The hall fell silent.
All eyes turned to Feng Ying with subtle shifts in expression.
Gu Feiyan stammered, her mouth agape, "B-but... this was said by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager..."
"Did my mother-in-law say it, or did you fabricate it yourselves?" Empress Pei's indifferent remark sent Gu Feiyan crashing to her knees in fright. "This humble girl admits her fault! This humble girl admits her fault!"
At the same time, she couldn’t help but shoot a resentful glance at Feng Ying.
Those words had been relayed to them by Feng Ying, yet now it seemed the Empress Dowager had never spoken them at all!
Feng Ying twisted her embroidered handkerchief tightly, her face darkening.
The matter of the Huaguang County Princess title had only been mentioned to her privately by the Empress Dowager—whether it had ever been formally proposed, she wasn’t certain. Now, she couldn’t possibly ask the Empress to confront the Empress Dowager, so she had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill herself.
"Your Majesty, please forgive this humble girl’s negligence in disciplining her servants, allowing such baseless rumors to spread!"
Feng Ying immediately knelt. Empress Pei swept a glance over her, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.
She was well aware of the games these people were playing—using an unconfirmed title to bolster their own prestige.
But "Huaguang County Princess"? What a laughable ambition!
The Empress Dowager had indeed mentioned it to the Emperor, but His Majesty had only said, "We’ll discuss it later"—which was as good as a refusal.
"Changle," Empress Pei extended her right hand, and Chu Ruoyan promptly stepped forward to support her. "What does Your Majesty command?"
Empress Pei smiled. "What commands could I have? I merely recalled that after your recent merits in quelling the unrest with Chief Minister Yan, His Majesty intended to confer upon you the title of County Princess. Yet you, silly girl, chose a chest of gold and jewels instead. Tell me, do you regret it now?"
Her words sent ripples through the crowd.
No one had imagined that the Emperor had truly considered bestowing the title—but not upon Feng Ying. It was meant for Chu Ruoyan!
The gazes directed at Feng Ying grew increasingly complex.
Feng Ying stiffened, biting her lip hard as she lowered her head.
Chu. Chang. Le.
One day, she would make sure she died without a grave to bury her in!
"Your Majesty is wise, but Changle’s eyes are too shallow—she has no fortune for such a title." Chu Ruoyan replied cheerfully, delighted to see the Empress backing her up.
Just then, a dissenting voice cut in. "Imperial Sister-in-law, is a mere title worth such fuss?"
Chu Ruoyin trembled at the sound, lifting her eyes to see Prince Qin striding toward them in a python-embroidered dragon robe.
He didn’t spare her a glance, walking straight past her to Feng Ying’s side. "A-Ying, the floor is cold. Get up."
Feng Ying kept her head bowed, silent. Murong Jin turned to Empress Pei. "Imperial Sister-in-law!"
Empress Pei arched a brow. "Ah, so it seems I’ve been inconsiderate, delaying Ninth Brother’s heroic rescue? Very well, all of you, rise."
At her command, Gu Feiyan and the others stood.
Feng Ying placed her hand in Murong Jin’s palm, but the moment she tried to stand, she swayed and collapsed into his arms.
"Pfft—"
Chu Ruoyan couldn’t hold back a laugh.
Such an obvious act, yet Prince Qin was blind to it, clutching Feng Ying anxiously. "What’s wrong, A-Ying? Are you unwell?"
Feng Ying shook her head, pushing against him. "Ninth Brother, I’m fine... Your concubine is still here..."
Murong Jin’s expression darkened. "Pay her no mind! Your health comes first!"
Every word was a slap to Chu Ruoyin’s face.
Especially today, at the Qujiang Banquet, where all the nobility of the capital had gathered. Witnessing this scene, the tactful would call Prince Qin a libertine, while the cruel would mock Chu Ruoyin as a shameless woman.
What did it matter that she had given herself to Prince Qin? In the end, she still couldn’t compare to Feng Ying, who hadn’t even received a title!
