Chapter 39: Spring Banquet

Chapter 39: The Spring Banquet

When Qiao Wan awoke, Mu Chi was already gone.

Instead, Yicui burst in, her face alight with excitement as she looked at Qiao Wan. "Princess, the guards just announced that you may attend the Spring Banquet!"

Qiao Wan’s eyes gleamed. Perhaps taking in that scoundrel last night wasn't entirely without benefit—he had, after all, granted permission first thing this morning.

But then Yicui’s expression clouded with a hint of worry. "But Princess, things are different now. If you go, there’s no telling what gossip might upset you. Wouldn't it be better to remain in the manor?"

"What is there to fear?" Qiao Wan knew Yicui’s concerns. In the past, she had been flamboyant, but now, fallen on hard times, countless people were eager to see her ridiculed. "This princess insists on going, and not just going, but making a grand entrance."

She wanted them to see that even in her current state, she was still Princess Changle.

More importantly, Qiao Wan felt that if she remained confined to her bedchamber, trapped in such a small space, she would soon go mad.

Yicui’s worry lingered, but seeing the princess’s keen interest, she said no more.

The next day was the Spring Banquet. The sky was clear, and a gentle spring breeze caressed their faces.

Early that morning, Yicui busied herself with Qiao Wan’s toilette. She applied makeup with meticulous care, even drawing each eyebrow hair by hair.

Qiao Wan’s hair was styled in an "alarmed swan" updo, adorned with a gold-filigree red jade glass hairpin. On either side, she wore kingfisher-feather-inlaid gemstone gold phoenix hairpins, which, reflecting her fiery red, gold-embroidered phoenix gauze dress, made her appear both noble and magnificent.

"The princess looks truly beautiful," Yicui murmured, gazing at Qiao Wan in the bronze mirror.

Qiao Wan adjusted the hairpins on her head, and with a raised eyebrow, the earlier gentleness vanished, replaced by a look of confident radiance. "Naturally."

Yicui smiled faintly.

Suddenly, Qiao Wan thought of something and leaned closer to the bronze mirror. "It still seems a bit stiff."

Her hair was adorned with golden jewels, but nothing else.

"Princess?" Yicui was puzzled.

Qiao Wan pondered for a moment, then retrieved the flower-butterfly hairpin she had found during her night market stroll with Jing Lan. The butterfly wings, a vibrant mix of hibiscus-red and peacock-green, were crafted with such exquisite artistry that they seemed to flutter with life.

She angled the hairpin into her updo, and seeing the lifelike butterfly, she finally looked satisfied.

The two then boarded their carriage and, accompanied by their maids and servants, set off for Hidden Spring Villa.

Hidden Spring Villa was the most splendid estate in Lingjing, named "Hidden Spring" because its trees remained green and its flowers bloomed year-round.

The villa rarely opened its gates, only for the Spring Banquet, Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Emperor’s birthday. Only royalty, nobility, and esteemed ladies were permitted entry.

By the time Qiao Wan arrived, many exquisite and opulent carriages were already parked outside, suggesting the Spring Banquet was well underway.

Indeed, inside, many young lords and ladies were gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing. Noticing new arrivals outside the villa, they all turned to look.

"Who has such a grand procession?" someone whispered.

"Who else but Princess Changle…"

There was no one else in all of Lingjing who could command such extravagance. Not only did the princess herself wear priceless, luxurious jewelry, but even her maids were dressed in fine silk gowns, and the carriage’s reins were adorned with gold and jade.

"Wasn’t Princess Changle under house arrest?"

"Yes, I heard that too. How is she out now?"

"She doesn’t look downtrodden at all. In fact, she seems to be in even better spirits…"

Qiao Wan paid no mind to the chatter, simply following her servants toward the center of the Spring Banquet.

Although the Spring Banquet was meant to be informal, when it involved the imperial family, certain rules still applied.

For instance, those of higher status were assigned seats of honor.

Just as Qiao Wan was about to sit down, her brow furrowed slightly.

The Spring Banquet had a setup reminiscent of the "winding stream" drinking game, but instead of a stream, there was a display of gourmet food and literary games, with men and women seated separately.

This year, the main seating arrangement had subtle changes. Qiao Qingni’s seat was, naturally, not far from hers, but opposite them, besides the princes’ seats, an additional, more ornate chair had been placed on the far right.

Very few people held higher status than the princes.

Qiao Wan pursed her lips. Qiao Heng had been frail recently, unable even to attend court, so he couldn’t possibly be at the banquet. That left only…

Qiao Wan glanced at the grand chair, then at Qiao Qingni’s seat nearby. She hesitated, then turned and headed toward the lower seats.

"Princess?" Yicui followed, puzzled. "Why did you suddenly leave?"

"I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun," Qiao Wan muttered under her breath. With Qiao Qingni beside her and Mu Chi across from her, the mere thought of that scene filled her with revulsion.

Once at Yanming Mountain, once during the palace coup.

Whenever those two appeared together, nothing good ever came of it for her.

A commotion erupted not far away, and Qiao Wan paused, looking in that direction.

