The two passed through the winding corridor and arrived at the backyard of the Houfu. Under the pavilion in the four corners of the backyard, a long table was set, laden with exquisite tea and snacks. Several noblewomen and their daughters were seated around the table, chatting happily.
When they saw Hou Furen bringing Jiang Suihuan over, a few of the noble daughters covered their mouths and giggled, their eyes filled with disdain.
One of them sneered, “Oh? Isn’t this Nanming Wangfei? I heard she was covered in blood on the streets a few days ago, looking utterly pathetic. How does she have the mood to attend our banquet today?”
Jiang Suihuan glanced at the speaker. It was Meng Qiao, the Shu Nu of the second son of Zhen Yuan Old General. Since childhood, she had always followed Jiang Meier around. Because Jiang Meier disliked the original host, Meng Qiao often targeted her openly and covertly.
A Shu Nu was not qualified to attend such banquets. However, Meng Qiao had recently married into a higher status by wedding Chen Yuwei, the youngest son of the Chancellor, which allowed her to attend today’s banquet.
Seated beside Meng Qiao was her legitimate elder sister, Meng Qing, also one of Jiang Meier’s friends. She had often joined Meng Qiao in mocking the original host, and this time was no exception.
As soon as Meng Qiao finished speaking, Meng Qing nudged her and laughed, “Sister, that’s not quite right. Haven’t you heard? Jiang Suihuan is no longer Nanming Wangfei. Nan Ming Wang is planning to make Mei’er his Zheng Fei.”
“Oh? Really?” Meng Qiao’s tone was sympathetic, but her eyes were full of mockery. “No wonder Sister Suihuan is at the Houfu today. So she’s homeless and has to seek refuge with her maternal family.”
Meng Qing’s mother sat nearby, tacitly approving of their behavior. After all, Jiang Suihuan was too foolish for her liking, and now that she had been divorced by Nan Ming Wang, she had nothing left to rely on.
Jiang Suihuan walked confidently to the center of them and sat down. She picked up a cup of light tea and took a sip, her expression calm as she said, “That’s right, I am indeed no longer Nan Ming Wang’s Zheng Fei. But I wasn’t divorced—it was a Heli.”
Her words shocked everyone. Since ancient times, no one had ever heard of a Wangfei daring to initiate a Heli with a Prince.
Meng Qiao thought Jiang Suihuan was lying and scoffed, “How is that possible? The news we heard came directly from Nanming Wangfu. Besides, would you dare to initiate a Heli with Nan Ming Wang? What a joke!”
“Nan Ming Wang can’t distinguish right from wrong, mistaking a fish eye for a pearl. Of course, I had to initiate a Heli with him. If you don’t believe me, you can go ask Nan Ming Wang yourself.” Jiang Suihuan’s movements as she drank her tea were unhurried, and her demeanor appeared more noble and composed than any of the noble daughters who had grown up in Jingcheng.
Meng Qiao certainly didn’t dare to ask Nan Ming Wang herself, so she pursed her lips and fell silent.
One of the noblewomen whispered to Hou Furen, “Why does your legitimate daughter seem like a completely different person? Her temperament is entirely unlike before.”
Hou Furen was also pleasantly surprised. The previous Jiang Suihuan had been somewhat timid and appeared hesitant and unsuited for elegant occasions, but today’s Jiang Suihuan was confident and poised, almost like a noble lady from the palace.
Having been bested by Jiang Suihuan, the noble daughters deliberately ignored her and began discussing other matters.
One person they mentioned caught Jiang Suihuan’s attention.
“How strange. Beimo Wang is known for his cold and ruthless personality, and they say his methods are extremely cruel. I wonder why the Emperor holds him in such high regard.”
Someone explained, “Beimo Wang is the Emperor’s only younger brother. After Empress Taiqing passed away and the Supreme Emperor went mad, the Emperor only has Beimo Wang left as his brother, so naturally he cares deeply for him.”
“I heard Beimo Wang was assassinated at Luanzang Gang a few days ago. He single-handedly killed twenty to thirty shadow guards—it’s truly terrifying! Training just one shadow guard takes at least twenty years, and he actually killed twenty to thirty by himself!”
Hearing the words “Luanzang Gang,” Jiang Suihuan pricked up her ears discreetly.
