Just as Jiang Li was worrying, Yin Ranshuang gradually withdrew her gaze and found Wei Zizhang, casting her eyes toward him once more.
Yin Ranshuang’s eyes were filled with the same obsession as always.
Jiang Li exhaled slightly, fearful of any unexpected changes. Thankfully, there were none.
Jiang Li’s observation was correct: although Yin Ranshuang had noticed Wei Zhaoheng, her mind had wavered. After all, Wei Zhaoheng’s appearance was in no way inferior to Wei Zizhang’s; he could even be described as more elegant and refined, exuding a scholarly aura. However, within a very short time, Yin Ranshuang abandoned the idea of Wei Zhaoheng. The reason was simple: she noticed the fabric of the clothing Wei Zhaoheng wore was quite ordinary.
Yin Ranshuang did not intend to marry someone just for good looks; she wanted to marry the son of a powerful and wealthy family. Compared to Wei Zhaoheng, whose status was entirely unknown to her, Yin Ranshuang felt that the third son of the Prince of An’s estate was the better choice. Furthermore, Wei Zizhang was also handsome, and it did not matter if he was slightly less so than Wei Zhaoheng. In the capital, looks were clearly insignificant compared to status, power, and wealth.
Once Yin Ranshuang made her decision, she began to calculate how to approach Wei Zizhang. She had already spoken a few words to him, but now she watched with her own eyes as he chatted and laughed with others. How could the man she had set her sights on be snatched away by someone else? Yin Ranshuang could not accept that under any circumstances.
Therefore, Yin Ranshuang walked straight over. As she passed by Wei Zizhang’s side, she skewed her body and collapsed into his arms.
Seeing this, Jiang Li felt nothing but helplessness. Yin Ranshuang had used the same tactic twice in a short period; it would only cause others to hold her in low regard. Yet, Yin Ranshuang was exceptionally fond of this approach. Compared to last time, Yin Ranshuang this time wrapped her arms around Wei Zizhang’s waist, throwing herself entirely into his embrace.
Wei Zizhang, who was chatting with others, was taken aback. He was just wondering why so many young ladies were throwing themselves at him today when the girl in his arms looked up. The familiar face made Wei Zizhang realize it was the same girl from before. He did not recall ever meeting her, so why did she keep throwing herself at him intentionally? She must be completely captivated by him.
Wei Zizhang asked in a gentle voice, “Are you alright, Miss?”
Tears shimmered in Yin Ranshuang’s eyes. “Ugh—I think I twisted my ankle. It hurts so much.”
Wei Zizhang was adept at interacting with young ladies and knew that, at such times, what they needed most was concern. Thus, he feigned a look of worry. “You are injured, Miss? You must be taken to a medical clinic immediately; it cannot be delayed. Please pardon my rudeness.”
With that, he scooped Yin Ranshuang up horizontally and walked toward the exit.
Yin Ranshuang buried her head in Wei Zizhang’s chest, too shy to look at the people around them; her face was flushed beet-red. She had only wanted to get closer to Wei Zizhang, but she hadn’t expected him to carry her out and take her to a clinic. Didn’t this imply that Wei Zizhang had a very favorable impression of her?
Jiang Li stood in place and watched. Only when she saw the maid by Yin Ranshuang’s side panicking did she instruct, “Hurry back to the mansion and deliver the news. Say that the young miss twisted her ankle at the flower-viewing banquet and was taken to a clinic by the third son of the Prince of An’s estate.”
The Yin family ought to know about Yin Ranshuang’s business with Wei Zizhang. Presumably, even if those people in the Yin family found out, they would encourage Yin Ranshuang to associate with him. Even if Wei Zizhang was a concubine’s son, he was still a son of a Princely estate, and the Yin family would naturally be eager to curry favor. In her previous life, even after Wei Zizhang’s reputation was utterly destroyed, the Yin family had not stopped Yin Ranshuang from rescuing him and hiding him in their mansion. Thinking of this, Jiang Li felt even more that her past calculations for Yin Ranshuang had been a joke. Yin Ranshuang did not deserve them.
Fortunately, Heaven had given Jiang Li a chance to start over.
The small episode of Yin Ranshuang twisting her ankle did not attract the attention of others, and everything in the garden remained as usual.
Jiang Li turned her gaze toward Xia Shiwei, who was not far from her. Xia Shiwei was sitting in a pavilion in the garden, staring blankly at the lake. If one looked closely, they would notice that Xia Shiwei’s gaze drifted from time to time toward a certain direction in the garden. Jiang Li took note: Xia Shiwei was looking at Wei Zhaoheng.
Could it be that the timeline had moved forward, and Xia Shiwei had developed feelings for Wei Zhaoheng at this very banquet?
Jiang Li walked over nonchalantly and sat down beside Xia Shiwei. Being closer, she could see the tips of Xia Shiwei’s ears turning red.
Jiang Li started the conversation: “Does Miss Xia come to flower-viewing banquets often?”
Xia Shiwei seemed surprised that someone would suddenly speak to her. She looked up in astonishment, and upon seeing that the person speaking was Jiang Li, she visibly let out a small sigh of relief. “Oh, it is Miss Jiang. I have seen you before. As for these banquets, I do not attend them often. My mother brought me this time.”
Jiang Li had no impression of Xia Shiwei and could not recall where she had seen her. The events of her past life were too distant; even if they had met as children, she could not remember. However, Jiang Li thought that since she had attended many poetry gatherings with her grandparents, she had likely met Xia Shiwei at one of those.
Jiang Li smiled and said, “This is my first time attending such an occasion, and I do not quite understand the purpose of these banquets.”
In truth, Jiang Li had already seen that it was the Princess providing an opportunity for guests to size each other up. She asked on purpose, just to talk more with Xia Shiwei.
Xia Shiwei’s ears turned even redder. She leaned toward Jiang Li and whispered, “It is for those who are unmarried to see and be seen. My mother brought me here with that intention.”
Jiang Li took the opportunity to ask the question she wanted: “I see. So, Miss Xia, have you seen any young gentleman you fancy?”
Asked this, Xia Shiwei was too shy to look at her, her speech becoming stuttered: “Ho-how could I judge the young masters? I—I dare not. Even if I fancy someone, they may not necessarily fancy me.”
Jiang Li shook her head and said, “Miss Xia, you need not belittle yourself. Your background, talent, and looks are all exceptional; it would be perfectly reasonable for others to compete for your hand. If you have someone in mind, why not speak to your mother? Even if several people are competing for you, your mother will know which one to choose.”
Xia Shiwei was moved by these words, yet as a noble daughter raised under strict rules, she truly did not know how to speak to her mother about such things.
Jiang Li added more fire to the situation: “I noticed the second son of the Prince of An’s estate and the second son of the Prince of Kang’s estate both looking at you frequently. Could it be that they are both interested in you?”
Xia Shiwei grew worried, and at the very moment she looked up, it happened that Wei Zilang’s gaze drifted toward her. Wei Zilang was not even subtle about it; seeing Xia Shiwei look up, he even smiled at her.
Xia Shiwei froze, a deep sense of unease washing over her. If she had to marry, she wanted to marry someone she admired. Although both were sons of Princely estates, if she could choose, she would choose someone she liked.
“Thank you for the warning, Miss Jiang. Once I return home, I will explain this to my mother.”
In any case, the flower-viewing banquet was merely an opportunity to meet; nothing would be truly decided today.
Jiang Li smiled lightly: “If I have been able to help Miss Xia, then consider it a good deed done on my part.”