Qiao Qingni was approaching, gracefully accepting the admiration of young noblemen and the envy of noble ladies.

Unlike Qiao Wan’s flamboyant style, Qiao Qingni was dressed simply yet elegantly today, in a hibiscus-colored cloud-patterned dress, her hair styled in a gentle "falling horse" bun. A simple gold-filigree red bean hairpin nestled in her dark hair.

Qiao Wan’s gaze lingered on that hairpin for a moment. She knew very well it was one of the pieces of jewelry she had sent over.

Red beans—a symbol of longing.

Mu Chi had one too.

As if sensing her gaze, Qiao Qingni looked over, paused, and was about to nod and smile.

But before she could fully smile, Qiao Wan had already turned away, finding a seat and settling down.

"Did you hear? Qiao Wan came to today’s Spring Banquet."

"Her? How does she still have the nerve to show up?"

"She was over there just now, making quite a spectacle. It was one thing when she acted spoiled because of the Emperor’s favor, but now everyone knows her situation. The title 'princess' sounds good, but she’s nothing like Princess Zhaoyang…"

"How could she compare to Princess Zhaoyang? They’re as different as heaven and earth. My father works with Minister Wen, and I heard that even when Qiao Wan was in favor, she tried everything to please Young Master Mu, but he barely looked at her. His heart was always with Princess Zhaoyang. In the end, Qiao Wan just made a fool of herself."

"Isn’t she shameless? Just the other day, she had the manager of Yuxiu Pavilion deliver several boxes of clothes and jewelry, and then she turned around and wore those clothes to the pleasure house…"

Yicui listened, her face burning with anger, as the young noblewomen nearby gossiped about her princess. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she was about to speak up.

"Wait," Qiao Wan stopped her.

"Princess," Yicui looked at her with a pained expression. How could the princess, with her noble status, tolerate such slander?

Qiao Wan showed no surprise. Those noblewomen had always been close to Qiao Qingni. They disliked her, and she disliked them.

It was just that in the past, these people never dared to speak such words in public, maintaining a polite distance. Now that she had lost her backing, hearing these remarks was hardly unexpected.

Qiao Wan instinctively touched her waist, only to realize that this dress wasn't suitable for carrying her soft whip, so she hadn't brought it.

Qiao Wan frowned, regretfully looking at her delicate hands.

"I also heard," the noblewomen continued, "that the Jing family was ruined because of Qiao Wan. Now all the men in Lingjing avoid her. In the future, she’ll probably end up in a nunnery…"

Before the woman could finish her sentence, she felt a shadow fall over her.

Qiao Wan walked up to their table with a smile, blinking her eyes with an innocent expression. "Are you all talking about me?"

The speaker, Zhao Ying, was the legitimate daughter of the current General of the Guards. She stiffened at the sight of Qiao Wan, then noticed her luxurious attire. Having waited a long time at Yuxiu Pavilion for just one cloud-patterned dress, she said displeasedly, "Yes, so what?"

After all, this Qiao Wan was merely an out-of-favor princess, while her father was a great contributor who followed Minister Wen and Young Master Mu.

Qiao Wan shook her head. "Nothing much."

As she spoke, she gestured to the low table in front of her—it wasn't too heavy.

"What are you… Ah!" Zhao Ying was about to say something when she suddenly shrieked.

The low table was overturned, all the pastries scattered on the ground, hot tea splashed onto their faces and clothes, then crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

Qiao Wan looked at the red marks on their hands and faces, clapped her hands, and laughed gleefully. "Since good tea and pastries can't shut your mouths, then simply don't eat anymore."

When it came to causing trouble, she was a master.

"Qiao Wan!" Zhao Ying stood up and lunged at her.

"Oh dear," Qiao Wan looked at her. "That tea was so hot. What if it leaves a scar on your face? Would you like to accompany me to the nunnery and become nuns together?"

Zhao Ying’s face changed color, and she instinctively covered her cheek where the hot tea had splashed. Glancing at the eyes around her, her eyes reddened, and she hunched her shoulders, running away.

Once Zhao Ying fled, the others dared not say anything more, allowing their maids to help them leave their seats.

Qiao Wan watched them flee in disarray, and her mood instantly brightened. She glanced around, and everyone quickly averted their gaze.

Qiao Wan raised an eyebrow with a smile and returned to her previous seat. She poured herself a cup of pear blossom wine, drinking while casually scanning ahead, then her hand froze.

As the fine liquor went down her throat, Qiao Wan looked at the man sitting across from her and choked.

"Cough, cough…" Qiao Wan coughed until her cheeks turned red.

Yicui quickly took the cup from her hand. "Princess, what's wrong?"

Qiao Wan waved her hand, took a silk handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth, and looked across again.

The scholar-like man was still sitting there, but today he was wearing a white scholar's robe. He held a cup of tea in his left hand, and a book was still placed by his right hand. His appearance was fair and handsome, and he was looking at her, a rare trace of astonishment in his gentle eyes.

Clearly, he had witnessed her earlier "feat" in its entirety.

Qiao Wan never expected to run into this scholar here again.

