Chapter 118 It Sounds Like This County Princess Has Had Quite an Experience…

Chapter 118 The Princess of Xinan's Story Sounds...

On the fourth day of A Chan’s return to the capital, she and Chen Hui finally settled back into their residence in Chongming Quarter. She had planned to visit the General’s Mansion across the street once the house was tidied, but to her surprise, Lin Sui arrived first.

Lin Sui led the horse A Chan had left at the General’s Mansion, her hands laden with bags of food.

A Chan quickly relieved her of the items and led her to the stable to secure the horse.

“I was just about to come find you. How did you know I was back?” A Chan asked.

“My elder brother told me. He said Lord Bai was escorting the Prince of Xiling back to the capital, and I figured you’d be traveling together since you’re acquainted. So, I had the gatekeepers keep an eye on your house these past few days,” Lin Sui explained. “Well, was Xiling fun?”

A Chan recalled her experiences in Xiling: “Fun isn’t quite the word, but it was certainly thrilling.”

She then recounted to Lin Sui how she had been attacked by a flood dragon on the way to Xiling, and how, just days after arriving, the Shen family had unleashed a massive flood dragon.

Of course, she carefully omitted her own involvement, narrating purely from an observer’s perspective.

Even so, it was enough to astonish anyone.

“No wonder His Majesty wanted the Prince of Xiling executed. The Shen family was just a vassal family of the Prince of Xiling, right?”

“Exactly. To capture them, Lord Bai even infiltrated their ranks and nearly became the Shen family’s son-in-law,” A Chan said teasingly.

Hearing such juicy gossip, Lin Sui’s eyes widened. “What happened next?”

“On the day of his engagement, half the Shen family was destroyed by that flood dragon, and the other half was rounded up by the Bright Mirror Bureau Guard.”

Lin Sui sighed with genuine admiration. “Lord Bai truly sacrificed a lot for this case.”

“You can say that again.”

Lin Sui suddenly lowered her voice. “I heard the Marquis of Jinyang married Xue Ying into the Shen family. Is that true?”

“You know about that too?” A Chan was surprised, having thought Lin Sui wouldn’t care for such matters. “It’s true. Hui Niang even went to see Xue Ying before she died.”

“I didn’t know either until Bai Yue mentioned it yesterday.” Realizing A Chan might not know Bai Yue, Lin Sui clarified, “Bai Yue is someone I met on the street. She and her maid were out when they encountered a thief, and I helped them catch him.”

A Chan couldn’t help but smile. That was so typical of Lin Sui—her friendships always began with her righting a wrong.

“Bai? Is she of the imperial family?”

“Her grandfather is Prince Ying’an. When I mentioned you to her yesterday, she seemed surprised, as if she’d heard of you from someone else.”

A Chan nodded casually. She had no impression of Bai Yue, and as far as she knew, Ji Chan had no prior connection with her.

After Chen Hui finished tidying the house, she invited Lin Sui to stay for dinner. The three chatted until evening. Only after learning A Chan wouldn’t be returning to Changping Quarter for a couple of days did Lin Sui head back to the General’s Mansion.

The next afternoon, Lin Sui returned.

This time, instead of snacks, she brought an invitation.

“What’s this?” A Chan asked curiously, seeing the invitation in her hand.

“Bai Yue sent it this morning. She said Prince Ying’an’s Residence is hosting a chrysanthemum banquet, and the Prince specially invited a Ghost Opera Troupe from Jiaozhou. She invited me, and she invited you too.”

“Why would she invite me?” A Chan found the invitation somewhat odd.

“She said it’s livelier with more people. If you don’t want to go, I can just tell her.” In truth, Lin Sui also didn’t understand why Bai Yue had included A Chan.

A Chan initially had no interest, but upon hearing Lin Sui mention the Ghost Opera, she suddenly changed her mind.

“It’s fine. I’m idle these days anyway. It’ll be fun to join you.”

It was highly likely that the Ghost Opera Troupe was the one Master Yu belonged to. Regardless of why the invitation had landed in her hands, it would be well worth the trip for Master Yu’s sake.

Hearing A Chan agree, Lin Sui was visibly pleased. She herself wasn’t fond of attending such banquets; due to past events, her reputation was poor, and other noble young ladies avoided her like the plague, which she frankly didn’t care about.

However, Bai Yue’s invitation was hard to refuse. With A Chan accompanying her this time, she would feel much more at ease.

A Chan took the invitation and opened it. The banquet was scheduled for three days later.

Chen Hui did not accompany A Chan to the Prince Ying’an Residence for this banquet. However, when Lin Sui came to pick up A Chan, she repeatedly assured Chen Hui that she would protect A Chan.

After all, Lin Sui was now a novice cultivator, and ordinary people were no match for her. The two maids she brought were also specially chosen by Lin Yi, both skilled in martial arts.

