Shen Yue made quite a scene in Qiushui Garden, but this time Chen Ruoqiu seemed determined, remaining unmoved by her pleas. She even angrily threatened to confine Shen Yue if she continued making trouble. Shen Yue felt truly alarmed, but Chen Ruoqiu ignored her. When she left Qiushui Garden, her entire demeanor carried traces of anger and anxiety.

Just then, several people emerged from Caiyun Garden. The blue-clad young girl at the front saw her, paused for a moment, then stepped forward and said, “Second Sister.”

Shen Yue glanced at the girl, responded with a curt “Mm,” her attitude rather cold.

This girl was none other than the Second Branch’s concubine-born daughter, Shen Dongling. Before, Shen Dongling had been severely suppressed by Ren Wanyun, rarely leaving her courtyard all year. Some servants in the Shen mansion didn’t even recognize her. Since Ren Wanyun’s death and Shen Gui’s diagnosis that he could no longer have children, Shen Dongling had become the Second Branch’s only bloodline. Even so, while Shen Yue outwardly treated her gently, she looked down on Shen Dongling’s background. Even though she was blood-related, it couldn’t change the fact that Shen Dongling was a concubine’s daughter. If Shen Yue felt jealousy and resentment toward Shen Miao, she felt nothing but contempt for Shen Dongling.

Shen Dongling, however, seemed not to notice her cold gaze and continued smiling, “I plan to weave some silk for fabric. A few days ago, I heard Concubine Mother mention some popular patterns lately. I happened to sketch a few. Would Second Sister like some?” Her words carried a hint of trying to please.

“No need,” Shen Yue said.

Despite being rejected coldly, Shen Dongling maintained her good temper and said, “Very well then. I was thinking of making some for Second Sister too.”

Shen Yue felt somewhat impatient. At the moment, she was preoccupied with worrying about Chen Ruoqiu’s marriage arrangements for her, so how could she care about such matters? But then she noticed Shen Dongling lowering her head, revealing a section of her pristine neck, which made Shen Yue pause. She retracted her hand and began carefully examining Shen Dongling.

Shen Dongling was only half a year younger than Shen Yue. Among the original Shen family daughters, Shen Qing was graceful, Shen Yue was elegant, and Shen Miao was delicate—all three possessed qualities unique to legitimate daughters. In contrast, Shen Dongling had a coquettishness peculiar to concubine-born daughters. Concubine Wan had once been an opera performer playing female roles. As a “flower dan” actress, she naturally had some charm. Shen Dongling didn’t resemble Shen Gui but appeared almost identical to a younger Concubine Wan—large eyes, a pointed chin, somewhat resembling the features of a concubine. However, unlike those domineering concubines, Shen Dongling kept her eyes downcast daily, causing no trouble, which somewhat suppressed her concubine-like appearance.

On careful examination, she was indeed a pretty young lady coming of age.

Suddenly, an idea occurred to Shen Yue. She actively took Shen Dongling’s hand and smiled sweetly, “The reason I wouldn’t let you make things for me is simply because I don’t want to tire you out. You’re a proper young lady of the household, not a seamstress from an embroidery shop. How could you spend all day doing needlework?”

Shen Dongling was startled, seemingly surprised by Shen Yue’s sudden affection. Her face slightly flushed, showing signs of being flattered as she said, “Second Sister is too kind. I usually don’t have much else to do. Concubine Mother asked me to do needlework, so I did some. It’s no trouble.”

Concubine Wan, having been suppressed by Ren Wanyun for too long, had subdued her nature. Even now that her situation had improved, her favorite activity was still doing embroidery in the courtyard. Shen Dongling seemed to have inherited her temperament.

Seeing Shen Dongling so obedient, the smile in Shen Yue’s eyes deepened, “You should change this personality of yours. Being so honest and doing embroidery is good, but how can a young lady spend all day embroidering? Tomorrow I’m going to a jewelry shop to pick out some accessories. Come with me. There are some new styles this year, and perhaps you’ll find something you like. If you see anything you fancy, I’ll buy it for you.”

