The people of the Nantang Kingdom adored flowers, and flower-viewing gatherings of every scale were held throughout the country each year. This year’s grand feast within the imperial palace was especially magnificent and lively.
Rumor had it that the Empress Dowager, who had been bedridden by illness for a long time, would make a rare public appearance today. Since invitations had been sent to the families of every prominent official, everyone understood the true purpose behind the event, it was a matchmaking banquet intended to select future consorts and wives for the royal princes and noble young lords.
Because of this, every unmarried young lady in the capital had spent weeks preparing. On this morning, they all dressed in their finest garments, determined to present themselves at their very best.
Early in the day, the official wife sent servants to urge Qin Man to get moving. She had originally planned to sleep in, but had no choice except to get up and prepare herself.
Today, Qin Man wore a flowing lake-green dress that perfectly highlighted her graceful, slender figure. Her long black hair fell elegantly to her waist, while part of it was pinned into a cloud-shaped bun and adorned with a simple lavender crystal orchid hairpin. She looked fresh and refined, like a lotus blossom emerging from clear waters.
A few days earlier, Qin Man had finally revealed to Su Li and Xiao Ya that her face had completely recovered. The moment she washed away the thick layer of dark medicinal paste, both maids had gasped in amazement and nearly jumped with excitement.
Their mistress was truly stunning.
She looked like an immortal fairy who had descended from the heavens.
However, Qin Man instructed them to keep the matter secret for the time being. She had no desire to attract unnecessary trouble. Though the two maids hated hiding her beauty, they trusted her judgment completely.
Once her preparations were complete, Su Li carefully applied the dark medicinal powder over Qin Man’s face again and helped her secure a delicate veil.
Outside, the official wife was already waiting alongside Qin Muyao and Qin Muchu.
The two younger sisters had clearly spared no effort. They wore luxurious silks and elaborate makeup, making them appear exceptionally beautiful.
The banquet was being held within the palace’s famed Glass Gardens. Countless rare flowers bloomed in brilliant competition, creating a breathtaking sea of colors. The young ladies attending today were equally radiant, each secretly hoping to catch the attention of royalty and soar to a life of prestige and privilege.
Before long, a palace maid arrived with a message from the Empress.
The Flower-Viewing Feast would be divided into two parts.
The daytime session would be devoted to strolling through the gardens, enjoying refreshments, and socializing. After a brief afternoon break, the formal banquet would begin at dusk, during which the young nobles and talented ladies would display their various accomplishments and skills.
To encourage natural interaction among the younger generation, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, the imperial consorts, and the senior ministers would not appear until the evening festivities.
At the moment, the daytime portion was already in full swing.
The gardens were crowded with guests. Announcements soon spread that the Second Prince, Mo Jiang, the Third Prince, Mo Nan, and several noble heirs had arrived. It was also said that the famously handsome and carefree Prince Mo Xuan would be attending.
Qin Man felt completely indifferent to all the political maneuvering.
She did not belong to this era in the first place. Her only goal was to avoid becoming entangled in unnecessary court affairs.
The imperial gardens were undeniably magnificent.
The grounds resembled an earthly paradise, filled with blooming flowers, elegant pavilions, terraces, and towers. Most of the young noblemen gathered in the pavilions to compose poetry or play chess, while groups of young ladies wandered among the blossoms, making acquaintances and building social connections.
Accompanied by Su Li, Qin Man wandered through the gardens until her legs began to tire slightly. She found a quiet pavilion near the outer edge of the grounds and sat down to enjoy a few pastries.
If the palace women and noble ladies spend every day trapped behind walls and locked inside their chambers, how could they possibly stay healthy in both body and mind?
“Eldest Sister, why don’t you come meet some new people with us?” Qin Muyao suggested as she approached with Qin Muchu.
Without waiting for an answer, the sisters gently pulled Qin Man up and led her away.
“Are these the three daughters of Minister Qin’s household?”
A cheerful voice arrived before its owner did.
