Chapter 4 His Favorite Pastry from a Past Life

Chapter 4: The Pastry He Loved Most in His Previous Life

While the princes were sampling the almond cakes, the Empress Dowager took a few more sips of the seven-treasure soup with salted tangerine peel. She felt her throat grow even more comfortable, and even the chest tightness that had troubled her for a long time eased considerably.

In high spirits, the Empress Dowager asked Jiang Shuning to come forward and removed the jade bracelet from her own wrist to give to her.

Jiang Shuning, looking genuinely flustered, politely declined, "Your Majesty, this is far too precious. I dare not accept such a generous gift."

The Empress Dowager smiled warmly, "I noticed you are wearing a green dress today. This bracelet suits you quite well. Please accept it."

Unable to refuse such earnest kindness, Jiang Shuning could only accept it according to etiquette, bowing her head in thanks, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

The onlookers couldn't help but focus their gazes on Jiang Shuning.

This jade bracelet had been worn by the Empress Dowager for many years. Even the Emperor's consorts had never received it as a reward. Yet now, it was bestowed upon Jiang Shuning, a clear indication of the Empress Dowager's fondness for her.

Seeing this scene, Jiang Yaozhen, standing nearby, felt a surge of jealousy churn within her.

She stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to perform a dance on stage to add to the enjoyment of the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet."

Her words immediately sparked murmurs among the crowd.

According to the rules, today's talent performances were to proceed in the order determined by drawing lots. Jiang Yaozhen's abrupt request to take the stage was a breach of etiquette.

Gu Wanying frowned and admonished her, "We have all drawn lots for the talent showcase. How can we break the rules and let you perform first?"

Jiang Yaozhen, however, was unconcerned. "Since my sister was able to showcase her talent without following the order, why must we be so rigid about sequence? Sister Gu, are you so concerned perhaps because you fear being outshone by me?"

Gu Wanying's face flushed red with anger. "You..."

Seeing the two of them locked in a heated argument, the Empress Dowager turned to ask the matron beside her, "And which family's young lady is this?"

The matron leaned in and whispered in reply, "Your Majesty, she is the illegitimate daughter of the Jiang family, Jiang Yaozhen."

The Empress Dowager's expression shifted slightly, then she smiled. "So she is also from the Jiang family."

Turning to Jiang Yaozhen, she said kindly, "Since you are also a daughter of the Jiang family, I shall make an exception and allow you to perform first."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Overjoyed, Jiang Yaozhen lifted her skirt and stepped onto the stage, her face brimming with smug satisfaction.

Jiang Shuning stood below the stage, her expression complex.

Jiang Yaozhen's competitive and attention-seeking nature was exactly the same as in her previous life.

She was still too young. Being so sharp and conspicuous like this would likely offend everyone before she even managed to win the favor of any prince.

Dressed in a striking red gown, Jiang Yaozhen was radiant and captivating. Her dance was bold and coquettish, truly captivating the entire audience and drawing waves of applause.

Jiang Shuning discreetly glanced at the Third Prince, Xiao Xiuzhan. She saw him watching, utterly enchanted, his face openly displaying infatuation.

This Third Prince, whose mother was the currently most favored Consort Xi and whose maternal uncle was the Guardian-General of the State, came from a prominent maternal family and had been raised in luxury since childhood. He had always been fond of extravagant and dazzling things.

Jiang Yaozhen's actions were sure to hit right at his preferences.

As for Xiao Lingchuan... Jiang Shuning couldn't help but let her gaze drift toward her former husband, only to once again meet his deep, unfathomable black eyes.

A shiver ran through her, and she nearly lost her grip on the teacup in her hand.

Why did he keep looking at her?

The object of his affection was dancing gracefully on stage, yet he could still spare attention to look at another woman!

Jiang Shuning's mind was in turmoil, but she quickly composed herself.

Perhaps it was because she had caught the Empress Dowager's eye today, thus coming to his notice.

After all, in her previous life, she had been an insignificant existence in the eyes of the royal nobility.