“It’s absolutely horrifying. They say when Beimo Wang’s subordinates found him, he had over twenty wounds on his body. Surprisingly, someone had sutured all the wounds, and the work was extremely meticulous—it must have been done by a master.”
“I heard the Emperor was furious when he found out and even sent the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to investigate the matter.”
…
Hearing this, Jiang Suihuan was certain: this Beimo Wang was the man she had rescued at Luanzang Gang.
She had left her hairpin with him at the time, thinking he could use it to find her if he wanted to repay the favor. But several days had passed, and there was no sign of him. Fortunately, she had attended this tea party today and learned his identity.
It seemed she needed to find time to visit Beimo Wang in person.
Just as Jiang Suihuan was lost in thought, Meng Qiao deliberately steered the conversation back to her: “Speaking of which, it’s been a long time since we’ve heard you play the qin. Since we’re all here today, why don’t you play a piece and let us appreciate whether your skills have improved?”
Jiang Suihuan shrugged. “Fine, but playing alone is a bit dull. How about we make it a competition? As for the prize—let’s make it the bracelet on your wrist.”
The bracelet Meng Qiao wore was made of white jade and looked quite valuable.
Jiang Suihuan needed medicinal herbs to concoct remedies, and buying herbs required a substantial amount of silver.
When the original host of this body married Chu Jue, Hou Furen had prepared only a meager dowry for her. Later, Jiang Meier had swindled most of it away under various pretexts, so she had very little silver left.
Meng Qiao was displeased. “Why should my bracelet be the prize? How could I possibly lose to you?”
Jiang Suihuan took out the two remaining Blood Replenishing Pills and placed them on the table in front of her. “These will be my stake.”
“What are these? They don’t look impressive at all.” Meng Qiao scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“Don’t underestimate them. These are Blood Replenishing Pills given to me by a divine physician. Whether you’re severely injured or suffering from postpartum hemorrhage, just one pill can save your life. They’re priceless treasures.”
Everyone’s eyes converged on the small vial in front of Jiang Suihuan. If what she said was true, these pills were far more valuable than a mere bracelet.
Meng Qiao agreed half-doubtfully, “Alright. But if I take one and it doesn’t work, you’ll have to answer to me.”
“Don’t speak too soon. It’s not certain who will win or lose.” Jiang Suihuan put away the Blood Replenishing Pills and turned to Ying Tao behind her. “Bring the qin.”
After Ying Tao brought the qin, Meng Qiao snatched it into her arms. “I’ll play first.”
Meng Qiao thought to herself that after she finished playing, everyone would find Jiang Suihuan’s performance even more unpleasant to the ear. Let’s see if Jiang Suihuan would dare act so arrogantly in front of her after this.
Confidently, Meng Qiao began to play. The notes were clear and melodious, earning nods and praise from the audience.
Only the Hou Furen felt both worried and reproachful. She had told Jiang Suihuan to speak less, so why wouldn’t she listen!
As the piece ended, Jiang Suihuan rose unhurriedly to take the guqin from Meng Qiao. Though skilled in piano, she was not proficient in the ancient Chinese instrument—but it didn’t matter, for she possessed a cheat from the 21st century.
“A piece called ‘Blue and White Porcelain’ for everyone.”
Jiang Suihuan extended her slender jade-like fingers and slowly plucked the strings. The ethereal, melodious notes made everyone’s expressions shift. This music wasn’t just beyond Meng Qiao’s abilities—even the imperial court’s finest qin masters would likely concede defeat upon hearing it.
Meng Qiao’s face gradually paled. How could this be! How could Jiang Suihuan perform such exquisite music!
The entire audience became intoxicated by the melody. Even servants and maids who understood nothing of qin music were drawn in, crowding against the wall to listen stealthily.
When Jiang Suihuan finished and put away the instrument, the crowd seemed reluctant to let the moment end. The Hou Furen exclaimed in delighted surprise, “Suihuan, who taught you this piece? It’s utterly magnificent! Why have I never heard you play it before?”
Jiang Suihuan cleared her throat lightly. “It was passed down by a great master. I hadn’t fully grasped the essence of the music until recently, which is why I never performed it before others.”
Meng Qiao rose in fury, pointing accusingly at Jiang Suihuan. “You cheated!”