On the day of the Peach Blossom Banquet, Feng Xiu brought out the most fashionable attire currently popular in the capital, determined to have her young lady stand out from the crowd. However, she was turned down by the nanny left behind by Mei Chi in the manor: “The young lady is already beautiful enough; there’s no need to draw such attention.”
In the end, Mei Yao wore a light pink dress with a white fox fur cloak. The outfit was modest and well-coordinated, yet upon closer inspection, the craftsmanship and materials were exquisite. The nanny’s styling and makeup also showcased meticulous attention to detail. After the final touches, Mei Yao appeared radiant and elegant, yet still charming, perfectly embodying Princess Wenshan’s grace and beauty.
Mei Yao arrived in the same carriage as Princess Fu Guang. From a distance, they could see a dazzling array of hairpins and coiffures vying for attention, with flashes of red and green weaving through the crowd, even more vibrant than the peach blossoms themselves.
Li Youtong remarked, “In previous years, they were all restrained under my influence, but this year, they’ve let loose, each one strutting around like a peacock in full display!”
Mei Yao laughed, “Even so, no one can compare to Your Highness’s natural beauty!”
This wasn’t entirely flattery. The Li imperial family was known for their exceptional looks, and Li Youtong was indeed beautiful. Coupled with her noble bearing, Mei Yao suspected that her eldest brother, Mei Chi, had once been smitten with her.
Upon seeing them, the noble ladies all curtsied to Li Youtong, though their eyes kept drifting toward Mei Yao.
After all, few of these young noblewomen had actually met Princess Wenshan. Most had only heard that the cherished daughter of the Southern Chieftain Mei An had arrived in the capital. Mei Chi had inherited seventy percent of Mei An’s handsomeness, which had already caused Princess Fu Guang to “remain unmarried.” Now, seeing Mei Yao, they were even more astonished. Her radiance held a hint of allure, yet her allure was tempered with elegance—a contradictory yet harmonious blend that left the onlookers both envious and jealous.
After Li Youtong introduced everyone to Mei Yao, she asked, “I saw you all chatting animatedly earlier. What were you talking about?”
“Replying to Princess Fu Guang, the elder sisters were discussing my second brother, Yan Yu!” The speaker was Fei Tang, the illegitimate daughter of Prince Yanping, who had just turned fifteen this year. She was lively and adorable, the youngest among the group.
Li Youtong noticed the pride in the young girl’s tone, clearly stemming from her second brother. Despite being an illegitimate daughter, she was enjoying a moment of being the center of attention.
Li Youtong had met Yan Yu once, two years ago, when the deposed Crown Prince Li Zhe was exiled to the southern border. Yan Yu had personally returned to escort him.
At a time when everyone was desperate to distance themselves from Li Zhe, this young general had defied military orders and rushed back from the far northwest, all to honor the brief friendship they had shared as childhood study companions. Li Youtong admired his courage and was relieved that His Majesty had shown mercy, punishing him with only a dozen lashes and a few months of confinement.
Recalling the scene, she remembered that the young man truly possessed an unparalleled handsome appearance. However, his temperament was cold, aloof, and stubborn—utterly unlike Mei Chi’s gentle, calm, and composed demeanor.
With his good looks and terrible temper, if this Second Young Master Yan were to stay in the capital for long, who knew how many young ladies would end up heartbroken and distressed.
Li Youtong said with a faint smile, “That’s right, I remember he returned to the capital. Is he here?”
“Replying to Your Highness, he is here. Just now, Sister Wan from the Marquis Gongshun’s residence mentioned seeing him at the equestrian grounds.”
Lu Wan blushed and said, “Yes, earlier I went to find my brother and had the fortune of witnessing General Yan’s heroic bearing on horseback. Truly worthy of a general famed on the battlefield—he was indeed majestic!”
Li Youtong suddenly laughed, “Isn’t it said that he’s ruthless and cold-blooded? Why do I sense a hint of admiration in your words?”
Clearly, this assessment made Little Feitang nervous. She hurriedly defended, “Princess, my second brother grew up on the battlefield with our father since childhood. His temperament may be cold and rigid, but he only kills enemies! He spends barely a few days in the capital each year. In the northwest, where wolf smoke rises constantly, who could he possibly show mercy to?”
Feitang grew more aggrieved as she spoke, unable to understand how her second brother had earned such a reputation.
Li Youtong found it amusing and laughed, “Then I must have been mistaken. Since that’s the case, why linger here chatting? The spring scenery is lovely—let’s go for a ride!”
Compared to the spring beauty of Peach Garden, the horse track was rather dull, but the arrival of the young ladies added a few bright spots of color.
Someone was testing a horse on the track, galloping with breathtaking speed and grace. The noble ladies chattered excitedly as they watched, but Mei Yao showed little interest. Unlike these capital nobles who rode for leisure, she had ridden warhorses in the southern borderlands.
Li Youtong scanned the area and saw only her fourth brother and a few young men from noble families. She remarked, “The jade-faced general you’ve all been thinking of doesn’t seem to be here.”
Just then, several figures emerged from the direction of the stables. Among them was a tall man dressed in indigo robes, his belt accentuating an excellent waist-to-height ratio—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. His steps were steady and imposing.
He walked while wiping his hands, speaking to those beside him.
Feitang spotted him and called out loudly, “Second Brother, over here!”
The man glanced toward them from a distance and approached unhurriedly. As he drew closer, Feitang noticed his hands were covered in blood, a handkerchief already stained crimson—a frightening sight!
“Are you injured?” Feitang rushed over, grabbing his arm to inspect it.
Yan Yu freed his hand from Feitang’s grip, still wiping calmly as he said casually, “Just dealt with a troublesome horse.”
He seemed utterly unfazed by appearing bloodied before the noble young ladies. Only when satisfied did he toss the handkerchief to an attendant, then took two steps forward and gave a slight nod. “Princess Fu Guang.”
His demeanor could hardly be described as respectful.
Li Youtong remained silent, feeling the man before her was arrogant.
Yet his bearing seemed entirely natural, as if nothing in the world could truly catch his eye.
Feitang beside him looked slightly awkward, hesitating whether to smooth things over for her second brother.
The noble ladies behind Li Youtong held their breath, well aware that this princess reserved all her good temper for Mei Chi and showed little tolerance toward others. They feared her sudden anger might turn the horse track into a punishment ground!
Yan Yu lifted his head, his gaze toward Princess Fu Guang revealing no emotion. Then his eyes swept past, glancing over the faces of the noble ladies—half of whom he didn’t recognize.
Yet their infatuated expressions all entered his vision, stirring not a trace of emotion in him.
Mei Yao stared at his face, her mind momentarily blank. Wasn’t this exactly the face she had longed for day and night?
Yet something felt different. Though his features—eyes, brows, nose, and mouth—remained the same, together they seemed more rugged and mature than two years ago.
It made her heart tremble!
Her eyes grew slightly moist.
She gazed unblinkingly at the man before her, but his glance merely swept past, not lingering on her for even a moment.
Prince Duan Li Sheng stepped in to ease the tension. “Look, with General Yan’s appearance, even my seventh sister, who usually scorns everyone, can’t help but take a second look!”
Li Youtong gave a light laugh. “Fourth Brother always enjoys teasing me. General Yan is indeed imposing in bearing, but with so many delicate young ladies present, I hope the general doesn’t frighten them.”
This was an indirect reprimand.
A faint smile touched Yan Yu’s lips as he lowered his head. “I shall take your advice to heart.”