The matter that the Lu family couldn't fathom was also something Princess Yongshou found utterly perplexing.
When the little troublemaker of the household returned in the evening, the palace attendants accompanying him mentioned his recent behavior at the Hongwen Institute. At first, Princess Yongshou assumed the attendants were merely trying to ease her maternal worries with casual remarks. But as she mulled it over on her way back, she grew increasingly uneasy.
If she recalled correctly, those were attendants serving directly before the Emperor.
With her keen intuition and meticulous nature, Princess Yongshou immediately sensed something amiss. She promptly sent someone to investigate and later interrogated her son, only to discover that the little rascal had snatched something from a child of the Lu family.
Logically, such minor squabbles between children—hardly even an argument, let alone physical altercation—could have been brushed aside. Princess Yongshou could have feigned ignorance, confident the other party wouldn’t make an issue of it.
But her sharp instincts told her that the Emperor’s attendants wouldn’t have brought this up without reason. The implied directive behind it was unmistakable.
Acting swiftly, Princess Yongshou dispatched envoys to the Lu residence to offer apologies and extended a special invitation to the child’s mother to attend her birthday banquet as a gesture of goodwill.
Yet, while she handled the matter deftly, doubts lingered in her mind.
When her husband, Duke Chengen, returned from his duties, Princess Yongshou shared the incident with him, voicing her confusion: "Husband, what do you suppose His Majesty intends by this?"
Could it be that after the recent brawl between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince—where the Crown Prince framed the Third Prince—the Emperor had grown displeased with the Crown Prince? Was he now showing favor to the Third Prince and, by extension, the Lu family to make amends?
But their Duke Chengen household had always adhered to the Emperor’s will, never aligning with any faction among the imperial heirs.
Duke Chengen replied, "I’ve heard that the posthumous child of the Lu family is exceptionally gifted, with a photographic memory. It was precisely because of that child that the Third Prince’s innocence was proven last time. His Majesty has always valued talent—perhaps he’s taken a liking to the boy and wishes to show him favor."
Thinking of his own unruly son, he scowled. "Besides, Pei Qian was entirely in the wrong here! Snatching something from a four-year-old—what kind of disgraceful behavior is that?"
"Starting today, he’s confined to his courtyard until his wretched handwriting improves!"
Princess Yongshou was well aware of her son’s rebellious nature and didn’t object to her husband’s decision. It would do the boy good to have his arrogance tempered.
......
Soon, Princess Yongshou’s birthday arrived. All the distinguished noblewomen of the capital were invited, and the streets were filled with luxurious carriages that day.
At the Lu residence, Old Madam Lu decided to bring Lu Changning of the eldest branch and Lu Changyu of the second branch, excluding Concubine Zhong.
Naturally, Yun Wan was also attending, holding a separate invitation.
The birthday banquet was held at the Princess's Mansion. After paying their respects to Old Madam Lu in the morning, the group set off together in carriages.
Dressed in new attire for the occasion, the two Lu sisters—especially Lu Changyu, attending her first princess’s banquet—radiated excitement. Lu Changyu’s vibrant yellow gown accentuated her youthful charm.
Yun Wan arrived slightly late, having taken extra time to prepare. Yue Ya, her maid, had grown a bit rusty with elaborate hairstyling, causing a brief delay.
As Yun Wan stepped over the high threshold of Cixin Hall, her presence instantly illuminated the room.
Her fitted lilac gown, embroidered with clouds and adorned with peonies along the hem, swayed gracefully with each step, as if the flowers were blooming beneath her feet. Her slender waist and delicate shoulders were accentuated by the exquisite tailoring.
Though everyone was accustomed to Yun Wan’s natural beauty even in simple attire, her meticulous styling today effortlessly outshone everyone else in the room.
Her raven-black hair was piled high, adorned with a pair of jade-inlaid hairpins, a few silk flowers, and a pear blossom hairpin—elegant yet understated.
Her beauty was almost unbearable to behold.
Only Lu Changning circled Yun Wan in admiration, exclaiming sincerely, "Aunt Yun, you look absolutely stunning today!"
As the Lu family’s eldest daughter and a prominent noblewoman in the capital, Lu Changning had attended countless banquets and encountered many beauties. But in her eyes, none could rival her aunt in grace, poise, or allure. It was no wonder servants often gossiped about how dearly her third uncle cherished his wife.
Noticing the fabric of Yun Wan’s gown, Lu Changning gasped. "This dress is…"
Yun Wan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. "It’s the fabric you gifted me last time. I thought today would be the perfect occasion to wear it."
"I knew this color and material would suit you perfectly! My taste is impeccable," Lu Changning boasted.
Yun Wan and the others indulged her with praise until Old Madam Lu cut in sternly:
"Enough. We’re running late. Save the chatter for the journey."
......
The day was uncharacteristically sunny, with golden rays brightening the world. The Lu family’s carriage wound through the streets before arriving at the Princess's Mansion.
Before disembarking, Old Madam Lu cast a stern glance at the three women, her voice low and warning: "The Princess's Mansion is not like home. Stay close to me and don’t wander off."
Her eyes narrowed. "If anyone causes trouble, there will be severe consequences upon our return."
Lu Changning and Lu Changyu straightened. "We understand, Grandmother."
Satisfied, the old lady then shot a sidelong glance at Yun Wan, who had remained silent. "Sui’s mother, did you hear me?"
Just then, firecrackers erupted outside. Yun Wan replied coolly, "Mother, if we delay any longer, we’ll cause a commotion at the entrance and earn everyone’s displeasure."
Old Madam Lu stiffened before stepping out with a frosty expression. Yun Wan and the others followed.
The Princess's Mansion was bustling with guests arriving in droves. The steward at the entrance greeted them courteously, assigning a maid to escort them to the banquet hall.
By then, most of the guests—all women—had already gathered, chatting in small clusters.
The moment Yun Wan entered, she drew countless gazes.
"Who is that? She’s breathtaking—how have I never seen her before?"
"That’s Old Madam Lu leading them. Since she’s dressed as a married woman, she must be one of the Lu family’s ladies."
"She’s so beautiful! And her dress is exquisite. I must ask where she had it made..."
"I’d rather ask about her skincare routine. How does her complexion stay so flawless?"
The young noblewomen buzzed with admiration until a scornful voice cut in:
"Pretty as she may be, she’s nothing but bad luck—cursed to widowhood and motherless. I’d advise staying far away from her."
