The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 102 - The Challenge

Since the Fan sisters arrived in the capital, a trend of hosting flower gatherings has flourished. Years ago, the Fan sisters performed the renowned High Mountains and Flowing Waters behind a screen at such a gathering, securing their futures. Though many years have passed, every time someone hosts an elegant gathering or a flower event, the Fan sisters' tale is inevitably mentioned.

Young ladies often mimic their elders in calling such displays "improper," yet secretly harbor ambitions to stand out among their peers. Who wouldn't wish to become a leading figure among the noble daughters of equal standing?

Now, there are still several young princes who have not yet married, such as Prince Gong, and even the Crown Prince's eldest grandson Zhou Weizhao, who recently returned to the capital from Longhu Mountain, along with his brother Zhou Weiqi. For noblewomen of pure character, pairing with these esteemed heirs of imperial bloodlines seems only natural.

Since hearing The Ninth Princess's offhand comment about "seeing who is better" during their last encounter at the Juyi Pavilion, Han Yueheng has been eager to outshine Song Chuyi. In fact, she doesn't quite understand why Song Chuyi has drawn so much admiration from the likes of Chen Mingyu, whom she respects yet fears. But with everyone gathered and the flower party already underway, a competition seemed appropriate. After all, it would give The Ninth Princess a clear view of the talents of her chosen companions.

From the distance at the Pavilion of Chasing the Moon, Shen Huiyi spotted the Cui sisters and Song Chuyi approaching, so she raised her skirts and descended to meet them. Just as she arrived, she overheard Han Yueheng speaking about the plum garden. Shen Huiyi, unlike her elder sister Shen Huixin, felt resentment. Huixin, as the eldest daughter and the cherished child of Lady He, had always received much attention and care. By the time Shen Huiyi was born, all focus was on her older brother, Shen Qingrang, the treasured heir, and her accomplished elder sister, leaving Shen Huiyi feeling unwanted. This neglect nurtured a complex mix of self-doubt and pride in her character.

This morning, Lady He had spoken vaguely in her ear before she left, leaving Shen Huiyi feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, as though a noble girl of a Duke's house was somehow lesser than a daughter of a Marquis's household...

"Yueheng!" She walked up and linked arms with Han Yueheng, then turned and greeted Chen Mingyu, deliberately ignoring Song Chuyi and the Cui sisters. With a brief pause, she changed the topic. "Didn't we agree to showcase our best talents today? It seems most of us are here, so why isn't there any action yet?"

Han Yueheng glanced at Song Chuyi, then playfully tapped Shen Huiyi on the nose. "You're so impatient! Acting as if it's some grand event."

As she spoke, she leaned over and whispered a few words to her maid. After the maid had departed, she invited the girls to continue strolling through the garden, suggesting, "Usually, flower parties focus on poetry or painting. How about today, we do something different and showcase our unique skills? Whether it's embroidery, making perfume, or even crafting crystal dumplings in the kitchen, anything goes. What do you all think?"

The Cui sisters exchanged glances, both finding the suggestion dull. They didn't need to compete for fame or to showcase skills for prospective suitors, so they simply smiled and shook their heads. "We sisters are rather plain; we're fine with just being the audience."

Since the daughters of the Cui family had no trouble finding suitable matches, Han Yueheng cast a fleeting look at them and didn't insist, instead turning her attention to Song Chuyi. "Everyone has heard about the famed flower gatherings led by Noble Consort Song and Third Miss Song. It's been years since a Song family lady has participated—Sixth Miss, you mustn't let us down."

This remark was a bit unfair, as those selected to be the Ninth Princess's companions were all over thirteen, whereas Song Chuyi had just turned eleven. She would be at a disadvantage, no matter the competition.

Seeing that Song Chuyi didn't respond, Shen Huiyi let out a scornful laugh and openly mocked, "Why bother putting her on the spot, Yueheng? I heard Second Master Song is still in the Ministry of Justice's prison awaiting trial. Once his case is closed, he'll probably lose both his official rank and reputation. Under such circumstances, how could Sixth Miss be in the mood to compete in anything?"

Her hollow cheeks gave Shen Huiyi a somewhat harsh and bitter expression as she sneered. "Moreover, what kind of daughter could come from an official who seizes land and even kidnaps women, causing deaths? I'd worry for the Ninth Princess—after all, they say dragons beget dragons and phoenixes beget phoenixes, but rats birth only those who dig holes. The Song family's good fortune might be enough to shield her, but who's to say Sixth Miss Song won't grow up with her father's temperament?"

The lively chatter abruptly faded, as none wished to touch that loaded remark. Even Chen Mingyu frowned, deciding to keep her distance from Shen Huiyi in the future. Being tactless and oblivious to timing could be lethal in the palace.

Song Chuyi had already witnessed Shen Huiyi's loose tongue at the Duke's residence; she never had a kind word for anyone. According to her, Lady He was foolishly biased toward Shen Huixin, her sister-in-law Yang stood on both sides of the fence, her eldest brother was a dunce, her second brother Shen Qingrang was an infatuated fool, and she herself was a jinxed soul...

It took a strong heart to associate with such a person.

Stifling a smile, Song Chuyi raised a hand to stop Cui Huaying and Cui Huayi from speaking. She stepped forward, fixing Shen Huiyi with a cold, piercing gaze until Shen Huiyi faltered and took two steps back. Only then did she sneer, "Second Miss Shen, I advise you to speak cautiously. You know my father is still under investigation by the Ministry of Justice. Or has the Duke or Young Master Shen tipped you off that my father is certainly guilty? If not, then please, hold your tongue. It would be unfortunate if you became known for your sharp tongue rather than your talents."

Shen Huiyi retreated further under her words, particularly at the mention of whether the Duke or Shen Xiaohai had shared any inside information with her. She dared not respond, as doing so could get her into trouble, and even Lady He wouldn't be able to shield her.

Glancing toward the pavilion behind the rockery, Song Chuyi brushed off Han Yueheng, who had come over to mediate, with a dismissive gesture. Frowning, she declared sharply, "I've often heard that the Jinxiang Marquis Mansion is renowned for its strict standards and upstanding reputation. But from what I see, such claims seem exaggerated. If Miss Han cannot manage a gathering to everyone's satisfaction, perhaps it would be better not to host one at all. No need to bring shame upon the Han family."

Han Yueheng's face turned from pale to flushed under Song Chuyi's scolding, feeling the weight of the surrounding gazes; even her eyes began to well up with tears.