Ever since Lin Yiyi had tricked Madam Zhang out of 2,000 taels of silver, the three gossip-loving residents of Xiyue Pavilion had been living in luxury, enjoying delicious food every day.
From time to time, Lin Yiyi visited the other shops that had been part of her late mother’s dowry. Whenever she had nothing else to do, she would enter her mysterious space to soak in the hot spring, drink the spring water, stroll through her super department store, and occasionally show off her cooking skills by preparing a few dishes for the other two.
By now, Lin Yiyi had become Little Tao’s greatest idol in the world of food, while in Aunt Zhou’s eyes, the young miss had finally grown up.
Naturally, she hadn’t forgotten to let Aunt Zhou and Little Tao drink diluted spring water as well. After several days of conditioning, all three of them looked noticeably healthier and more radiant.
Soon, the day before the Hundred Flowers Banquet arrived.
The three women were idly passing the time in the courtyard when an unexpected guest came knocking.
“Elder Sister.”
Supported by her personal maid, Lin Qinglian walked in with a delicate, willow-like grace.
Lin Yiyi immediately stood up.
“Oh? Your injuries have healed already?”
“Thank you for your concern, Elder Sister. They’re almost completely healed.”
Although she answered politely, her eyes were filled with vicious thoughts.
“So, what do you want?”
Lin Yiyi had no interest in exchanging meaningless pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“I came today to strengthen the bond between us. After all, we’re both daughters of the Shunchang Marquis’s Manor. We sisters should get along, shouldn’t we?”
Yeah, right. As if I’d believe a word from you, Little White Lotus.
That was what Lin Yiyi thought, but all she said aloud was,
“Oh.”
Lin Qinglian sneered inwardly.
Lin Yiyi, look at you. You eat without manners, sit without grace—you don’t resemble a noble young lady in the slightest.
“I heard many princes will attend tomorrow’s Hundred Flowers Banquet,” Lin Qinglian continued. “Even Prince Nanchen will be there. He was the late Emperor’s favorite son. After he was injured, His Majesty rewarded him with countless treasures. They say his wealth rivals that of an entire nation.”
Lin Yiyi glanced at her.
“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him?”
Lin Qinglian gave an awkward smile.
“Elder Sister jests.”
Lin Yiyi continued casually,
“Well, it’s understandable. He’s handsome and unbelievably rich. Who wouldn’t like him? But I heard he was poisoned. He can no longer have children, and he has to rely on medicine just to stay alive. Many people say he doesn’t have many years left to live. I’d advise you not to marry him. He won’t be able to make you happy.”
Lin Qinglian laughed stiffly.
“I was only chatting with Elder Sister.”
“If you don’t like him, why bring him up? Or are you too embarrassed to admit it and want me to help you?”
“What are you talking about? Who likes him?”
Lin Qinglian hurriedly denied it.
Although she was furious and wished she could kill Lin Yiyi on the spot, she hadn’t accomplished her goal yet.
She forced herself to calm down.
With another smile, she said,
“I only wanted to tell Elder Sister that Prince Nanchen’s estate is incredibly wealthy. Endless riches. Delicious delicacies every day. Don’t you love money? Don’t you love food?”
There it is.
The fox has finally shown its tail.
In Lin Qinglian’s mind, the old Lin Yiyi had been a spoiled eldest daughter who protected her own people but was simple-minded and easy to fool.
But ever since she had nearly drowned, she had become a completely different person.
She was no longer easy to manipulate.
“But he’s a short-lived man. I don’t want him. Personally, I think the First Prince is much better.”
The moment Lin Qinglian heard that, panic flashed across her face.
No! The First Prince belongs to me! No one else can have him!
Just as she was about to speak, Lin Yiyi interrupted first.
“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for the First Prince?”
As she spoke, she quietly observed Little White Lotus’s expression.
Sure enough, Lin Qinglian’s cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked every bit the shy maiden.
Lin Yiyi widened her eyes dramatically.
“So that’s it. You like the First Prince!”
“I do not!”
Lin Qinglian denied it in a fluster.
“Qinglian!”
Madam Zhang’s voice suddenly rang out.
Lin Qinglian instantly snapped back to her senses.
