Just before noon, both Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun tactfully took their leave. Before departing, Madam Sun invited Ye Li to attend an autumn flower gathering for the capital’s ladies in two days. Although Xiling’s Imperial City was about to change hands, the nobles hadn’t withdrawn into seclusion – if anything, their gatherings had become more frequent. The heads of households and principal madams gathered to probe others’ intentions, while related families through marriage took the opportunity to discuss their contingency plans. All of this required various banquets to accomplish. After all, though the Xiling Emperor would soon move south, most of the power in Xiling City remained in the royal family’s hands. Especially those harboring different intentions and plans – few dared to openly visit Prince Ding as the Bai and Sun families had.

Ye Li had taken quite a liking to the forthright and graceful Madam Sun and understood that hosting a so-called autumn flower gathering at this time wasn’t merely about appreciating flowers. After all, Xiling’s autumn had few flowers worth viewing. After some thought, she agreed, and Madam Sun happily took her leave.

Bai Yuncheng, listening from the side, was secretly calculating that his plans needed to be implemented quickly.

Upon returning to his manor, Madam Bai, who had been waiting anxiously, immediately came forward and asked with concern, “My lord, did you meet Prince Ding and the Princess Consort?”

Bai Yuncheng nodded, and seeing this, Madam Bai finally showed some joy and smiled, “Then those we sent over…” Bai Yuncheng let out a light snort and said coldly, “A bunch of useless people! I fear their fate is sealed.” Hearing this, Madam Bai’s heart trembled – after all, those sent over a few days ago weren’t all truly servants, but included three of the Bai family’s children from concubines. “This… How could Prince Ding be so ruthless? But surely many households have been sending people that way these days, why only ours…” After her initial shock, Madam Bai recovered her composure. Though the ones sent were Bai’s family children, they weren’t born to her. Naturally, she felt little grief but grew more concerned about whether Prince Ding held some dissatisfaction with the Bai family.

Bai Yuncheng frowned in thought for a moment, then said uncertainly, “Perhaps… Prince Ding discovered their identities. And was displeased because of that?” As a family head himself, he naturally understood some of the taboos of those in power. Madam Bai sighed helplessly, “Indeed, we thought too simply. Prince Ding’s secret guards are well-informed – we likely couldn’t have hidden it…” What she didn’t know was that while Prince Ding’s manor could certainly investigate if they wished, those people sent by the Bai family had simply had the misfortune of running afoul of Mo Xiuyao’s blade, dying without even being seen.

“When I went to pay respects to Prince Ding today, I happened to meet that woman from the Sun family.” Remembering Madam Sun’s smiling face as she left, Bai Yuncheng’s expression grew darker. Madam Bai’s expression also changed – many noble ladies of Xiling’s Imperial City had always looked down on Madam Sun. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say they envied her. As a woman, she could manage family affairs like a man. When the Sun family head was alive, he had no concubines or chamber maids, so when he passed away, countless women in Xiling City secretly rejoiced and gossiped behind their hands. But Madam Sun hadn’t fallen into decline as they’d hoped. Instead, she had supported the entire Sun family as a mere widow with a child, even elevating the family’s status higher than before. How could this not make Madam Bai, who could only remain confined to the inner court as a woman, both hate and envy her?

“That woman… what did she want with Prince Ding? Surely not…” Madam Bai said shrilly.

Seeing his wife’s expression, Bai Yuncheng knew she had misunderstood, but had no intention of explaining on Madam Sun’s behalf. He simply said gravely, “Both Prince Ding and the Princess Consort seem quite fond of Sun Huiniang. The Princess Consort has even agreed to attend the autumn flower gathering in two days.”

Madam Bai wasn’t completely ignorant and asked softly, “What are my lord’s thoughts?”

Bai Yuncheng said solemnly, “You should attend in two days as well – you must gain the Princess Consort’s favor. Also… bring Ning along.”