By the time their carriage arrived at Prince Ying’an’s Residence, the place was bustling. Judging by the carriages, most of the guests invited today were high-ranking nobles and imperial relatives.

After presenting their invitations, a waiting maid led them to the back garden.

Even before entering the garden, they had already admired many varieties of chrysanthemums along the path. Flowerpots were artfully arranged, with various blooms competing for beauty, some varieties being exceptionally rare.

This reminded A Chan of the potted flower she had left behind in Xiling.

Noticing A Chan and Lin Sui admiring the flowers along the path, the maid leading them did not rush, instead slowing her pace.

It took them a little longer before they finally reached the main garden, which was vast, stretching as far as the eye could see. Following the maid along the waterside promenade, they arrived at the first pavilion, where they saw a round-faced girl in splendid attire standing with four maids.

Spotting Lin Sui, the girl lifted her skirt and hurried forward, clearly familiar with her. “I thought you weren’t coming today!”

Lin Sui’s expression softened slightly as she replied, “How could I miss your invitation?”

The girl brightened at her words, then turned to A Chan, her eyes filled with unconcealed curiosity. “You must be Miss Ji? I’m Bai Yue. Lin Sui has mentioned you many times, but we’ve never had the chance to meet.”

“Hello, Miss Bai,” A Chan said with a smile.

From this brief encounter, A Chan could tell that Miss Bai Yue was simple and pure-hearted, her likes and dislikes easily discernible. No wonder Lin Sui befriended her.

“Come on, let’s go to the Waterheart Arbor first. My mother and aunt are there. After we greet them, we can go out and play.”

Although Lin Sui suspected Bai Yue’s mother might not approve of her daughter spending too much time with her, it was proper etiquette to pay respects to one of the hostesses at such an event.

The two followed Bai Yue through the promenade. After descending from the promenade, they saw a stage where people were bustling about, seemingly setting up scenes, and a few others stood on stage, likely familiarizing themselves with the space.

A Chan’s gaze swept over them, but she did not see Master Yu.

Soon, they passed the stage and arrived at the Waterheart Arbor behind it.

Inside the Waterheart Arbor, music drifted softly, and even before entering, they could hear women’s voices.

Several ladies were already seated in the spacious hall, all adorned with pearls and jewels, clearly of distinguished birth.

Seated at the head was a plump, round-faced woman with a constant smile, clearly a person of excellent temperament.

She resembled Bai Yue so much that her identity was unmistakable.

To the left of the Princess Consort sat the Princess of Xinan, her expression gentle, holding a girl of about seven or eight in her arms.

“Mother, Aunt,” Bai Yue exclaimed excitedly as she entered, greeting her mother and paternal aunt first, then turning to the others, “Greetings, ladies.”

The ladies in the room responded with smiles. The little girl in the Princess of Xinan’s arms jumped off her mother’s lap and ran towards Bai Yue, calling, “Sister!”

Bai Yue caught the girl and playfully pinched her cheeks before introducing her friends to the two elders: “These are my good friends, Lin Sui and Ji Chan.”

“We greet the Princess Consort and the Princess of Xinan,” A Chan and Lin Sui said, bowing respectfully.

“No need for formalities. This isn’t a formal occasion, so please enjoy yourselves,” the Princess Consort said, more amiable than expected. She didn’t inquire about their family backgrounds, only asked about their usual hobbies, and even said that if they liked any potted flower, they could simply tell Bai Yue and take it home.

Bai Yue chimed in, suggesting that her grandfather’s chrysanthemums in the Watercloud Greenhouse were the most beautiful and that they should go pick some later, earning a light tap on her forehead and a fond scolding from the Princess Consort.

The Princess of Xinan listened to the Princess Consort speaking with them, her gaze resting on A Chan.

She seemed like a very striking young woman, graceful in posture and dignified in manner. Her voice was particularly pleasant, soft and melodious; if she were to coax someone, few would be able to resist.

Two days prior, she had specifically sent someone to inquire about this girl’s relationship with Bai Xiuming. She had initially thought Xue Shi exaggerated, but it turned out their relationship was deeper than she had imagined.

Bai Xiuming had once opened the palace gates at midnight to find a physician for this girl, saved her from the Marquis of Zhenbei, recently traveled to Xiling with her, and finally returned together, all of which showed their extraordinary relationship.

If not for Xue Shi mentioning this girl’s cunning, even she might have been deceived.

She had originally thought that if Xue Shi’s defeat was merely due to her incompetence, she could lend a hand, but now she had to reconsider whether it was worth it.

A Chan soon felt a distinct gaze upon her. She turned her head slightly, meeting the Princess of Xinan’s eyes directly.

She smiled at the Princess, who returned the smile before looking away.

After speaking a bit more with the Princess Consort, the Princess of Xinan called her daughter, who was clinging to Bai Yue, back to her side. Only then did they leave the Waterheart Arbor with Bai Yue.

Just outside the door, they saw another maid leading someone towards them.

As they met face to face, A Chan paused slightly—it was Xue Shi.

