Chapter 12: Attending the Banquet

Chapter 12: Attending the Banquet

Grand Princess Chaolin had originally intended to invite the Qiu family to stay for a meal, but feeling tired after sitting for too long, she had to give up the idea. Before they left, she invited Qiu Shuiyi to come visit her residence another time.

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and nodded, then waited with her parents for their carriage.

Back at the manor, she had dinner with the Yun'an Marquis and his wife before heading briskly toward Chunhui Garden.

Watching her daughter disappear from view, Lady Mei remarked to her husband with a sigh, "Yi'er has come out of her shell much more compared to when she first returned to the manor." She chuckled, leaning against the Marquis of Yun'an's shoulder, and teased, "I didn't realize back then that she was such a crybaby."

The Marquis of Yun'an's expression flickered with a strange expression for a moment.

He thought to himself that in his wife's eyes, their little daughter was delicate and easily bullied, like a tender flower.

Indeed, she was a flower—but one with hidden thorns.

Yet it was precisely this quality that ensured she wouldn't be bullied.

The Marquis of Yun'an breathed a sigh of relief.

When their daughter first returned to the manor, he, like his wife, had worried every day about how she was settling in, afraid she'd be mistreated.

Now, having glimpsed a bit of her true nature, the heavy stone weighing on his heart had lightened somewhat.

With such a temperament, how could she possibly be bullied?

Hadn't she just made Count Changxing, who had lived half his life, dance to her tune?

A secret pride swelled in the Marquis of Yun'an's heart.

Truly his own flesh and blood!

As his thoughts wandered, he heard Lady Mei murmur softly, "When Yi'er cries, she looks so delicate and charming, just like Ying'er. It makes me want to give her my very heart."

A pang struck the Marquis of Yun'an's chest, knowing his wife was thinking of their eldest daughter, whose whereabouts remained unknown.

He drew her into his arms and comforted her in a low voice, "Ying'er is blessed and will be fine. I promise you, I will bring her back safely."

Lady Mei's eyes reddened. She buried her face in her husband's chest, letting out soft, muffled sobs.

The Marquis of Yun'an's heart ached. He tightened his arms around her and patted her back again and again, comforting her wordlessly.

...

Back in Chunhui Garden, Qiu Shuiyi had no idea about her parents' concerns.

She went straight into her inner chamber and lay down on the couch.

The warmth of the room made her chest feel cozy and content.

Light footsteps approached as Xin Liu changed out the cold tea on the round table.

Qiu Shuiyi rolled over and sat up, facing Xin Liu's direction. She raised a thumb with her still-unhealed hand toward her.

"Xin Liu, you're the best."

Caught off guard, Xin Liu blushed instantly, though her eyes sparkled with joy.

Xin Tao, who had lagged a step behind, protested, pouting. "Miss only praises Xin Liu. You've forgotten all about me."

Qiu Shuiyi praised her equally, making the little maid's cheeks flush with delight.

Taking in the excited expressions of both maids, Qiu Shuiyi smiled.

Everything at present was deeply satisfying to her.

If only Deng Shixuan could be a bit more proactive and send her more lifespan, she would be even more content.

Unfortunately, according to Xu Xi, who was keeping an eye on the Changxing Count's residence, Deng Shixuan had been recuperating from his injuries lately and hadn't made any moves.

Considering his limited mobility, Qiu Shuiyi considerately held back her expectations.

While waiting, she saw no sign of retaliation from Deng Shixuan. Instead, she received an invitation from the Anyuan Marquis's residence.

"The Anyuan Marquis's residence?"

Qiu Shuiyi widened her eyes slightly in surprise.

Nanny Cui had filled her in on much about the relationships among the noble families in the capital.

As far as she knew, the Anyuan Marquis's residence and their Yun'an Marquis's residence didn't seem to be on close terms?

Noticing her confusion, Lady Mei explained, "Your mother thought you must be feeling stifled, cooped up in the manor while recovering from your injuries." Then, her lips curved into a teasing smile. "Nanny Cui couldn't stand seeing you slack off and even complained to me about it. This is a perfect opportunity to take you out for some relaxation."

A faint blush spread across the young lady's fair cheeks, revealing a hint of embarrassment.

During her recovery, she hadn't been idle—Nanny Cui had been drilling her daily on etiquette.

Qiu Shuiyi was naturally clever and had quickly mastered the basics, leading her to want to take it easy. But Nanny Cui, striving for perfection, seemed determined to transform her into a model noble lady within a single month, watching her like a hawk.

If not for Xin Liu and Xin Tao covering for her, she didn't know how exhausted she would have been.

