Chapter 84

Chapter 84

The following day, Xie Run brought Xiao Shu and Zi Hu to the banquet, leaving the reliable Dan Tao to watch over the Spring Mountain Courtyard.

Prince Jing was quite fond of his daughter, Princess Ruyi, and he threw a grand birthday banquet for her, making it quite impressive.

Over a dozen tables were set up in both the front and rear courtyards. Several princes and imperial sons attended, and those who couldn't make it sent gifts specially.

Before the banquet even began, the imperial rewards arrived.

The most conspicuous item was a four-tiered necklace set inlaid with various gems, both dazzling and luxurious, along with many other gifts.

Perhaps the festive atmosphere did her good, but the pallor on Shufei Yun's face had somewhat faded, and she appeared much more spirited.

Once the banquet started, Shufei Yun brought Princess Ruyi over to offer Xie Run tea.

Shufei Yun: "Thank you for honoring us today, Sister Xie. You are a lucky woman, and I thought it would be nice for Ruyi to offer you tea, hoping she might share in your good fortune."

Xie Run instinctively declined. "Your words are too kind, Sister."

"The Princess is as lovely as jade, beloved by the Prince and the Princess Consort, and now favored by the palace. That is true fortune."

Xie Run's refined and gentle features softened into a faint smile. "Rather, it is I who wish to borrow some of the Princess's luck, hoping to be blessed with a daughter as lovely."

Shufei Yun smiled. "You have good fortune, Sister. This pregnancy will surely be a son."

Xie Run merely smiled without responding.

Her gaze unconsciously fell on the white dog being held by a maid.

Princess Ruyi asked timidly, "Does Shufei Xie also like puppies?"

Xie Run shook her head gently. "I was bitten by a dog as a child, so I'm a bit scared."

Shufei Yun waved her hand. "Take the 'rabbit' away first. Don't scare Sister Xie."

"Rabbit?" Xie Run looked curious.

Shufei Yun smiled helplessly. "That's the dog's name. She insisted on calling it that, and the Prince indulges her."

When Princess Ruyi left with the little dog, Shufei Yun said with an apologetic smile, "I didn't know you were afraid of dogs, Sister."

"Technically, I shouldn't have brought this little thing out for today's banquet, but Ruyi can't bear to be without it since the Prince gave it to her. If she doesn't see it, she cries. It's a real headache."

Xie Run replied, "Oh, children. It's rare for them to have something they like."

After chatting for a while, Shufei Yun went to attend to other guests, and Xie Run sat down to rest.

Today's rear courtyard banquet included not only the concubines of the Prince's household but also many relatives and titled ladies, making it quite lively.

Not to mention Xie Run, even several pregnant women were on edge.

Shiqie An had two maids around her, getting nervous at the slightest movement, which drew quite a few glances from others.

Her behavior, while somewhat disapproved of, saved her a lot of trouble.

Few people came to talk to her.

Everything went as planned at the banquet.

The troupe performed the latest operas, guests chatted and laughed, and children darted around.

Princess Ruyi stole the show today, making Shufei Yun bask in the glory as well.

An hour later, many guests began to take their leave.

Xie Run was considering finding an excuse to leave as well when she noticed Shiqie An rise and walk over to Shufei Yun.

Shiqie An said softly, "Sister Yun, I'm feeling a bit tired. I think I'll go back and rest."

Shufei Yun asked with slight surprise, "Are you feeling all right, Sister An?"

Shiqie An, probably unaccustomed to social niceties, blushed and said hesitantly, "I... I'm fine."

Shufei Yun: "Can you hold on a little longer?"

Shiqie An was startled.

Beside her, Ping'an was about to interject on her behalf when Shufei Yun said gently, "Please stay a little longer, Sister An."

"Today, the Prince has prepared a special surprise for Ruyi, for the family to enjoy together once the banquet ends."

"If anyone is missing, Ruyi's blessings won't be whole."

At the mention of the Prince, Shiqie An already felt inclined to retreat.

Now, with the blame for incomplete fortune placed on her, Shiqie An dared not utter a word.

No matter how eloquent Ping'an was, she couldn't argue against her mistress's decision.

Xie Run gazed down and let Dan Tao help her stand.

Shufei Yun came over warmly. "Where are you off to, Sister Xie?"

Xie Run smiled. "I was just going to use the restroom."

She asked proactively, "I'm not very familiar with the way. Could Sister Yun send someone to guide me?"

"Of course."

Xie Run then asked curiously, "I heard the Prince prepared a surprise for the Princess?"

Shufei Yun said with a hint of embarrassment, "It's nothing major. Let me give you a little hint, Sister."

"This girl Ruyi has been begging me to fly kites lately, but with snow everywhere, how could I dare let her out?"

"The Prince once heard her and said there's a folk tradition of flying kites to pray for blessings, so he promised Ruyi a surprise."

As she spoke, Shufei Yun's expression was a mix of helplessness and joy, betraying a modest pride.

Xie Run smiled along. "The Prince dotes on the Princess."

Prince Jing does not favor sons over daughters.

Even when the Second Young Master was still alive, the Prince never treated her differently for being a daughter.

On the contrary, because Ruyi was the Prince's eldest daughter, he requested the title of Princess for her at birth, and the current Emperor himself bestowed her title.

This was immense glory.

Prince An, the fifth prince, is amorous and fickle, with countless daughters, yet none have been granted the title of commandery princess, simply because he pays them no mind.

In other princely mansions, those who could petition for the title of commandery princess in their youth were mostly legitimate daughters born to the principal consort.

If Commandery Princess Ruyi had no title or rank and was merely the daughter of an ordinary Shufei, the attendees at today's birthday banquet would have been vastly different in status.

Guided by a maid that Shufei Yun had arranged, Xie Run strolled slowly and unhurriedly.

She even bothered to admire the plum blossoms planted in the courtyard.

A trip to the restroom took her nearly half an hour.

It wasn't until Shufei Yun sent someone to inquire that she prepared to return to the banquet.

Xie Run asked the messenger maid, "Has the banquet already ended?"

"Most of the guests have left, leaving only the people of the mansion."

"Everyone has left the courtyard and is ready to head to Mirror Moon Pond to see the surprise the prince has prepared."

Xie Run sighed quietly.

She had truly underestimated Shufei Yun.

Shufei Yun had indeed ensured no trouble arose during the banquet, and Commandery Princess Ruyi's birthday celebration had been a complete success.

But this surprise prepared by Prince Jing was likely the real trap.

Xie Run glanced at Zi Hu, signaling her to stay close and not leave her side.

She didn't feel safe at all at that moment.

Prince Jing's mansion had two ponds: the larger one was Moon Viewing Pond, and the smaller one was this Mirror Moon Pond.

Mirror Moon Pond was small and somewhat secluded, with fewer visitors due to its less impressive scenery than Moon Viewing Pond.

When Xie Run finally arrived leisurely by Mirror Moon Pond, a crowd had already gathered in the front courtyard of the distant Zhi Shui Pavilion, all looking up eagerly.

In the center stood Prince Jing, majestic and imposing, handsome and composed, utterly dazzling.

Beside him was the princess consort, slender and petite, with a serene and beautiful face.

Shufei Yun said with a smile, "Sister Xie, we were just waiting for you."

Xie Run replied shyly, "I'm late, I'm afraid."

"Not at all..."

Just as she spoke, someone suddenly shouted joyfully, "Kite! The kite is flying!"

Commandery Princess Ruyi's crisp and melodious voice rang out, "Father, it's a rabbit! That kite is a rabbit!"

"And a little tiger, a butterfly..."