With so many beauties dazzling the eyes, Zhao Xian did not overlook Li Lianniang, after all, the female lead naturally carried an aura.
“There will be many such banquets in the future. You also need to build your own social circle. Go and mingle.”
Surrounding Zhao Xian were wives from various families, and Li Lianniang couldn’t get a word in here, feeling utterly bored.
Moreover, as the eldest daughter-in-law of the Jiang family, she would inevitably have to interact with the wives of other families in the future. It would be better to take this opportunity to start building connections.
Even if she were to divorce Jiang Wei as per the plot later, making more connections now might prove helpful to her in the future.
Li Lianniang rarely attended banquets, and with so many people, she felt somewhat intimidated. “I’ll stay and accompany Mother.”
A perceptive wife noticed this and glanced at her own daughter-in-law.
The latter understood the hint and stepped forward to invite Li Lianniang. “Princess Chang is particularly fond of peonies. There are many rare varieties planted in the garden behind the Hua Ting. Shall we go take a look together?”
Another young wife chimed in, “Indeed, the peonies at Princess Chang’s estate have always been the finest in Jin’an. Besides those bestowed by the emperor in the Hua Ting, there are also precious varieties collected from all over the land.”
Zhao Xian also encouraged her, “Go ahead. Don’t you enjoy painting? With so many peonies here, it would be a shame not to see them.”
Today’s purpose was to have Li Lianniang make an appearance to dispel the rumors circulating outside, and now the perfect opportunity had presented itself.
Hearing Zhao Xian’s words, Li Lianniang felt moved and was touched that her mother-in-law knew her interests.
She nodded and said, “If Mother needs anything, have Shaoyao come and call for me.”
Nanny He had also come today, but she wasn’t attending to Zhao Xian. Before leaving, she had been instructed to stay close to Li Lianniang at all times.
While Zhao Xian and Li Lianniang were surrounded by wives and young ladies, Princess Rongyang’s side, in contrast, was cold and deserted.
Although her status as a princess could intimidate others, Duan Wang held no significant position, and the official rank of the man she married was not high.
Wives of higher status looked down on her, while those of lower status were looked down upon by her.
Zhao Xian glanced over and noticed that the two wives who had been provoking her earlier had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
“Madam Jiang.”
Hearing a familiar call, Zhao Xian looked past the crowd of beauties and saw the mother of the sweet romance novel’s female lead, along with the sweet romance novel’s female lead herself, Lu Zhaoying.
No matter how hard she tried to recall, she couldn’t remember this face, but seeing the person in real life instantly brought recognition.
Zhao Xian made her way through the crowd toward the two.
Lu Zhaoying bowed to Zhao Xian, her tone gentle and obedient. “Greetings, Madam Jiang.”
Zhao Xian lightly supported Lu Zhaoying’s arm and smiled. “Sanniang is here too.”
Unlike her first meeting with the tragic novel’s female lead, who had a bitter appearance, the sweet romance novel’s female lead carried a completely different aura, especially when she smiled, her two dimples resembling honey jars.
Just as Zhao Xian was beginning to feel a touch of sweetness, she suddenly remembered that ill-fated birth chart and instantly felt a bitter taste spreading again.
Noticing the slight change in Zhao Xian’s expression, Madam Lu grew concerned. She was about to ask about the marriage arrangement between their children when another wife interrupted her.
“Madam Jiang, who is this lady? She looks somewhat unfamiliar.”
Those invited by Princess Chang’s estate were mostly female relatives of officials ranked third grade or higher, each tier having its own social circle.
Just as Zhao Xian didn’t recognize the troublemaker, Madam Zhou.
Zhao Xian introduced Madam Lu to the crowd: “This is the wife of Shumiyuan Duchengzhi Master Lu, and her daughter, the Lu family’s Sanniang.”
Some ladies exchanged glances, wondering what Princess Chang was thinking by having Princess Rongyang organize this Shanghua Yan.
It wasn’t that they looked down on the family members of a fifth-rank official—after all, in the past, female relatives of officials below the third rank were not even eligible to attend.
With Zhao Xian’s introduction, the ladies present smiled and greeted Madam Lu.
With so many people, each exchanging a word or two, Zhao Xian wanted to take a few more glances at the sweet romance novel’s female lead, but she had already disappeared.
Being surrounded by beauties also had its troubles—the various fragrances and perfumes mixed together. Zhao Xian, being unaccustomed to such scents, felt her nose could hardly bear it after staying too long.
Using the excuse of needing to relieve herself, she slipped away from the crowd of beauties.
