This was—

Du Feixue, as one of the Fushan Society members, had always taken pride in this fact and was thoroughly familiar with the exclusive entry cards for society members.

Her expression changed as she stared directly at Qiao Zhao. “Where did you get this?”

Could it have been stolen?

This wasn’t impossible. Li San’s mother had used underhanded methods to marry Cousin Jiǎo’s father, so what good could the daughter she raised be?

Even if it wasn’t stolen, it might have been picked up!

A gentle voice spoke up: “I gave it to her.”

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw that a carriage bearing the Su residence’s insignia had at some point stopped in front of the Earl’s residence. Su Luo Yi was getting out, bending gracefully, and walking over with elegant steps.

“Miss Su—” The noble ladies who had been coldly watching the excitement all greeted Su Luo Yi.

Although the Minister of Rites appeared less prestigious and profitable than ministers of Personnel or War, it had always been a necessary position for entering the Cabinet. Generally speaking, whoever the Emperor intended for the Cabinet would be placed in the position of Minister of Rites and concurrently Hanlin Academy Chancellor for several years.

As the granddaughter of a future Grand Secretary, she was naturally popular among the capital’s noble ladies. Moreover, Su Luo Yi lacked the arrogance of daughters from military nobility, possessing only the intelligence of scholarly families, which made her even more well-liked.

Su Luo Yi approached and took Qiao Zhao’s arm, giving the dumbstruck Du Feixue a gentle smile. “Sister Li San is a new member of the Fushan Society, recommended jointly by Zhu Yán and me.”

“Miss Su, you two—” Du Feixue felt utterly humiliated, her pretty face flushing red.

Someone suddenly understood: “That’s right, Miss Li San’s calligraphy caught Master’s eye at the Buddha’s Birthday celebration that day, so of course she’s qualified to join our Fushan Society.”

As soon as these words were spoken, many people immediately chimed in agreement.

Our Fushan Society?

Li Jiǎo secretly ground her silver teeth.

Just moments ago, they were all watching the drama, but now it had suddenly become “our Fushan Society.” Could it be that Li San’s calligraphy gaining Master Wumei’s favor had just happened?

Hmph, it was only because of Su Luo Yi’s status as vice president that these people were being sycophantic!

She couldn’t help but look at Qiao Zhao, her heart filling with even more hatred.

When exactly did Li San connect with Su Luo Yi? She had remained completely silent about it, letting her and Cousin Feixue make fools of themselves in front of everyone!

Li Jiǎo quietly tugged at Du Feixue’s sleeve.

Du Feixue had a reputation for being willful and wasn’t afraid, but she still cared about her good name. Moreover, among today’s attendees, she was the only one here by Du Feixue’s grace, so becoming the center of attention wasn’t something to be proud of.

Though Du Feixue was spoiled and willful, she still remembered her role as hostess. Furthermore, many of the noble ladies had higher status than she, so she couldn’t afford to be completely willful. She secretly suppressed her anger and smiled with an innocent expression. “So that’s how it is. I only misunderstood because Miss Li San didn’t explain clearly earlier. Oh my, Cousin Jiǎo, why didn’t you remind me?”

With Du Feixue shifting the blame this way, everyone immediately turned their attention to Li Jiǎo.

Li Jiǎo was furious inside but couldn’t afford to offend Du Feixue, so she could only smile and say, “I only just found out myself.”

“Sisters, let’s hurry inside.” Du Feixue called out to the ladies with a bright smile. Seeing Jiang Shiran, who had been coldly observing the whole time, her eyes lit up as she approached her. “Miss Jiang, you’re here.”

“Yes, today was so lively. I found it much more interesting than any poetry or flower gatherings.” Jiang Shiran slowly withdrew her gaze from Qiao Zhao’s face and spoke neither warmly nor coldly.

Du Feixue had the servants lead the ladies to the gathering place while she returned to wait for those who hadn’t yet arrived. Li Jiǎo stood beside her to help.

Taking advantage of no one approaching, Du Feixue lowered her voice. “Cousin Jiǎo, what’s wrong with you? When did Li San become a Fushan Society member without you knowing anything about it?”

Li Jiǎo suppressed her embarrassment and said aggrievedly, “I truly knew nothing at all. Cousin Feixue doesn’t know—Third sister has been quite different from before lately, and is very good at keeping secrets. She kept the news of joining the Fushan Society completely hidden from me. Who knows what she was thinking?”

“What else could she be thinking? She did it to watch you and me make fools of ourselves today!”

Li San was a Fushan Society member, yet was mocked and ridiculed by her. In others’ eyes, this undoubtedly made her, the hostess, appear rude.

“Cousin Jiǎo, just wait. Today, I’ll find an opportunity to make her look bad.”

Li Jiǎo’s heart leaped with joy, but she said, “Cousin Feixue, perhaps you should forget it. After all, she and I are sisters from the same residence—when one suffers, all suffer; when one prospers, all prosper. If she’s disgraced, I won’t look good either.”

Du Feixue stamped her foot. “Cousin Jiǎo, this is exactly why you’re always considerate of everything and end up suffering yourself. Don’t worry, today I’ll only make her alone look foolish—it won’t implicate you.”

Li Jiǎo was somewhat curious about what Du Feixue had planned, but pressing for details didn’t fit her image, so she suppressed her curiosity and asked seemingly casually, “Didn’t Miss Su say she and Miss Zhu jointly recommended Third sister? Cousin Feixue, haven’t you heard Miss Zhu Qi mention it?”

Du Feixue pursed her lips. “Cousin Yan doesn’t like crowds. I haven’t seen her much lately, so how could I have heard her mention it? Oh my, Miss Lan is here. Let’s not talk about this now.”

Du Feixue hurriedly left Li Jiǎo behind and went to greet a tall young lady in blue.

The young lady only gave Du Feixue’s enthusiasm a reserved nod before walking straight inside, appearing more at ease than the hostess herself.

Du Feixue bit her lip and followed, not showing any trace of her willful nature.

Li Jiǎo sneered inwardly: it seemed Cousin Feixue’s spoiled willfulness was selective. She was rude to Li San, but toward her as cousin—when had she ever truly shown respect?

Wet nurse was right. Only by marrying into a good family could she hold her head high among these people in the future.

The gathering was set in the garden. Once everyone had gradually arrived, Du Feixue raised a cup of fruit wine and said, “Today is the day our Fushan Society gathers once again, and it happens to be my birthday as well. Let me drink first in a toast.”

“Today is Miss Du’s birthday? Miss Du should have mentioned it earlier. We’ve been remiss.” Several ladies who didn’t usually associate much with Du Feixue all spoke up.

Li Jiǎo’s heart stirred.

In previous years, Du Feixue’s birthday celebrations only invited cousin sisters and close friends for private celebrations behind closed doors, not even touring the garden.

She understood this well—it was just Du Feixue being petty, afraid they might encounter the young master from Taining Marquis’ residence, who came to celebrate her twin brother Du Feiyang’s birthday.

With today’s gathering set in the flower garden, she wondered if they might see Young Master Zhu?

Thinking of the gentle and refined Zhu Yàn, Li Jiǎo’s heart warmed.

If she could marry someone like Young Master Zhu, this life would be fulfilling.

After the ladies drank the fruit wine and finished the opening remarks, a servant girl came to Du Feixue’s side carrying a tray.

Du Feixue picked up the colorful lot cylinder from the tray and smiled. “Speaking of luck, I happened to be hosting when new members joined, which should add considerable fun to today’s banquet.”

She looked toward Qiao Zhao and held out the colorful lot cylinder. “Miss Li San, according to Fushan Society tradition, new members must draw a lot.”