“This…” Shen Dongling waved her hands in flustered refusal. “I couldn’t.”

“Are you being formal with me?” Shen Yue feigned anger. “You and I are the closest of sisters. If even you are so distant from me, what’s the point of being sisters?”

Shen Dongling seemed at a loss, not knowing how to respond to Shen Yue. Seeing this, Shen Yue smiled slightly and gently patted her shoulder, saying, “Third Sister is still so timid, with a personality that makes one’s heart ache. Very well, I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t chat with you anymore. Tomorrow I’ll send a maid to Caiyun Garden to fetch you, so you can come with me to the jewelry shop.” Her tone was unequivocal.

Shen Dongling nodded in acceptance.

After Shen Yue and her entourage had walked some distance away, Wumei, the maid beside Shen Dongling, said, “What does the Second Miss mean, acting hot and cold? Why does she suddenly want to invite Young Miss to a jewelry shop?”

It was well-known that Shen Yue was usually indifferent toward Shen Dongling, making her sudden enthusiasm suspicious indeed.

“She’s trying to win me over in different ways,” Shen Dongling watched Shen Yue’s gradually disappearing figure and smiled. “Perhaps she thinks I’m easily bought, wanting me to rely on her and trust her. In the future, if she needs my help with something, it would be much simpler.”

Wumei was shocked upon hearing this, “What should we do? This Second Miss has ill intentions and wants to use Young Miss. What if Young Miss falls into her trap?”

“No matter,” Shen Dongling smiled happily. “I’m willing to help with this, just like she’s willing to buy me jewelry. If I have to hand over good things to others, I’m not a saint, so why wouldn’t I accept? She’s just being short-sighted.”

Meanwhile, as Shen Yue was heading back to Qiushui Garden with a thoughtful expression, her mind was filled with images of Shen Dongling’s fragile and submissive demeanor. Both were graceful ladies, both in the bloom of youth, both daughters of the Shen family. Without reason, Shen Yue had an intuition that winning over Shen Dongling might prove very useful to her in the future.

While Shen Yue was causing a commotion on one side, on the other, at the entrance of the western courtyard of the Shen residence, someone was moving flowers outside. The bustling sounds created quite a lively atmosphere. Shen Wan happened to pass by the entrance of the western courtyard when he heard an old woman exclaim, “Young Miss, be careful!”

Shen Wan looked in that direction and saw a young woman placing an extremely heavy potted plant on a stand. The pot was too heavy and nearly crushed her foot. The matron beside her sighed in relief, and the young woman turned her head, giving the matron a truly radiant smile.

Shen Wan’s footsteps halted.

The young woman wore a cyan-colored overlapping gauze dress with a jade-green flower-patterned pleated skirt. Her hair was styled in a lily bun with a single agate hairpin. After the previous night’s thunderstorm, the sun had emerged this morning. She wasn’t devastatingly beautiful, merely pretty, but the sunlight made the sweat on her forehead glisten like crystals. The exertion had brought a flush to her cheeks, giving her an indescribable beauty.

The appreciation of beauty is universal. Although Shen Wan wasn’t particularly fond of women, it didn’t mean he was indifferent to beauty. In his rear courtyard, he had only Chen Ruoqiu. Though he cherished her, over time, things inevitably became somewhat dull. Now, seeing this beauty so vibrant, he naturally paused.

Like appreciating a favorite painting or poem, Shen Wan at this moment had no other emotions. He had never been particularly enthusiastic about matters between men and women. The young woman seemed to notice someone watching her, turned her head, saw Shen Wan, was momentarily stunned, and then walked over.

She approached Shen Wan without awkwardness or shyness, and gracefully bowed, “Third Master.”

Shen Wan glanced at her, suddenly realizing her identity, and said, “Miss Chang.”

Chang Zaiqing had only met Shen Wan once, when she first arrived at the Shen residence. That evening, Chen Ruoqiu had brought her to Rongjing Hall to pay respects to Old Madam Shen. The evening lamps had been dim, and everyone had been preoccupied with the day’s affairs, so Shen Wan hadn’t paid attention to Chang Zaiqing. Unexpectedly, up close, she was a rare beauty with extraordinary charm. Considering that Chen Ruoqiu and Chang Zaiqing seemed to be good friends, his attitude became even more cordial.

