Su, the mother of Jiang Si, hailed from the Yining Marquis Manor. Her beauty was exceptional, renowned as a great beauty some ten years ago.
Both Xian Imperial Consort and Zhuang Imperial Consort were of the same generation as Su. Although Xian Imperial Consort was considerably older than Su, she had known her from early on.
Not only did she know Su, but she also had a deep impression of her.
At that time, Xian Imperial Consort had already entered the palace, though she was only a Jieyu. For a while, rumors ran wild that the Emperor had taken a liking to Su and wanted to bring her into the palace.
She was anxious about this for a long time. Later, Su’s entry into the palace came to nothing. It was said that Su had a childhood sweetheart fiancé and was unwilling to enter the palace.
Xian Imperial Consort didn’t think more highly of Su because of this. On the contrary, she became even more irritated.
How dare Su disdain what she had yearned for?
Later, when Su’s engagement to Cui Xu was ruined by Princess Rongyang, she felt greatly satisfied.
Hah, Su truly had all her plans fall through.
With the support of her natal family, the Anguo Duke Manor, Xian Imperial Consort climbed higher and higher, always keeping a vague eye on Su’s later experiences: such as Su losing her virtue to Cui Xu and becoming unmarriageable, Su eventually marrying the heir of an Earl’s manor that had only inherited the title for three generations, Su’s early death…
Hearing these things, Xian Imperial Consort thought: beauty is ill-fated indeed, heaven is truly fair.
Jiang Si’s appearance was strikingly similar to her mother’s, and the beauty of both mother and daughter was like dazzling pearls, unforgettable to those who saw them. Xian Imperial Consort naturally recognized her at a glance.
With this old matter in mind, Xian Imperial Consort’s impression of Jiang Si couldn’t be good.
She quickly thought of Jiang Si’s background and the recent reputation of the Dongping Earl Manor. Though her face remained impassive, she was extremely annoyed inside.
How could a young lady from the Dongping Earl Manor appear at this plum blossom appreciation banquet?
Xian Imperial Consort couldn’t help but glance at Zhuang Imperial Consort, inwardly sneering: she had thought Zhuang Imperial Consort was capable, but it turns out she’s nothing special, actually sending an invitation to such a young lady.
Could it be that Zhuang Imperial Consort wanted to take a beautiful concubine for her son?
But concubines have their own selection process, they’re never mixed in with the selection of the main wife.
Xian Imperial Consort subtly pursed her lips.
Little did she know that at this moment, Zhuang Imperial Consort was also puzzled.
Of course, she also recognized Su and immediately identified Su’s daughter.
Why would Xian Imperial Consort invite a young lady from the Dongping Earl Manor?
She knew clearly which of the noble ladies present she had invited. Except for the overlapping ones, looking at the remaining people, she understood Xian Imperial Consort’s intentions.
Xian Imperial Consort planned to choose a wife of moderate background for Prince Yan.
But no matter what, she shouldn’t have invited a young lady who had broken off an engagement, especially from a family like the Dongping Earl Manor that was about to lose its title and had a poor reputation.
It was said that Xian Imperial Consort was indifferent to Prince Yan, without any maternal affection. Now she could see it for herself.
Ah, perhaps Xian Imperial Consort planned to take a beautiful concubine for her son to ease the relationship between mother and son?
But concubines have their own selection process, they’re never mixed in with the selection of the main wife.
Zhuang Imperial Consort’s internal complaints were almost identical to Xian Imperial Consort’s. Her face revealed nothing as she returned a smile to Xian Imperial Consort.
Under the silent confrontation between the two, the young ladies felt somewhat awkward.
Regardless of their background, once in this magnificent palace, everyone had to bow their heads.
“Sister Zhuang, let’s not restrain these children. Allow them to be more at ease,” said Xian Imperial Consort.
“Sister Xian is right,” replied Zhuang Imperial Consort.
Under the gentle words of the two Imperial Consorts, the atmosphere gradually became livelier. Some noble ladies sat by the zither stand, some walked to the painting materials, and many more walked out of the long pavilion, strolling among the plum trees.
