On Seven Bamboo Mountain, just outside the imperial capital, stood a royal villa reserved for the imperial family. Today, members of the royal clan, the capital’s most influential nobles, and the city’s most talented young ladies and gentlemen had all gathered there for the annual Flower Appreciation Banquet.
The estate was filled with rare and precious blossoms of every variety.
Though Mo Xiang was merely the daughter of a concubine and had never enjoyed her family’s favor, her remarkable literary talent had earned her an invitation to the prestigious gathering. Before dawn had even broken, Nanny Chen had already dragged Qingqing out of bed.
“Qing, stop sleeping! Hurry and wake Miss. We need to get her dressed and ready before we leave. We absolutely cannot delay such an important day. If anything goes wrong, Miss may never have another chance to change her fate.”
“I know, Nanny Chen. Don’t worry. All right, all right—stop pushing me. I’m going now.”
According to the memories of her previous life, today was the day Miss would consummate her plan with the Heir of Ding’an Marquis Manor.
“Miss, it’s time to wake up. If we’re any later, we’ll miss the best time to leave the city.”
“Qingqing, fetch the yellow dress that’s folded in the wardrobe. Nanny prepared it especially for me.”
“Yes, Miss. Please wash your face first. I’ve already placed the water on the washstand.”
With that, Qingqing turned and retrieved the dress Mo Xiang had requested.
Miss, I hope everything goes exactly as it did in my previous life and that you’ll succeed with the Heir today. Once you do, I’ll finally be able to leave safely. No matter how glorious your future may be, it will have nothing to do with me. All I want is to find a quiet village and live out the rest of my days in peace.
Silently, Qingqing made a vow.
In this lifetime, no matter what happened, she would never again walk the same path as Mo Xiang.
Once everything was ready, they greeted the Master and Madam of the Mo Family before departing the estate.
“Husband,” Madam Mo said with a frown, “Xiang’er is only a daughter of a concubine. Are you really comfortable letting her attend such a banquet outside the city alone? Aren’t you afraid she’ll embarrass our family?”
“What choice do we have?” Master Mo sighed. “Our humble family has produced only one child with any real talent. It’s a pity she’s merely concubine-born. If only it were our eldest daughter instead.”
“That’s your fault,” Madam Mo complained. “Why didn’t you let Qin’er go too? Perhaps some young nobleman would have taken a fancy to her.”
“What do you know?” Master Mo snorted. “Do you think anyone can simply attend a banquet like this? If Xiang’er weren’t so gifted, she would never have received an invitation. Qin’er may have a pretty face, but she has no talent to speak of.”
With another sigh, he turned and walked away without another glance at his wife.
“Husband… You…” Madam Mo stamped her foot helplessly. “My poor Qin’er…”
The carriage sped swiftly down the official road.
Inside sat Mo Xiang, Nanny Chen, and Qingqing.
“Nanny,” Mo Xiang said anxiously, clutching the older woman’s hand, “I’m nervous.”
“My dear Miss, you must be brave,” Nanny Chen reassured her gently. “What we’re about to do may be considered disgraceful. If anything goes wrong, your reputation will be ruined forever. But we’ve already come this far. There’s no turning back now. If you don’t fight for your own future, do you really intend to let Madam marry you off to some poor, insignificant family and spend the rest of your life in hardship?”
“Don’t worry, Miss,” Qingqing said calmly. “Today, your wish will surely come true.”
“Qing is always the thoughtful one.” Mo Xiang smiled warmly. “Thank you, Qingqing. If everything succeeds and I marry into Ding’an Marquis Manor, you may ask me for anything you want.”
“Really, Miss?”
Qingqing looked at the woman who, in her previous life, had condemned her to such a miserable death. It was difficult to believe those words.
“Have I ever lied to you?” Mo Xiang laughed behind her sleeve. “Even if what you wanted was to become the Heir’s woman, I’d make it happen for you.”
