Three days later, the Plum Blossom Meet was held as scheduled.
The imperial plum blossom garden on the outskirts of the city was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Plum blossoms were in full bloom, reflecting the snow. From a distance, it looked like a dreamy sea of flowers.
This year's plum blossoms had bloomed especially early and luxuriantly.
Beneath the sea of plum blossoms, a banquet had long been set up. Princess Changping and Crown Prince Long Tianmo sat on the left and right of the main seats. The first seat to the crown prince's left was Western Zhou's Princess Rongle, Duanmu Yao.
Although there were quite a few distinguished scholars attending this banquet, most of them were women. Long Tianmo hadn't wanted to come, but he'd received imperial father's orders last night to accompany the princess.
A few days ago, someone had spread a rumor that Imperial Uncle Qin had been accompanying Princess Rongle the entire time. It looked like the rumors were false.
Imperial families were the most heartless. Every woman in the imperial family, regardless of whether they were wives or concubines, was a tool. When they were useful, they'd be fought over until their heads bled. When they weren't useful, they'd be cast aside like a pair of worn-out shoes, to say nothing of a crown prince's woman.
If Duanmu Yao wanted to marry him, he wouldn't even blink an eye. Unfortunately, everyone knew that Duanmu Yao's heart was with the Duke of Qin.
Although Western Zhou and Tianning were allied by marriage, they each had their own plans. Imperial father desperately hoped that Princess Rongle could marry him as soon as possible so that the two countries could cooperate further. Especially when it came to the defense of the northeast border, they could reach a consensus as soon as possible to resist the Tianli Dynasty.
Unfortunately, Western Zhou's emperor had already said that Princess Rongle had to find her ideal husband before marrying him.
Who else but Imperial Uncle Qin could be her ideal husband?
However, Duanmu Yao still hadn't made a public statement about this secret. No one dared to guess Imperial Uncle Qin's stance on this matter, so the matter was delayed.
"Yao Yao, try this plum blossom tea. Can you only drink it in Tianning?"
Long Tianmo found a topic to talk about and called her 'Yao Yao' to close the distance between them. But Duanmu Yao didn't give him any face at all. Instead, she called him 'Your Highness Crown Prince' and maintained her distance. "Your Highness Crown Prince, is it more appropriate to call me Rongle?"
Long Tianmo's eyes flashed with anger, but he hid it very well.
This woman was very beautiful, and she was indeed good at both civil and martial arts. However, from the bottom of his heart, he really looked down on this woman. If not for the fact that she was the legitimate princess of Western Zhou, he would not even look at her.
Although he was angry, Long Tianmo's tone was still gentle. "I heard that Uncle Qin will travel after the New Year. Does Princess Rongle know where he will go?"
Duanmu Yao turned to look at him, shock written all over her face.
She hadn't gone back with her imperial brother, but had stayed in Tianning to celebrate the New Year. She was hoping to find a way to settle the marriage after the new year, but she never expected her senior brother to be heading out!
Emperor Tianhui had promised her in secret that she'd find her Mr. Right, but did those words still count?
Long Tianmo was very satisfied with Duanmu Yao's reaction.
"Princess Rongle doesn't seem to know about this yet. It seems like I'll have to wait for Imperial Aunt Qin to come before asking her." As he spoke, he picked up the teacup and took a sip.
But Duanmu Yao's face had completely changed! Han Yunxi? How could Han Yunxi know senior brother's whereabouts? How was that possible?
By now, most of the invitees had already arrived and were chatting in twos and threes. Of course, the hottest topic was Han Yunxi.
Would Han Yunxi come?
The Plum Blossom Meet wasn't just a place to test one's interpersonal relationships, but their talents as well. Han Yunxi's interpersonal relationships aside, she didn't even have a single close friend in the circle. As for her talents … that was the highlight of the day!
Han Yunxi was a commoner's daughter. How could a medical family compare to the imperial clan and nobles?
Moreover, she hadn't been favored since childhood and hadn't received any training. What talents could she have? What gave her the confidence to participate in the Plum Blossom Meet? The Plum Blossom Meet wasn't just for eating, chatting, and admiring the flowers.
Apparently, many people in and out of the palace were betting on whether Han Yunxi would dare to show up today.
But amidst the whispers, a eunuch announced in a loud voice, "Qin Wangfei has arrived … Miss Wanru has arrived …"
She's here?
She really dared to show up?
In an instant, everyone looked towards the source of the voice and saw Han Yunxi dressed in an elegant and refined snow-white dress. Her entire body was snow-white, with only a plum blossom jade belt around her waist. White dress and red jade. This was such a simple combination, but it made people's eyes light up. She instantly defeated all the luxuriously dressed women present.
Of course, Murong Wanru, who was walking beside her, also looked dull.
Due to Han Yunxi's status, even if everyone was unwilling, they still stood up to welcome her. However, Duanmu Yao was sitting calmly and stood out among the standing crowd.
Han Yunxi walked closer before lazily standing up. She didn't even greet her. "Long time no see."
She hated being called esteemed wangfei, and hated being called "Qin Wangfei" even more!
Han Yunxi didn't get angry, but smiled innocently. "Princess Rongle must've been here for a few days. I thought your senior brother would bring you home for tea, but you never showed up."
Then she assumed the posture of a hostess. "How about you come back with me after this banquet ends and drink tea in my courtyard?"
She didn't care whether Duanmu Yao would really marry into the Duke of Qin's estate. She didn't care about Long Fei Ye's attitude.
In any case, she'd steeled her heart. No matter who wanted to bully her or give her a hard time, there was no way!