“My lord…” Madam Bai frowned at Bai Yuncheng, hesitating before saying, “Approaching through the Princess Consort may not be easy.” Though not particularly well-versed in external affairs, as a woman, Madam Bai naturally understood women’s thoughts better than her husband. Their plan to place a Bai woman in Prince Ding’s manor would not work through the Princess Consort. The Prince and Princess Consort were deeply in love, and in their many years of marriage, the Prince had never taken a concubine. The Princess Consort would never like a woman who wanted to enter the Prince’s manor to compete with her for her husband’s affections.

But Bai Yuncheng dismissed her concerns, “You’re thinking too much, my lady. I saw the Princess Consort today – though she’s exceptionally beautiful, our Ning is no less so. Moreover, the Princess Consort was born to the Xu family, a prestigious house – how could she not understand a wife’s duties? Xiling women are typically arrogant and domineering, but our Ning is gentle and obedient – the Princess Consort will naturally look upon her favorably. If Prince Ding wishes to stabilize Xiling quickly, he must take a noble daughter of Xiling as his consort to appease the hearts of Xiling’s nobility.” The Bai family had produced imperial consorts for generations, and their men weren’t truly useless. At least when it came to seizing opportunities to place their women before those in power, the Bai family had considerable expertise.

Mo’s army had just occupied Xiling, so naturally people’s hearts were unsettled. Since Prince Ding clearly couldn’t remain in Xiling’s Imperial City long-term, taking a daughter of Xiling’s nobility as his consort to pacify the people was inevitable. In Bai Yuncheng’s view, the most suitable candidate was naturally a Bai daughter.

Madam Bai sighed somewhat helplessly, not knowing how to explain to her husband. The more capable a woman was, the less she could tolerate others besides her husband – but thinking about how their daughters were all educated to the standards of imperial consorts, perhaps there wouldn’t be any problems.

“Young Miss,” came a maid’s greeting from outside.

Before the words faded, a beautiful young woman in colorful robes stepped gracefully into the hall, curtsying to Bai Yuncheng and Madam Bai, “Ning pays her respects to Father and Mother.”

Judging by appearance alone, this young woman wasn’t particularly extraordinary. She was at least somewhat inferior to Su Meidie who had once stayed at the Bai residence, though she could match Princess Lingyun. However, with her dark eyebrows, bright eyes, and rouge-touched lips curved in a gentle smile, she seemed more approachable than Princess Lingyun’s proud bearing. This was Bai Qingning, the only unmarried legitimate daughter of this generation of the Bai family.

Seeing her daughter, Madam Bai’s eyes flashed with motherly love as she quickly helped her up, “Why has Ning come?”

Bai Qingning smiled sweetly, “Daughter heard that Father had returned from meeting Prince Ding and the Princess Consort, so I came to pay my respects. Father truly met the Princess Consort?” Seeing his most beloved youngest daughter, Bai Yuncheng’s expression softened as he smiled and nodded, “Indeed, Father did meet the Princess Consort.”

“Then…” Bai Qingning asked curiously, “They say the Princess Consort is one of the world’s foremost heroines – what is she like?”

Bai Yuncheng shook his head and sighed, “The Princess Consort… is indeed a great beauty – Prince Ding is truly fortunate.” These words weren’t false. Most women in the world were delicate creatures of the inner chambers – perhaps some could manage household affairs well enough to be considered virtuous. Those who could interfere in external affairs were mostly of proud and unbending character, and as for those who could lead armies on the battlefield, people generally imagined them as female rakshasas or night demons. Yet this Princess Consort was not only capable in both the Prince’s manor’s affairs and on the battlefield, but remarkably also possessed a clear, elegant, and delicate beauty. No wonder Prince Ding treasured her like a precious jewel.

Bai Qingning’s eyes flickered as she said softly, “Could it be that the Princess Consort is even more beautiful than Aunt Bai Rong?” Su Meidie had once briefly stayed at the Bai residence, and afterward, Bai Qingning had seen her several times during visits to the palace, thinking her an unparalleled beauty in the world. Even though she took pride in her looks, she knew she couldn’t compare. Could this Princess Consort be even more beautiful, to have won such deep affection from Prince Ding?