With so many beauties, each asking a question, she felt compelled to respond to every one. After speaking too much, her mouth grew dry, and she inevitably drank more tea—so it wasn’t entirely a lie.
Shaoyao’s eyes were nearly dazzled: “Madam, this Shanghua Yan is so lively.”
Princess Chang’s mansion had invited many people to this Shanghua Yan, and the courtyard behind the Hua Ting was even more bustling.
The cheerful, bell-like laughter of the young girls was full of vitality, more enchanting than the flowers themselves.
The variety of peonies was indeed abundant, enough to dazzle the eyes.
Zhao Xian sighed: “I don’t even know which flowers to look at.”
After a brief moment of leisure, Zhao Xian knew it was time to return to the crowd of beauties.
Just as she turned, she heard a splash—the sound of someone falling into the water.
She asked uncertainly, “Shaoyao, did you hear something?”
Shaoyao nodded, “It sounded like someone fell into the water.”
The two hurried toward the lake.
As they approached, they heard the exclamations of young girls, their voices mingling and difficult to distinguish clearly.
Following the direction of the sounds, they saw a group of girls standing on a high pavilion over the water, some looking down, their sleeves fluttering.
Zhao Xian glanced toward the lake and saw someone struggling in the water beneath the pavilion.
“Shaoyao, go quickly and call for help—someone has fallen into the water.” After instructing Shaoyao, Zhao Xian lifted her skirt and hurried onto the water corridor.
Only when she ran over did she realize the person who had fallen into the water was Lu Zhaoying.
Fortunately, she was clever—after struggling in the water for a while, she managed to cling to a pillar beneath the pavilion.
But having fallen into the water, her hair was completely soaked, the hairpins in disarray, strands clinging to her cheeks. She looked utterly disheveled, her eyes filled with terror.
“Don’t be afraid. Shaoyao has already gone to call for help. Hold tight to the pillar—it’ll be alright.”
Splash, splash…
Several more sounds of people entering the water followed, but no one was visible.
Zhao Xian’s line of sight was blocked by the pavilion, so she assumed people on the other side had noticed someone had fallen and were rushing to rescue them.
Before she could sigh in relief, she saw Lu Zhaoying frantically calling out to her for help: “Madam Jiang, save me.”
Puzzled, Zhao Xian bent down and tilted her head, only then seeing that on the other side of the water, blocked by the pavilion, the people who had entered the water were all men—not just one, but three.
How could there be men at a Shanghua Yan meant for female relatives?
Zhao Xian felt her scalp tingle. If this were modern times, she would have urged the rescuers to swim faster—a life was at stake.
But this was ancient times, where even the slightest physical contact could lead to accusations of ruined virtue. Even if rescued, one could be drowned in gossip.
To make matters worse, she didn’t know how to swim and could only watch anxiously.
“Madam Jiang, save me.” Lu Zhaoying, seeing the unfamiliar men swimming toward her, was terrified—more so than when she had first fallen into the water.
But the water around her was deep, and she dared not let go of the pillar, unsure of what to do.
Zhao Xian searched around but couldn’t find any long branches or bamboo poles to use, and Shaoyao’s calls for help had yet to yield any response.
Her gaze shifted upward to the young women on the waterside pavilion, who were equally concerned. “Throw your shawls down to me,” she said.
A quick-thinking girl immediately pulled off her shawl, balled it up, and tossed it to Zhao Xian.
Most shawls were made of thin gauze. Some weren’t balled up properly and fell into the water, while others were caught by Zhao Xian.
She knotted the shawls together to form a makeshift rope.
Princess Chang truly loved flowers—not only were the gardens filled with them, but potted plants were also placed at intervals along the pavilion’s steps.
Zhao Xian, now disregarding propriety and decorum, grabbed one of the potted plants. She tied one end of the shawl rope tightly around the plant’s roots and, judging the distance, hurled it—soil and all—into the water. “Grab it, hold your breath, and I’ll pull you over.”
Seeing the soil-covered plant thrown before her, Lu Zhaoying seized it.
Meanwhile, some clever girls, after tossing down their shawls, lifted their skirts and descended from the pavilion to help.
With everyone working together, they managed to pull Lu Zhaoying closer. Dragging her from the water onto the corridor proved the most laborious task, but luckily, there were many hands to help.
Lu Zhaoying had struggled fiercely after falling into the water and, frightened, was nearly exhausted. She leaned against Zhao Xian, weeping.
Zhao Xian held her, comforting her, “It’s alright now, it’s alright.”
