Sang Ning curtsied gracefully, her tone cool and distant: "Duke Ning, Heir of the Duke of Ning."
Pei Songhan's expression stiffened.
Ever since their betrothal three years ago, she had always called him "Brother Songhan."
Yet in just a month, she had grown so distant.
Duke Ning was still exchanging pleasantries with He Siyu: "Young General He, now entrusted with such responsibilities—even the command of the Valiant Cavalry—must be exceedingly busy with court affairs. Yet you still found time to attend personally. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated."
He Siyu cast a cold glance at Pei Songhan, his tone languid: "Since Duke Ning honored my wedding with his presence, it is only fitting that the He Family pay their respects on Old Lady Pei’s birthday."
He emphasized the words "wedding" deliberately.
Pei Songhan’s face paled slightly, his lips pressed tightly together as he lowered his gaze in silent sorrow.
Duke Ning glanced at Sang Ning, his smile momentarily strained before he chuckled heartily: "Young General He and your esteemed wife must be deeply enamored, newly wed as you are."
He Siyu took her hand, his lips curving. "Naturally."
Duke Ning gestured politely. "Young General He, please join the banquet."
He Siyu led Sang Ning ahead.
Duke Ning shot Pei Songhan a warning glare, his voice hushed: "Countless eyes are watching today. Be cautious—do not bring trouble upon our family!"
After all, the Pei and Xie Families had broken off their engagement, and gossip about Xie Sangning and Pei Songhan had spread throughout the capital. They were already a subject of scandal.
The He Family’s open attendance today was clearly meant to solidify Xie Sangning’s status as the young mistress of the He Family—to sever all ties between her and Pei Songhan.
Pei Songhan’s jaw tightened, his throat dry. "Understood."
There was no room left for him to choose.
He Siyu led Sang Ning into the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, where the banquet was held. The pavilion overlooked a lake brimming with blooming lotuses, their scent carried by the summer breeze through the open windows.
The space was divided by two large embroidered screens—one side for male guests, the other for women. Though seated separately, the lively chatter from both sides was clearly audible.
He Siyu squeezed her hand. "We’ll pay our respects to Old Lady Pei, have lunch, and then leave."
"Mm." She nodded softly, withdrawing her hand.
As she moved to join the women’s section, voices drifted from behind the screen.
"Will the He Family attend today, given the Pei celebration?"
"Unlikely. They’d want to avoid awkwardness, wouldn’t they? After all, that young Madam He was once involved with the Heir of the Duke of Ning..."
A noblewoman scoffed. "Would she dare show her face? Jilted one moment, then engaged to Young General He the next—if she wasn’t already involved with him, I’d eat my hat. Who knows what the Pei Family discovered to break it off so suddenly?"
"Ruolan-jie, don’t say such things," Xie Qingyue interjected, biting her lip. "My elder sister is the epitome of virtue in Yanjing. How could she possibly..."
Qi Ruolan sneered. "You’re too naive. Some people are masters of deception. The Pei Family bore the disgrace of breaking the engagement, but who’s to say she wasn’t the one scheming to climb higher, seducing Young General He behind the scenes?"
A loud crash echoed as the screen was kicked over.
The noblewomen near it shrieked and scrambled away.
He Siyu stood before the toppled screen, his gaze icy. "Care to repeat that for me?"
The women paled, trembling into silence.
Xie Sangning’s successive betrothals to increasingly prestigious families had bred envy.
When the Duke of Ning’s household was at its peak, her engagement to the scholarly Pei Songhan had been hailed as a match made in heaven. After the Xie Family’s fall and the broken engagement, many had relished her downfall.
Yet she had landed an even more coveted match—the rising star, Young General He.
Who else had such fortune?
They had assumed she wouldn’t dare attend today’s banquet—hence their bold gossip.
But not only had she come, Young General He had accompanied her!
They’d heard of his unruly reputation, but this was beyond expectation.
He Siyu’s cold stare settled on Qi Ruolan.
Qi Ruolan stiffened. "W-We were merely speculating. If Madam He’s truly blameless, why fear idle talk?"
Her eyes flicked to Xie Sangning, laced with venom.
As fellow noble daughters, she had always been overshadowed by Xie Sangning.
First, Xie Sangning stole the Pei engagement. Now, she had taken the He match—one Qi Ruolan’s family had intended for her!
Her resentment burned as she taunted, "Or perhaps you and the Heir of the Duke of Ning still pine for each other? Three years of affection can’t vanish overnight, can it?"
Her insinuation hung heavy, a deliberate provocation.
The entire pavilion held its breath, all eyes on Xie Sangning and Pei Songhan.
Duke Ning mopped his brow, floundering for words to defuse the tension.
Pei Songhan spoke stiffly. "Miss Qi, do not slander others with baseless claims!"
Qi Ruolan smirked. "Is it slander when the entire capital knows of your history?"
He Siyu’s fists clenched in his sleeves. He regretted not kicking the screen straight into her face.
Just as he stepped forward, Xie Sangning strode past the wreckage.
Qi Ruolan met her with a defiant glare. Xie Qingyue rushed to mediate. "Elder Sister, don’t escalate this—think of the Xie Family’s dignity—"
Qi Ruolan sneered. "Yes, the Xie Family’s century of honor shouldn’t be tarnished by—Ah!"
Xie Sangning’s slap sent Qi Ruolan stumbling to the ground.
Xie Qingyue gasped. "Elder Sister, how could you strike someone in public—Ah!"
A backhanded blow silenced her, sending her crashing into the banquet table with a cacophony of shattering dishes.
The deafening clatter shattered the pavilion’s stunned silence.
