Yue Yao suddenly opened her eyes, her face pale with fright, her breathing rapid and unsteady, unable to calm down for a long time.
Chun'er, hearing the commotion, lifted the bed curtain and stepped inside. "What's wrong, Madam?"
At the sight of Yue Yao's ashen face, her forehead dotted with fine beads of sweat, Chun'er hurriedly wiped it away. "Did you have a nightmare?"
Yue Yao's expression was stiff, her voice slightly hoarse. "Perhaps."
But why had she dreamed of Ling Xiao?
She didn’t even dare to recall the details of the dream.
Chun'er gently patted her back, soothing her. "Madam must have been disturbed by that Mo Shujie's harassment earlier today, which led to the nightmare. Please don’t dwell on it. If that man knew your status, he’d be terrified out of his wits. Why bother giving him a second thought?"
Yue Yao pressed her lips together, steadying herself. Yes, it must have been because of Mo Shujie.
Otherwise, why would she have such a dream out of nowhere?
After a long while, she finally managed to calm down and nodded faintly. "I was overthinking it."
Chun'er smiled. "Then rest well, Madam."
"Mmm."
As Chun'er withdrew, Yue Yao sat dazedly on the bed, raising a hand to touch the back of her neck—cold with sweat.
Three days later, the Rain Tea Banquet.
The gathering was held at a private estate at the foot of Lingyan Mountain, nestled between hills and water, exuding refined elegance.
As the carriage moved steadily forward, Yue Yao lifted the curtain and gazed at the picturesque scenery along the way, the air filled with the crisp sweetness of mountain springs.
She took a deep breath, dispelling the lingering unease and restlessness that had weighed on her these past few days.
"The scenery of Lingyan Mountain is truly remarkable."
"Of course. This is a royal estate—ordinary people aren’t allowed entry," Chun'er remarked.
Yue Yao was taken aback. "Miss Chen is hosting a tea banquet in a royal estate?"
"Madam, have you forgotten? Miss Chen is the Marquis's betrothed. While others can’t enter the royal estate, the Marquis's Mansion certainly can."
Even Chancellor Chen had been treading carefully in court, fearing retribution from the new emperor. It was only after securing the marriage alliance with the Ling family that he finally relaxed. Otherwise, Chen Shiyun wouldn’t dare to be so ostentatious.
At the mention of "the Marquis," Yue Yao frowned slightly and couldn’t help but ask, "Is the Marquis attending today?"
Chun'er shook her head. "It seems not. I heard from Steward Wang that the invitation was left unread."
Yue Yao felt a faint sense of relief.
Because of that inexplicable dream, the mere thought of Ling Xiao now made her subtly uncomfortable—even though she knew she was overreacting.
The carriage gradually came to a halt, and the coachman announced, "Madam, we’ve arrived."
Chun'er stepped out first, holding the curtain aside and assisting Yue Yao down.
Numerous luxurious carriages were already parked nearby, indicating that Chen Shiyun had indeed invited quite a crowd today.
"Madam Ling." A young maid warmly greeted her and ushered her inside.
As Yue Yao entered the estate, she was met with the sight of arched bridges over flowing streams, the murmur of water mingling with lighthearted chatter and laughter.
In the waterside pavilion, Chen Shiyun sat at the center, surrounded by admirers, engaged in lively conversation.
"Today, we owe our visit to this royal estate to Shiyun’s generosity."
"Indeed. Who else but Shiyun could command such prestige? In another month, we’ll be attending your wedding to the Marquis—congratulations in advance!"
Chen Shiyun feigned shyness. "Don’t tease me."
"Why the modesty? We’re only speaking the truth."
Someone suddenly asked, "By the way, will the Marquis be joining us today?"
Chen Shiyun’s smile faltered imperceptibly. She had sent him an invitation, hoping he would attend her gathering.
But the steward from the Marquis's Mansion had relayed that he was occupied and couldn’t come.
A nagging feeling told her that Ling Xiao didn’t hold her in high regard.
True, their marriage was purely political. Her father had warned her to behave dutifully—to marry into the Ling family, secure her position as the Marchioness, and ensure the Chen family’s safety, without expecting more.
Now, basking in the admiration of high society, envied by noble ladies across the capital, even overshadowing Princess Huaining, she had reached the pinnacle of glory. She ought to be content.
