Qiao Zhao didn’t know details like new Fushan Society members needing to draw lots, but seeing that no one around showed any surprise, she knew that although Du Feixue was targeting her, this rule did exist.

Girls’ games were nothing more than music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, and tea. Miss Qiao had always been the type of “other people’s daughter” in these areas, so naturally, she had nothing to fear.

She extended her hand generously and drew a lot from the colorful cylinder.

“Let me see what Miss Li San drew.” Du Feixue waved her hand, and the servant girl holding the colorful cylinder retreated. She took the lot from Qiao Zhao’s hand, glanced at it, and said with a smile to Jiang Shiran, “Miss Jiang, today’s test question for the new member will be set by you.”

Fearing Qiao Zhao might not understand, Du Feixue pointed to the character “Jiang” carved on the lot and explained, “Our Fushan Society has five vice presidents. Each time a new member joins, lots are drawn to select which vice president will set questions for the newcomer. Miss Li San drew this ‘Jiang’ character, which represents Miss Jiang.”

Qiao Zhao nodded to show she understood and looked calmly toward Jiang Shiran. “I understand. Please set the question, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Shiran reached out to take the flower lot from Du Feixue’s hand, glanced at it lightly, stared at Qiao Zhao for a moment, then smiled. “The Fushan Society hasn’t had new members for a long time, and it’s been quite a while since our last gathering. Let me think carefully about this question—everyone else, continue enjoying yourselves.”

Though it was organized under the Fushan Society’s banner, it was just an excuse for noble ladies to gather together, albeit at a higher level.

As the hostess, Du Feixue organized everyone to compose poetry on the theme of “lotus flowers.” Those interested could display their talents, while those who weren’t could play chess, admire flowers, or simply chat together.

Qiao Zhao certainly didn’t plan to write any brilliant poetry to steal the spotlight. Her attention was entirely focused on her maternal uncle’s eldest daughter, Kou Zimo.

Today, Kou Zimo wore a lilac-colored jacket with floral and grass patterns, sitting quietly in a corner, sipping tea, giving the impression of being shrouded in a light melancholy.

Qiao Zhao thought for a moment and was about to walk over when Su Luo Yi stopped her.

“Sister Li San, shall we play a game of go?”

“Oh, alright.” Naturally, Qiao Zhao couldn’t refuse such a small request from Su Luo Yi, who had brought her into the society.

The pavilion in the garden was covered with climbing vines blooming with tiny flowers. When the wind blew, they swayed gently, making it even cooler than indoors.

Qiao Zhao and Su Luo Yi sat facing each other at a stone table with a chessboard already set up, beginning their game. Her thoughts were entirely on Kou Zimo, and when she suddenly saw Kou Zimo get up and follow another young lady outside, she became somewhat anxious and unconsciously quickened her offensive moves.

Su Luo Yi was forced to retreat again and again. Before long, sweat appeared on her forehead and her defeat was certain.

Looking at the disastrous situation, Su Luo Yi held a chess piece, blinked, and started crying.

Miss Qiao: “…” She didn’t do it on purpose!

Zhu Yán, the seventh young lady from Taining Marquis’ residence who had somehow come to watch the game, laughed softly. “Luo Yi, so you cry when you lose at chess. What a pity I can’t beat you—I never had the chance to witness this.”

Being teased by her good friend, Su Luo Yi, was greatly embarrassing. She quickly used her handkerchief to wipe her eyes and explained to Qiao Zhao, “Please don’t laugh at me, Sister Li San. I wasn’t crying—sand just got in my eyes.”

Qiao Zhao: “…” Expressing belief seemed too hypocritical, but exposing the lie might make Miss Su cry again. Oh, she suddenly felt that girls like Li Jiǎo were easier to deal with.

After all, once you offended her, you could just strike back directly—much more straightforward.

Su Luo Yi realized her excuse was terrible and simply spoke frankly. “In terms of chess skills, I always thought I had no opponents among the capital’s noble ladies. I was a frog in a well. Just now I was excited, thinking that with Sister Li San’s guidance in the future, my chess skills could improve further, so I couldn’t help but weep tears of joy.”

Zhu Yán laughed softly beside them. “Luo Yi, you’ve frightened Miss Li San.” Then she smiled at Qiao Zhao. “Miss Li San, please don’t mind her—she’s just obsessed.”

Su Luo Yi and Zhu Yán were very familiar with each other. Hearing this, she got up and pulled Zhu Yán onto the stone bench, saying petulantly, “If you’re so capable, you try.”

Zhu Yán quickly waved her hands. “I’d better not embarrass myself. My chess skills aren’t even as good as yours.”

Only then did Su Luo Yi feel somewhat appeased. She snorted lightly. “I figure with Sister Li San’s chess skills, even your elder brother wouldn’t last long.”

In Zhu Yán’s heart, her elder brother was good at everything, but having just watched Su Luo Yi and Qiao Zhao’s game, she couldn’t speak against her conscience. She retorted, “Why bring up my brother? I don’t know if my brother could beat Miss Li San, but beating you would be no problem.”

“I won’t acknowledge that without having played against him.”

Zhu Yán glanced into the distance and smiled lightly. “My brother came today too, but it’s inconvenient for you to meet him.”

Mentioning this, she turned her gaze to Qiao Zhao.

Miss Li San might know her brother. Although her brother hadn’t said so explicitly, she could tell.

How had brother and Miss Li San come to know each other?

Zhu Yán wasn’t a gossip, but since it concerned her elder brother, it was different.

Unfortunately, speaking too deeply when acquainted too shallowly would be too improper. She couldn’t ask such questions, so she suppressed her curiosity and instead reminded, “Miss Jiang excels at pitch-pot and archery. When she sets a question for Miss Li San later, it will very likely relate to her strengths. Miss Li San should be prepared.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Miss Zhu.” From the corner of her eye, she could no longer see Kou Zimo. Although Qiao Zhao had a good impression of both Zhu Yán and Su Luo Yi, she had no interest in further conversation. She got up and said apologetically, “I need to visit the powder room. Would you two sisters like to come along?”

Su Luo Yi giggled. “We’re not little girls anymore—do we need to go to the powder room together? Go ahead, Sister Li San. I want to play a game with Zhu Yán to soothe my feelings. You beat me too severely just now.”

Qiao Zhao asked a servant girl to lead her to the powder room. After coming out, she said to the servant, “You may go about your business. I see some rose bushes over there blooming beautifully—I’ll go have a look.”

Today, Du Feixue was entertaining the ladies in the garden, so naturally she had arranged to keep unwanted people from barging in, allowing the young ladies to move about freely.

The servant girl curtsied upon hearing this. “Please enjoy yourself, Miss. If you need anything, just call for this servant.”

Finally free of others, Qiao Zhao headed in the direction where Kou Zimo had disappeared.

She gradually walked deep among the flowers and trees, and through the lush foliage heard a girl’s soft voice: “Wei Yu, don’t be sad anymore. I’ll ask grandfather later to see if there’s any news about uncle.”

Qiao Zhao recognized this as Kou Zimo’s voice.

Another girl’s voice was somewhat cold: “No need. My father was arrested by the Jinlin Guards. If Sister Zimo asks Minister Kou about it, it will surely put him in a difficult position, and he might even scold you. Sister Zimo, we’ve been friends for so long, but today I’m here to bid you farewell. I probably won’t attend Fushan Society gatherings anymore.”