Chapter 138

Chapter 138: Lotus Appreciation Banquet

Princess Yongtai’s lotus appreciation banquet invited many guests, but upon closer inspection of their identities, each was an influential figure in the capital. However, no matter how noble their status, none were above Princess Yongtai’s. Moreover, since it was rare for Princess Yongtai to host such an event, those who received invitations, unless truly unable to attend, all showed her respect by bringing gifts to the princess’s estate.

Xue Yi didn't dare decline the invitation. She carefully selected a gift—a vase that was neither particularly impressive nor disappointingly plain.

It was peach-red in color, with a round, bulging belly and a narrow mouth. The body of the vase was adorned with a design of red plum blossoms in winter snow.

Seeing her nervousness, her maid tried to distract her by asking softly, “Madam, why do you think Princess Yongtai suddenly decided to host a lotus appreciation banquet? She hasn’t attended such events for many years, let alone hosted one.”

Xue Yi recalled her husband’s words: “The princess may be hosting this banquet under the Emperor’s orders. Among the many guests she invited, all the young ladies participating in the imperial selection process are included.”

At the time, Xue Yi was hesitating whether to attend. If she had company, she wouldn’t mind going, but since Dong Yuting couldn’t attend due to Li Lingchuan’s situation, Xue Yi had no desire to go.

She suddenly understood, “Is the princess helping her brothers choose wives?”

If it were high-ranking consorts choosing brides for their sons, they would at least get a look at the candidates. However, this time, it was for the Emperor’s younger sons, and the highest-ranking among their birth mothers was Consort Liang.

The Emperor likely considered them unfit for the task, so he entrusted it to Princess Yongtai instead.

As Xue Yi pondered this, she felt a pang of sympathy for the Empress.

The stepmother Empress hadn't borne any children and was not favored by the Emperor. Even for something as important as selecting consorts for the princes, the Emperor preferred to assign the task to his daughter rather than the Empress.

“Yes, when you attend the banquet, pay attention to which young women the princess favors. They might become future Princess Consorts,” the Minister said, ultimately deciding whether Xue Yi would attend.

With no other choice, Xue Yi had to go.

This was not something she could discuss with her maid, so Xue Yi simply replied, “I’m not sure either.”

When the carriage arrived at the princess’s estate, Xue Yi stepped down, supported by her maid. A maidservant came forward to greet them, and though Xue Yi felt uneasy, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

The princess’s residence had been built over a decade ago, yet it still remained magnificent. Not only was the estate vast, but every brick and tile seemed as if dusted with gold.

It was just as impressive as the residences of the princes—in fact, it was even more magnificent.

The maid did not lead them to the inner courtyard but directly to the garden of the princess’s residence.

The garden alone occupied two-thirds of the Dong residence. Upon entering, the space opened up before them.

A sparkling lake stretched before them, bordered by several exquisite octagonal pavilions. Rare flowers and plants clustered along the shore, while further away, tall trees stood like rows of guards.

The maid led Xue Yi along a path paved with blue bricks until they reached the Shuiyun Pavilion by the lake.

The pavilion not only had an elegant name but was also beautifully constructed. Even more remarkably, it stood in the center of the lake, surrounded by water on three sides. Stepping into Shuiyun Pavilion felt like drifting into a sea of lotus leaves.

The fresh fragrance of lotus flowers filled the air, far more natural than the scented creams and powders sold in perfumeries. Thin, plain silk curtains hung on three sides of the pavilion, swaying gently in the breeze, carrying the scent of lotus blossoms inside.

On each of the three sides stood an ice chest, each containing a large block of ice giving off a chill mist. Maids held palm-leaf fans larger than their faces, gently waving them to send cool breezes throughout the pavilion.

Xue Yi could feel the cool air as soon as she entered Shuiyun Pavilion.

She bowed to the princess, and her maid presented the gift to the palace attendant.

Princess Yongtai gave a slight smile at her. “Madam Dong, please take a seat. There’s no need to stand on ceremony here.”

A maid guided her to her seat. Xue Yi, being naturally reserved around strangers, spoke very little and complied without protest.

Her maid, however, felt indignant, thinking their mistress’s seat was placed too far from the honored guests.

The seating order mattered; those closest to Princess Yongtai held the highest status, while Xue Yi's seat was at the farthest end.

Xue Yi was unaware of her maid's thoughts. Since no one spoke to her, she sat silently, her gaze drifting outside the water pavilion.

The lake was covered with lotus leaves, one after another, yet it looked perfectly orderly. Like the palace gardens that had caretakers, the lake in the princess's estate was also meticulously maintained.

Lotus blossoms bloomed sporadically among the leaves, some resting like bowls on the water's surface, while others stood tall, swaying in the breeze.

Wherever there were lotus leaves, blooming lotuses could be found, dotting the emerald-green canvas like ornaments.

Across the entire lake, lotus flowers and leaves grew densely in some areas and sparsely in others, with several koi fish swimming back and forth beneath the water's surface.

It felt like a small summer retreat; sitting here, one could momentarily forget the summer heat.

On the table were shaved ice desserts, cheese, seasonal fruits, and an assortment of exquisitely crafted pastries.