As for the man who had jumped into the water to rescue her, seeing the situation, he swam back, deliberately covering his face with his hand.
By then, the servants of Princess Chang’s estate had finally arrived, albeit belatedly.
Lu Zhaoying was terrified, clutching Zhao Xian’s sleeve tightly. Zhao Xian accompanied her to a guest room to change clothes.
Madam Lu, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, embraced her daughter with a pale face. “I knew it—this morning, my eyelids were twitching uncomfortably, and I debated whether to attend the banquet. With our status, how could we possibly have the fortune to visit such a prestigious place as Princess Chang’s estate? And now this has happened.”
“Mother,” Lu Zhaoying tried to stop her, but Madam Lu had already poured out her words like beans from a bamboo tube.
Hearing Madam Lu’s words, Zhao Xian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
She asked softly, “How is your relationship with Princess Rongyang?”
It was worth noting that Princess Chang’s Shanghua Yan almost exclusively invited female relatives of officials ranked third grade or higher.
The original hostess knew almost all of them, but this time, there were some unfamiliar faces among the ladies.
Even when Madam Lu appeared, Zhao Xian had noticed the exchanged glances among the other ladies.
Madam Lu, preoccupied with her daughter, hadn’t noticed Zhao Xian sitting inside. Coming to her senses, she replied, “We’ve spoken a few times, but I wouldn’t say we’re close.”
“Mother, it was Madam Jiang who saved me.”
Madam Lu looked at Zhao Xian gratefully, thanking her profusely.
“It was just a small effort. Anyone else would have done the same. There’s no need for thanks, Madam Lu,” Zhao Xian waved her hand dismissively.
Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder about Madam Lu’s earlier statement. If they weren’t close, why would Princess Rongyang have invited them?
Looking at Lu Zhaoying, whose face was still pale, Zhao Xian suddenly realized—she was the female lead, after all. It was common for protagonists to be drawn into various incidents to drive the plot forward.
Just like those three in tragic stories.
But upon second thought, Zhao Xian sensed something amiss.
Why would a sweet romance novel’s female lead have such a scene? And with no male lead present this time, what plot needed advancing?
Zhao Xian was tempted to ask if they had offended Princess Rongyang.
Lu Zhaoying’s fall into the water was too suspicious. With so many people in the waterside pavilion, why was she the only one who fell?
In such estates with ponds or lakes, servants skilled in swimming are usually stationed on standby daily, and during banquets, twice as many maids and matrons are assigned to keep watch.
Yet today, no servants came to the rescue for a long time, and even Shaoyao failed to find anyone when she went to call for help.
Then there were the three men who entered the water. The Shanghua Yan was attended only by female guests—where did these men come from? Their attire didn’t resemble that of Princess Chang’s household servants either.
“Yingying, Yingying.”
A young girl’s anxious cries rang out. Soon after, the door was pushed open, and a girl dressed in a crimson gold-thread-edged butterfly-patterned skirt fluttered in like a butterfly.
Recognizing the young woman’s face, Zhao Xian identified her as the daughter of Princess Rongyang, the young lady of the fourth branch of Lin Jia, Lin Niancang, ranked sixth among her siblings.
Seeing Lin Niancang, Zhao Xian recalled some plot points from a sweet romance novel.
In the book, these two were extremely close confidantes.
That explained why the Lu family had been invited.
Lin Niancang hurried into the room and went straight to Lu Zhaoying. “I was only gone for a moment when I heard from the servants that you fell into the water? What happened? Who bullied you?”
Seeing Lin Niancang’s worried expression, Lu Zhaoying quickly explained, “Don’t worry, Sixth Sister, I’m fine.”
Lin Niancang said angrily, “How could I not worry? You fell into the water out of nowhere—it scared me to death.”
Lu Zhaoying forced a faint smile. “It’s my own fault for being too careless.”
Madam Lu’s brows furrowed slightly, but remembering that the identities of those young ladies were not ones they could afford to provoke, she helplessly lowered her gaze, pretending not to notice her daughter’s forced smile.
Zhao Xian had pulled Lu Zhaoying out of the water and carried her, getting large parts of her own clothes wet in the process. After changing, she sat to the side, holding a warm cup of tea to warm her hands.
Although it was already spring and the layers of clothing had been reduced to just a few thin pieces, the pond water was still bone-chillingly cold, making it necessary to warm up a bit more.
When the young girl entered the room, she remained silent, quietly observing.