How did I let that wretch Lin Yiyi provoke me with just a few words? No. I have to stay composed.
Madam Zhang hurried into Xiyue Pavilion.
“What are you two sisters talking about?”
She asked despite already knowing.
“Nothing much,” Lin Yiyi replied with a smile. “We were just talking about Prince Nanchen and the First Prince. Younger Sister said Prince Nanchen has endless wealth and delicacies, but it seems she likes the First Prince instead.”
“…”
“As members of a minister’s household, you must not gossip about the Imperial Family.”
Madam Zhang spoke with perfect seriousness.
“You two are sisters. At tomorrow’s Hundred Flowers Banquet, remember to stay harmonious. Don’t disgrace the Shunchang Marquis’s Manor.”
While Madam Zhang was speaking with Lin Yiyi, Lin Qinglian casually brushed against the tea set on the table.
The tiny movement did not escape Lin Yiyi’s sharp eyes.
Meanwhile, Aunt Zhou and Little Tao stood protectively behind their young miss, their full attention fixed on Madam Zhang in case she tried to bully Lin Yiyi.
Neither of them noticed what Lin Qinglian had done.
Lin Yiyi’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.
Thinking about tomorrow’s banquet, a plan immediately formed in her mind.
A woman’s revenge can come at any time.
Madam Zhang looked toward her daughter.
Seeing Lin Qinglian give a slight nod, she relaxed.
“All right, Qinglian. Return to your courtyard. Don’t disturb your elder sister as she prepares for tomorrow’s banquet.”
Then she turned to Lin Yiyi with fake concern.
“Have you finished preparing?”
“I’m planning to perform martial arts.”
“I’m not skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. The only thing I have is a bit of strength.”
Lin Yiyi openly revealed her performance.
Everyone else would probably sing, dance, play the zither, paint, display their calligraphy, or compete in embroidery.
How boring.
She wanted something different.
So she boldly chose to perform spear and staff techniques.
She wasn’t trying to attract the attention of any prince or noble young master anyway.
In fact, it would be even better if everyone thought she lacked the elegance of a proper noble lady and wasn’t worthy of marriage.
“Just be careful,” Madam Zhang said with false concern. “Don’t accidentally injure any of the honored guests.”
With that, she turned and left.
Lin Qinglian naturally followed behind her.
Before long, the courtyard was quiet once more.
Lin Yiyi looked at the tea set on the table.
“Little Tao, throw it away.”
“Huh? Miss, it’s perfectly fine. Why throw it out?”
“I’ll do it.”
Aunt Zhou picked up the tea set, carried it to a corner of the courtyard, and smashed every piece with a hoe until nothing remained but shards.
“Little Tao.”
Lin Yiyi’s expression turned serious.
“Other than me and Aunt Zhou, you must stay on guard against everyone else.”
“Huh?”
“Huh, your head!”
Aunt Zhou walked over and smacked Little Tao lightly on the forehead.
“When Miss tells you something, just remember it.”
“Aunt Zhou! You actually hit me? I’ll tickle you to death!”
Laughing, Little Tao threw herself at Aunt Zhou.
Soon, cheerful laughter once again filled the courtyard.
Madam Zhang dismissed every servant.
Even Nanny Gui was sent outside.
Everyone was ordered to wait in the courtyard beyond the room.
Lin Qinglian looked around in confusion.
“Mother, what’s going on?”
“How are your preparations for tomorrow’s Hundred Flowers Banquet?”
“Don’t worry, Mother.”
“I haven’t gone anywhere these past few days. I’ve practiced several musical pieces and one dance day and night. I guarantee I won’t bring shame to our Lin family.”
She patted her chest confidently.
“Good.”
“Tomorrow, you must completely outshine that little wretch.”
“Mother, that bitch only knows how to swing swords and spears. Which prince or noble young master would ever be interested in someone like her?”
Lin Qinglian said dismissively.
“No matter what, be careful.”
“You must perform your very best tomorrow and make the First Prince fall in love with you.”
“Besides…”
“The Noble Consort is your aunt…”
Madam Zhang left the sentence unfinished.
But Lin Qinglian already understood exactly what she meant.