Entering June, the fiery red pomegranate flowers in the West Side Courtyard of Yahe Courtyard bloomed and withered, withered and bloomed again, already bearing auspicious fruit.

On this day, Qiao Zhao received an invitation from Su Luo Yi of the Ministry of Rites’ residence—an entry card for a small gathering organized by the Fushan Society for its members.

Finally receiving this long-awaited invitation, having the opportunity to make contact with the Kou family’s eldest cousin, the taut string in Qiao Zhao’s heart relaxed somewhat.

The gathering was set for the sixth day of the sixth month, and the location was quite interesting—it was actually at Li Jiǎo’s maternal family home, the Earl of Guchang’s residence.

Qiao Zhao carefully searched through her memories before recalling that Li Jiǎo’s cousin Du Feixue was also one of the Fushan Society members.

The Fushan Society differed from ordinary poetry societies. Young ladies with particular talents in any area were eligible to join, and Du Feixue had joined due to her excellent horsemanship.

The sixth day of the sixth month quickly arrived.

Qiao Zhao rose early in the morning, dressed properly, and took A’Zhu to Qingsong Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam Deng.

“Zhaozhao, you’re up so early today?”

After greeting Old Madam Deng, Qiao Zhao smiled and said, “Grandmother, I’m going to the Earl of Guchang’s residence today.”

“Eh?” Old Madam Deng set down her teacup and smiled. “Zhaozhao is going too? Your elder sister left not long ago, saying Miss Du from the Earl of Guchang’s residence had invited her to visit.”

These young ladies nowadays really know how to have fun. In their time, there were no such societies and gatherings. Did they think she had never been young? These gatherings put on airs about competing in talents and mutual improvement, but in reality, they were just a group of little girls going out to let loose.

Old Madam Deng put away her jealous thoughts, cleared her throat lightly, and said, “Go ahead then. When you get there, stay together with your elder sister.”

“Mm.”

Qiao Zhao now had her dedicated carriage and driver, making outings very convenient. She took A’Zhu and left the residence. Chen Guang, who had received the news early, was leaning against the carriage side with a blade of green grass in his mouth, lazily basking in the sun.

“Miss, where are we going today?” Seeing Qiao Zhao emerge, Chen Guang straightened up, spat out the grass, and revealed a brilliant smile.

“Your teeth are green.” Qiao Zhao walked past Chen Guang and got into the carriage with A’Zhu’s assistance.

“Hm?” Chen Guang looked completely bewildered.

Qiao Zhao turned back to explain, “Some grasses are poisonous. Don’t chew on random things in the future.”

Hearing this, Chen Guang’s expression changed slightly. He turned and bent over, coughing violently.

“The one you were chewing is fine, it just easily stains your lips and teeth with color. Others will laugh when they see it.” Miss Qiao reminded him earnestly.

After all, she was going to attend a banquet with the capital’s noble ladies. She didn’t expect her driver to be particularly dignified, just reasonably normal.

A’Zhu expressionlessly pulled out a palm-sized mirror from her sleeve and handed it over.

Chen Guang glanced at himself in the mirror, and his face turned bright red.

Damn it, who told him that chewing on a blade of grass looked cool? It seemed like it was that kid Shao Zhi—he’d settle accounts with him later!

Speaking of which, he hadn’t seen the General in a long time. He missed the General.

“Miss, today isn’t the day to visit Shuying Nunnery. Where are we going?” After asking this, Chen Guang’s heart pounded.

Could it be a date with the General?

Good heavens, if he kept worrying like this, his little heart wouldn’t be able to take it.

“To the Earl of Guchang’s residence.”

The little driver immediately deflated. “Oh.”

Miss Qiao, completely unable to fathom his thoughts, entered the carriage thinking: if this driver continues being so abnormal, she might have to consider returning him. She had a constant premonition that she’d be tricked in the future.