Bai Yuncheng shook his head and smiled, “Not quite – though the Princess Consort is beautiful, my Ning is no less so.”

“Is that so?” Bai Qingning lowered her eyes, responding somewhat absently.

Bai Yuncheng looked at his daughter with satisfaction and smiled as he instructed, “Ning should prepare well to accompany your mother to the autumn flower gathering in two days.”

Bai Qingning started, “Autumn flower gathering?”

“Indeed.” Bai Yuncheng stroked his beard and smiled, “Wasn’t Ning curious about what the Princess Consort looks like? The Princess Consort will also attend the autumn flower gathering in two days – Ning can go see her then, isn’t that wonderful?” Bai Qingning’s eyes brightened as she nodded with a smile, “Father speaks truly. The Princess Consort is a model for all ladies in the world – I have admired her for a long. If I could meet her, it would truly be my great fortune.”

Bai Yuncheng smiled, “Very good then. You may go, Ning.”

Two Days Later

The autumn flower gathering was held in the largest flower garden in the southwest of Xiling’s Imperial City. It was said this garden had originally belonged to the Xiling royal family before being granted to a certain prince. Later, when that prince’s manor declined, the royal family didn’t reclaim it, allowing it to pass into private hands. It had come into the Sun family’s possession only in the last decade or so. Though there were few notable flowers to appreciate at this time of year compared to Great Chu’s profusion of blooms, the noble ladies attending the gathering still came in an endless stream, even more numerous than in previous years.

At the garden entrance, Madam Sun had arrived early with her people to wait. The visiting noble ladies had naturally heard that the Sun family had already pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s manor. Who Madam Sun would personally wait at the entrance for was self-evident. Not a few who shared similar intentions as the Sun family but regretted being a step too late also waited at the entrance with Madam Sun.

Ye Li had always been punctual and disliked keeping others waiting long. Soon enough, Prince Ding’s carriage could be seen approaching from around the street corner. Black Cloud Riders in dark clothing escorted it on all sides, and the carriage in their midst was simple and unadorned, lacking the luxury typical of royal and noble vehicles. The carriage stopped at the garden entrance, and Madam Sun hurriedly led her people forward to greet it, smiling as she said, “Huiniang humbly welcomes the Princess Consort.”

Qin Feng, walking on the carriage’s left side, dismounted and lifted the curtain. The assembled ladies all looked toward the carriage, eager to see what the Princess Consort looked like. However, the first to emerge was a figure in white – white clothes, white hair, and coldly handsome features – who else but Prince Ding?

Prince Ding leaped down from the carriage, then turned back to extend his hand inside, smiling as he said, “Ali, we’re here.”

He helped Ye Li out of the carriage, and before she could jump down herself, he reached out to lift her by the waist, gently setting her on the ground. Seeing Mo Xiuyao, Madam Sun was somewhat surprised, as today’s gathering was supposed to be for ladies only. But no one dared deny Prince Ding entry, so she stepped forward hesitantly and said, “Your Highness, Princess Consort, this…”

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand casually and said, “I’m only escorting the Princess Consort. I must go to the palace soon to meet with the Xiling Emperor, so I won’t disturb Madam Sun.” Hearing this, Madam Sun secretly sighed in relief. After all, among Xiling’s nobility, not a few harbored certain thoughts about Prince Ding, and there were many unmarried young ladies attending today’s gathering. If Prince Ding were present, it might cause some trouble.

Mo Xiuyao paid no attention to others, lowering his head to say softly to Ye Li, “Ali, shall I come to pick you up after I leave the palace?” Ye Li nodded somewhat helplessly – she hadn’t been sleeping or eating well these past few days, and Mo Xiuyao treated her like a porcelain doll that might break at the slightest touch. Sighing lightly, she reached out to adjust his collar and said, “Take care of yourself. I’ll wait for you.”