But human nature is greedy.
She, too, longed for Ling Xiao’s affection. Months ago, on their first encounter at Vermilion Bird Street, he had ridden past her carriage in a swirl of dust—a fleeting glimpse of his striking figure in black robes had left her breathless.
She forced a smile. "The Marquis is occupied with court affairs and couldn’t spare the time."
The guests quickly chimed in, "Of course! We’ve heard he’s investigating the assassination attempt at the hunting grounds. He must be swamped—especially since he’ll need to wrap it up before the wedding next month!"
Chen Shiyun lowered her head with a coy smile.
Just then, a maid entered and announced, "Miss, Madam Ling has arrived."
Chen Shiyun smiled. "Please show her in."
"Yes."
"The Marquis does care for you. Even if he couldn’t come himself, he still sent someone from the Ling family to support you," a noblewoman flattered.
"Please, don’t tease me," Chen Shiyun chided lightly.
She had prepared two invitations—one for Ling Xiao, another for Jiang Yueyao. Though she looked down on Yue Yao, she was still part of the Ling household.
Before the wedding, if no one from the Ling family attended her banquet, wouldn’t it reflect poorly on her?
Since Ling Xiao wasn’t coming, she might as well let Jiang Yueyao have the chance to broaden her horizons.
Yue Yao stepped in with a smile. "My apologies for being late, Miss Chen."
"Not at all. Everyone has only just arrived. Yulan, prepare a seat for Madam." Chen Shiyun remained seated at the head of the table, instructing her maid to accommodate Yue Yao.
The maid guided Yue Yao to a chair by the window and poured her a cup of tea.
Chen Shiyun asked with a smile, "Madam, can you identify this tea?"
Yue Yao shook her head. "I’m not well-versed in tea."
A trace of triumph flickered in Chen Shiyun’s eyes as she lifted her chin slightly, flaunting her status.
The guests’ gazes toward Yue Yao grew subtly disdainful. Everyone knew the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis's Mansion came from humble origins, merely lucky to have climbed into the noble family’s favor.
Chen Shiyun’s tone carried a faint arrogance. "This is Dongting Biluochun—fragrant, cool, and sweet, a tribute tea from the palace. Has Madam never tasted it before?"
Yue Yao’s eyes cooled. She had repeatedly shown Chen Shiyun courtesy, but instead of reciprocating, the other woman seemed intent on stepping over her to elevate herself.
She had no wish to provoke conflict, but if someone insisted on overstepping, she had no obligation to indulge them.
With a serene smile, Yue Yao replied, "No, I haven’t. Truthfully, I’ve never taken much interest in tea. I hadn’t planned on attending today, but since Miss Chen extended the invitation so earnestly, I thought it best not to decline."
Her words were neither humble nor overbearing, delivered with calm composure. Far from appearing embarrassed about her lack of tea knowledge, she subtly emphasized one point: You invited me.
The guests exchanged glances at her remark.
"Wasn’t it the Marquis who asked you to attend in his stead?"
Yue Yao feigned surprise. "Did Miss Chen invite the Marquis as well? He never mentioned it to me."
She looked at Chen Shiyun, her eyes filled with bewilderment.
Maintaining face is a mutual affair—if you don’t give me respect, don’t expect me to flatter you.
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of those around subtly shifted.
Had Marquis Ling not even mentioned it? Then what was Chen Shiyun flaunting?
Chen Shiyun’s face paled slightly, afraid Jiang Yueyao might say something further to strip her of dignity. She hastily interrupted with an awkward smile, "Indeed, I’m already delighted that the Madam could attend."
But inwardly, she seethed—how dare Jiang Yueyao undermine her like this?!
Sensing the awkward tension, a noblewoman quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "This villa’s scenery is exquisite, and we’ve yet to properly explore it."
Yue Yao had no patience for exchanging hollow pleasantries with Chen Shiyun. She decided to wander aimlessly for a while before finding an excuse to leave.
Given the circumstances, maintaining even a superficial relationship with Chen Shiyun seemed impossible.
Chen Shiyun forced a smile, still determined to uphold her hostess’s air. "Please, everyone, feel free to stroll around. There’s no need for formality."
The guests dispersed in small groups, and Yue Yao naturally took her leave.
