At the East Lake waterside pavilion.
Gu Yanchi had already been waiting for a long time, craning his neck.
Seeing the Crown Prince's Imperial Carriage slowly arrive, he strode forward to greet them.
Hearing the familiar footsteps approach, Qin Xianyue's expression visibly softened.
According to the rules, when individuals of different statuses traveled together, the one of lower status should alight first to adjust the robes and set the steps for the honored guest.
But before the carriage had even stopped, and before Qin Xianyue could even rise, Xie Jinyuan was the first to push open the carriage door and stride out.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Gu Yanchi and the others immediately cupped their hands in salute.
Although he was acquainted with Xie Jinyuan, he still had to observe proper etiquette and respect hierarchy in front of others.
"Thank you, Crown Prince, for deigning to escort my younger sister here."
Xie Jinyuan walked directly past him.
"No need for thanks. Just settle the carriage fare later."
With that, he strode into the waterside pavilion.
Gu Yanchi knew he was joking and didn't take it seriously.
He turned and naturally extended his hand towards Qin Xianyue.
Qin Xianyue adjusted her cloak, smiled at him, and shook her head.
Instead, supported by Bao Xiang, she steadily stepped down from the Imperial Carriage.
Gu Yanchi said nothing, following closely behind her, and under Shi Chun's guidance, they walked towards the elegant seats in the waterside pavilion.
Originally, to avoid attracting attention, the Imperial Carriage had been parked in a discreet location.
However, the waterside pavilion offered a wide view, and Qin Xianyue's arrival was precisely what Lin Meijun saw.
The Eastern Palace's banquet was intended to reward those who had contributed during the Southern Tour; all attendees were important officials, and female relatives were not supposed to be present.
But Madam Lin harbored a personal agenda, wanting her daughter to meet her future son-in-law before their marriage.
After the marriage, she hoped they would start a family soon and secure a long-term future for the Lin family.
She and Minister Lin secretly conspired and invited several close colleagues to bring their families along, thus securing an opportunity for Lin Meijun to meet her intended.
Lin Meijun's carriage had unfortunately broken down on the way, and it was Gu Yanchi who escorted her.
She quietly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, only to see the young Young Master with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his build tall and straight, clearly trained in martial arts, unlike those frivolous and dissolute dandies.
His movements as he dismounted were swift, and the simple address of "Third Miss" when he cupped his hands sounded exceptionally pleasant.
Thinking that this man would be her husband in the future, Lin Meijun's heart was filled with sweetness.
However, everyone in the Capital city knew about Qin Xianyue.
When her parents mentioned her earlier, Lin Meijun had vaguely guessed that this person would likely become her formidable rival.
Even with prior preparation, when she saw that figure and that face, her heart sank sharply—
Truly, her features were as picturesque as a painting, her skin as fair as snow.
Even in simple attire, with the spring breeze, her flowing robes made her seem like an immortal from a painting who had mistakenly descended to the mortal world.
A man keeping such a stunning beauty in his residence for over ten years, and not allowing her to marry until she was past seventeen.
What else could it mean?
Coupled with his gaze just now, and the tenderness when he reached out to help her alight, Lin Meijun felt a sense of crisis she had never experienced before.
She suppressed the sourness in her chest and finally, after her maid called out several times, stepped towards the banquet.
Qin Xianyue had always disliked noisy gatherings.
Although she was seated in a corner guest area of the waterside pavilion, the fact that Shi Chun, an attendant of the Eastern Palace, personally guided her, and that she arrived immediately after the Crown Prince's Imperial Carriage, naturally drew many curious glances.
As soon as she sat down, whispers from all around buzzed into her ears like flies—
"Is that the adopted daughter of the Dingbei Marquis Manor? She's truly beautiful. I wonder which family will be lucky enough to have her in the future."
"Exactly. If I were just one rank higher in officialdom, I'd try my luck and perhaps win the beauty's heart."
"You? Don't be delusional! She's not just any adopted daughter. I heard that Young Master Gu threw out several suitors and their gifts when they came to propose. He treasures her dearly."
"What's the point of being so beautiful? She's just an orphaned woman, relying on the Gu family's charity, and she really thinks she's a noble lady? Humph—"
"Hey? Could it be that Young Master Gu is keeping her for himself as a concubine?"
"I think so too. Who could bear to give away such a beauty?"
This was followed by intermittent, suggestive chuckles.
Bao Xiang could no longer stand it and made a move, but Qin Xianyue calmly held her wrist.
She shook her head slightly, her eyes as calm as still water.
When the noble hosted a banquet, they, as minor figures, absolutely could not be presumptuous.
The subtle, probing gazes felt like pricks. Qin Xianyue could only lower her head, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the edge of the table, wishing for the banquet to end soon.
Just then, Shi Chun entered the hall, smiling as he announced loudly.
"The wind is strong on the lake today. His Highness is concerned and asks all distinguished guests to lower the curtains of their seats so as not to catch a chill."
Everyone at the banquet was stunned by this announcement.
Those present were all close associates of the Eastern Palace, and they knew that Crown Prince Xie Jinyuan was usually willful and unrestrained, disregarding formalities. When had he ever cared about what others thought?
It was indeed strange that he would worry about his guests catching a cold today.
Despite their doubts, no one dared to disobey the Crown Prince's command.
The plain white curtains slowly descended, like mist, separating the prying eyes.
Qin Xianyue let out a soft sigh of relief, her tense shoulders and neck finally relaxing slightly.
The banquet gradually dispersed, the scent of wine mingling with the spring breeze floating through the waterside pavilion.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Xie Jinyuan suggested a boat trip on the lake to enjoy the spring scenery, leading the way as he left the seats and boarded a painted boat on the lake.
Only after the guests had dispersed in twos and threes did Qin Xianyue slowly rise.
She gently pushed aside the descending curtain with her slender hand and looked up, only to see Gu Yanchi standing under the covered walkway about ten paces away.
And before him, a young girl in a pink silk dress was looking up, saying something.
They appeared so familiar, like friends of many years.
Gu Yanchi's lips held a gentle smile, his expression one of ease and joy that Qin Xianyue knew all too well.
A complex emotion welled up in her heart, and she found herself lost in thought.
Suddenly, a fragrant breeze brushed against her shoulder.
Turning her head, she saw the figure in pink had gracefully arrived, but Gu Yanchi was nowhere to be seen.
Lin Meijun smiled charmingly.
"You must be Miss Qin," she said, her voice sweet and her smile friendly. "I've heard the Young Master mention you on the way, and now that I see you, I realize you are truly as beautiful as a jewel."
Perhaps the sunlight was too dazzling, Qin Xianyue couldn't clearly see where Gu Yanchi had gone.
She curtsied to Lin Meijun and the woman beside her, her voice clear and cool, like melting snow water flowing slowly down a spring mountain in March.
"Greetings, Madam Lin, Third Miss Lin."
Madam Lin's face was kind and gentle.
"We're practically family, no need for such formality."
She had a servant bring out a jade bracelet of lustrous green jade and offered it to Qin Xianyue.
"Meijun is a bit spoiled by me. When she arrives at the Marquis's Estate in the future, I hope you'll look after her."
Lin Meijun, being an unmarried young lady, blushed when Madam Lin mentioned her moving into the Marquis's Estate after marriage.
She softly chided, "Mother," her eyes and brows radiating a rare brightness, clearly indicating she had been doted on and pampered at home.
Qin Xianyue maintained her usual demure demeanor.
However, she felt a slight sense of inquiry.
This wasn't the first time she had seen Lin Meijun, but judging by her behavior, it seemed she had completely forgotten past events.
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