"Who are you? Why must you speak so harshly?"
Princess Jiayi, the leader of the young noblewomen, turned to face the newcomer. Dressed in a vibrant pomegranate-red skirt, her hair adorned with jeweled hairpins, her heavy makeup accentuated her sharp, disdainful gaze as she glared at the interloper.
Yun Shiyue adjusted the golden hairpin in her coiled-updo, her eyes flickering toward Yun Wan with a mix of complexity and scorn.
"Harsh? I’m only speaking the truth for your own good. Yun Wan here brought misfortune upon her own mother as a child, and after marriage, she caused her husband’s death. Isn’t that the very definition of ill-omened?"
She withdrew her gaze and adopted a tone of earnest advice. "I’d advise you young ladies to stay away from her, lest you invite bad luck upon yourselves."
Her words sent a ripple of fear through the group of noblewomen. Some who had been about to approach Yun Wan now hesitated, their steps faltering.
Princess Jiayi, however, remained unfazed. Narrowing her eyes, she studied Yun Shiyue with suspicion. "You seem to know so much about her. What’s your relation to her?"
Yun Shiyue’s maid answered with a hint of pride, "My lady is the wife of the eldest son of Earl Wenchang’s household, the second daughter of the Yun family—and thus the sister of the Third Lady Lu you speak of."
"As for the matter concerning the eldest daughter… my lady only meant well. We hope the princess and the other young ladies will not take offense."
The explanation was flawless—anyone listening would assume it was merely a well-intentioned warning. After all, no one wanted to associate with someone of ill fortune.
Yet Princess Jiayi scoffed. "So you’re sisters by blood? I’d have thought you were sworn enemies, given how venomously you speak. Or is it jealousy I detect?"
Having grown up in the ruthless intrigues of noble households, Princess Jiayi was no fool. She recognized the malice Yun Shiyue harbored toward her elder sister.
Did she think she could manipulate them into spreading rumors and doing her dirty work? Not a chance!
A younger sister publicly shaming her own elder sister—what kind of decent person would do such a thing? Princess Jiayi despised people like that.
With a contemptuous glance at Yun Shiyue, she turned to her companions. "Let’s go."
The other noblewomen, who always followed Princess Jiayi’s lead, quickly caught on. Shooting Yun Shiyue disdainful looks, they swept past her in a flurry of skirts.
Earl Wenchang’s household? A mere fourth-rank title. Every one of them came from families of higher status and prestige—why should they defer to her?
Her scheme exposed, Yun Shiyue stamped her foot in frustration. "You—!"
"Ungrateful wretches!"
She shot a venomous glare in Yun Wan’s direction. It was all her fault! That fox spirit—always stealing the spotlight! Even as a widow, she couldn’t stay out of trouble!
As if sensing the hostility, Yun Wan’s gaze drifted across the corridor, past the potted plants, and met Yun Shiyue’s furious glare.
Her expression remained indifferent, unsurprised.
Yue Ya whispered, "Madam, the Second Lady seems furious."
Yun Wan smiled faintly. "When isn’t she angry at the sight of me? Let her be."
Without needing to hear the details, Yun Wan could guess what Yun Shiyue had just done—undoubtedly spreading malicious gossip about her.
But it seemed her plan had backfired.
After all, people weren’t fools.
Not just Princess Jiayi and her group—other guests attending the banquet who had never seen Yun Wan before were equally captivated by her beauty.
With her delicate features, light makeup, graceful posture, and understated elegance, she stood out like a radiant peony in full bloom, breathtakingly beautiful. The simplicity of her attire and the restrained adornments only accentuated her allure, leaving onlookers unable to look away, murmuring in admiration.
Yun Wan pretended not to notice the lingering gazes, sitting quietly in her seat and occasionally exchanging a few words with Lu Changning.
Years of seclusion had left her indifferent to such grand social gatherings. Had it not been for Princess Yongshou’s insistence, she wouldn’t have attended at all.
At least with Old Madam Lu present, Yun Wan only needed to remain still as a wooden figure. Once the banquet neared its end, she could finally return home.
Just as she thought this, the famous Yangzhou Peacock Opera troupe took their positions onstage, awaiting only the arrival of Princess Yongshou.
About half an hour later, a commotion arose from the corridor. Turning toward the sound, the crowd saw a procession of attendants escorting a magnificently dressed noblewoman—Princess Yongshou herself.
Clad in resplendent brocade robes with a high collar and wide sleeves, her long train sweeping behind her, she exuded imperial grandeur.
The guests rose to their feet, offering their congratulations and bows.
Princess Yongshou’s sharp, commanding eyes softened with a faint smile as she addressed the assembly. "My apologies for keeping you all waiting."
A few noblewomen close to her responded warmly, exchanging pleasantries.
When the time came, Princess Yongshou announced, "Today is my birthday, and I’ve invited you all to share in the festivities. The troupe is ready, so without further ado, let us enjoy the renowned Peacock Opera of Yangzhou!"
With her long skirts trailing behind her, Princess Yongshou allowed her attendants to guide her toward the elevated seating reserved for her. As she passed the Lu family’s section, she paused abruptly, her sharp eyes settling on Yun Wan.
"You must be the Third Lady Lu. Truly, as the rumors say—a peerless beauty capable of toppling cities."
Having grown up in the imperial palace, surrounded by the most exquisite women of the late emperor’s harem, and later hosting countless grand banquets as the matron of Duke Chengen’s household, Princess Yongshou had seen her fair share of stunning faces.
Yet even she couldn’t help but marvel at Yun Wan’s beauty.
Moreover, Yun Wan was no mere ornament—she possessed talent, particularly in the art of perfumery, where she had earned considerable renown.
Accustomed to women who lived like caged birds, waiting for others’ favor, Princess Yongshou found Yun Wan’s demeanor refreshing and admirable.
Who didn’t enjoy a compliment? Yun Wan’s lips curved into a radiant smile. "Your Highness flatters me."
Her smile softened her already enchanting features, like ice melting under spring sunshine, breathtaking in its warmth.
Princess Yongshou was momentarily stunned before turning to Old Madam Lu with a teasing remark. "Madam, had I known your household concealed such a beauty, I would have insisted you bring her out more often—so the rest of us might admire her as well."
Old Madam Lu hesitated briefly before taking Yun Wan’s hand with an air of helplessness. "Your Highness must understand, my daughter-in-law is of a reserved nature, preferring solitude. I’ve always treated her as my own, so I’ve indulged her wishes."
The Lu family’s affairs were no secret in the capital. Princess Yongshou knew Yun Wan was a widow and merely replied, "Madam is most compassionate."
Yun Wan maintained her serene smile, playing the part of the demure beauty—though in the shadows, she subtly withdrew her hand from the old woman’s grasp.
Nearby, Lu Changning barely suppressed a scoff.
As if Grandmother truly cared.
Princess Yongshou then addressed Yun Wan directly. "My son is rather unruly. I hope he didn’t frighten your young master the other day?"
Yun Wan shook her head gently. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My son was unharmed—he’s quite resilient and forgot the incident by the next morning."
Princess Yongshou nodded. "Good. Please, enjoy the festivities at your leisure."
As soon as she took her seat, the operatic singing began to rise from the stage, marking the official start of today’s birthday celebration performance.
.........
Deep within the Princess’s estate, separated by multiple walls spanning half the residence, the sounds of the opera still drifted faintly through the air.
With a soft clack, Duke Chengen placed a piece on the board, then glanced up at his opponent, who remained unmoved. A faint smile touched his lips as he remarked,
"His Majesty seems preoccupied?"
