Chapter 279 - The Fire Caused by a Painting (1/2)

Mo Xuetong took a leisurely boat ride. She had not felt so relaxed since her rebirth and was in a good mood.

She heard Luo Mingzhu’s voice when she reached the sh.o.r.e. “Cousin Tong, why didn’t you ask me along. Otherwise, I could have taken the boat ride with you.” She stomped her feet with an expression of jealousy. She said with regret, “I was just a tiny bit behind you and could have caught up with you.”

“Then Second Cousin, shall we ride again?” Mo Xuetong’s eyes glimmered and she laughed.

“Emm… maybe not.” Luo Mingzhu looked at the little boat that bobbed up and down on the water surface and swallowed. She backed away hesitantly. She was only just kidding. If she really dared to board the boat, she would have waved and asked Mo Xuetong to take her along.

Mo Xuetong could not help laughing when she saw how Luo Mingzhu wanted to get onto the boat but did not dare to. She was just saying that because she knew that Luo Mingzhu would not dare to get on.

“Good, Cousin Tong. How dare you trick me.” Luo Mingzhu discovered Mo Xuetong’s teasing smile and pretended to be angry.

“Second Cousin, don’t be mad at me. I won’t do it again. I will definitely have the servants build a st.u.r.dy boat when I take a ride next time. I won’t let Second Cousin ride this kind of unsteady little boat with me.” Mo Xuetong poked out her tongue, teasing Luo Mingzhu.

They were about the same age and were thus casual when they spoke to each other. They linked arms and walked on while they chatted and laughed.

They could hear Qin music from time to time and it made the place they were in seem even more carefree and leisurely. The tall mountains were reflected on the surface of the lake and coupled with the music, they seemed even more lively.

“Elder Sister Mingzhu, Princess Anping, quick, come here and play.” Shen Qianxiu was seated behind a table nearby and watching people write. She looked up and spotted the two, so she waved and shouted at them.

“Cousin Tong, let’s go take a look.” Luo Mingzhu’s eyes sparkled with excitement and she dragged Mo Xuetong over.

There were men and women gathering around a large table. There was someone painting but the person was surrounded and they could not see who it was. There were many people sitting around the table and one could tell that the painter was popular.

Mo Xuetong was now a princess. Even though it was a Qin gathering today, it was also a banquet for the wealthy and famous. These people were unrestrained and did not speak about wealth. However, there were not many people who would not be affected by wealth and status, especially young ladies from such families. They were only here with their brothers and to pretend to enjoy acting like an unrestrained bachelor. They could also look at the handsome Bai Yihao openly while they were here.

Most of the young ladies parted courteously for Mo Xuetong and allowed her to take a seat when they saw her. Mo Xuetong could not refuse even if she wanted to. They just pushed her into the crowd. Finally, before she could react, she b.u.mped into someone.

“Oh, isn’t this Princess Anping? Why did you rush in in a hurry? You don’t have to do that even if it was for Sir Bai!” The voice was neutral and the person sounded a little spoilt. Mo Xuetong could only sigh. Enemies always end up meeting. Why did she b.u.mp into them?

“Miss You, Miss Chen, Miss w.a.n.g, and Miss Shen. It is rare for everyone to be here.” They were none other than You Yue’e, Chen Ya’er, w.a.n.g Xiuxiu, and Shen Qianxiu. At least two of the four bore enmity against her. Judging by You Yue’e’s tone, she knew that there would be trouble ahead.

You Yue’e glanced at her uncaringly. Chen Ya’er was about to speak but You Yue’e nudged her and she stopped. Even though w.a.n.g Xiuxiu smiled gently and seemed genuinely happy, only she herself knew what’s going on in her heart. Only Shen Qianxiu greeted them happily.

“Miss You, you are here really early. You even knew that Sir Bai is going to paint. You are really resourceful unlike me and my cousin. We’ve b.u.mbled around and don’t know what to do.” Mo Xuetong said with a smile.

With that, You Yue’e flushed bright red. She had just said that Mo Xuetong had squeezed herself through the crowd, disregarding her status, to see Bai Yihao. With what Mo Xuetong said, it now seemed like she had followed Bai Yihao here and had intentionally asked about what Bai Yihao was going to do and waited for him here.

This was embarra.s.sing to an unmarried young lady.

Since You Yue’e was trying to embarra.s.s Mo Xuetong for no rhyme or reason, Mo Xuetong would not sit and allow her to do so. Her sharp words were hidden beneath a layer of gentleness.

“Princess Anping is really glib. We came early because we wanted to see what the Qin gathering would be like. This is the first time we’ve received an invitation after so many years. You are really capable to receive one just upon your return to the capital. It is true that beautiful people have the advantage.” w.a.n.g Xiuxiu turned around with a smile as if she were trying to make excuses for You Yue’e.

However, Mo Xuetong knew that w.a.n.g Xiuxiu did not have kind intentions. She smiled at her and said, “Miss w.a.n.g, you are wrong. I could come to this gathering, not because of my appearance. It is because of the princes.”

Mo Xuetong intentionally emphasized the word “princes”. w.a.n.g Xiuxiu’s smile stiffened and she did not reply.

“Prince? Which prince invited you here? It cannot be King Chu for he is about to ask Elder Sister Yue’e for her hand.” Shen Qianxiu smiled with wide eyes. She brought up how You Yue’e was about to become King Chu’s consort without knowing anything and this stopped You Yue’e who was about to say something.

It was inappropriate for a young lady to talk about her marriage in front of everyone. You Yue’e could not help but lower her blus.h.i.+ng face.

“It was not any prince who invited me. Some of the princes invited my mother. But she said that she is getting old and gave the invite to me. So isn’t it because of the princes!” Mo Xuetong said, her eyes wide and innocent. She smiled flawlessly and looked adorable.