She was still observing mourning for Ling Chen, but since she had to host the banquet, wearing plain white mourning garments would be inappropriate, so she opted for a jade-colored robe—close to white yet not quite.
In truth, regarding the Ling Family's mourning period, the emperor had already issued an edict shortening it to just one month. With the new emperor recently ascended to the throne, the court was unstable, affairs were chaotic, and the emperor couldn’t possibly let Ling Xiao remain idle.
Yet she continued to observe the mourning quietly.
The Crown Prince, noticing his distracted gaze, chuckled. "Seems you’ve truly taken a liking to someone?"
Ling Xiao snapped back to attention, quickly averting his eyes. "No."
"If not, why were you staring so intently? There’s no need to hide things between us." The Crown Prince nudged his arm.
The Crown Prince had been stationed in Youzhou under Prince Jing’s command. Three years ago, Ling Xiao had risen rapidly through the ranks due to his repeated military achievements, catching Prince Jing’s eye. Since then, he had begun working for Prince Jing, and naturally, he and the Crown Prince had grown close, their relationship now well-established.
Meanwhile, inside the waterside pavilion, someone had noticed them. The young noblewomen whispered among themselves, stealing glances in their direction.
Yue Yao, noticing their attention, curiously turned to look—only to meet Ling Xiao’s deep, fathomless dark eyes as he stood at the other end of the bridge.
A sudden chill ran down her spine, and she immediately turned back, the smile vanishing from her lips.
Ling Xiao’s gaze cooled, an inexplicable displeasure stirring in his chest.
"Nothing worth looking at," he said coldly.
The male guests were hosting their banquet at Lingyun Pavilion on the opposite shore of the lake, so there was no reason to approach the waterside pavilion. Ling Xiao had only been passing by, and the thought of dealing with a crowd of women irritated him. He quickened his steps and swiftly departed.
Yet inside the pavilion, whispers erupted in excitement.
"Was that the Marquis Ling? He’s so young!"
"Of course—Marquis Ling is only twenty-four. A military prodigy unheard of in a century. They say he earned his first major merit at just seventeen."
"That impressive? My brother was still fooling around at that age."
"Marquis Ling is strikingly handsome, yet no one ever mentions it."
"With countless military achievements to his name, who has time to talk about his looks?"
Listening to the murmurs, Yue Yao frowned. Was Ling Xiao really that good-looking?
She tried to recall. He did have a certain appeal—his features bore some resemblance to her late husband’s, but their temperaments were worlds apart. Her husband had been gentle as jade, while Ling Xiao exuded an intimidating aura. One glance from him was enough to make anyone tremble and shrink back—who’d dare admire his appearance?
Only someone as tender-hearted as her late husband had she ever felt comfortable studying—his smiling eyes, his warm expression.
"Madam Dowager, Marquis Ling is twenty-four now—it’s time he married. Even His Majesty often inquires about it."
Since young noblewomen were too shy to broach the subject, a high-ranking lady took the initiative.
The pavilion fell so silent one could hear a pin drop, everyone waiting for the Madam Dowager’s response.
In noble families, marriages were always arranged by parents and matchmakers—unless the man himself had someone in mind. But Ling Xiao had no such inclination.
At this critical juncture, securing this match would ultimately depend on the Madam Dowager’s favor.
Ling Xiao, a prodigious young general who had risen meteorically to the pinnacle of power, wielding immense influence—what noble daughter in all of Yanjing wouldn’t want to marry him?
The Madam Dowager waved her hand with a smile. "At my age, I can’t be bothered with such matters. My second grandson is too busy, so I’ve entrusted this task to Yue Yao—let her help with the selection."
Eyes brightened around the room, and the women’s gazes toward Yue Yao grew even warmer. "Indeed, Madam Dowager deserves to enjoy her later years. Entrusting the younger generation’s marriages to the eldest daughter-in-law is fitting."
Yue Yao smiled politely. "I’m merely offering suggestions. The final decision rests with the Marquis."
But everyone dismissed this as mere courtesy. The entire capital knew Ling Xiao never indulged in women’s company—he had no time for them. Whoever he married would inevitably be chosen by his family.
Soon, the banquet began. The noblewomen clustered around the Madam Dowager, and just as Yue Yao was about to take her seat, someone approached.
"Madam, are you also from Yunzhou?"
The speaker was Chen Shiyun, eldest daughter of Chancellor Chen. Dressed in an elegant lake-blue embroidered gown, she exuded grace and refinement as she sat beside Yue Yao with a friendly smile, striking up a conversation.
Yue Yao shook her head. "I was born in Yizhou. I only married into the Ling Family later."
Chen Shiyun didn’t press about her background—it was likely unremarkable—and smoothly changed the subject. "The Madam Dowager and the Marquis hold you in such high esteem—it must be due to your exceptional capabilities."
Yue Yao gave a dry laugh, uncomfortable with the praise.
That the Madam Dowager valued her was one thing, but when had Ling Xiao ever shown her such regard? He simply couldn’t be bothered.
"Not at all. It’s only because the Marquis’ household lacks a proper mistress that I’ve been managing things. The Madam Dowager is getting on in years, and once the Marquis’ new bride enters the household, the reins of authority will naturally pass to her."
Her tone was sincere.
Among the stack of betrothal profiles, this Miss Chen stood out—the daughter of the Left Chancellor, cultured, well-mannered, and strikingly beautiful. There wasn’t a single flaw to be found.