Xue Shi had spotted A Chan from afar and had been staring at her, her gloomy gaze making A Chan thoroughly uncomfortable.

When Xue Shi drew near, A Chan suddenly spoke: “Madam, you’ve been staring at me. Is there something you wish to say?”

“Your schemes came to nothing. The Marquis is fine now.”

“Is that so? Then congratulations, Madam Marquis,” A Chan replied, somewhat surprised. It seemed Bai Xiuming had acted quickly; he had actually managed to get him arrested.

She hadn’t really expected this matter to do much to the Marquis of Jinyang; she simply didn’t want them to have an easy time, so she deliberately instigated Bai Xiuming to cause them trouble.

Seeing her nonchalant demeanor, Xue Shi’s breathing became slightly heavier. “I will remember everything you’ve done.”

A Chan chuckled softly, her voice full of meaning: “Madam Xue, don’t take things so hard. Your complexion isn’t good; you should rest well. If anything were to happen to you, the Marquis of Jinyang’s household might become desolate.”

“You…”

A Chan nodded slightly at her, then walked away without looking back, leaving Xue Shi standing there, staring intently at her retreating figure.

Although Bai Yue was simple-minded, she knew of the strained relationship between A Chan and the Xue family, so she explained, “My mother isn’t close to that Madam Xue. She was invited by my aunt.”

At this, Bai Yue’s eyes drifted slightly.

Her aunt had originally intended to invite Ji Chan, but she had heard her mother and father discussing their dilemma, unsure if sending an invitation would be appropriate. Remembering Lin Sui had mentioned her good relationship with Ji Chan, Bai Yue had then volunteered to handle the matter.

Although she didn’t know why her aunt wanted to invite Ji Chan, she didn’t think it was anything bad.

“The Princess of Xinan?” A Chan’s heart stirred. If this Princess was acquainted with Xue Shi, was her invitation due to Bai Yue, or was it the Princess’s own intention?

She recalled the earlier scene, finding it difficult to gauge the Princess’s feelings towards her.

A Chan didn’t dwell on it further, asking instead, “The Princess doesn’t seem to attend many banquets?”

“No, my aunt injured her health years ago while caring for my grandmother, so she rarely goes out. She usually only comes to the Prince’s Residence to accompany my grandparents.”

“How could someone of the Princess’s noble status injure herself?” A Chan asked, very curious.

Bai Yue, unable to keep secrets, answered readily when asked: “One year, when my grandmother was gravely ill, my aunt knelt and prayed all the way to the Guo’an Temple in the freezing snow to beg for her recovery. Grandmother did recover, but my aunt was left with chronic illness.”

“So that’s it. The Princess is truly filial,” A Chan praised, then asked, “I saw the Princess’s daughter was very adorable. Why didn’t she bring the little girl out to play just now?”

“My aunt dotes on Bao’er like the apple of her eye. If we brought Bao’er out, she would surely follow.”

“Does she not feel safe even within the Prince’s Residence?”

Bai Yue sighed. “That’s another tragedy. Years ago, my aunt and uncle had a son, but during the time my aunt was praying for Grandmother, the child was kidnapped and never found.”

“Didn’t they report it to the authorities?”

“Of course they did, but my uncle wasn’t home, and my aunt was away. The careless servants neglected their duties when their masters were absent. By the time they realized the child was missing, two days had passed, and he was never found again.”

A Chan nodded. It sounded like the Princess’s experiences were truly tragic.

“No wonder. The Princess has certainly had a difficult life.”

As A Chan was speaking with Bai Yue, Lin Sui suddenly looked towards a nearby rockery and barked, “Who’s there? Come out!”

A Chan and Bai Yue also turned to look. After a moment, a person slowly emerged from the grotto of the rockery.

“Master Yu?” A Chan recognized her.

Master Yu’s face was still pale, her eyes slightly red, as if she had just been crying.

Lin Sui immediately regretted her outburst. She had thought someone was eavesdropping on their conversation and shouldn’t have called her out.

Master Yu bowed slightly to the three. “My apologies for disturbing you.”

“You’re from the opera troupe, aren’t you? No disturbance at all; we were the ones who startled you,” Bai Yue said gently, unbothered by such a minor incident.

At that moment, she resembled her mother even more.

Master Yu stared at Bai Yue for a long while before shifting her gaze to A Chan.

Having regained her composure, she said to A Chan, “Miss, what a coincidence; we meet again.”

“Not entirely a coincidence. I heard there would be a ghost opera at Prince Ying’an’s Residence today, so I came specifically to enjoy it.”

Master Yu’s lips twitched, as if she wanted to smile but couldn’t. “Then I assure you, you won’t be disappointed today.”

With that, she turned to Bai Yue. “I’ll take my leave now.”

Watching Master Yu walk away, Bai Yue frowned slightly. There was something strangely familiar about that slender figure, yet she was certain she had never met her before.