Chapter Sixteen
Only after Buyan had left did Cui Lanyin realize how unnervingly quiet it had become around her. Many of the young ladies had stopped walking, their gazes—some curious, some assessing—now fixed on her.
The Eighth Miss of the Yao Family approached and asked, "Cousin Lanyin, how do you know the attendant serving Prince Wei?"
"Why shouldn't Cousin Lanyin know him?" Seventh Miss Yao interjected with a laugh, pinching the Eighth Miss’s cheek playfully. "She’s already visited Empress Dowager Chen’s palace twice."
"Oh, that’s right! Prince Wei was raised under Empress Dowager Chen’s care. Even if he doesn’t visit the palace daily, he surely sends attendants to check in," Eighth Miss Yao exclaimed, suddenly enlightened. "No wonder! Prince Wei won’t even see us, yet he met with Cousin Lanyin first."
The Sixth Miss of the Yao Family stepped forward. "Our little Eighth has always been impulsive. Cousin Lanyin, don’t mind her."
"Not impulsive at all—I find her quite endearing."
"See? Cousin Lanyin, you’re not only beautiful but also so kind with your words." Eighth Miss Yao’s fondness for Cui Lanyin grew instantly.
Once it became clear there was no deeper meaning to the encounter, the young ladies resumed their stroll toward the garden as if nothing had happened.
Li Yixin of the Li Family slowed her pace, falling into step beside Sixth Miss Yao. "Quite a few of these young ladies are hoping to become Princess Wei. They’ll be seeking every opportunity to cozy up to you and your sisters today—prepare to be pestered."
Sixth Miss Yao remained unruffled. "Then I’ll simply take shelter behind you, the future Princess Duan."
"I was trying to warn you, and here you are teasing me!" Li Yixin’s beauty was natural, and even her playful scolding carried an air of practiced grace—no gesture out of place. Truly, she had been meticulously groomed by the Li Family to one day embody the dignity of an empress.
From the depths of the garden came the sound of men’s laughter—unmarried young masters had already gathered at the Emerald Pavilion.
Though the event was meant to allow young men and women to mingle freely while enjoying the garden, strict decorum was maintained. A spacious area was designated for conversation and games, easily monitored by maids and chaperones. After all, if any improper encounters occurred, no family could bear the scandal.
Rounding a small grove of trees, the view opened up to reveal a vast, shimmering lake bordered by weeping willows and rock formations. A large pavilion stood at the water’s edge, connected by a winding nine-arched corridor that extended into the lake itself.
The pavilion and corridor were spacious enough to accommodate over a hundred guests comfortably, and with its open design, every movement inside was visible from afar.
Young men stood in clusters throughout the pavilion and along the corridor. As the young ladies approached, reactions varied—some appeared flustered, others smiled politely, while a few fanned themselves with exaggerated nonchalance.
This was Cui Lanyin’s first time attending such an event. Cui Lanting, though slightly more experienced, had only ever participated in gatherings hosted by mid-ranking officials—nothing comparable to the Yao Family’s gathering, where the cream of aristocratic society mingled.
"I’ll go help with the hosting, then catch up with you later, Cousin Lanyin," Seventh Miss Yao said before hurrying off to join Sixth Miss Yao and the others.
Tan Lian bit her lip. "My mother instructed me to assist Cousin Ying and the others." With that, she too departed.
"Now we’re alone. I don’t want people thinking I’m some country bumpkin gaping at the sights," Cui Lanting whispered, clutching Cui Lanyin’s arm. "How are you not nervous?"
Cui Lanyin realized that after her composed exchange in front of Prince Wei, she no longer felt intimidated—whether in Empress Dowager Chen’s palace or here at the Yao Residence.
"Just pretend they’re wooden posts," she joked.
The mental image made Cui Lanting giggle, easing her tension. She nudged Cui Lanyin discreetly. "See that round-faced young lady in the red peony-patterned silver brocade? That’s Meng Ru of the Meng Family. My mother mentioned the Mengs initially hoped to marry her into the Li Family. But with so many vying for the Lis’ favor—even their lesser branches are highly sought after—the main lineage can afford to be selective, even when marrying imperial princesses. The Mengs couldn’t compete. Now I notice her cozying up to Eighth Miss Yao—likely settling for Prince Wei instead."
Though Meng Ru was only moderately attractive, her cheerful, talkative demeanor gave her an air of auspicious fertility—exactly the type mothers-in-law favored. Pity Lady Yao, Prince Wei’s mother, was no longer alive to appreciate it, Cui Lanyin thought, averting her gaze.
Hearing Meng Ru described as "settling" for Prince Wei after failing to secure a Li match left Cui Lanyin with an inexplicable discomfort.
Yet it was undeniably true. The Li Family’s prominence meant their eligible sons—aside from Prince Duan—were as coveted as imperial princes.
Moreover, once Prince Duan ascended the throne, his brothers might retain wealth but lose real power, whereas the Lis would hold both influence and riches. Families with ambitions naturally prioritized Li marriages.
"You never miss a chance to observe these dynamics. Attend a few more gatherings, and you’ll be the capital’s foremost gossipmonger."
"What else is there to do when we’re out of our depth? Stare blankly?" Cui Lanting tugged Cui Lanyin’s sleeve, directing her attention to the pavilion.
Inside, the Yao sisters had seated Li Yixin and other distinguished young ladies—the crème de la crème of Great Ying’s aristocracy—and were now conversing with a group of refined young men.
Several gentlemen shared the Yao sisters’ delicate features—likely their brothers.