Hearing Lu Zhaoying’s words and seeing that she was indeed unharmed, Lin Niancang sighed in relief. Turning her head, she looked surprised, only then noticing that there were others in the room. She quickly clasped her hands in greeting. “Sixth Sister pays her respects to Madam Jiang.”
Zhao Xian nodded in acknowledgment.
For some reason, seeing Lin Niancang gave her a strange feeling, something indescribable and unclear.
In the original body’s memories, there was little interaction with this Lin Sixth Sister, and even with her mother, she avoided contact whenever possible.
That feeling was a mix of disdain, pity, and disgust—quite complex.
Suddenly, there was movement at the door, and everyone looked up.
It was Matron Chen, who had guided Zhao Xian earlier, walking in. She first bowed to everyone before speaking. “Madam Jiang, Third Miss Lu, Princess Chang requests your presence.”
Zhao Xian hadn’t expected that even though Princess Rongyang was overseeing the Shanghua Yan, Princess Chang would step in to handle the incident. “Please lead the way, Matron Chen.”
Following Matron Chen to Princess Chang’s residence, Luoyang Courtyard, the garden was filled with Luoyang red peonies, striking and dazzling.
She recalled that the guest courtyard where they had changed clothes earlier was called Doulyu Courtyard, and the peonies planted there were green, with petals as delicate as a child’s face.
It seemed Princess Chang was an avid peony enthusiast, filling every corner with peonies and even naming all the courtyards in her estate after them.
Zhao Xian began to form a plan in her mind.
Stepping over the high threshold, she entered a room as spacious and bright as a grand hall, unlike ordinary homes divided into outer and inner chambers. Along both walls, peonies of various colors were arranged in rows, while the polished floor gleamed so brightly one could see their reflection upon looking down.
Through the gauze curtain embroidered with peonies, Matron Chen respectfully announced, “Princess Chang, they have arrived.”
Zhao Xian knelt down, placing her hands before her forehead as she performed a deep bow. “Your humble servant pays respects to Princess Chang. I beg Your Highness to forgive my offense.”
Madam Lu and Lu Zhaoying, who had knelt alongside her, exchanged a discreet glance before lowering their heads in silence.
“Oh? What have you done that requires my forgiveness?” Princess Chang’s voice carried a hint of laziness.
“I have damaged Your Highness’s beloved peony. Though it was unintentional, the peony has been harmed, and it is my fault. Thus, I beg Your Highness to forgive my offense.”
“Madam Jiang truly has a silver tongue… Destroying an imperial gift, and you think a simple apology will suffice?” From behind the curtain, Princess Rongyang’s voice rang out.
Zhao Xian’s heart sank. She had worried along the way that Princess Rongyang might seize this opportunity to make trouble.
An imperial gift? Left outside on the steps to endure wind and rain? She found that hard to believe.
Zhao Xian even began to wonder darkly whether Lu Zhaoying’s fall into the water had been a scheme targeting her. But how could it have been such a coincidence?
Only then did Lu Zhaoying understand why Madam Jiang had performed such a grand gesture of apology. Everyone in Jin’an knew of Princess Chang’s love for peonies—even a servant damaging a single leaf could result in a broken leg. She immediately spoke up, “Please punish this commoner, Your Highness. Madam Jiang only damaged the peony to save me. The fault lies with me.”
Madam Lu regretted her decision deeply, wishing she had never come.
Lin Niancang, who had accompanied them, spoke up, “Aunt, Madam Jiang did not act intentionally, and she was saving someone. Please forgive her.”
Zhao Xian knelt on the gleaming floor tiles, her head bowed, unaware of Princess Chang’s attitude. But with Princess Rongyang present, she feared the situation would be exaggerated—the most troublesome aspect of it all.
Unexpectedly, she heard Lin Niancang pleading on her behalf.
Was this a case of a good shoot sprouting from bad bamboo?
The next moment, Princess Chang’s voice came from behind the curtain:
“Since it was done to save someone, and out of necessity, I shall not pursue punishment. However, it remains an imperial gift. Do you have any means to remedy this?”
As Princess Chang finished speaking, a palace maid approached Zhao Xian with a tray, upon which lay the peony that could only be described as pitiful.
Its petals were scattered, with only two or three remaining; its stems were broken and twisted; even its roots were damaged.
Zhao Xian did not know how to care for flowers—in fact, everything she tried to nurture died. She dared not promise to save it.
Yet, judging by Princess Chang’s words, this matter would not be resolved without a solution.
“If Your Highness does not mind, may I be permitted to offer something else adorned with peonies in compensation?” She vaguely recalled hearing from flower-loving ladies during conversations that the peonies in Princess Chang’s residence were cultivated with great care, each pot worth a fortune and not easily found.