Chu Ruoyin’s face turned deathly pale. Jiang Huaian moved to step forward but was yanked back by his younger sister.
Lady Jiang the Younger interjected with an ingratiating smile, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the wind is picking up—shall we proceed inside?"
Murong Jin grunted in agreement, supporting Feng Ying as they entered.
"He—!" Chu Ruolan nearly cursed aloud but was silenced by a sharp look from Chu Ruoyan.
Turning back to Empress Pei, Chu Ruoyan asked, "Your Majesty, regarding the marriage between Prince Qin and my younger sister..."
Empress Pei raised a hand to stop her. "I know what you wish to say. But this betrothal has been proclaimed to the world. It concerns the imperial family’s dignity—neither the Empress Dowager nor even His Majesty would permit its dissolution."
The Chu family’s expressions darkened further. Chu Ruoyin murmured softly, "This humble girl understands. Thank you for Your Majesty’s guidance."
Empress Pei sighed.
Truthfully, she quite liked this Second Miss Chu—well-mannered, principled, and sensible. It was a pity Ninth Brother was so infatuated with that actress. What could be done?
At the Qujiang Banquet, fine wines and delicacies abounded.
After the toasts, guests mingled in small groups, chatting and laughing—with Princess Jiahui’s circle being the most crowded.
The Chu sisters avoided the bustle, exchanging greetings with familiar noblewomen like Xie Yaozhi and Jiang Yi when they noticed servants arranging items in a nearby pavilion.
"What’s happening?" Chu Ruolan wondered.
Chu Ruoyan recalled Yan Zheng’s earlier words—this was likely the Empress Dowager’s planned talent display.
Sure enough, Eunuch Xu, the Empress Dowager’s attendant, arrived bearing a treasure and announced loudly, "Esteemed guests, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is unwell today and unable to attend. Nevertheless, she has sent this Sacred Wooden Cauldron as a prize! She invites all noble ladies to showcase their talents and grace this Qujiang Banquet!"
The hall buzzed with excitement.
An imperial decree for a talent display was never just about the performance.
Considering that the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes were all of marriageable age, could this be a veiled selection for imperial consorts?
Gu Feiyan immediately declared, "I’ll go first!"
She stepped into the pavilion, picked up a brush, and began painting with bold strokes.
Gu Sun had been renowned for his artistry, and his beloved granddaughter had inherited his skill.
In no time, a vivid painting of winter plum blossoms materialized—lifelike and ethereal, earning widespread praise.
"Sister Feng!" Gu Feiyan held up the still-damp painting and presented it directly to Feng Ying. "I heard Prince Qin built you a winter plum garden! This painting of snow-kissed red plums would complement it perfectly. Please accept it!"
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Everyone knew that before Feng Ying’s return to the capital, Murong Jin had scoured the city to construct an estate just for her!
Under the envious gazes, Feng Ying smiled faintly but did not take the painting. Instead, she looked toward the Chu sisters.
"Second Miss Chu, I’ve heard of your noble character and your love for plum blossoms. I’d like to pass this painting to you as an apology for the other day... Would you accept it?"
All eyes snapped to Chu Ruoyin, humiliating her beyond measure.
What did "also love plum blossoms" mean?
The garden was built for Feng Ying. The painting was made for Feng Ying. Now, even the love of plums was being framed as Feng Ying’s exclusive trait!
Every word served to remind her she was nothing but a replacement.
Chu Ruoyan’s expression turned icy as she glanced at Prince Qin. The latter frowned slightly. "A-Ying, let it be. This was a gift to you from Miss Gu..."
Gu Feiyan hurriedly added, "Your Highness, once I gifted it to Sister Feng, it became hers to decide. I’ve no objections!"
Feng Ying smiled gently. "Ninth Brother, I truly wish to make amends. If Second Miss Chu refuses, then so be it—"
"Wait!"