Xue Yi only reached for the plate nearest to her, nibbling slowly. This way, when people looked her way, she would appear occupied.

She didn’t want others to think she was just sitting there doing nothing, as if she were sulking or reluctant to attend.

Xue Yi had no intention of being misunderstood.

Her maid, who had initially been resentful, lowered her head even further upon seeing the guests arriving, wishing she could sink through the floor.

Princess Yongtai had invited so many noble young women.

Xue Yi had intended to keep a low profile. She was neither the first nor the last to arrive, but she hadn’t expected the final guest to be from her own Xue family.

When Xue Jiayan was brought in by her mother, she had been told repeatedly not to cause trouble. Yet, upon seeing Princess Yongtai, she was reminded of the purpose behind the princess's invitation, and the smile on her face instantly vanished.

With a sullen expression, she followed her mother in paying their respects, though her displeasure was evident to everyone.

Those present had more or less gathered some information beforehand and turned their attention to Princess Yongtai, simultaneously feeling a mix of awe and admiration for Xue Jiayan, who dared to show displeasure toward the princess.

Lady Xue was momentarily flustered but quickly diverted everyone’s attention.

"Princess, I had long heard about the double lotus flowers in your estate. Today, I finally have the chance to see them."

The so-called double lotus flowers referred to two blossoms growing from a single stem, a rare phenomenon. Legend had it that those who witnessed such an auspicious sign would be blessed with happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Xue Jiayan silently rolled her eyes inwardly. *What auspicious sign? If it were truly that miraculous, Princess Yongtai’s child wouldn’t have died.*

Clearly, it was useless.

Everyone followed Princess Yongtai’s gesture to look toward the lake, unaware of Xue Jiayan’s impatience.

Lady Xue, who had brought up the topic, returned to her daughter’s side and scolded in a whisper, "Don’t cause trouble. Sit properly."

Xue Yi also leaned forward to look at the lake. She had only heard of double lotus flowers but had never seen them before.

In the direction Princess Yongtai pointed, two lotus blooms shaped like bowls grew from a single stem. Though not pressed closely together—almost as if facing each other—their delicate pink petals tinged with white were identical, like a pair of twins.

"How beautiful! We have you to thank, Princess, I am able to witness such an auspicious sight."

"Double lotus flowers are rare in this world. No wonder so many scholars and poets travel across the land just to catch a glimpse of them."

Xue Yi was amazed for a moment but soon lost interest.

The twin lotus blossoms were indeed marvelous, but aside from that, they were just like any other lotus blossoms.

As she was watching, Lady Xue guided her daughter over to Xue Yi's side. "If you'd rather not, sit here with your sister."

Xue Jiayan was the legitimate daughter of the eldest branch and also a child born late in her parents' lives, pampered since she was little. In contrast, Xue Yi was a daughter of the third branch and born of a concubine. The two had hardly ever spoken to each other while living in the Xue residence. Now, having to sit beside Xue Yi made Xue Jiayan feel extremely uncomfortable.

Xue Jiayan gave a sullen nod, planning to remain seated there until the banquet ended.

Unexpectedly, after everyone had finished admiring the twin lotus blossoms, Princess Yongtai said, "Miss Xue, Miss Song, your seats are here."

Xue Jiayan, who had been eating a frozen dessert, was abruptly addressed by the princess. She lifted her head suddenly, with a bit of juice still dripping from the corner of her mouth.

Xue Yi sighed and quickly urged her maid to wipe it off.

The brief moment of relaxation on Xue Jiayan's face vanished once again. She stood up reluctantly and, along with the other Miss Song—Grand Tutor Song's granddaughter—took the two seats of honor at another table.

Given their statuses, it was not at all surprising for the two of them to occupy such prominent positions among so many noble ladies.

Lady Xue breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the princess had not taken Xue Jiayan's attitude to heart.

However, not long after Xue Jiayan had taken her seat, the princess called her up again, this time along with Song Xiaoshan.

Xue Jiayan was about to explode.

Lady Xue shot her daughter a warning glance, silently urging her to behave.

Compared to Xue Jiayan's visibly resistant demeanor, Song Xiaoshan could be described as the picture of a proper young lady. She walked gracefully to the center of the banquet hall, her back straight and poised.

"These are two bolts of brocade woven with gold thread. I thought the colors would suit you both perfectly, so I’m giving them to you," Princess Yongtai said. Two maids then stepped forward, holding the brocade.

The fabric was extremely luxurious—one bolt was a rich crimson, the other a bright gold-orange. They shimmered like the sparkling surface of a lake, and even without touching them, one could imagine their smoothness.

Song Xiaoshan bowed gracefully and said, "Thank you, Princess."

Xue Jiayan glanced at the noble ladies at the other table, noticing expressions of envy and jealousy among them.

Instead of accepting the brocade, Xue Jiayan asked, "Princess, may I ask what gifts you have given them?"

Lady Xue widened her eyes, wishing she could drag her daughter away immediately to prevent her from saying anything more shocking.

The onlookers watched with keen interest. Xue Jiayan had already shown disrespect toward the princess earlier, and the princess had let it slide. Now she was at it again—did she truly think the princess had boundless patience?