Jiang Si remained motionless in a corner, occasionally responding to Ji Fanghua’s words.
Xian Imperial Consort couldn’t help but cast her gaze over again, secretly frowning.
How did Fanghua end up mingling with Miss Jiang?
Xian Imperial Consort was quite fond of her only niece from her natal family, but she had never thought of marrying her to her youngest son.
Her support came from her natal family’s father and brothers. If Ji Fanghua, her niece, became her seventh son’s wife, how could she maintain control?
Just for this reason, Xian Imperial Consort crossed Ji Fanghua’s name off her mental list.
Of course, she wouldn’t reveal this on her face. She smiled and beckoned to Ji Fanghua, “Fanghua, come sit by your aunt.”
Ji Fanghua gave Jiang Si an apologetic look and rose to walk over.
“Aunt,” she greeted.
“It’s been some time since I’ve seen you. Fanghua has truly become a young lady now, looking even more radiant than all the plum blossoms in the garden.”
Ji Fanghua was naturally cheerful and hadn’t harbored thoughts of becoming her aunt’s daughter-in-law. Her demeanor was natural and open as she smiled and said, “Everyone at home says I look like you, Aunt. It’s clear that you’re the true beauty who outshines the flowers.”
“Stop teasing your aunt,” Xian Imperial Consort chided, but her face was full of smiles.
Those noble ladies who were secretly observing sighed inwardly: with Ji Fanghua present, their chances had diminished even further.
Xian Imperial Consort was a person who cared about face. On such an occasion, even if she disapproved of her niece’s association with Jiang Si, she wouldn’t voice it. She simply kept Ji Fanghua seated by her side.
Seeing the young ladies becoming more at ease, Zhuang Imperial Consort brought up a topic, suggesting that the ladies showcase their talents.
The young ladies’ hearts skipped a beat, knowing the crucial moment had arrived. They all perked up.
At this moment, a eunuch announced loudly: “Prince Shu arrives, Prince Yan arrives—”
Two young men in brocade robes and jade belts walked in side by side.
Before entering the palace, Zhuang Imperial Consort was known as a talented lady, excelling in temperament. In terms of appearance, she was slightly inferior to the many beauties in the back palace. The sixth prince, Prince Shu, had inherited his mother’s looks, appearing refined and elegant with an extraordinary temperament.
In the eyes of the young ladies, this Prince Yan, who had only existed in rumors, possessed a breathtaking handsomeness.
With just a raise of his eyebrow or a lift of his hand, though seemingly casual and indifferent, he made hearts flutter and faces blush.
So this was what Prince Yan looked like.
Among the noble ladies attending the plum blossom appreciation banquet, Prince Shu was undoubtedly the more desirable match. After all, among the many princes, Prince Shu was famously favored by the Emperor. Once married to Prince Shu, even if one couldn’t reach the highest position, it would still be incredibly prestigious.
But now, the balance in their hearts quietly shifted.
Unfortunately, whether to marry or not, they had no right to choose.
But no matter what, this was an exciting event. If they performed well, marrying either prince would be a stroke of great fortune.
After paying respects to the two Imperial Consorts, Prince Shu smiled and said, “My seventh brother and I were strolling in the garden when we saw how lively it was here, so we came to take a look.”
This was, of course, just a pretext. Everyone knew that this flower banquet was held for the two princes to choose their future wives.
The customs of the Great Zhou were open-minded. Even princes had the right to choose, provided that the young ladies could appear on such occasions.
In other words, the young ladies appearing at this bride selection banquet were already implicitly qualified to become princesses. However, this didn’t mean the princes could determine the final choice. Instead, they would select several candidates by gifting flowers, and then the Imperial Consorts, Empress, or Emperor would deliberate to make the final decision.
While Prince Shu was speaking, Yu Jin took the opportunity to cast his phoenix eyes towards Jiang Si, confirming that the person he had been thinking of was indeed present. He withdrew his gaze with a smile.