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but break into a smile. Ali had been in low spirits these past few days and hadn’t spoken to him so gently for several days – was she feeling better now? “I understand. Take care, Ali. I’ll head to the palace now.” Little did he know that this smile had set many young ladies’ hearts aflutter. Mo Xiuyao’s features were elegant and handsome, though his expression often carried a hint of indifference. But this genuine smile, completely without pretense, made him appear especially striking and appealing.

After repeatedly instructing both Ye Li and Qin Feng who stood beside her, Mo Xiuyao finally mounted a horse and rode off with his escort. Beside them, Madam Sun covered her smile with her sleeve and said, “The Prince and Princess Consort are truly deeply in love – how many ladies in the world must envy you?” Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Madam Sun is too kind. Is this your daughter?”

Beside Madam Sun stood a richly dressed girl of seven or eight, her features seven or eight parts similar to Madam Sun’s but somehow more delicate. Her bright, clever eyes stared curiously at Ye Li, but when Ye Li looked her way, she ducked behind Madam Sun.

Madam Sun pulled the girl out from behind her and smiled, “Indeed she is. This is my daughter Sun Xiaofu. Fufu, come pay your respects to the Princess Consort.”

The little girl looked curiously at Ye Li, stepped forward, and said in a clear, sweet voice, “Xiaofu greets the Princess Consort.” Ye Li happily stroked the little girl’s hair and smiled, “Good child, no need for such formality.” After a moment’s thought, she removed a purple pearl ornament she was wearing and gave it to Sun Xiaofu as a meeting gift. Sun Xiaofu timidly glanced at her mother, and only after seeing Madam Sun nod did she reach out to accept it, saying “Thank you, Princess Consort.”

Seeing the Princess Consort’s actions, Madam Sun’s smile grew even more pleased. As a widow managing family affairs, she already faced many difficulties. The value of the Princess Consort’s gift wasn’t important – what mattered was the implicit attitude it demonstrated from Prince Ding’s manor. Sure enough, the assembled noble ladies’ gazes toward Madam Sun grew warmer. Even those who had looked down on her merchant and widow status began to weigh matters more carefully.

“Tea and refreshments have been prepared inside. Please enter, Princess Consort,” Madam Sun said with a smile.

Ye Li smiled gently and said, “After you, Madam.”

As the group followed Ye Li and Madam Sun into the garden, the entrance quickly grew quieter.

Not far from the main gate, by the roadside, stood another carriage containing Madam Bai and the legitimate daughter Bai Qingning. They had arrived just as Prince Ding’s carriage was approaching and naturally had to move aside to let it pass first.

“Ning?” Madam Bai asked worriedly, seeing her daughter lost in thought.

Bai Qingning raised her head and asked, “Was that Prince Ding just now?”

Madam Bai nodded and said, “The stories say Prince Ding has white hair – it must have been him.”

Bai Qingning nodded and sighed softly, “I hadn’t expected… Prince Ding is so young. What a pity about that white hair…” Without the white hair, when his hair was black as clouds, what a sight Prince Ding must have been.

Inside the garden, Madam Sun accompanied Ye Li as they strolled. Though Xiling was already in early winter and the garden had few flowers – even the common autumn and winter blooms of Great Chu were rare here – the Sun family had still decorated the entire garden beautifully. Many areas were adorned with silk flowers, creating a vibrant scene of green trees and red blooms.

Because the weather had grown somewhat cold, the gathering had been moved from the garden to a waterside pavilion in one corner. The pavilion was open on all four sides, covered only by thin gauze. Those seated inside drinking and making merry could still clearly see the dance performances outside. Ye Li was naturally invited to sit in the highest position. Though among the assembled ladies were many high officials, nobles, and even princesses and noble ladies, everyone knew the Imperial City had already changed hands, and this beautiful young woman in cyan robes, with her subtle elegance and gentle refinement, would be the future mistress of this Imperial City. Thus, no one felt displeased.

As the host and guests took their seats, Ye Li looked around. Though she recognized almost none of the attendees, she could discern something of their status just from their dress. It seemed Madam Sun’s social skills were indeed impressive – many of these people would normally be beyond a merchant’s ability to invite.