Qin Man looked toward the speaker.
The young woman wore a bright green dress and had a pleasant, round face. Her appearance had clearly been prepared with great care, and her personality seemed frank and outgoing.
“This humble one is He Jiaojiao, daughter of Governor He. It is an honor to meet all of you, sisters.”
After exchanging polite greetings, Qin Man followed the group to a large pavilion at the center of the gardens.
Several noble ladies were already gathered there, chatting and laughing together. Seeing the newcomers arrive, they all stood and greeted them courteously.
Sitting quietly to one side, Qin Man listened as the girls discussed various scandals, romances, and notable figures throughout the capital.
Feeling somewhat thirsty, she asked Su Li to fetch some fruit tea.
“I wonder why Murong Xue, the capital’s number one beauty, hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if she stayed away?”
“I want to know whether Prince Mo will show up.”
“I only care about whether Grand Preceptor Xiao is coming.”
Qin Man observed the girls with amusement.
Most were around seventeen or eighteen years old, right at the age when romantic dreams naturally flourished.
Suddenly, a sharp voice pierced the air.
“You insolent servant! Are you blind? How dare you block my mistress’s path? Do you even understand the consequences of your actions?”
Immediately afterward came Su Li’s panicked voice.
“I am terribly sorry. Please forgive me.”
Qin Man frowned.
Su Li had simply gone to fetch tea and happened to cross paths with a group of arriving young ladies.
“Where did this lowly maid come from? Get out of the way!”
A harsh-faced senior maid stepped forward.
Before Su Li could react, the woman slapped her hard across the face.
Five bright red finger marks instantly appeared on her cheek.
“Stop.”
Qin Man had intended to ignore the petty disputes of aristocratic youths.
The moment she recognized Su Li’s voice, however, her expression turned cold.
She strode forward and seized the offending maid’s wrist just as the woman raised her hand to strike again.
Then she slapped her back.
Smack!
The crisp sound echoed across the garden.
“This is the imperial palace. Since when has a public pathway become your private property?” Qin Man demanded coldly. “Which household do you belong to, that a mere servant dares to strike people so arrogantly?”
The maid had always relied on her mistress’s favor to bully others. Seeing Su Li’s gentle appearance, she had assumed she would be an easy target and hoped to establish her mistress’s authority through intimidation.
She had never expected someone to retaliate.
Realizing Qin Man was also a noble lady, she did not dare raise her hand again. Even so, her words remained vicious.
“This is the Eldest Miss of the Prime Minister’s Manor, Miss Murong Xue! How dare your servants block our path!”
The young ladies inside the pavilion immediately came out to watch.
When they realized the newcomer was Murong Xue, many looked at Qin Man with concern.
So this is Murong Xue.
Qin Man studied the stunning beauty dressed in flowing pink robes.
She truly deserved her reputation as the most beautiful woman in the capital.
Whether her character matched her appearance remained another matter entirely.
“Lanyin, do not be rude,” Murong Xue said smoothly. “Apologize to Miss Qin at once.”
She had originally intended to let her servant establish her authority. Now that so many people were watching, however, she could not risk damaging her carefully maintained image.
“Su Li is not merely my maid,” Qin Man replied calmly. “She is like a sister to me. She was humiliated simply for walking down a public road. If an apology is to be given, it should be given to her.”
Lanyin clenched her teeth in fury.
Nevertheless, she walked reluctantly toward Su Li.
“I was wrong. I apologize.”
Su Li had been holding back tears. Seeing her mistress stand up to the Prime Minister’s household on her behalf moved her so deeply that tears immediately spilled down her cheeks.
“Miss Qin,” Murong Xue said warmly as she stepped forward and took Qin Man’s hand, “let us treat this as an unfortunate first meeting before a future friendship. Shall we admire the flowers together?”
Several girls behind her eagerly joined in.
“Yes, let’s sit somewhere and have tea together.”
Just then, a loud announcement rang through the gardens.
