Chapter 46: Spring Outing

Chapter 46: Spring Banquet

Once the news of Qiu Shuiyi and Shen Yuchao’s engagement spread, Meng Qinruo paid a visit.

“Some time ago, I went with my mother to inspect the family estates and had no idea something had happened to you. I wasn’t able to help Sister Yi—will you blame me?”

Meng Qinruo held Qiu Shuiyi’s hands, her eyes filled with guilt.

“How could I?”

Qiu Shuiyi clasped her hands in return. “You can’t control what people say. How could you, Sister, possibly stop them?”

Meng Qinruo studied Qiu Shuiyi’s expression and, seeing no shadow of worry on her face, knew the rumors hadn’t affected her, letting out a sigh of relief.

She shook her head with a wry smile. “That’s not the point. If I had been here, never mind outsiders, no one in my household would dare say a word about you.”

“You really have the bearing of the lady of the house.”

Qiu Shuiyi teased.

The two of them burst out laughing.

After laughing, Meng Qinruo asked, “Do you truly wish to marry Prince Duansu?”

Qiu Shuiyi nodded without hesitation. “Truly.”

Her tone was firm, so Meng Qinruo didn’t press further, only saying, “Sister Yi, stay at home these days and go out less. Once your engagement to Prince Duansu spreads, some people will likely hold even more resentment toward you.”

“Who knows what methods they’ll use to harm you.”

“What unfortunate timing.”

Qiu Shuiyi turned away and picked up an invitation from the desk.

The invitation was adorned with peonies painted in gold powder, giving off a subtle scent when opened, exquisite in every detail.

“Princess Nanqi’s invitation?”

Meng Qinruo was surprised. “She sent you one too?”

“Yes.” Qiu Shuiyi sighed, then smiled as she thought of something. “Sister, you don’t know—the servants at Prince Xian’s residence said that the princess specifically instructed them not to let me feign illness. If I don’t go, she’ll send an eight-man sedan chair to carry me there.”

Meng Qinruo frowned deeply. “How can she be so overbearing?”

Her gaze was worried. “She comes with ill intentions. Even if you don’t go, could she really barge into the estate?”

“Sister, don’t worry. I’m not afraid of the princess.” Qiu Shuiyi reassured her. “If she truly intends to harm me, if it’s not this time, it’ll be another. Rather than living in constant fear, it’s better to go and see what she’s up to.”

Besides, ever since she turned her attention to Shen Yuchao, all she'd encountered were assassinations, one after another. It had been a while since she’d faced tricks of teasing and framing, and she felt almost nostalgic for them.

“Since you have a plan, I won’t try to dissuade you. I’ll go with you that day so we can look out for each other.” Meng Qinruo said.

“You’re so good, Sister Meng.”

Qiu Shuiyi smiled brightly as she hugged Meng Qinruo.

…

With the coming of spring, there were many banquets in the capital.

After Princess Nanqi’s invitations were sent out, all the noble families reduced their social activities, putting all their energy into attending the banquet at Prince Xian’s residence.

Currently, the most sought-after young talents in the capital were none other than Prince Xian’s son, Zhou Yunjing, and Prince Yue’s son, Zhou Yundun.

Between these two, one might very well become the future emperor. If one could marry either of them, it would be a gamble—to become the empress, or at the very least, a princess in the future.

Why not give it a try?

Thus, when Qiu Shuiyi stepped out of the carriage and saw the row of lovely young ladies in front of Prince Xian’s residence, she wasn’t surprised.

When she found Meng Qinruo, she even joked, “With so many beautiful girls, the ‘flowers’ we’re appreciating today might not be the usual kind.”

Meng Qinruo also laughed. “Prince Xian’s son hasn’t yet been engaged. Who knows if among these young ladies today, there might be a future princess?”

This, Qiu Shuiyi actually knew.

Come to think of it, the future princess of Prince Xian’s son was actually related to her.

Qiao Liansong, who had tried to frame him last time and ended up under house arrest, was her own brother.

Muttering to herself about how small the world was, Qiu Shuiyi linked arms with Meng Qinruo. “Whatever—it has nothing to do with us anyway.”

Meng Qinruo chuckled. “True.”

“Speaking of which, does Sister have someone she likes?”

As they followed the maids into the residence, Qiu Shuiyi whispered to Meng Qinruo.