“I’ve never had such thoughts,” Qingqing replied quietly. “If Miss truly fulfills her wish today, then I only ask that you set me free. I want to return to my hometown and live a simple life. Would that be possible?”
“You don’t want to stay in the capital?” Mo Xiang asked in surprise. “Why would you choose the countryside? How could it possibly compare to life here?”
“I’d like to find a peaceful place in the countryside, marry, raise children, and spend the rest of my life quietly. That would be enough for me.”
“You stubborn girl.” Mo Xiang shook her head with a smile. “Very well. If I marry into Ding’an Marquis Manor, I’ll reward you with enough silver and allow you to return home. Is that satisfactory?”
“Thank you, Miss. Today, I’ll do everything I can to help you achieve your heart’s desire.”
Good.
Very good.
I only hope you’ll keep your promise and give me my freedom.
Let this be the last thing I ever do for you.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the lakeside villa.
Qingqing and Nanny Chen climbed down first before helping Mo Xiang alight. After the guards inspected their invitation, they were ushered into the royal estate.
The moment they stepped through the gates, they were greeted by an endless display of rare flowers and exotic plants. Blossoms of every imaginable color and shape filled the gardens. Some were still in bud, while others bloomed in full splendor, filling the air with delicate fragrance.
Brilliant butterflies danced among the flowers, their colorful wings sparkling beneath the sunlight and bringing even more life to the magnificent garden.
At the center of the grounds stood a grand stage.
It had been exquisitely decorated with flowing silk gauze and colorful ribbons, creating an atmosphere that seemed almost dreamlike.
Dozens of veiled dancers performed graceful routines upon the stage. Though their faces were hidden behind delicate veils, their bright eyes brimmed with mystery.
As the music quickened, so too did their dance. Their flowing sleeves and skirts swept through the air in elegant arcs, captivating everyone present.
The entire estate seemed swept up in the festive mood.
The young gentlemen and ladies had gathered separately. On the left, the gentlemen drank wine and composed poetry together. On the right, the ladies played the qin, painted, and admired one another’s works. The atmosphere was lively yet refined.
Supporting Mo Xiang by the arm, Qingqing led her to the area reserved for the ladies and found a seat near the edge of the gathering.
From the moment she entered the estate, Mo Xiang’s eyes had been searching tirelessly for the Heir of Ding’an Marquis Manor, Xiao Qi.
At last, she found him.
Xiao Qi stood among several young noblemen, raising cups of wine as they chatted and laughed together. Perhaps sensing someone’s gaze upon him, he turned toward the women’s side.
The moment his eyes met Mo Xiang’s, he froze.
Someone beside him called his name twice before he finally reacted.
Another young nobleman nudged him with an amused grin.
“Heir Xiao! Heir Xiao! What are you looking at? You’ve gone completely dazed.”
“N-Nothing.”
Xiao Qi hurriedly raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.
Even after finishing, he couldn’t help glancing back at Mo Xiang once more.
Qingqing had to admit it.
Her mistress truly was beautiful.
It was no wonder Xiao Qi had fallen in love with her at first sight.
“Qingqing,” Mo Xiang whispered, “in a little while, put the medicine into the wine. Then we’ll go together to the pavilion by the lake.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Qingqing remembered every step of the plan from her previous life. Even without further instructions, she had already prepared everything in advance.
She helped Mo Xiang walk to the lakeside pavilion.
Nanny Chen arranged fruit, pastries, and refreshments on the stone table before withdrawing to stand at a respectful distance, leaving only Qingqing and Mo Xiang inside.
Mo Xiang sipped her tea as she watched the fish swimming peacefully across the lake.
Not long afterward, Xiao Qi excused himself from the group of young gentlemen and began walking toward the lakeside pavilion.
“Miss,” Qingqing said quietly, “the Heir is coming this way. Should I step aside?”
“It’s unnecessary,” Mo Xiang replied calmly. “Stay here. That way, no one will have grounds to spread rumors about what happened afterward.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Once again, Qingqing couldn’t help admiring just how clever her mistress truly was.