Fortunately, the little driver’s carriage-driving skills were quite good, and the newly replaced carriage was of fine quality. Qiao Zhao closed her eyes to rest, and they soon arrived at the Earl of Guchang’s residence.

She got down from the carriage, and Chen Guang claimed credit, saying, “Miss, I drive fast, don’t I? Look, the carriage from our residence has just stopped too.”

Qiao Zhao looked in the direction he indicated and saw Li Jiǎo getting out of her carriage while Du Feixue came down the steps to greet her. Around them, other carriages were also stopping one after another.

Qiao Zhao walked over with A’Zhu and called out, “Elder sister.”

Li Jiǎo turned around and said in surprise, “Third sister—”

Du Feixue, beside her, had already asked first, “How come you’re here?”

The surroundings quieted, and the noble ladies who had gotten out of their carriages turned their gazes over.

Li Jiǎo’s eyes flickered as she reached out to take Qiao Zhao’s hand, smiling, “Cousin Feixue, Third sister came together with me.”

Du Feixue had long heard from Li Jiǎo about the wet nurse being driven away and was looking for an opportunity to vent on her cousin’s behalf. Hearing this, she sneered, “Cousin Jiǎo, you’re just too kind-hearted. Some people are shameless, yet you still consider their dignity.”

Qiao Zhao spoke calmly, “Isn’t today the day for the Fushan Society gathering? If I remember correctly, the location is at your residence. Miss Du keeps saying ‘shameless’ this and ‘shameless’ that—this seems to lack proper hospitality.”

“Heh, I say, Miss Li San, what does the Fushan Society gathering have to do with you? For those who are my guests, I have hospitality. For those who shamelessly invite themselves, do you expect me to sweep the couch in welcome?”

Even Cousin Jiǎo didn’t have the qualifications to participate in Fushan Society gatherings. She was only here because the gathering happened to be held at her home, and according to custom, she, as the host, could bring along sisters.

The Earl’s residence only had her as the young lady. Her inviting her cousin was acceptable and others wouldn’t say much, but for Li San to follow along too, wasn’t this too thick-skinned?

“Cousin Feixue, don’t say anymore. I did invite Third sister to accompany me—”

Du Feixue interrupted Li Jiǎo’s words. “Cousin Jiǎo, don’t cover up for her shame. She was envious seeing you attend the gathering and eagerly followed along. If you came together, why didn’t you take the same carriage?”

Du Feixue’s quick temper made her dislike Qiao Zhao even more because of Li Jiǎo’s good nature.

Cousin Jiǎo was too pitiful. Being bullied by Li San since childhood had made her so good-tempered!

Several noble ladies had already stopped walking and were coldly watching the drama unfold.

Li Jiǎo glanced at Qiao Zhao with a troubled expression. “It’s because… because Third sister is used to taking her carriage. Cousin Feixue, let’s hurry inside—”

Du Feixue realized something and gasped while covering her mouth. “No way, Cousin Jiǎo, doesn’t your residence only have one carriage?”

She quickly glanced at the small, delicate carriage nearby and said indignantly, “Those with mothers have it good—even getting their dedicated carriage. Cousin Jiǎo, this is too unfair to you. You’re the legitimate eldest daughter of the original wife! Why should a daughter of the second wife get to surpass you in everything?”

These words were heard clearly by Jiang Shiran, who had just gotten out of her carriage.

Jiang Shiran was the only daughter of Jiang Tang, Commander of the Jinlin Guards. Pampered and spoiled since childhood, she was no less than a princess, but losing her mother at a young age was also her heartache. Hearing these words, she looked deeply at Li Jiǎo and Qiao Zhao with a darkened expression.

Being scrutinized by everyone’s various gazes, Qiao Zhao remained calm and composed. Her only surprise was that this pair of cousins could sing in harmony for so long, giving her no opportunity to speak.

Miss Qiao drew out her invitation from her sleeve, handed it to Du Feixue, and said calmly, “Miss Du is indeed right. I’m truly not here to accompany my elder sister. May I go in now?”