard the provocative remarks.

Ji Lingchuan whispered, "Take it easy, she's still a lady after all."

The Crown Prince said nothing and came to the consort's side. Ruan Qinghuan took the opportunity to step among the crowd and looked at the poems they had composed.

He An said, "Today, this Prime Minister has a poem to present to my wife. Would it be alright if I do the honors on behalf of your husband?"

Knowing he was protecting her, but such provocations, if avoided, would only increase.

Just as He An was about to speak, she lightly said two words, "No need."

He An: "..."

He had never heard that Ruan Qinghuan excelled in poetry and literature. According to Jiang Ming's gathered information, she had been a reluctant learner since childhood, much to her mother’s distress, who had changed tutors countless times.

He An gave her a look of surprise.

At least in her early years, she had recited the 300 Tang Poems; how could such a small matter stump her?

Qi Siwei wore a smug expression.

Ruan Xiaoyue whispered, "Rest assured, Sister Qi, today's top prize will certainly be yours."

Seeing her confident demeanor, He An approached the writing desk, took the brush from the teacher's hand, and said, "This Prime Minister will personally write Madam's poem."

Everyone: "..."