Although Ling Xiao claimed not to involve himself in the selection of a wife, it was still necessary to choose the best candidate for him—otherwise, he might later accuse her of favoritism.
So, most likely, it would be this Miss Chen. Given that, Yue Yao was naturally willing to speak with her more sincerely, sharing some heartfelt words. After all, once she entered the household, it would be easier to get along.
Chen Shiyun smiled; she was indeed a pragmatic one.
Chen Shiyun took Yue Yao’s hand and said cheerfully, "How could that be? Today’s banquet is splendidly arranged. You mustn’t be so modest, Madam."
Yue Yao knew she was just being polite, so she replied courteously, "Thank you for your kind words, Miss Chen."
Just then, a haughty voice abruptly interrupted them: "How come no one informed me of such a lively banquet?"
Yue Yao turned in surprise and saw a girl of about fifteen or sixteen striding in. She had a slightly rounded oval face, radiant yet spoiled, dressed in a luxurious pink satin gown that unabashedly flaunted her noble status.
Chen Shiyun’s expression faltered for a moment before she rose with a smile and curtsied. "Princess Huaining."
Yue Yao hurriedly stood as well to greet her.
But Huaining pressed her back down, eagerly leaning in. "You’re Ling Xiao’s sister-in-law, aren’t you?"
Yue Yao blinked and nodded. "Yes..."
"I recognized you at once!" Huaining declared, promptly seating herself on the stool Chen Shiyun had just vacated.
Chen Shiyun had only risen to offer a polite greeting, intending to sit back down, but before she could, she found herself edged aside.
Her lips tightened, but she refrained from saying anything, merely taking a seat on another stool nearby.
Yue Yao asked curiously, "How did Your Highness recognize me?"
Huaining grinned. "I guessed."
In truth, the moment she entered, she had noticed Chen Shiyun chatting intimately with another woman. Someone as aloof as Chen Shiyun wouldn’t suddenly warm up to a stranger—unless that person was related to Ling Xiao!
Huaining continued enthusiastically, "I met Ling Xiao back in Youzhou! He often spoke of his elder brother. I never imagined his brother was already married—ah, no wonder I felt such an instant connection with you! Since you’re his sister-in-law, you’re mine too!"
"Princess, mind your words!" an elderly maid whispered in warning.
Huaining huffed but then turned back to Yue Yao with a grin. "How old are you? I’m fifteen."
"I’m seventeen."
"Then I’ll call you elder sister!"
"That might not be appropriate..."
Yue Yao was flustered by her overwhelming familiarity.
"Nonsense! I’ve known Ling Xiao for years—I’m not like other people! Even my imperial brother once swore brotherhood with him!"
Chen Shiyun interjected with a smile, "It’s often said that Marquis Ling keeps his distance from women. Since Your Highness has known him for years, he must regard you as a younger sister."
Huaining’s eyes widened. "How can we be siblings when we share no blood?"
She then scoffed. "Some people have never even spoken to him properly, yet they act like they know him inside out just from hearsay, pretending to be the lady of the house."
Chen Shiyun’s face paled with barely concealed displeasure.
Yue Yao quickly intervened, "Your Highness arrived late—have you had a chance to tour the gardens?"
If an argument broke out and ruined the banquet, she feared Ling Xiao would skin her alive that very night.
Huaining was easily distracted. "Not yet! Today is Ling Xiao’s housewarming—I wanted to explore! Come, accompany me!"
"Of course." Yue Yao stood at once.
She dared not let the princess linger any longer.
With an apologetic glance at Chen Shiyun, she said, "Miss Chen, please enjoy the feast. I’ll return shortly."
Chen Shiyun, having regained her composure, smiled graciously. "Don’t worry, Madam. Attend to Her Highness first."
Huaining grabbed Yue Yao’s hand and practically dragged her out of the pavilion, leaving the palace attendants scrambling to keep up.
"Is that Ling Xiao’s courtyard over there?" Huaining asked excitedly as they walked.
Yue Yao pointed to a tall building. "That one is."
"Ah, of course! He loves heights and wide views!" Huaining couldn’t stop gushing about Ling Xiao.
"He’s the bravest warrior I’ve ever met! Did you know? Once, with just a hundred men, he charged into an enemy camp and burned their grain stores!"
"At seventeen, he was the first to scale the enemy’s city walls and plant our banner—no one could match him!"
"And another time, leading only three thousand troops, he carved a bloody path through tens of thousands of encircling enemies!"
Huaining recounted his feats with sparkling eyes, as though reciting treasured legends.
Yue Yao couldn’t help but laugh. "So, you admire him?"
"How did you know?!" Huaining gasped, then—uncharacteristically shy—blushed. "You mustn’t tell anyone!"
Yue Yao smiled faintly. "I won’t breathe a word."
Was it even necessary for her to say it? Wasn't it obvious to everyone?
But Yue Yao found it strange—among the countless name cards of young ladies, Princess Huaining's was nowhere to be seen.
Huaining smiled brightly again, then turned her head. By the lakeshore, a tall figure stood beneath a flowering tree, seemingly giving instructions to someone with a solemn expression.
Overjoyed, Huaining called out, "Brother Xiao!"
Hearing this, Ling Xiao's brow furrowed slightly. He turned and saw Yue Yao standing on the wooden bridge, her jade-colored skirt fluttering gently in the breeze like rippling waves on the lake. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her almond-shaped eyes still shimmering with lingering laughter.
Ling Xiao's gaze faltered, his heartbeat skipping a beat.