The Yao daughters were renowned for both talent and beauty, and their brothers were no less impressive: cultured, handsome, and impeccably mannered.
"None of them pale next to Tan Shao. Why not set your sights on a Yao brother instead? That’d solve all your grievances." Cui Lanting elbowed Cui Lanyin. "Wait—where is Tan Shao?"
Tan Xuan and Tan Lian were present, but Tan Shao was conspicuously absent.
Not expecting an answer, Cui Lanting’s eyes darted around eagerly before she gasped and leaned in. "So many young men are stealing glances at you! Some are outright staring—several in the pavilion too. You’ve got prospects!" She squeezed Cui Lanyin’s hand. "Remember me when you rise to greatness."
"Weren’t you just saying these families are beyond our reach?"
"I take it back."
As the cousins whispered, Seventh Miss Yao approached with a warm smile. "Cousin Lanyin, don’t hide away. Everyone’s eager to meet you."
Seventh Miss Yao’s gentle amiability would have made her delightful company—if not for the shadow of Tan Shao between them.
Following Seventh Miss Yao into the pavilion, Cui Lanyin noticed Li Yixin’s gaze lingering on her pearl hairpin before she remarked pleasantly, "Next time you visit Empress Dowager Chen, let’s go together. The journey will be merrier with company."
"Of course." Cui Lanyin agreed easily, knowing Li Yixin’s offer was mere politeness—she’d never actually wait for a companion.
Li Yixin’s overture prompted Princess Tong’an and other noble daughters to strike up conversations with Cui Lanyin.
With insufficient seating, maids were sent to fetch more chairs. Sixth and Seventh Miss Yao insisted the Cui sisters take their seats first.
Uncomfortable forcing her way into this elite circle, Cui Lanyin claimed she preferred admiring the lake view by the window, planning to slip away unnoticed.
Unexpectedly, a handsome young man in white brocade robes rose from his seat by the window. "Second Miss Cui, please take this spot—the view here is finest." Though his tone was composed, his averted gaze and faint blush betrayed his nerves.
"Sixth Young Master Yao, you sly fox!" two other young men teased loudly.
The young master in white instantly flushed crimson. Family sticks together, so Seventh Miss Yao nudged Cui Lanyin forward to take a seat. "This is my sixth brother—no need to stand on ceremony with him."
Just then, Cui Su and his brothers arrived. The groups exchanged greetings, and the siblings gathered to chat among themselves, smoothly moving past the awkward moment.
"My eldest brother is here," Tan Lian said, pulling Seventh Miss Yao’s sleeve as she waved toward the covered walkway.
Tan Shao entered the pavilion, exchanging polite greetings with the gathered young masters and ladies before making his way to the window. "Cousin!" he called out, then quickly corrected himself, "Cousins Su and Jian, why didn’t you wait for me?"
Cui Lanyin had thought their last conversation had settled things. Yet here was Tan Shao, deliberately seeking her out and addressing her as "cousin" in front of the Yao family’s young ladies—what impression did that leave?
"Cousin Shao," she replied with a perfunctory curtsy, refusing to engage further. Any more would signal to everyone in Bibo Pavilion that Tan Shao held special feelings for her, casting doubt on his betrothal to Seventh Miss Yao.
Cui Jian restrained the visibly irritated Cui Su, subtly stepping forward to block Tan Shao’s line of sight.
Inside the pavilion, Li Yixin and Princess Tong'an exchanged meaningful glances between Cui Lanyin and Seventh Miss Yao, their expressions thoughtful.
Cui Lanting cursed Tan Lian inwardly for her uselessness—this was her moment to pull Tan Shao away. Suppressing an eye roll, she deliberately shot a look at Seventh Miss Yao. "Cousin Shao, there’s no need to be so cautious now. We promise not to tease you."
Her remark drew a chorus of knowing "Ohhhs" from the group, making it clear they’d all heard of the impending marriage alliance between the Tan and Yao families.
When Seventh Miss Yao, flushed with embarrassment, tried to leave, Sixth Miss Yao held her back, and the Yao siblings’ expressions softened.
"Is Miss Cui Lanyin here?" a voice called from the lakeside.
"Over there," a Cui family servant pointed toward the pavilion.
It was Buyan again. Cui Lanyin found her utterly endearing.
As Buyan arrived, breathless, Cui Lanyin couldn’t help the warmth in her tone. "Buyan, why the rush? Couldn’t you find Geng Dayou?"
She had already decided to leave with Buyan and join Lady Jiang, resolved not to budge until it was time to depart.
Buyan shook her head. "His Highness Prince Wei requests your presence."
Hadn’t her uncle specifically arranged for Empress Dowager Chen to summon her a second time to avoid favoring her openly in front of the Yaos? Cui Lanyin was puzzled. "Does Uncle need something?"
Buyan scratched her head. "It doesn’t seem urgent."
Without looking up, Cui Lanyin knew every pair of eyes and ears in the vicinity were fixed on them.
Though it might seem like upstaging the Yaos, if her uncle wanted to publicly acknowledge her as his niece, she wouldn’t refuse such a boon. Only a fool would turn this down.
She turned to Cui Lanting, Cui Su, and the others. "Enjoy yourselves. Don’t wait for me—I’ll head to Yingxia Pavilion after meeting with Uncle."
Cui Su and Cui Jian took it in stride, but Cui Lanting nodded blankly, still processing the situation.
After bidding farewell to the pavilion’s occupants, Cui Lanyin skirted past Tan Shao, her skirts undisturbed, her steps unhurried, as she followed Buyan’s winding path away.