Their first meeting at Heyi Tower was nothing special, and the second time he happened to see her coming out of the pleasure house was already enough. But this third time, he even saw her overturn the noblewomen's tea table…

Perhaps with so many debts, one more didn't matter. Having been seen by this man so many times, Qiao Wan no longer felt uncomfortable. She glanced at the book in the scholar's hand, raised her eyebrows, and said arrogantly, "Bookworm, you even bring books to the spring banquet?"

The scholar, startled by her address, blushed at the ears, quickly put down his teacup, stood up, and cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Princess Changle."

Qiao Wan laughed at his serious demeanor. "What's your name?"

The scholar said, "My surname is Cheng, given name Qingchuan. 'Clear streams wind through long banks, carriages and horses roam leisurely'—that Qingchuan. My family originates from Jizhou, and currently, I am a protégé of Minister Wen's household…"

***

A dark carriage slowly stopped outside the spring banquet.

Si Li said in a deep voice, "Young Master, we've arrived."

Inside the carriage, Mu Chi let out a low "Hmm" but did not immediately alight.

He remained seated, unconsciously clenching his hand tightly. After a while, he pushed open the carriage door and alighted slowly.

Many people looked over and then froze in place.

The man who stepped out of the carriage wore a snow-white robe embroidered with faint gold-thread cloud patterns. His stunning appearance, like jade-like complexion under the bright light, with eyes that seemed to shift like swirling mist and flowing smoke, was both ethereal and haunting.

His raven hair, like fine silk, was half-bound with a simple hairpin.

Noticing the stares, Mu Chi frowned displeasedly and swept a cold gaze over the crowd.

Everyone felt a chill from that look and quickly averted their eyes, not daring to look again.

Mu Chi walked slowly into the spring banquet, unconsciously his lips quirking. The spring sunshine shone on him, as if even the coldness on his body had dissipated somewhat.

Minister Wen and several officials were waiting not far away. Seeing him approach, they hurried forward and cupped their hands in salute. "Young Master Mu."

Mu Chi did not respond, simply walking straight ahead.

Wen Xun was about to say something when he heard an official nearby whispering, only vaguely catching the words "princess" and "hairpin."

Wen Xun instinctively looked at Mu Chi's hair and froze.

The golden red bean hairpin looked extremely familiar. After a moment, it suddenly dawned on him—wasn't this the very hairpin that Princess Zhaoyang was wearing today?

A knowing smile crossed Wen Xun's face, and he did not pursue the matter.

Mu Chi continued walking toward the center of the spring banquet, aware of the constant gazes fixed on his hair along the way.

His steps unconsciously relaxed, and the earlier killing intent from being surrounded by the crowd faded.

But the next moment.

"Young Master Mu and the princess are truly a perfect match," someone murmured softly, followed by murmurs of agreement.

Mu Chi suddenly paused, frowning.

It was just a similar hairpin. How could he be a perfect match with that spoiled and capricious little princess, Qiao Wan?

Si Li, noticing Mu Chi's momentary pause, turned and saw the faint upturn of his master's lips. He asked curiously, "Young Master, are you in a good mood today?"

Mu Chi glanced at him lightly.

Si Li quickly bowed his head. "This subordinate spoke out of turn."

After a moment of silence, Mu Chi said, "Hmm," and continued forward.

Sili followed, puzzled, unsure whether the young master was responding to him or to the earlier remark about his "good mood."

Upon reaching the center of the spring banquet, Mu Chi took his seat at the seat of honor and involuntarily glanced across the room.

It was empty, with no one there.

Frowning slightly, he was about to speak when a soft, gentle female voice came from beside him: "Young Master Mu."

Hearing the voice, Mu Chi paused for a moment before looking up. Qiao Qingni stood behind the seat opposite him, nodding in greeting, her cheeks slightly flushed. Her gaze, liquid, quickly swept over the hairpin in his hair before she looked away.

"Princess Zhaoyang," Mu Chi replied with a gentle smile, nodding in return before starting to withdraw his gaze. But the next moment, he noticed something and looked back at Qiao Qingni’s hair.

A finely carved red jade red bean was nestled among her dark locks, looking all too familiar.

He stared for a long time—so long that Qiao Qingni’s cheeks grew even redder with shyness. Yet the gentle smile on his lips did not change in the slightest; only his eyes darkened, as if clouded by ink.

Until a surprised female voice from the less prominent seats broke the silence: "Since you’re from Jizhou, you must have seen plenty of snow, right?"

A man replied gently, "Your Highness, every winter in Jizhou brings heavy snowfall. At its deepest, the snow can reach two feet."

Mu Chi calmly shifted his gaze toward the source of the conversation.

Qiao Wan sat in the less prominent seats, leaning forward slightly, her eyes bright and fixed on the scholar-like man across from her.

And in her hair, the butterfly wings of the butterfly hairpin quivered, poised as if about to take flight.

Author's Note:

Doggo: First time wearing a matching hairpin, a little nervous.

Doggo: Who said we look good together? I'm merely wearing a hairpin.

Doggo: 🙂