Now that Lady Mei had exposed this, she couldn't help but act coquettishly. "Mother, I've already learned everything. Couldn't you talk to Nanny Cui and tell her I don't need to study anymore?"

Lady Mei firmly refused. "No."

"Mother, you're the best." Qiu Shuiyi hugged her arm, her voice soft and sweet. "Even if I must continue, couldn't it be a bit more relaxed? The current pace is too much for me. Mother..."

She drew out the last word, her tone like a feather lightly tickling the heart, utterly disarming.

Lady Mei's heart softened, and she agreed in a daze. "Then I'll speak with Nanny Cui."

"You're the best, Mother." Qiu Shuiyi smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons.

"You little..." Lady Mei snapped out of her "bewitchment" and tapped her forehead helplessly.

She called out, and Xia Shuang entered.

Lady Mei instructed her to hand the items to Xin Tao. "These are the new clothes I had tailored for you. Wear this set tomorrow to the banquet."

Qiu Shuiyi smiled and agreed.

...

The next day.

The carriage was ready to go early.

Qiu Shuiyi helped Madam Mei into the carriage.

Mother and daughter sat together, chatting affectionately to the sound of clopping hooves.

The carriage entered the hustling and bustling market district.

Qiu Shuiyi pulled back the carriage curtain and happened to catch a glimpse of thin smoke rising from a bun shop by the roadside.

The air was filled with various aromas—yangchun noodles, wontons, griddle cakes...

All mixed together, the smells weren't overwhelming but instead carried a unique, lively atmosphere.

As she breathed in the scents, Qiu Shuiyi touched her stomach.

She had just finished breakfast, yet she was already hungry again.

She swallowed as she reluctantly lowered the curtain and retreated inside, looking rather listless.

Madam Mei couldn't help but chuckle. "Little glutton."

Qiu Shuiyi coughed lightly.

After passing through two streets, they arrived at the Marquis of Anyuan's residence.

From the outside, it was about the same size as the Marquis of Yun'an's residence. Two *suanni* (mythical lion-like beasts) statues flanked the main gate, and the plaque was grand and imposing, exuding the wealth and dignity of a prominent household.

Many carriages were parked outside, with people coming and going. It was a lively scene.

A matron in a long jacket of patterned blue was guiding guests inside. Upon seeing Madam Mei, she beamed and hurried forward.

"Greetings, Madam Marquis. My lady is waiting inside. Please, come in quickly."

Madam Mei nodded with a smile.

Passing through the screen wall, they followed the covered walkway inward. After crossing the *chuihuamen* (a moon gate), the faint, delicate sounds of women's voices reached their ears.

A maid led Qiu Shuiyi and her mother further in. In a moment, a striking red hue in the center of the room caught their eye.

The Marchioness of Anyuan had sharp eyes. A flicker of surprise passed through her gaze before she smiled warmly. "Sister Mei, you've arrived."

Madam Mei led Qiu Shuiyi inside. "Sister Zheng, I hope you are well."

Noticing her gaze fixed on the center of the room, the Marchioness of Anyuan, her complexion rosy, spoke in a soft voice tinged with a hint of concealed pride.

"This child, Song'er, is too much. Knowing I love red jade, he went and found such a large pot of red jade coral from who knows where. Why go to all that trouble? It's pleasing to the eye but not very practical."

Qiu Shuiyi glanced over. A pot of red jade coral, as tall as a person, stood in the room. Its color was bright, clear, and translucent, flawless and exceptionally eye-catching.

Madam Mei's smile remained unchanged. "Young Master Qiao is filial. Sister Zheng is truly blessed."

Flattering remarks rose from around the room. The Marchioness of Anyuan beamed, her face glowing, unable to hide her delight.

Shifting her gaze, she looked at Qiu Shuiyi and said, "This must be the Second Young Lady? Look at her, lovely as a flower. Sister, you are the one who is blessed."

The smile on Madam Mei's face grew more genuine. "You flatter me."

Qiu Shuiyi maintained a proper smile, listening to their exchange of pleasantries. She appeared attentive, but her mind had already wandered.

She spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. Her eyes lit up, and she tugged gently on Madam Mei's sleeve, whispering a few words.

Madam Mei looked in the direction she indicated, a smile appearing in her eyes. "Go ahead."

Qiu Shuiyi's lips curved upward as she hurried over happily.

"Sister Meng."

"Sister Yi, you're here."

A smile appeared on Meng Qinruo's fair face as she pulled Qiu Shuiyi over. "Come, let's go outside to talk."