Meng Qinruo teased her, “For people like us, what use is having someone we like?”

She adjusted the simple yet elegant white jade hairpin in her hair as she spoke. “A good match in status, noble character, and a harmonious family—that’s more than enough.”

The sunlight was bright, and the spring flowers were in full bloom.

With a gentle smile, elegant demeanor, and noble grace, she was the high-born lady everyone praised—the epitome of a refined young woman from a prestigious family.

Though their views differed, everyone had their own path. Qiu Shuiyi didn’t comment on it but instead asked, “Has Aunt Ren started looking for potential husbands for Sister?”

Meng Qinruo remained composed. “Soon.”

“Sister, whisper to me—which young masters are being considered? I’ll help you inquire about them.” Qiu Shuiyi said with a mischievous smile.

Meng Qinruo finally showed a hint of shyness, giving Qiu Shuiyi a gentle pinch as she whispered, “Mother hasn’t decided on anyone yet.”

Qiu Shuiyi was a little disappointed. “If she does decide, Sister must tell me.”

Meng Qinruo replied cheerfully, “Of course.”

As they turned a corner, someone came hurrying around ahead, nearly colliding with Meng Qinruo.

Fortunately, Meng Qinruo reacted quickly, pulling Qiu Shuiyi back with her.

Looking up, she exclaimed in surprise, “Your Highness?”

Zhou Yundun looked apologetic. “Miss Meng, Second Sister Qiu, my apologies.”

Second Sister Qiu—what a familiar way to address me. Are we that close?

Qiu Shuiyi thought to herself.

Meng Qinruo smiled and said, "It's fine. What brings you here, the Prince Heir?"

Zhou Yundun looked embarrassed. "I was in too much of a hurry to watch my step."

He turned to Qiu Shuiyi, his tone sincere. "Thank you, Sister Qiu. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to come to me."

Qiu Shuiyi was completely baffled.

What had she done?

Zhou Yundun beamed with joy and nodded at her. "Sister Qiu, you should go on inside now."

Qiu Shuiyi, still bewildered, replied, "Alright."

Even as she walked away arm-in-arm with Meng Qinruo, she could still feel Zhou Yundun's earnest and fervent gaze on her.

"Sister Yi, what did you do?" Meng Qinruo asked curiously.

"I really don't know," Qiu Shuiyi answered truthfully.

Why on earth was the male lead thanking her out of the blue?

She wasn't the female lead.

Then it occurred to her—could he be thanking her for stealing the female lead's destined match?

Qiu Shuiyi found the thought amusing.

Why did this male lead seem so... naive?

...

Princess Nanqi's flower-viewing banquet only invited peers. Female guests were escorted to the inner courtyard, while male guests were entertained by the Prince Heir. The Princess Consort did not make an appearance.

Led into the garden, Qiu Shuiyi was dazzled by the riot of colors.

All sorts of flowers competed in splendor, their petals adorned with dewdrops that sparkled brilliantly under the sun, glistening like crystals.

Fragrance filled the entire garden, and swarms of pink butterflies flitted among the flowers and plants—a breathtaking sight.

Shifting her gaze, Qiu Shuiyi's eyes paused on a young lady seated beside Princess Nanqi.

The girl wore a pink dress, a paired lotus hairpin in her hair. Her delicate face bore a bored expression as she listlessly propped her chin on her hand, staring at a clump of green orchids nearby.

Qiu Shuiyi whispered, "Sister Meng, who is that?"

Meng Qinruo glanced over. "That's the third young lady of Anyuan Marquis Manor."

So it really was Qiao Lianxi.

Could it be that the marriage alliance between Xian Prince Manor and Anyuan Marquis Manor had already been arranged by this time?

Perhaps because she stared for too long, Princess Nanqi, sitting beside Qiao Lianxi, looked over. Raising an eyebrow, she beckoned Qiu Shuiyi over.

Meng Qinruo's hand on Qiu Shuiyi's forearm tightened.

"It's alright," Qiu Shuiyi reassured her, patting her hand. Her expression remained calm as she approached Princess Nanqi step by step.

Softly, she said, "Greetings, Princess."

Princess Nanqi motioned for her to sit and poured two cups of fruit wine. "Let me toast you."

Qiu Shuiyi and Meng Qinruo exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

Amid their confusion, Princess Nanqi explained, "Lian Ying never liked this marriage arrangement. You helped her break off the engagement, which deserves a toast from me."