If she could not revive this peony, she would have to replace it with an identical one—something she could not guarantee she could find.
Princess Rongyang scoffed coldly, “An imperial gift, Madam Jiang. Surely you do not think just any item with peonies will suffice?”
“Your Highness has said it is an imperial gift. Even if I cannot revive it, seeking an identical peony would still be deceiving the Emperor. I can only strive to make amends.”
Princess Chang’s voice held a trace of curiosity: “Oh? What is this peony-related item you speak of?”
“I cannot disclose it at this moment, Your Highness. I hope you can hold some anticipation for it.”
Princess Rongyang rebuked: “How presumptuous! You are deliberately withholding information.”
Lin Liuniang’s voice carried a hint of naive charm: “Mother, Auntie loves peonies. Since Madam Jiang is willing to make amends with another peony-related item, let us give her a chance. The peony was damaged to save a life, not intentionally destroyed. I believe even Uncle the Emperor would not blame her if he knew.”
A palace maid lifted the gauze curtain, and Princess Rongyang assisted Princess Chang as they descended the steps.
Princess Chang’s voice was languid yet peaceful: “All of you, rise.”
The three kneeling women stood up.
Only then did Zhao Xian see Princess Chang’s appearance.
Princess Chang was in her forties but maintained herself extremely well, looking only in her twenties or thirties. Standing beside Princess Rongyang, they could easily be mistaken for sisters.
Princess Chang glanced at Matron Chen, who understood the cue and led four palace maids carrying trays forward.
Each tray held an item.
“Madam Jiang saved someone at the Princess’s residence, which is a commendable deed. Setting aside your damage of the imperial peony, I should reward you. I heard that in your household, you most enjoy playing chess with Lord Jiang. This set of exquisite jade chess pieces was crafted by Master Yu. I shall indulge your preference and gift it to you.”
Zhao Xian was somewhat bewildered but expressed her thanks: “Thank you for Your Highness’s reward.”
Did the original host have a hobby of playing chess? Oh no, she only knew how to play Wuziqi.
Princess Chang had already turned her gaze to Lu Zhaoying: “It was the negligence of the residence’s servants that frightened you, Third Miss Lu. These gifts are my apology to you.”
The other three trays contained items suitable for women to wear: hairpins, dangling hair ornaments, beaded bracelets, bracelets, and chains—all appropriate for Lu Zhaoying’s age.
Lu Zhaoying hurriedly curtsied and said: “This commoner thanks Your Highness for the reward.”
Zhao Xian understood that Princess Chang was giving a slap followed by a sweet date.
But if she failed to present a peony-related item that satisfied Princess Chang, this matter was likely far from over.
“I have an impertinent request and beg Your Highness’s permission.”
“Speak.”
“I was in a hurry to save Third Miss Lu earlier and broke into a sweat. Although I changed clothes, I feel somewhat dizzy and wish to return home early. I hope Your Highness will permit it.” This Shanghua Yan was no longer bearable; she needed to leave quickly.
“Madam Jiang, drink some ginger soup when you return home to avoid catching a chill.” Princess Chang did not obstruct her and even instructed Matron Chen: “Matron Chen, escort Madam Jiang.”
Seeing this, Madam Lu also seized the opportunity to take her leave—after all, her daughter had genuinely fallen into the water.
“Yingying, I’ll see you off.” Lin Liuniang stepped forward.
Princess Rongyang wanted to stop her but was given a sidelong glance by Princess Chang.
After the group departed, the spacious room fell silent.
“Aunt, what she damaged was an imperial gift. How could you let her off so easily?”
Princess Chang withdrew her hand from Princess Rongyang’s support: “Was it really her who damaged it?”
As the mistress of the Princess’s residence, would she not know where the imperial peony was planted?
“Rongyang, after all these years, have you still not let go?”
Princess Rongyang pressed her lips together and did not answer.
“My Shanghua Yan is held every year. This is the first time an incident has occurred. If not for Madam Jiang, the reputation of the Shanghua Yan would have been ruined. As your aunt, I can show you favoritism, but remember, Rongyang, this is the only time.”
Princess Rongyang’s expression changed dramatically: “Aunt!”
“I am weary, go and wrap up the Shanghua Yan.”
Author’s Note:
This part of the plot feels dull, I can’t get into the flow, and splitting it up would seem drawn-out, so I’ve combined it into one chapter. I’m off to write the parts I’m more interested in later on
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