“Please don’t mind me. Today’s gathering is a matter of fate – everyone should enjoy themselves freely,” Ye Li said with a smile, seeing everyone somewhat constrained.

However, though she said this, how could these noble ladies with their various thoughts truly relax? Madam Sun smiled and said, “The Princess Consort speaks truly. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, I hope all the madams and young ladies will be forgiving.”

Everyone hurried to exchange pleasantries, and the atmosphere gradually grew more harmonious. Many secretly observed the Princess Consort seated in the place of honor, noting that she appeared not yet twenty. Her features were like a painting, clear and graceful, with a subtle noble radiance in her every movement that drew the eye. Such elegance made her seem like a noble lady stepping from an ancient painting, making it hard to imagine she was the legendary heroine who could command armies on the battlefield. After this observation, many who had planned to send their daughters to Prince Ding’s manor grew discouraged. In terms of beauty, Xiling women were generally somewhat inferior to those of Great Chu, and with the Princess Consort’s appearance being such, how could their daughters hope to catch Prince Ding’s eye?

“Princess Lingyun arrives! Madam Bai arrives! Miss Bai arrives!” someone announced loudly outside the pavilion.

Everyone hurriedly stood up. Regardless of when Xiling would relocate its capital, and regardless of their private thoughts, they were still subjects of Xiling, so they naturally had to observe proper etiquette before Princess Lingyun.

Princess Lingyun strode in wearing magnificent robes, her expression as proud as ever. Behind her, Madam Bai’s expression was somewhat unhappy. They certainly knew of the poor relationship between Princess Consort and Princess Lingyun, but after being delayed outside, they happened to meet Princess Lingyun and had no choice but to enter together. They could only hope the Princess Consort wouldn’t take offense at their arrival with Princess Lingyun.

“Greetings to the Princess!”

Princess Lingyun let out a light snort, glancing at Ye Li who sat drinking tea before turning to Madam Sun, her sharp eyes full of cold anger. She hadn’t forgotten being turned away from the banquet a few days ago.

“The Princess honors us with her presence. Please be seated,” Madam Sun said with a smile.

Princess Lingyun laughed coldly and said, “This Princess thought perhaps Madam Sun planned to turn me away today as well?”

Madam Sun smiled in surprise and said, “How could that be? Who would dare risk their life by turning Princess Lingyun away? Are they still alive?”

At these words, the assembled guests’ expressions grew somewhat strange, with several young ladies unable to suppress their secret laughter. Years ago, when Princess Lingyun had returned in disgrace from Great Chu, her temperament hadn’t improved but had grown even more severe. The Xiling Emperor had no choice but to hastily arrange a marriage for her, but who would have thought that Princess Lingyun, perhaps traumatized by her experience in Xiling, would kill one of her husband’s chamber maids and a young servant from her mother-in-law’s courtyard within the first month of marriage. Her reason for killing that servant was merely that the Prince Consort’s mother, being ill from anger, didn’t want to see her and had instructed the servant not to let her in. Because of this, the Prince Consort’s mother fainted on the spot and passed away within two months. This had become something of a joke in Xiling’s Imperial City.

Princess Lingyun’s face twisted, but she ultimately didn’t explode on the spot, instead saying with a cold laugh, “If that’s so, was it not Madam Sun’s orders that had me blocked at the door a few days ago? Or perhaps Madam Sun would like to see if this Princess dares to take your life?!”

Madam Sun’s expression changed slightly as she said coolly, “Now that the Princess mentions it, I do recall. Regarding that day’s gathering, Princess surely understands it was a meeting for the city’s unmarried ladies. Though some madams were present, they were all exemplars of conduct, there to instruct the young ladies in etiquette and cultivation. Even I couldn’t personally attend such a gathering, so I wonder why the Princess…”

Though this statement was left half-finished, it was more embarrassing than if it had been completed. Princess Lingyun was already married, and she had neither talent nor virtue – what right did she have to attend such a gathering? Wouldn’t that just set a bad example for the unmarried young ladies?