“What is Miss Chang doing?” Shen Wan asked with a smile.

Chang Zaiqing looked back at the flower stand at the courtyard entrance and smiled, “After last night’s rain, many flower branches were dampened by the rain and damaged by the wind. I’m bandaging them.”

“Bandaging?” Shen Wan was intrigued and asked, “How does one bandage flowers?”

Chang Zaiqing smiled slightly, “Third Master, please come see.”

Shen Wan walked to the flower stand and looked. Indeed, on those scattered flower branches, some were wrapped with cloth strips, others coated with something like medicine, all carefully arranged very neatly. Around were placed scissors and cloth strips. One flower that had broken halfway had even been rejoined.

“You are indeed thoughtful,” Shen Wan sighed. “And willing to put in the effort.” After the previous night’s storm, flower damage was inevitable. Even Chen Ruoqiu, a flower enthusiast, had simply discarded damaged flowers after lamenting their loss. Broken flowers no longer looked beautiful; keeping them only irritated the eye. Unexpectedly, Chang Zaiqing cared so much for these flowers that she not only didn’t discard them but carefully “bandaged” them.

“Flowers also have life,” Chang Zaiqing smiled. “Having claimed to be a flower lover, one can’t forget one’s original intention at the first sign of trouble. All things have spirit; one shouldn’t be hypocritical. Declaring love for flowers but unable to follow through.” Chang Zaiqing spoke cheerfully, “Besides, it’s just a matter of using one’s hands. It pleases others and myself, so why not?”

“Well said—pleasing others and oneself,” Shen Wan looked at Chang Zaiqing with admiration. “Miss Chang is truly a person of refined taste. I’m the vulgar one.”

“Third Master flatters me,” Chang Zaiqing jested. “We’re all ordinary people. I also have selfish motives. If I nurture the flowers well, I’ll feel more at ease living in the mansion in the future. At least I can do something useful.”

Shen Wan laughed heartily, “Miss Chang overthinks. Even if you couldn’t grow anything, no one in the Shen residence would want to drive you away.”

Chang Zaiqing laughed along, “Then I thank Third Master.” She suddenly remembered something and looked at Shen Wan, “Speaking of which, I casually set up a chess puzzle yesterday but couldn’t solve it. I wanted to ask Third Madam for help, but Third Madam seems busy today. I’ve heard that Third Master is also a chess master. Would you mind giving me some guidance?”

Then, thinking of something else, she smiled, “I can brew tea for Third Master. Third Madam may have told you, I brew very good tea.”

Her attitude was so natural that refusing would have made Shen Wan seem discourteous. Finally, by offering tea as a condition, she showed some playfulness. Shen Wan pondered briefly, then smiled, “I’d be honored to accept.”

The two went to a stone table in the garden and began playing chess, chatting casually as they played. Shen Wan was surprised to discover that Chang Zaiqing was not only skilled at chess but could also converse knowledgeably about a wide range of topics, from astronomy to geography. Moreover, her insight was extensive; even on court matters, she could interject with a comment or two. Shen Wan had always admired talented individuals and didn’t place much importance on a woman’s beauty. The reason he favored only Chen Ruoqiu in his rear courtyard was that she was accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—a true talent. But Chen Ruoqiu had one flaw: coming from a scholarly family, she occasionally put on airs, appearing somewhat self-righteous. Once or twice might be charming, but living together daily, Shen Wan couldn’t help feeling that Chen Ruoqiu could sometimes be too petty and nitpicking.

Chang Zaiqing was quite different. Though equally talented, she lacked the arrogance and aloofness typical of women from prominent families, instead being remarkably cheerful. She was spirited yet delicate, very understanding. Conversing with her seemed delightful and comforting. Unconsciously, Shen Wan’s gaze toward Chang Zaiqing grew increasingly appreciative, lingering on her longer each time.

