Chapter 149: Secret, carefree spirits (1/2)

Chapter 149: Secret, carefree spirits

Three days later, the Plum Blossom Meet began.

The imperial plum tree orchards on the outskirts of the capital were filled with fragrance. Plum blossoms were in full bloom in large swathes of red and pink. From a distance, it looked like a sea of flowers, dreamlike and almost illusory.

This year, the exceptionally flourishing plum blossoms had bloomed remarkably early. Beneath the flowering trees, spaces had been set up for a banquet. Princess Changping and Crown Prince Long Tianmo sat side-by-side at the head table. On the crown prince’s left was Western Zhou’s Princess Rongle, Duanmu Yao.

Though a few refined and tasteful scholars had joined the banquet, the majority of its guests were still female. Long Tianmo hadn’t wanted to come, but last night his imperial father had commanded him to go entertain the guest of honor. A few days earlier, he’d caught rumors that Imperial Qin Uncle had been spending all his time with Princess Rongle. It seemed like those rumors were false.

Nothing was more merciless than an imperial house. Regardless of whether they were concubines or consorts, the woman of an imperial clan were all tools in the end. When they were useful, others fought and competed for the chance to praise them to the skies. When they were useless, they were discarded like a shabby, worn-out shoe. The same could be said for the woman currently being accompanied by the crown prince.

If Duanmu Yao wanted to marry him, he could do it without blinking in an instant. Sadly, everyone knew that Duanmu Yao’s heart was set on the Duke of Qin. Western Zhou and Tianning might have been allies via marriage alliances, but each had their own calculations and schemes. Imperial Father had urged him to quickly marry Princess Rongle so the two countries could grow closer, especially with the constant skirmishes happening on the northeast border. The sooner the two countries could work together, the better they could resist their enemies.

However, Western Zhou’s emperor had long replied that Princess Rongle should personally seek out her ideal husband before she chose to marry.

Aside from the Duke of Qin, what other ideal husband could there be?

But despite this being an open secret, Duanmu Yao still hadn’t expressed her intentions. No one else dared to uncover Imperial Qin Uncle’s intentions. As a result, things had stalled.

“Yao Yao, try some of this plum blossom tea. You can only drink it in Tianning.” Long Tianmo tried to search for a topic as he attempted to close their distance with ‘Yao Yao.’ Unfortunately, Duanmu Yao left him no face as she called him by his title to maintain their distance.

“Your Highness Crown Prince, isn’t it more fitting to call me Princess Rongle?”

Long Tianmo was inwardly angry, but hid it very well. This woman was very beautiful and was truly thricely talented in the arts, martial prowess, and appearances. But deep in his heart, he couldn’t esteem her at all. If not for the fact that she was Western Zhou’s princess, he wouldn’t spare her another glance.

Though he was furious, Long Tianmo’s tone remained temperate and mild. “I heard that Imperial Qin Uncle will be leaving on a journey after New Year’s. Does Princess Rongle know where he’s going?”

At his words, Duanmu Yao turned to look at him directly, face full of shock. She hadn’t gone home with her imperial brother precisely because she wanted to spend the New Year’s in Tianning. Her hope was that she could settle her marriage when the new year came, but senior brother was actually planning to leave!

Emperor Tianhui had privately promised that she’d be able to find her ideal husband. Did his words still hold water?

Long Tianmo was very satisfied with Duanmu Yao’s reaction. “Princess Rongle doesn’t seem to know of this news. It looks like we’ll have to wait for Imperial Qin Aunt to arrive and ask her.” So speaking, he lifted his tea for a sip and spoke no more.

But Duanmu Yao’s face had completely changed! Han Yunxi? Could Han Yunxi know the movements of her senior brother? How was that possible? By now, most of the guests had already arrived and were chatting amongst themselves. Of course, the most popular topic revolved around Han Yunxi.

Would she come?

The Plum Blossom Meet was not only a contest of interpersonal relationships, but a place to flaunt one’s talents. Han Yunxi had no relationships here to speak of, nor any best friends in this circle of females. As for talent…that would be today’s focal point! She was born from a commoner family. Could medical science really be mentioned with imperial nobility in the same breath?

Moreover, she’d been neglected since birth, so she hadn’t been nurtured or particularly cultivated. What kind of talents could she have? What kind of confidence gave her the resolve to attend the Plum Blossom Meet? It wasn’t just a place to simply eat and chat. Rumors had it that multiple parties in and out of the palace had bet on whether Han Yunxi would even dare to show up today.

And yet, in the midst of their whispers, an eunuch loudly announced, “Qin Wangfei arrives…Miss Wanru arrives…”

She came? She really dared?

In an instant, everyone followed the sound of the voice to see Han Yunxi arrive in elegant, exquisite white robes that covered her body like snow. Her only ornament was the sash at her waist, decorated with a plum blossom-shaped jade. The red jade and white skirts made a simple combination that seemed to make her shine in comparison, completely dominating her extravagantly-dressed opponents.

By her side, Murong Wanru also appeared dim and dull.

With Han Yunxi’s standing, the people present had to rise and welcome her despite their own reluctance. It was only Duanmu Yao who remained sitting languidly, making her stick out all the more amongst her standing peers. Only after Han Yunxi had walked closer did she lazily get up without even a proper greeting.

“Long time no see.” She disliked calling her esteemed wangfei, but hated calling her Qin Wangfei even more!

Han Yunxi not only kept her temper, but actually smiled harmlessly back. “Princess Rongle must have come for quite a few days now. I thought your senior brother would bring you home for tea, but who knew that you never showed up despite all my waiting?” Soon after that, she assumed the attitude for a mistress of the house. “How’s this? After this gathering’s over, you can come back with me and have tea in my courtyard.”

Didn’t she care whether Duanmu Yao would really marry into the Duke of Qin’s estate? Or about Long Feiye’s attitude? In any case, she had already steeled her heart. No matter who wanted to bully her or give her looks, she wouldn’t give them any chance!

Duanmu Yao’s hands clenched into fists inside her sleeves. Without a doubt, Han Yunxi’s words had hit her sore spot. She didn’t even know where she placed in the Duke of Qin’s heart. He’d only accompanied her that day because Emperor Tianhui forced her to. Senior brother hadn’t spoken more than five sentences to me the entire day!

“All right, then I’ll find a time to come over and play with senior brother one day!” Duanmu Yao suppressed her temper to reply. Han Yunxi, don’t get anxious so soon. There’ll be a good show for you when I do come!

Han Yunxi settled into her place between Duanmu Yao and Long Tianmo. Murong Wanru had no such special treatment, and could only sit with the rest of the guests below. Princess Changping had kept silent the whole time to shoot glances at Han Yunxi. There was a cold smile in her heart. Today’s gathering had been especially assembled for Han Yunxi’s sake!