Jiang Yaozhen's performance was so stunning that when the subsequent Noble Maidens took the stage, they received only scattered, sparse applause.

Gu Wanying's dance was originally gentle and graceful, but now it was completely overshadowed by Jiang Yaozhen's, leaving her deeply dissatisfied. She walked up to Jiang Shuning and Jiang Yaozhen and sneered, "Today's limelight has been completely stolen by you Jiang sisters! One offering pastries, the other dancing, leaving no chance for others to showcase themselves! It seems the Jiang daughters are dead set on marrying into the royal family!" The surrounding noble ladies chimed in agreement.

Jiang Yaozhen said triumphantly, "As if Sister Gu doesn't want to marry into the royal family herself! It's all about one's own abilities. If the princes are all drawn to me, it only shows that Sister Gu lacks charm!"

"Yaozhen, watch your words!" Jiang Shuning tugged at her sleeve, giving her a meaningful look.

Gu Wanying let out a cold laugh, looking the Jiang sisters up and down. "Chancellor Jiang is quite interesting, raising an illegitimate daughter to be so ostentatious and domineering, even more arrogant than the legitimate daughter!"

Jiang Yaozhen wanted to retort but was pulled back by Jiang Shuning.

After Gu Wanying left, Jiang Yaozhen shook off her hand. "Sister, why did you stop me? Gu Wanying's father is always opposing Father in court, and now she insults us sisters. Are you that afraid of her?"

Jiang Yaozhen only knew Gu Wanying was the daughter of the Censor-in-chief, unaware that she was also the niece of the current Empress and the Crown Prince's Betrothed.

To offend her like this now would surely bring disaster upon the Jiang family.

Jiang Shuning said coldly, "I stopped you because what she said is correct. Today, you indeed should not have rushed to perform ahead of them, disregarding the banquet rules. No wonder they dislike you."

"And what about you, sister? You deliberately prepared that seven-treasure soup in front of the Empress Dowager and had the princes taste your almond cakes. Now they all know of your culinary skills, that you are a suitable wife and mother to marry into a family. Are you satisfied?"

After throwing out these words, Jiang Yaozhen stormed off angrily.

Watching her retreating figure, Jiang Shuning wondered: What did Xiao Lingchuan see in Jiang Yaozhen? Did he like her willful and spoiled temper, or was he infatuated with her beautiful appearance?

Lost in thought, Jiang Shuning suddenly felt someone tap her shoulder. "Shuning, don't mind her. Your illegitimate sister is just jealous of you!"

She snapped back to reality and gave the newcomer a gentle smile. "Thank you, Xia Yan."

Xia Yan was her close childhood friend, also the daughter of a famous general. She was straightforward and sharp-tongued. In her previous life, she had never liked Jiang Yaozhen, often criticizing her faults in front of Jiang Shuning.

Among the noble ladies attending the banquet today, only Xia Yan had no interest in marrying into the royal family. Earlier, during the talent showcase, she performed a heroic and spirited sword dance that left the princes below the stage dumbfounded, their eyes filled more with awe than admiration.

"It's a pity the almond cakes you made were only for the princes. It seems I won't get to taste any," Xia Yan said, feigning regret.

"There are plenty more at the manor. If you don't mind, come back with me today to try some."

"Great!" Xia Yan agreed happily.

Speaking of this almond cheese cake, it was Xiao Lingchuan's favorite pastry from his previous life.

He disliked overly sweet things. She had once accidentally discovered that kneading cheese into almond flour resulted in almond cakes that were not only delicate in texture but also carried a unique milky fragrance.

Every time she made this snack, Xiao Lingchuan would devour them all.

A pastry that could earn praise from someone so particular must be able to win over others' palates as well. Therefore, Jiang Shuning had specially prepared this snack the day before the banquet.

Thinking of this, she instinctively glanced toward Xiao Lingchuan's seat.

Unexpectedly, on his table lay scattered several almond cheese cakes, crushed into pieces as if silently proclaiming their owner's disgust.