Matron Zhao observed from a distance, her eyes revealing a hint of satisfaction. She quietly instructed the maids to guard the courtyard gate and not let anyone else enter.

While this was happening, within the Ming Qi palace, today was particularly lively.

The Crown Prince had specially arranged a banquet to entertain two guests from Qin Kingdom and Da Liang. The Crown Prince and Princess of Qin Kingdom were present, and the Prince of Rui from Da Liang had also accepted the invitation. Accompanying them were nine princes from Ming Qi.

The Crown Prince’s illness had worsened significantly—this was an indisputable fact. Because of this, the loyalty of Prince Chu and Prince Xuan, who followed the Crown Prince, had also started to waver. Over the past two years, the Crown Prince’s influence had gradually been replaced by that of other princes. Almost everyone acknowledged the fact that the Crown Prince wouldn’t hold his position for much longer. The Crown Prince himself seemed to have realized this; over the past two years, he had participated minimally in state affairs—not because he didn’t want to, but because too few people supported him.

In contrast, the brothers Prince Zhou and Prince Jing, along with Prince Li’s faction, had become increasingly prominent. Prince Li had always been known as a “smiling tiger,” adept at currying favor from all sides, with numerous followers. As for the Zhou Prince brothers, they relied on their mother, Noble Consort Xu. These two factions were now fighting bitterly, seemingly ready to reveal their hidden daggers.

The most stable position belonged to Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi. Prince Ding had also participated in state affairs these past two years, but his involvement had been mostly shrewd, seemingly deliberately designed to show that he harbored no ambition. These were all insignificant matters, but despite this, Emperor Wenhui was very satisfied with him. Because of the neutrality and calmness he displayed, neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Zhou nor Prince Li had deliberately suppressed him.

Prince Ding was the safest among them.

In the hall, the Crown Prince smiled and raised his cup in invitation, “Those who have come from afar truly deserve celebration.”

Huangfu Hao, seated below the Crown Prince, raised his cup as if to touch the Crown Prince’s, smiling, “Thank you for your generous hospitality, Crown Prince.”

Beside Huangfu Hao sat Princess Mingan. After being confined by Huangfu Hao for several days, Princess Mingan had finally been released. Today she was dressed gorgeously, her eyes filled with emotion as she looked at the purple-robed young man sitting across from her.

Unfortunately, though the flowers were willing, the flowing water was indifferent. The Prince of Rui, with half his face covered by a mask, didn’t glance in her direction at all. Nor did he look at the Crown Prince; instead, he stared at his wine cup, lost in thought.

The Crown Prince smiled and asked, “Why doesn’t the Prince of Rui drink? Is the wine not to your taste?”

The Prince of Rui curled his lips slightly and said, “I’m not feeling well, so I shouldn’t drink.”

This was almost a blatant snub. Since arriving in Ming Qi, though the Prince of Rui had been mysterious, with an attitude that did not indicate his true feelings toward Ming Qi, he had always been impeccably courteous. Today’s behavior made everyone present think the same thing: Da Liang’s Prince of Rui seemed displeased about something.

But what could have upset him?

The Crown Prince looked somewhat embarrassed. Fu Xiuyi spoke up, “In that case, Prince Rui can substitute tea for wine. Someone bring tea for Prince Rui.”

With Fu Xiuyi intervening, taking over from the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince’s expression improved, showing some gratitude toward Fu Xiuyi. The other princes all agreed with Fu Xiuyi’s suggestion. Although the Prince of Rui had a significant background, no one wanted to appear submissive before a foreign country. Fu Xiuyi’s firm yet courteous words preserved Ming Qi’s dignity.

Huangfu Hao looked inquisitively at the Prince of Rui, while Princess Mingan gazed at him with concern, asking, “Is Prince Rui alright? Are you unwell somewhere? Should we call for the Imperial Physician to examine you?”

