Pei Yunshu looked at her, her eyes filled with doubt, dissatisfaction, and deep displeasure.
So that was it. She had only just begun and had already gotten her answer without even needing to probe further. Yet, regarding this matter, Jiang Liuyan actually felt a sense of relief.
“That day, it was His Highness the Crown Prince who escorted me back. Niannian saw it, didn’t you?”
Pei Yunshu snorted and turned her head away to look elsewhere. Several young ladies were playing on the swings, and Pei Qingwan sat on one of them. With a push from someone, she soared high into the air.
Despite her usual composure, she couldn’t help but let out a few laughs—after all, she was still a young girl at heart.
“Niannian, the situation that day wasn’t what you thought. If you want to know, I can explain it to you in detail.”
“There’s no need, cousin. I am not a deeply sentimental person. I, Pei Yunshu, have never been someone who must have the Crown Prince. Even if I were involved with him, there would still be those bold enough to compete for his favor if I so much as beckoned. Do you believe me, cousin?”
Jiang Liuyan nodded. “With Niannian’s unparalleled grace, I naturally believe it.”
“But,” Pei Yunshu’s voice was soft, yet it felt like a hook, tightening Jiang Liuyan’s heart.
“Cousin, what I don’t want, even if I discard it, I won’t let anyone else have it.”
Pei Yunshu walked past Jiang Liuyan, the word “disgusting” drifting lightly toward her. Even with powder on her face, Jiang Liuyan couldn’t hide the shock and anger that surged uncontrollably in her expression.
So, tearing off Jiang Liuyan’s mask was actually such a simple matter.
Pei Yunshu also went off to join the others in their fun, leaving only Jiang Liuyan standing there. Though it was the height of summer, with lotus flowers blooming nearby and the ceaseless chirping of cicadas, Jiang Liuyan felt cold—a bone-chilling cold that seeped from head to toe, making her ache.
Jiang Liuyan looked at the lotus pond before her and, for the first time, felt disgusted by everything around her. The cicadas were noisy, and the lotus flowers seemed vulgar and unbearable.
Someone gently tapped her shoulder. “Miss Jiang.”
Jiang Liuyan turned abruptly, startling the person, who then looked at her cautiously. “What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, I was lost in thought just now. Did I scare you?”
“It’s fine. Are you feeling unwell?”
Jiang Liuyan touched her forehead. “A little. The sun is too harsh.”
“Standing here, of course it is. We’re having tea in the pavilion nearby. Would you like to join us, Miss Jiang?” The person speaking to Jiang Liuyan was the daughter of Minister Sun of the Ministry of Rites, who was on friendly terms with her.
“Then I’ll trouble you.”
As Miss Sun led Jiang Liuyan away, they caught sight of someone playing on the swings with Xie Sifeng. As the swing soared high, the hem of her dress fluttered, revealing her bare calves.
Miss Sun frowned. “Although this banquet is hosted by the royal mansion, there are men around. Isn’t this too improper?”
Jiang Liuyan glanced over. “If Princess Jingyang enjoys it, what can be done?”
Miss Sun lifted the hem of her dress slightly as she climbed the stairs, revealing only a pair of exquisite embroidered shoes, not even exposing her ankles.
“Princess Jingyang’s behavior is no different from that eldest daughter of the Guogong Mansion. Despite their noble status, they’ve disgraced women in countless ways.”
Jiang Liuyan pursed her lips and let out a soft sigh, as if deeply troubled and helpless. Miss Sun looked at her and said, “I almost forgot. That eldest Miss Pei has given you a hard time, hasn’t she?”
“Not at all. Although my sister is a bit lively in temperament, her nature is still quite good.” Jiang Liuyan walked up to the pavilion, greeting the young ladies with courtesy. As she served tea, she inadvertently glanced outside.
Amidst the overlapping branches and leaves, she saw Pei Yunshu rushing over. Jiang Liuyan looked further and caught sight of a tall, upright figure standing in the corner within her line of sight.
Then, Pei Yunshu reached that person.
Jiang Liuyan widened her eyes, trying to see more, but could no longer make out anything.
“Miss Jiang? What’s wrong?”
Jiang Liuyan snapped back to attention. “It’s nothing. I just wanted to see if my sister is still around. Since we came out together, as her elder sister, I should keep an eye on her.”
That Miss Sun chimed in with a few words, drawing agreement from many, all saying how unfortunate it was for Jiang Liuyan to be saddled with a sister like Pei Yunshu.
Jiang Liuyan engaged in their banter with ease, appearing perfectly composed, yet deep down, a troubling doubt unsettled her. That figure was clearly not Xie Changyan, but it was evident it was a man.
Pei Yunshu was so intimate with that person, yet she had never heard of it. She and Pei Yunshu spent most of their time together, coming and going as one—she shouldn’t have been completely unaware.
Could it be true? Had Pei Yunshu given up on the Crown Prince and found a new sweetheart?
The guest quarters of the Prince’s residence were off-limits even to Xie Sifeng, the beloved daughter of the house.
“When Xie Sifeng mentioned it, I guessed it. Someone who could be a distinguished guest at the Prince’s residence—nine times out of ten, it must be Teacher.”
Xie Yanchuan watched as Pei Yunshu stood before him, lifting her bright and radiant face. As she spoke these words, she wore an expression of self-satisfied cleverness and pride.
How could she be so endearing? Or rather, so endearing to him.
Xie Yanchuan looked at her, and with a mere gesture, someone handed over a cool handkerchief. He gently wiped the sweat from Pei Yunshu’s forehead.
“So you just rushed over like this?”
“Mhm, it’s been quite some time since I last saw Teacher.”
Such a delicate and aggrieved child, Xie Yanchuan thought as he gazed at Pei Yunshu.