Su Fu wore a lotus-pink embroidered satin dress, its soft hue as fresh as a newly blossomed lotus—elegant yet understated.
In her hair was an exquisitely crafted white jade hairpin carved with bamboo-joint patterns, enhancing her cool, ethereal temperament. Around her slender wrist rested a smooth white jade bracelet, adding a touch of gentle grace to her overall bearing.
The outfit was simple, refined, and impeccably proper—there was truly nothing to fault.
Su Qing gave a soft snort.
“Elder Sister, once we enter the palace, you must stay close to me. There are countless rules in the palace, and you’ve never been there before. If you offend some noble personage, I won’t be able to help you!” Su Qing said, putting on a show of concern.
Su Fu lowered the carriage curtain and looked at her expressionlessly.
“You’d best worry about yourself first—think about how you’ll perform at the palace banquet later so you can win the favor of those noble young masters. As for my affairs, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself.”
“Su Fu! You—” Having her thoughts exposed, Su Qing was so angry she forgot to call her “Elder Sister.” She glared resentfully at Su Fu.
“When you cause trouble later, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
After disembarking from the carriage, palace maids led them toward the venue of the banquet.
Today’s banquet was held at Guangxiu Palace.
Before parting ways, Su Zhe repeatedly instructed Su Fu to be cautious in her words and actions and absolutely not cause any trouble.
By the time the palace maids led them into Guangxiu Palace, many noble ladies were already present. As soon as she arrived, Su Qing went off to chat with her familiar friends. Su Fu chose a relatively quiet corner and sat alone.
One of the girls speaking with Su Qing asked, “Who was that person who came in with you? I’ve never seen her before.”
Su Qing glanced toward where Su Fu sat. Seeing her alone in the corner, a trace of mockery flashed in her eyes.
“She’s my elder sister. She’s been in poor health and never attended banquets before. Father insisted I bring her today and repeatedly told me to keep an eye on her, afraid she might cause trouble.”
“I see! No wonder she looks so small-minded and unsophisticated,” another girl flattered Su Qing.
Su Fu simply sat quietly sipping tea, indifferent to the curious or disdainful glances cast her way. She had not come to the palace banquet to befriend these ladies.
Her gaze drifted toward the men’s seating across the hall. Xiao Junhe had not yet arrived.
“Su Fu?”
A hesitant voice called out. It was He Minzhu, who had just entered the hall. As she approached and saw clearly, she exclaimed in surprise, “It really is you! Why are you here today?”
The Duchess of Zhenguo, standing beside her, asked curiously, “Minzhu, which family’s young lady is this? How do you know each other?”
“Mother, this is Su Fu, daughter of Vice Minister Su from the Ministry of Revenue. We met yesterday at Luohua Pavilion.”
After speaking, He Minzhu naturally took Su Fu’s arm and introduced, “Su Fu, this is my mother.”
Su Fu bowed properly. “Su Fu greets the Duchess of Zhenguo.”
Seeing her graceful and dignified manner, the Duchess felt puzzled. She frequently attended banquets in various households—how had she never seen this eldest daughter of the Su family? The second daughter, however, she saw often.
“Mother, I’ll sit here with Su Fu,” He Minzhu said. “I didn’t even want to attend this banquet, but you insisted. It’s quieter here! I refuse to deal with those people—it’s exhausting!”
“You girl, behave yourself today. You must not cause any trouble,” the Duchess said helplessly.
“I know, I know! I promise I’ll sit right here and not go anywhere. You go ahead!”
Once her mother left, He Minzhu pulled Su Fu to sit together.
“I thought you didn’t like attending banquets. Why did you come today?”
Su Fu blinked. Were they truly close enough for such familiarity?
“Father mentioned yesterday that His Majesty is hosting a banquet in the palace today for the returning Great General and the officers. So I came to take a look.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a stir ran through the hall.
“The Great General has arrived!”
“Look! The Heir of the Xiao family is here too!”
Xiao Junhe was tall and slender. Today he wore a dark teal kesi brocade robe patterned with precious floral motifs. The deep, restrained color suited his steady temperament perfectly. The intricate floral designs added an air of mystery and nobility. A Hetian jade pendant hung from his waist, its texture smooth as cream and softly luminous—clearly priceless.
His eyes were like a deep, tranquil pool—calm and unfathomable.
After locating his seat, he lifted his robe and sat down.
The customs of Nansang were not overly strict. Though men and women could not sit together, they were permitted in the same hall, seated on opposite sides.
From the moment Xiao Junhe entered, he became the focus of attention.
The men discreetly assessed him, wondering whether the rumors were true—that at such a young age he had led five thousand soldiers to capture a city of Xiling.
The women stole glances at him, whispering among themselves.
“I’m telling you, they say the Crown Prince is the most handsome man in the capital, but now I think the Xiao heir looks better!”
“Exactly! Perhaps the Crown Prince was called the most handsome only because the Xiao heir wasn’t here before.”
“But the Crown Prince’s status is higher! Marry him and you’ll be Empress one day…”
Hearing this, He Minzhu nudged Su Fu. “Who do you think is more handsome—the Crown Prince or the Xiao heir?”
Without hesitation, Su Fu answered, “The Xiao heir.”
“I think so too! He’s the young general who fought bravely on the battlefield and slew countless enemies!”
Su Fu looked toward the men’s seating area again. Just then, Xiao Junhe happened to lift his gaze, and their eyes met.
Su Fu raised her teacup slightly and smiled at him with a small nod.
Xiao Junhe froze briefly. Then, toward her direction, he gave an almost imperceptible nod in return. His movement was subtle, careful not to attract attention and cause her unnecessary trouble.
His response surprised Su Fu. At this time, Xiao Junhe did not know that she already remembered saving him in their childhood…
In her previous life, she had lived in confusion. In this life, she resolved to be more proactive.
So he had always treated her differently.
A trace of sadness surfaced in Su Fu’s heart.
Xiao Junhe’s dark eyes swept over her quickly. Noticing the faint melancholy on her face, he felt puzzled.
Just as he was lost in thought, someone tapped his shoulder from behind.
“Yun’an.”
Xiao Junhe turned. It was the Third Prince, Si Beichen.
Si Beichen sat beside him. “It’s been years. You’ve grown taller than me now. When we were children, you weren’t even as tall as I was.”
“After years apart, Your Highness seems far more steady than before.”
The teasing look faded from Si Beichen’s face. “Born into the imperial family—one rarely has a choice.”
Xiao Junhe pressed his lips together but said nothing.
At that moment, a eunuch’s voice rang out loudly:
“His Majesty arrives! Her Majesty the Empress arrives! Her Highness the Yongping Grand Princess arrives!”