The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 101 - The Garden Gathering

The eighth day of the first lunar month was the date set for Miss Han from the Marquis of Jinxiang's residence to host her garden gathering. Early in the morning, Song Chuyi was already groomed and went to pay respects to the Old Lady Song before departing. First Lady Song was discussing the guest list for the Lantern Festival with the Old Lady, and as soon as she saw Song Chuyi, her eyes lit up with delight. Smiling, she remarked, "It must be the nourishing climate in Qingzhou. Just look at Mingzi's radiant beauty—it's captivating. And even Xiaoyi, after just one trip, has become a vision that's hard to look away from."

The Old Lady beckoned Song Chuyi to step forward, gave her an approving once-over, and nodded with satisfaction. "While a post was sent to your cousin as well, it wouldn't be fitting for Mingzi to attend since she is still in mourning. Accepting the invitation is a formality, but her presence might feel inappropriate. As for you, the gathering is unlike other events—no elders will accompany you, so be sure to look out for yourself."

On the reading companion list arranged by the Ninth Princess, the name Han Yueheng stood out prominently. And now, this young lady from the Han family had specifically sent an invitation. Old Lady Song was not inclined to believe it was simply out of goodwill for her brother's journey back to the capital alongside the Song family.

Song Chuyi didn't believe it either. She smiled and nodded, then left the room with Qingtao and Qingying in tow.

Qingying was brought out of the palace by Princess Rongcheng and had been staying with Old Lady Song ever since Song Chuyi received her. She had just gone to request Qingying from Old Lady Song the day before.

A carriage was already waiting at the second gate. Qingying placed Song Chuyi's invitation in a small lacquered box and boarded the carriage with it. Leaning close to Song Chuyi, she whispered, "Miss, Ma San (third) has already located that official."

Ma San was the nickname of the pockmarked man. Most of these men had simple names, with a family name followed by a number, as their names were casually chosen.

Song Chuyi watched as Qingtao arranged the table and set up the brazier and teacup. Only then did she nod, her eyes narrowing slightly.

The Marquis of Jinxiang's residence was located on Beihua Alley, which was originally like Linglong Alley, where old estates had been granted to the founding nobles of the previous dynasty. Each residence occupied a large space, with seven or eight families taking up an entire alley. Nowadays, however, the alley was mostly occupied by officials.

The street was filled with carriages, forming a long line. Although the Song family's carriage was at the front, no one came out to receive them or guide them in.

Unable to contain her annoyance, Qingtao muttered, "What's with the people from the Marquis of Jinxiang's household? Do they think we're of too low a status to join their garden gathering? Even the carriages from the Marquis of Guangping's residence have already gone in!"

It was nearly half an hour later when the carriage from the Cui residence finally arrived, allowing them to be welcomed inside by a woman who appeared to be a stewardess. Since Cui Shaoting's promotion to Deputy Minister of War, his position in the capital had risen significantly. Moreover, as a member of the renowned Cui clan of Boling, whose legacy had been preserved for countless years, the people at the Marquis of Jinxiang's estate dared not be negligent. Before long, Han Yueheng herself came out to greet the guests.

Today, she wore a high-collared white jacket layered with a begonia-colored sash adorned with embroidered flowers. Below, she had on a full-length skirt decorated with butterflies amidst flowers, and at her waist hung an intricately woven sash with a pair of jade fish pendants. The gleaming emerald stone on her forehead, shining in the sunlight, added an unmistakable touch of wealth and grandeur.

With a warm, apologetic smile, she naturally approached and took the hands of the Cui sisters, her voice as delicate as silver bells as she apologized, "It's entirely my fault. This is my first time hosting such a gathering, and my elders insisted I manage everything without help. I've been utterly overwhelmed... Neglecting you two sisters is truly my fault."

However, she didn't spare a single glance for Song Chuyi, who had actually been waiting at the gate for over half an hour.

Cui Huaying frowned slightly and subtly withdrew her hand from Han Yueheng's grasp, maintaining a polite yet detached smile. "You're the host today, Sister Han, and it's understandable that you'd be busy. There's no need to accompany us; we can find our way ourselves."

Cui Huayi, younger and less inclined to put on airs, simply tugged on Song Chuyi's sleeve, leaning close to whisper, "She's clearly trying to slight you, testing the waters as if no one could see it."

Han Yueheng's face flushed, but despite her irritation, she could do nothing, and had to restrain herself. Calling a maid over, she instructed her to lead the Cui sisters and Song Chuyi to the flower hall to pay respects to the Marchioness of Jinxiang.

As they walked, Cui Huaying positioned herself at Song Chuyi's right side and, seeing that Han Yueheng had left to greet other guests, tilted her head to comfort Song Chuyi, "That's just her personality—snobbish and unappealing. Don't pay her any mind."

In truth, Song Chuyi, still young and with limited social experience, wasn't particularly bothered, especially after being away in Qingzhou for nearly three months. She barely knew Han Yueheng, let alone cared for her demeanor. If anything was worth her attention, it would be Han Yueheng's brother, Han Zhi, whose words and actions merited more careful consideration.

Song Chuyi nodded, and soon, after passing a rock garden, they reached Yuming Pavilion, where the Marquis of Jinxiang entertained guests.

The legendary beauty, Lady Fan, who had captivated the Marquis of Jinxiang to distraction, indeed possessed an exquisitely delicate face. Her gemstone-like eyes sparkled with intelligence, slanting slightly upward at the corners, as if they could speak. Yet, her ethereal beauty was accompanied by an air that felt detached from the world, her expression cool and indifferent, lacking any trace of warmth.

Hearing the identities of Cui Huaying, Cui Huayi, and Song Chuyi, Lady Fan suddenly seemed to come alive. She slowly let out an "Oh," looking thoughtfully at them for a moment before her gaze settled on Song Chuyi. "You look quite a lot like your mother," she remarked, then said nothing further, resting her head on one hand as she directed someone to lead them to the plum blossom garden out back.

Once outside, Cui Huayi couldn't contain her curiosity. "So this is what Lady Fan looks like..." she mused aloud.

Curiosity is universal, after all. Since Lady Fan made a splash in society years ago, she had been the subject of much behind-the-scenes gossip. Even after all these years, people still held her in fascination.

Cui Huaying tapped her sister on the head, chiding her, "You, always speaking without a filter. One day, you'll offend the wrong person and finally learn your lesson."

The maid leading the way pretended not to hear, and after a turn, she stopped at a tall pavilion, smiling. "The ladies who arrived early are just ahead. I'll leave you here, ladies," she said, bowing as she withdrew.

The Marquis of Jinxiang's garden was a dazzling sight, with layers upon layers of plum blossoms. From a distance, the trees appeared like clouds of color blanketing the sky. A gentle breeze sent petals cascading from the branches, making it seem as though a rain of red blossoms fell from the heavens, blurring the line between earth and sky.

Even Cui Huayi, who was used to beautiful sights, couldn't help but praise, "I wonder where they found so many plum trees. The variety isn't much, but the sheer number is astonishing."

Outside, Han Yueheng entered with the recently arrived Chen Mingyu. Hearing Cui Huayi's admiration, she smiled, lips curving slightly. "This plum garden is vast and unmatched in the capital," she said with pride.