Hearing this, Huangfu Hao immediately darkened his face and glared at Princess Mingan. It was bad enough that Princess Mingan was usually arrogant, but now, in front of so many Ming Qi princes, she was displaying her infatuation with the Prince of Rui, seemingly inviting ridicule. Besides, Huangfu Hao was a man himself, and men understood other men’s thoughts best. The way the Prince of Rui looked at Princess Mingan clearly showed some impatience. If this Prince of Rui were magnanimous, it would be fine, but if he had a bad temper and truly became annoyed with Princess Mingan, it might cause both Da Liang to develop antipathy toward the Qin Kingdom, and the only one to suffer would be him.

The Prince of Rui ignored her words and instead looked at the last person seated opposite him. Everyone noticed his gaze and followed it to Prince Ding, Fu Xiuyi.

Fu Xiuyi had always been the most obedient among the nine princes, yet the Prince of Rui specifically looked at him, causing the other princes to view Fu Xiuyi differently. Fu Xiuyi remained composed, showing no panic under the Prince of Rui’s gaze as he returned his look.

The Prince of Rui suddenly smiled and said, “Before coming to Ming Qi, I heard that the Ninth Prince was a young talent. Now I see that the reputation is well-deserved. May I ask if you are married yet?”

No one had expected the Prince of Rui to suddenly ask this question, and their expressions immediately became strange. Fu Xiuyi was also momentarily stunned but answered, “Not yet.”

Prince Zhou laughed loudly. Sitting beside Fu Xiuyi, he patted Fu Xiuyi’s shoulder and said, “Our Old Ninth is the only one among the brothers who hasn’t taken a consort yet. Why, Prince Rui, are you also interested in Old Ninth’s marriage prospects?”

The Prince of Rui’s lips curled beneath his mask as he leisurely said, “There are many suitable princesses in the Da Liang palace. Upon meeting the Ninth Prince, I felt a connection and am inclined to arrange a marriage alliance.”

With these words, everyone present suddenly changed their expressions.

The Prince of Rui’s meaning was clear—he wanted to become in-laws with Fu Xiuyi. If, as the Prince of Rui suggested, Fu Xiuyi were to marry a Da Liang princess, it would mean more than just gaining another consort; it would mean gaining support from Da Liang. If the previous moderate attitude toward Fu Xiuyi was because he had never expressed interest in the throne, then the Prince of Rui’s words now made it impossible for others to view Fu Xiuyi with the same eyes. Because once Fu Xiuyi married a Da Liang princess, he would become the strongest contender for the throne!

Fu Xiuyi’s hand holding the wine cup suddenly tightened as he looked at the Prince of Rui impassively.

Was it just as it seemed on the surface—a desire to marry a Da Liang princess to him? Fu Xiuyi didn’t think so.

The Prince of Rui wasn’t helping him but harming him!

Fu Xiuyi had always adhered to the principle of concealing his strength and biding his time, not revealing his cards until the final moment. Although the Prince of Rui’s offer was tempting, if there were truly good intentions behind it, Fu Xiuyi would not want it brought up now, in front of all the princes. With just one sentence, the princes’ gazes toward him had filled with wariness, almost pushing him into a precarious position.

No matter how tempted he might be, he couldn’t agree. Fu Xiuyi clenched his jaw, not knowing why, but he felt that this Prince of Rui, with whom he had no prior interaction, seemed full of hostility toward him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have casually uttered a sentence that placed him in such a difficult position.

He grew wary of the Prince of Rui in his heart, but on the surface, he smiled bashfully and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Prince Rui, but I currently have no intention of marrying.”

“Oh?” The Prince of Rui’s lips curled upward. “Perhaps the Ninth Prince already has a lady he admires, so he’s unwilling? I never do things that would break up a pair of lovebirds. If that’s the case, I won’t force the issue.”

“Your Highness jests,” Fu Xiuyi bowed. “I truly have no such thoughts at present.”

Seeing Fu Xiuyi decisively reject the Prince of Rui’s proposal, the princes’ expressions improved slightly. But after what had just happened, they would never be as relaxed about Fu Xiuyi as before. Today Fu Xiuyi had refused, but who could guarantee he wouldn’t change his mind in the future? The throne had always been an enormous temptation; all nine of them wanted to compete for it. Why would they believe that the imperial family would produce a saint who had renounced all desires?