Duanmu Yao's hands clenched into fists in her sleeves at these words. Without a doubt, Han Yunxi's words had hit her sore spot. She knew best what kind of position she held in the Duke of Qin's heart. That day, she'd only accompanied him because Emperor Tianhui had forced her.
That day, her senior brother hadn't even said more than five sentences to her!
"Alright, I'll definitely find senior brother to play with another day!" Duanmu Yao held back her temper as she replied. Han Yunxi, don't be so pleased with yourself too early. You'll see what happens later!
Han Yunxi sat down between Duanmu Yao and Long Tianmo. As for Murong Wanru, she didn't receive such high treatment and could only sit below.
Princess Changping didn't speak the entire time, but she kept shooting glances at Han Yunxi while laughing coldly in her heart. Today's banquet was all for Han Yunxi's sake!
Han Yunxi would definitely be the main character, but she'd be the one to make a fool of herself!
Compared to Princess Changping, Crown Prince Long Tianmo was much more polite. As soon as Han Yunxi sat down, he spoke. "Imperial Qin Aunt, I heard Imperial Qin Uncle will be leaving after the New Year?"
His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for Duanmu Yao to hear. Without a doubt, he was doing it on purpose. Even if he didn't like her, he still wanted to win over Duanmu Yao. But to do that, he'd have to make her give up on the Duke of Qin.
Han Yunxi never expected Long Tianmo to suddenly ask her about Long Fei Ye. Moreover, she'd never heard of such a thing. All right, she knew less about him than anyone else.
She was about to answer truthfully when she saw Duanmu Yao shoot her a hostile look.
Han Yunxi admitted that she was very bad. Without thinking, she said, "Who did you hear that from? The Duke of Qin has only told me about this."
Long Tianmo smiled. "Naturally, I heard it from imperial father."
Emperor Tianhui!
Duanmu Yao narrowed her eyes. Emperor Tianhui clearly knew Long Fei Ye was leaving, but why didn't he tell her? Abominable!
"Imperial Qin Aunt, where is imperial uncle planning to go? How long will he be gone for? "Long Tianmo asked next.
"You can ask your imperial father," Han Yunxi replied offhandedly.
"Imperial father isn't sure either. That's why … he had me ask you!" Long Tianmo lowered his voice.
Han Yunxi smiled mysteriously. "It's a secret!"
Duanmu Yao didn't know why Long Mo was asking these questions, but when she saw Duanmu Yao's dark expression, she felt especially pleased.
She discovered that Duanmu Yao and Long Fei Ye weren't close at all. At the very least, Duanmu Yao was the same as her, unaware that Long Fei Ye was leaving after the New Year.
Thinking up to here, Han Yunxi's mood improved without her noticing.
While they were chatting, a eunuch's loud announcement drew everyone's attention once again.
"Marquis Pingbei's estate, Gongzi Che has arrived … Marquis Pingnan's estate, Gongzi Mu has arrived!"
Marquis Pingbei and Marquis Pingnan were known as the North and South Lords. Although they were well known, they didn't have a good reputation.
Marquis Pingbei's only son, Zhangsun Che, was also known as the North Lord. He was dressed in white robes and held a folding fan in his hand, looking extraordinary and distinguished. He was not only famous for his scholarly talents, but also for his dissolute nature. He'd just turned 18 this year, but already had ten concubines. There were rumors that he'd even touched his father's concubines. He was simply a beast in human form.
Marquis Pingnan's only son, Li Muge, was known as Nan gongzi. He was dressed in purple and similarly held a folding fan in his hand. At first glance, he looked clean and pure, like a banished immortal. However, upon closer inspection, one would see that his hand was holding a lotus flower and his feet were taking small quick steps. He was more feminine than a woman. His homosexual tendencies had long been an open secret.
The appearance of the North and South Lords caused quite a stir. Dissolute and distinguished men were women's poison, while feminine men were women's best friends. These two gentlemen's popularity had always been at its peak.
This time, Princess Changping was hosting the banquet and had invited quite a few men. However, Princess Changping had never interacted with them. Why did she invite them this time?
Not minding the crowd's timid discussions, Princess Changping playfully glanced at Murong Wanru. Murong Wanru returned a meaningful look. The two had a tacit understanding, as if they were hiding some secret.
Han Yunxi was also puzzled. She sized up the North and South Lords and felt that something wasn't right, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
Very quickly, everyone had arrived and the banquet began …
This year's Plum Blossom Meet had the theme of plum blossom tea and pastries. All kinds of unique pastries and tea were served.
Unfortunately, none of them were in the mood to taste it.
Looking at Han Yunxi sitting high above, they were filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. They were also eager to give it a try. They couldn't wait to see Han Yunxi make a fool of herself.
A commoner girl with a lower birth than them was simply an insult to the three words "Qin Wangfei." She actually dared to sit so calmly and leisurely.
Today's opportunity had come. They wanted to beat this woman back to her original form. They wanted to break her laughable pride and blind arrogance. They wanted to let her know that even if she really thought of herself as a scallion, no one would eat her as dipping sauce!
As a matter of fact, Princess Changping hadn't even spoken yet, but there was already someone who couldn't restrain herself. This person was none other than the youngest daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Madam Xu's younger sister, Xu Yunrong.
She stood up and respectfully said, "Your Highness, the plum blossoms are in full bloom this year. Why don't we sing the plum blossoms?"
Sing the plum blossoms …
Princess Changping had been waiting for someone to speak. She was overjoyed and excitedly stood up. "Miss Xu is so refined. This is a good idea!"
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