Watching Yue Yao’s retreating figure, Chen Shiyun’s expression darkened involuntarily. "Jiang Yueyao has grown bold."
Such a lowly woman ought to be groveling at her feet—how dare she humiliate her?
"Don’t underestimate her too much. No matter what, she is the legitimate wife married into the Ling family as the eldest daughter-in-law," Zhao Yalin remarked.
"What kind of eldest daughter-in-law is she? Marquis Ling doesn’t spare her a second glance. I’ve done my research—this woman caused the death of Marquis Ling’s elder brother. He despises her," Chen Shiyun sneered.
"And yet, she remains unscathed in the Marquis's Mansion?" Zhao Yalin’s smile carried a hint of mockery. "I’ve heard Jiang Yueyao is highly favored by the Dowager. Marquis Ling values filial piety—otherwise, he wouldn’t let her live so comfortably. Right now, she holds the authority to manage the household. Once you enter the mansion, who will overshadow whom is still uncertain."
These words struck Chen Shiyun like a warning bell.
How had she overlooked this? No wonder Jiang Yueyao dared to challenge her.
If she truly entered the household only to be suppressed by such a lowly woman, where would her dignity lie?
Moreover, Jiang Yueyao had Princess Huaining’s backing—who knew what schemes she might plot in the future?
Yue Yao walked away from the waterside pavilion and strolled along the pond’s edge.
Her heart was troubled, though she couldn’t tell whether it was due to the inexplicable dream from days ago or Chen Shiyun’s repeated provocations.
Chun'er said, "Look at Miss Chen’s attitude—she looks down on us openly and secretly. Once she enters the mansion, who knows how things will be? Had we known, Madam should never have chosen her..."
Yue Yao shook her head. "The Marquis may not have chosen her because of me."
"But in the future—"
Before she could finish, a greasy voice interrupted: "Well, well, what’s a pretty lady like you doing here alone?"
Yue Yao turned, her brow furrowing slightly.
It was Mo Shujie, waddling toward her with his potbelly, his beady eyes gleaming with lust, drool practically dripping from his lips.
He, too, was attending the banquet, though he had been bored stiff—most guests were noblewomen and matrons far above his station, forcing him to behave.
But the moment he spotted Jiang Yueyao, it was like stumbling upon treasure.
"How dare you disrespect our Madam?!" Chun'er snapped.
Mo Shujie paused, and his attendant hastily pulled him back. "This is the wife of the eldest son of Marquis Ling."
The attendant emphasized "Marquis Ling," and Mo Shujie’s beady eyes widened in shock.
In all of Yanjing City, the most formidable nobleman today was none other than Ling Xiao.
Who would dare provoke that ruthless devil?
Mo Shujie’s face drained of color. Not daring to meet her gaze again, he hastily bowed, clasping his hands in apology. "So it’s Madam Ling! My mistake—please forgive my ignorance!"
Yue Yao was too disgusted to spare him another glance.
Chun'er hissed, "If you dare disrespect our Madam again, we’ll have your eyes gouged out!"
She had been fuming since their last encounter at Xichun Tower, where this scoundrel had harassed them. If not for Yue Yao’s insistence on avoiding the Marquis's Mansion’s name in public, she would have taught him a lesson long ago.
"Of course, of course! Madam, please don’t take offense!"
Yue Yao ignored him and walked away with Chun'er.
Mo Shujie wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his face still pale with fright.
The commotion had grown loud enough to reach Chen Shiyun in the pavilion. Irritated, she asked, "What’s the matter now?"
Her maid Yulan rushed in to report. "Young Master Mo has made a fool of himself again—this time, he had the audacity to harass Madam Ling. Her maid gave him a scolding, and now he’s behaving."
Chen Shiyun’s disgust deepened. "That good-for-nothing Mo Shujie—always embarrassing himself."
If not for the Chen family’s desperate need for the Mo family’s financial support to cover their losses, she would never have allowed Mo Shujie to attend.
She glanced out the window, where Mo Shujie still stood, trembling in fear yet unable to resist stealing another glance at Jiang Yueyao’s retreating figure.
"Then again, that Jiang woman does have the looks of a fox spirit—no wonder she can ensnare men, even making a fool like Mo Shujie linger on her." Chen Shiyun’s tone dripped with disdain.
A sinister smile curled her lips. "In that case, why not go with the flow and play matchmaker?"