“How strange,” the Prince of Rui seemed particularly interested in Fu Xiuyi and didn’t let him off despite his rejection. He smiled ambiguously, “The Ninth Prince is neither married nor has someone he admires, so why is he unwilling to consider this? I see the Ninth Prince is a handsome and talented man. Surely there must be ladies who admire him?”

Upon hearing this, the somewhat tactless Prince Cheng laughed loudly, “Prince Rui may not know, but in our Ming Qi, there was indeed a young lady who admired our Old Ninth—her admiration was known throughout the court.”

“Is it Shen Miao?” Before Prince Cheng could finish, Princess Mingan eagerly interrupted. Princess Mingan had heard the rumors about Shen Miao and had ridiculed them quite a bit.

“So the Princess knows too?” Prince Cheng was somewhat surprised.

“Shen Miao’s infatuation with Prince Ding is known even in the Qin Kingdom; it’s nothing unusual,” Princess Mingan said with schadenfreude. She was always eager to participate in anything that would embarrass Shen Miao.

“Indeed,” Prince Cheng smiled. “Prince Rui may not be aware, but this Shen Miao is the legitimate daughter of General Wei Wu. She’s the one who competed with Princess at the tributary banquet—you’ve seen her too.” He sighed, “Back then, Shen Miao was still young but constantly found ways to seek out Old Ninth. She was so shameless that she directly expressed her admiration to Old Ninth. She even did needlework for him, made pastries, learned to play the zither, and wrote poetry. Tsk tsk, she did many things.” Though Prince Cheng spoke in this manner, his words carried a malicious insult, as if he were treating it as a joke.

“At the tributary banquet, she did show quite some charm,” said Huangfu Hao. Hearing rumors from outside versus hearing directly from someone who knew the inside story were two different things. Huangfu Hao couldn’t help but feel surprised. At the Qin residence and the tributary banquet, Shen Miao had not seemed like someone who would humble herself in such a way—doing needlework, making pastries. Remembering how Shen Miao had coldly confronted Princess Mingan, Huangfu Hao found it extremely peculiar. He joked, “The Ninth Prince truly has a heart of stone.”

“Back then, Miss Shen was young,” Prince Cheng continued. “Who would have thought that two years later, she would grow up to be so beautiful? And while she was once foolish and timid, now there’s no trace of her former self. Among the young ladies in Ming Qi’s Jing City, there aren’t many more outstanding than her.” Prince Cheng snickered, “Had we known this, Old Ninth, why were you so heartless back then, needlessly spurning the beauty’s affection? Now it’s too late for regrets.”

Princess Mingan sneered, “This Miss Shen is quite a character. As a young lady, she knows no shame, directly pursuing like that. She must have gone to great lengths—doing needlework, making pastries, following him daily. How very considerate of her.”

Knowing that Princess Mingan had been countered by Shen Miao at the tributary banquet and thus harbored resentment, the princes merely smiled without speaking.

It was Fu Xiuyi who gently shook his head and said, “Miss Shen is a good person. You all should stop joking about her. Anyone who damages her reputation bears a sin too heavy to shoulder.”

“Old Ninth, you’re too serious,” Prince Chu smiled. “If you don’t want her, it doesn’t mean others can’t. If not for the fact that we’ve all established our consorts, if I were to marry Miss Shen, I would be willing!”

“Indeed!” The princes agreed one after another.

“Truly so,” Huangfu Hao smiled. “If I were the Ninth Prince, I would marry her.”

Princess Mingan was extremely displeased. She looked at the Prince of Rui and noticed that he hadn’t joined in the joking banter but instead maintained a quiet gaze. Delighted, she asked, “Does Prince Rui also think so?”

The Prince of Rui paused.

Everyone’s gaze turned to him.

The young man with the mask toyed with his wine cup and said calmly, “Doing needlework for a man, making pastries, learning to play the zither, learning to write poetry?”

Princess Mingan said, “Indeed, utterly indecent, laughable and shameless!”

“Such a good young lady,” the Prince of Rui smiled and said, “As it happens, I want her too.”