Qiu Shuiyi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

So, like Zhou Yundun, it was because of this.

The Zhou family really did share a similar train of thought.

Qiu Shuiyi readily picked up her wine cup, clinked it with Princess Nanqi's, and downed it in one go.

After drinking, Princess Nanqi was in high spirits. Noticing Qiu Shuiyi glancing at Qiao Lianxi occasionally, she introduced them. "Lianxi, this is Lian Ying's younger sister, the second young lady of Yun'an Marquis Manor."

"This is the third young lady of Anyuan Marquis Manor, also my future..."

Princess Nanqi paused, "...also my lifelong confidante."

Qiu Shuiyi suppressed a laugh. "Greetings, Third Young Lady Qiao."

Qiao Lianxi shed her bored expression and scrutinized Qiu Shuiyi from head to toe. Suddenly, she smiled. "I've wanted to meet you for quite a while."

"?"

Qiu Shuiyi blinked in confusion.

"Now that I've seen you, I realize that fool Qiao Liansong didn't lose for no reason."

Qiu Shuiyi felt slightly embarrassed and momentarily at a loss for words.

Fortunately, Qiao Lianxi didn't dwell on the topic. Turning to Princess Nanqi, she said, "Let's go."

"Right!" Princess Nanqi's eyes suddenly lit up, making her whole face radiant.

She pulled Qiu Shuiyi to her feet.

Go where?

Qiu Shuiyi looked bewildered and glanced back at Meng Qinruo.

Meng Qinruo exclaimed, "Ah!" and hurriedly stood up to follow.

Princess Nanqi was surprisingly strong. Qiu Shuiyi tried to pull away a few times, prompting the princess to turn and mutter, "Stop moving."

Only then did Qiu Shuiyi cease her struggles and obediently follow behind.

On the way to the outer courtyard, the faint sounds of men's laughter and conversation could be heard.

Princess Nanqi suddenly clung to Qiu Shuiyi's arm. "Brother Huaishu is close with Brother Chao. He's bound to be friendlier to you than to others. You must put in a good word for me later."

Qiu Shuiyi couldn't help but laugh.

So that was the reason.

She's also a bit cute.

Princess Nanqi’s eyes darted around, nervous. Seeing that she didn’t answer, she shook Qiu Shuiyi’s arm as if urging her, “Say something.”

Qiu Shuiyi smiled, “Rest assured, Princess. I will.”

At that, Princess Nanqi broke into a smile.

She was naturally radiant, and this smile was like the first light of dawn—utterly captivating.

Before they could draw near, a gentle voice suddenly spoke, “Xixi, what are you doing here?”

A few steps away stood a young man in a jade-green brocade robe, wearing a jade crown, with clear, handsome features and an elegant demeanor.

“Brother.”

Princess Nanqi called out guiltily, released Qiu Shuiyi’s hand, and tugged Qiao Lianxi forward, smiling brightly. “I heard you were having a painting competition. Lianxi wanted to take a look.”

Qiao Lianxi instantly flushed red and shot Princess Nanqi a reproachful look. “Princess!”

She lifted her face, gazing at Zhou Yunjing, her eyes sparkling.

Zhou Yunjing’s eyes also held an extremely soft smile as he teased, “Xixi came to look for Huaishu, didn’t you?”

“Brother!”

Princess Nanqi stomped her foot.

Zhou Yunjing shook his head with a laugh, his gaze falling on Qiu Shuiyi and Meng Qinruo.

The two of them curtsied in unison. “Your Highness.”

“No need for formalities, ladies.” Zhou Yunjing’s attitude was gentle. “Since Miss Qiao the Third wishes to view the paintings, please follow me.”

Qiao Lianxi suppressed her shyness and walked toward Zhou Yunjing under Princess Nanqi’s teasing gaze.

“Xixi, take good care of the two ladies.”

“I know!”

Princess Nanqi responded, muttering under her breath, “Abandoning your sister for a pretty face.”

The two of them walked away together, their retreating figures looking like an immortal couple.

The son of Prince Xianwang was of comparable family background to the male lead and was even competing for the same position. With such a character setup, he surprisingly didn’t try to steal the female lead.

How unusual.

“Why are you here?”

The wind carried a familiar, clear and mellow voice. Qiu Shuiyi suddenly turned around.