“His Highness Prince Mo arrives!”
The young ladies immediately turned toward the entrance.
A handsome young man strolled into the gardens wearing richly embroidered robes. A faint smile rested on his lips, while his phoenix eyes and striking features radiated effortless charm.
This era really is overflowing with handsome men, Qin Man thought.
Prince Mo Xuan lazily fanned himself while surveying the gardens.
His gaze paused briefly on Qin Man.
The glance was subtle, but Qin Man noticed it immediately.
She remained perfectly composed.
As long as others did not provoke her, she had no intention of causing trouble.
She glanced at Murong Xue and was mildly surprised.
Unlike the other girls, Murong Xue was not staring dreamily at Prince Mo Xuan.
Her self-control was impressive.
Prince Mo Xuan did not join the ladies.
Instead, he went to sit among the princes and noble heirs on the other side of the gardens.
Even so, his eyes occasionally drifted back toward their pavilion.
“Sister Murong, look!”
One of the girls giggled.
“His Highness keeps looking this way. Your beauty must have outshone everyone else in the garden today.”
Murong Xue ignored the flattery.
Instead, she turned toward Qin Man.
“Miss Qin, the weather today is lovely. Why do you insist on covering your face with a veil?”
Qin Man laughed inwardly.
Her expression remained calm.
“Your younger sister’s appearance is terribly disfigured. I fear removing my veil would only frighten everyone present.”
Before anyone could react, a maid standing behind Murong Xue suddenly lunged forward.
Clearly acting on a subtle signal from her mistress, she grabbed Qin Man’s veil and ripped it away.
A chorus of horrified screams erupted instantly.
The noble ladies recoiled in shock as they saw the enormous black scar covering half of Qin Man’s face.
The commotion immediately drew the attention of nearby guests.
Rather than becoming angry, Qin Man simply smiled.
Her gaze settled calmly on Murong Xue and the maid.
“Since Miss Murong isn’t concerned about frightening the guests,” she said lightly, “then it doesn’t matter whether I wear a veil or not.”
She then turned toward the trembling servant.
“I had originally intended to remove it myself. Unfortunately, my physician specifically warned me that because the veil remains in direct contact with my scarred skin, it absorbs traces of the toxins affecting my condition.”
She paused deliberately.
“If someone touches it directly, the mildest result is severe itching. In more serious cases, the skin can ulcerate badly. That is why I have always handled it carefully.”
Turning to Su Li, she added casually,
“Remember to stay cautious around me in the future.”
“Yes, Miss. You have reminded me many times,” Su Li answered smoothly.
The instant Qin Man finished speaking, the maid who had snatched the veil suddenly felt intense itching erupt across her hand.
She scratched frantically.
Within moments, bright red swelling spread rapidly up her arm.
Terrified, she collapsed to her knees.
“Miss Qin… it hurts… it’s so itchy…”
Qin Man looked down at her coldly.
“You are merely a servant, yet you dared to tear away my veil by force. Who gave you the courage to lay hands on a minister’s daughter?”
The chill in her voice sent a shiver through Murong Xue’s heart.
For the first time, she realized that Qin Muxi was nothing like the weak and pitiful girl described in the rumors.
Turning toward her servant, she snapped,
“You insolent fool! How dare you behave so disrespectfully toward Miss Qin! Return to the manor immediately and receive thirty strokes of the paddle!”
The maid’s face turned deathly pale.
With her hand burning and itching unbearably, she collapsed in despair.
Several servants hurried forward and dragged her away.
The surrounding spectators quickly dispersed, unwilling to become involved in the dispute.
Soon only Qin Man, Murong Xue, the stunned Qin sisters, and Prince Mo Xuan remained in the pavilion.
At some point, he had quietly wandered over and taken a seat nearby.
Now he was staring at Qin Man with an unusually complicated expression.
Could it be…
Could what I saw in the valley that day have been real and not a dream?
Questions flooded his mind.
A moment later, however, his expression returned to its usual gentle smile.