Qiu Shuiyi didn't know the other noble young ladies in the hall and found it dull to stay there. Arm in arm with Meng Qinruo, she left the main hall.

Outside, snow had begun to fall. The cold wind brushed against their faces, raising goosebumps on their exposed skin.

Qiu Shuiyi hugged her hand warmer tightly.

"The Yun'an Marquis's household has never had much to do with the Anyuan Marquis's residence. Why did you and Aunt Mei come to the banquet?"

Qiu Shuiyi replied, "My mother received the invitation. Thinking I was bored at home, she brought me out to see the world."

As they chatted, they momentarily failed to notice the figure ahead and nearly bumped into her.

"Who is it, rushing about so recklessly? If you injure this princess, can you afford to compensate?"

A young woman's angry voice rang out. Her tone was somewhat low, and when she spoke, it seemed to carry a magnetic quality, exceptionally pleasant to the ear.

Qiu Shuiyi looked up and was momentarily stunned.

The young woman before her wore a bright red *ruqun* that cinched a waist so slender it seemed one could encircle it with a single hand.

Over it, she wore a red cloak embroidered with golden peonies. Her hair was styled in a high cloud-like chignon, adorned with a gold filigree and ruby crabapple blossom hairpin that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. The dangling tassels fell beside her cheeks, accentuating a face that was radiant and dazzlingly beautiful.

Jade pendants hung from her belt, emitting crisp, ringing sounds as she moved.

Like a fiery butterfly in winter, passionate and flamboyant, she instantly captured everyone's attention.

A gleam of light shot from the young woman's eyes as she exclaimed joyfully, "Lian Ying? When did you return? Why didn't you notify me?"

Qiu Shuiyi looked bewildered.

Who was this?

The young woman frowned, sweeping her gaze over Qiu Shuiyi from head to toe. Her face instantly fell. "You're not Lian Ying."

Meng Qinruo quickly pulled Qiu Shuiyi aside. "Greetings, Princess Nanqi."

Qiu Shuiyi suddenly understood.

Princess Nanqi, the legitimate daughter of Prince Xian, and the close friend of her elder sister, Qiu Lianying.

"Greetings, Princess Nanqi."

She performed a curtsy.

Princess Nanqi muttered, "You really are carved from the same mold as Lian Ying."

Then, recalling the rumors she had heard, she said angrily, "Why do you copy Lian Ying in everything? Could it be you truly intend to replace her?"

Princess Nanqi shot her a sharp look. "Lian Ying may not be here, but I am. What's hers stays hers, and nobody else is taking it!"

Qiu Shuiyi arched a brow.

This was the first person to warn her directly to her face.

Yet the gaze held no malice, only sincerity, sparking a mischievous impulse in her.

She blinked, her expression shifting as the corners of her mouth drooped in a pout. "Where is this coming from, Your Highness? What would I take from my sister?"

Princess Nanqi was momentarily taken aback.

How was she supposed to know?

"My sister isn't home right now, and all her belongings are safely kept in Minghui Courtyard. Since my return, my clothes and jewelry have all been provided by Mother. Why would I need to take anything?"

Princess Nanqi was left speechless again.

Qiu Shuiyi dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, a sob catching in her throat. "Your Highness is accusing me for no reason at all."

Princess Nanqi panicked.

She had only intended to warn Qiu Shuiyi, not make her cry.

Awkward, she pursed her lips, her voice tightening. "It's just... it's what everyone's saying. You... don't cry..."

Qiu Shuiyi buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

"My apologies, I misunderstood you," Princess Nanqi said, her voice strained. "Are we good now?"

Qiu Shuiyi lowered the handkerchief, smiling through her tears. "I forgive Your Highness. My sister is really lucky to have a friend like you."

Princess Nanqi's face flushed, feeling thoroughly embarrassed.

Meng Qinruo tactfully interjected, "Your Highness, Sister Yi and I were just about to walk up ahead, so we'll take our leave now."

Princess Nanqi nodded in a hurry. "I have things to do too. Goodbye."

And with that, she hurried away.

After she left, Meng Qinruo teased with a smile, "Even Princess Nanqi could be fooled. Sister Yi, you are truly impressive."

Qiu Shuiyi gave a light cough.

She got along well with Meng Qinruo and didn't mind revealing her true nature in front of her. She grinned and said, "Thank you for the praise, Sister Meng."

Meng Qinruo shook her head with a soft laugh.

Side by side, they walked along the covered corridor. As they passed a rockery, a figure suddenly darted out from ahead.

"Oh dear."