“Cousin-in-law Wang has such a fiery temper. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Big Sister was so narrow-minded and resentful of the affection between the Heir and me that she sent you to the front lines to give me a piece of your mind.”
Her words were spoken with such bold confidence that Lady Xiang’s face immediately contorted in mockery, yet they only drew a laugh from Jiang Shiyuan.
Originally, Jiang Shiyuan had no desire to bicker with her, but since she had come looking for trouble, she could not back down. She lightly waved her fan before settling back into the chaise longue. With a touch of feigned innocence, she spoke.
“The Consort of the Heir worries too much. There is no need to air your private boudoir matters here in public. We are here today at the invitation of Princess Qinghuan. She has gone to change her attire and will return shortly. If it is convenient, why not stay and share a cup of tea? After all, the relationship between the two of you should be quite close.”
Today, Jiang Shiyuan had specially adorned the space between her brows with a peony-shaped floral ornament made of gold leaf. Though small, it accentuated her already exquisite features, making her beauty appear breathtakingly ethereal.
Yet, a closer look revealed a faint, frost-like paleness to her complexion, devoid of much color. Had it not been for the ornament lending her a bit of vitality, she would have looked exceedingly frail.
The foremost beauty of the Sui Dynasty was, unfortunately, born with a chronic weakness. Over the years, had it not been for the life-sustaining Condensation Pills, Jiang Shiyuan might have followed her late mother to the grave long ago.
Her seemingly light words carried a biting cold that chilled Jiang Shijin to the bone. Her triumphant expression faltered instantly.
Years ago, when they had first arrived in the Western Capital from Xuzhou, they had managed to secure an invitation to a flower-viewing banquet. Naturally, they had dressed with great care for such a grand occasion.
At the time, Jiang Shijin was merely the niece of a low-ranking fifth-grade official. How could she compare to the prestige of Jiang Shiyuan, the granddaughter of the Marquis of Wenyuan? Thus, when others mistook her for her elder sister, she did not bother to correct them, accepting the attention with a clear conscience.
With that borrowed reputation, the noble ladies at the banquet had conversed with her quite warmly.
Who could have known that in the middle of their pleasant conversation, Princess Qinghuan would expose her? After several rounds of ridicule, the noble ladies—who had just been acting like her best friends—cast looks of utter disdain. Not only did Jiang Shijin lose face, but from then on, such elite banquets were forever out of her reach.
Therefore, the mere mention of Princess Qinghuan struck fear into Jiang Shijin. However, after glancing at her sister’s unruffled expression, she forced herself to remain calm and asked a question in return.
“Big Sister certainly has a grand air about her. To think you can now make decisions for a gathering hosted by Princess Qinghuan. If I truly stayed, wouldn’t Big Sister be afraid of the Princess taking offense?”
Jiang Shiyuan knew all too well about the minor grudge between her second sister and the Princess. She could see that Shijin was merely feigning composure. She smiled, her fan never stopping its steady rhythm.
“She wouldn’t take offense. After all, the Consort of the Heir is now a member of the Imperial clan. There will be many occasions to meet in the future. Princess Qinghuan has always been magnanimous; I am sure she won’t dwell on past events. What do you think, Your Highness?”
Jiang Shijin fell silent, her teeth clenched as she looked at Jiang Shiyuan’s warm smile. She knew her sister was saying this on purpose, but there was nothing she could do! Beside her, Lady Xiang watched like a hawk, as if ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. For a moment, Jiang Shijin was caught between a rock and a hard place.
The maid standing behind her, Lingzhi, sensed her mistress’s predicament and immediately stepped forward to smooth things over.
“Please forgive us, Eldest Miss. When the Consort came out for some fresh air, the Heir specifically instructed her to return quickly. He feared that the crowds would separate them when it was time to leave, making it difficult to return to the estate together.”
Lingzhi’s words allowed Jiang Shijin to straighten her back once more. Her gentle, refined smile returned, and a flicker of satisfaction crossed her eyes. Looking at the ever-calm Jiang Shiyuan, she acted out her part.
“The Heir is truly something. I’m a grown woman; surely I wouldn’t lose my way home?”
“Your Highness worries too much. The Heir is simply concerned that it might be inconvenient for you to be out without someone to look after you. He specifically told me that the Consort’s needs must always come first.”
These words played right into Jiang Shijin’s desires. Her joy was evident in her eyes as she offered a feigned apology.
“In that case, I won’t intrude upon the Princess, Big Sister, and Cousin-in-law’s enjoyment. I shall take my leave. I will invite you both to the estate for a small gathering another day.”
With that, she turned and left before Jiang Shiyuan could even respond.
She appeared composed while leaving the room, but once she reached the first floor, her pace quickened significantly. It seemed she was terrified of bumping into Princess Qinghuan on her way back from changing clothes and being subjected to another round of ridicule.
Seeing her flee in such a manner, Lady Xiang couldn’t help but let out a disdainful scoff.
“A mere paper tiger. I truly wonder where the Heir of Prince Chun keeps his eyes. To give you up for someone like that—it’s a total joke.”
Jiang Shiyuan didn’t care at all. In her past life, she had fallen for the Heir at the Lantern Festival, thinking he was a man she could entrust her life to. She hadn’t realized then that he was merely a playboy who cared only for her beauty and family background. In this life, she had avoided him several times and never met him face-to-face, so there was no question of him “giving her up.”
The Heir was likely secretly delighted to have traded a sickly wife for a devoted and beautiful one. Thinking of this, she stepped forward to comfort her sister-in-law.
“If you keep getting this angry, Sister-in-law, you’ll look just like a pufferfish.”
As she spoke, she intentionally puffed out her cheeks, perfectly mimicking a startled pufferfish. Lady Xiang burst into laughter, and with that, most of her irritation vanished.
“You certainly are easygoing. But perhaps it’s for the best; it’s not worth ruining your health over people like that.”
Jiang Shiyuan nodded in agreement. She poured a cup of tea and held it out to Lady Xiang. Before she could say a word of invitation, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted from outside.
The two walked to the window and saw that, as expected, the dragon boat with her cousins had taken first place.
A look of expected joy appeared in Lady Xiang’s eyes. She glanced at Jiang Shiyuan and said, “Those boys have certainly brought honor to the Marquis of Wenyuan’s house. I heard that every member of the winning team will receive a personal favor from His Majesty. I wonder what they will ask for?”
“Handy weapons, a fortune in gold and silver, or at the very least, a fine carriage and a beautiful woman. It’s always those things. What else could there be?”
Imperial rewards were a form of wealth bestowed by the Heavens. Those asking were often more shrewd than those giving; they knew exactly what they could and could not ask for. Thus, Jiang Shiyuan felt little interest.
She was beginning to feel fatigued from the outing.
Thinking that she would have to take her medicine to regain her energy once she returned, the leisure in her expression faded, replaced by a touch of melancholy. Just as she turned around, Lady Xiang grabbed her arm, an expectant look on her face.
“Not necessarily. Look, Cousin Pei has stepped forward.”