Xue Huiyu pulled He Le'an and walked, saying that it was a spring outing, but also a small farewell banquet for Cheng Shuwei by the ladies of Fengzhou City, which was held at Xinghua Garden in Hu Zhenqiu, 20 miles outside the city. The road on the hillside had just been built with new fences, winding out a beautiful flower path. At this time of spring, it was the perfect time to appreciate flowers.

  "I've heard that you're this year's Flower Fairy." Xue Huiyu said with a smile in the train carriage.

  He Le'an smiled awkwardly and said, "It's just that the willow tree grew shade unintentionally." This commotion is probably known throughout the city.

  "I know you're not the kind of woman who likes to show off." Xue Hui said, last night she originally wanted to go out and stroll around, but ended up chatting with Cheng Shuwei and forgot about the time. When she came back to her senses, the excitement had already dissipated, and she was pulling her brother along talking about this year's situation, not expecting that she would miss the intense competition of the Red Appreciation Meeting and He Le'an's counterattack, thinking about it still filled her with regret.

  As they chatted, they had already arrived at Fox Pillow Hill. Taking advantage of the gentle morning sunlight, He Le'an and Xue Huiyu walked up the slope on foot. At this time, the sound of horseshoes galloping came from not far away. They turned around and saw the horse carriage of Prince Yi's mansion and the horse carriage of Zhiyitai's mansion arriving one after another, stopping in the flat area at the foot of the slope.

  A fifteen-year-old girl, wearing a brocade peony embroidered spring dress, with skin as white as snow, got out of the carriage from the Yi Qin Wang Fu, followed by another girl of similar age, wearing an orange waist-sashed gauze skirt, pale and reserved, walking stiffly behind her.

  Xue Huiyu waved to them while whispering to He Le'an, "Those are Zhong Sun Four and Zhong Sun Five. Don't bring up the topic of marriage, whether actively or passively. Especially after being engaged to Dongfang Shizi, it's her biggest taboo for two people to be in love. Although she has some princess-like temperament, she is still a decent person. If something unpleasant happens, if you can bear with it, then just let it go."

  He Le'an stepped down first, and Dongfang Niang also got out of the carriage from Zhi Yibo's mansion. Accompanying her was a close relative holding her arm, about 14 or 15 years old, a yellow-clad girl with a beautiful appearance, who had come to Fengzhou City half a month ago to visit relatives and play. She was Meng Duojuan, Dongfang Niang's cousin from the General of Town West's mansion. They exchanged simple greetings and walked up the slope together.

  "Through the lush green bamboo forest, there is a vibrant yellow carpet of winter jasmine flowers, like a green dress with a golden belt." Dongfang Niangxiang smiled and said, "It's truly fragrant and refreshing."

  "I had heard before that the area around Fox Pillow Hill is all part of the Xi Manor, and even this newly built trellis path in early spring was specially renovated by Young Master Xi. I wonder why Eldest Sister He never comes to Apricot Blossom Garden for a stroll, but instead lends it to First Sister Cheng first? Although I've just arrived in Fengzhou City, I've already heard that they have a deep relationship." Meng Duo said with a smile, her expression pure and innocent, yet puzzled.

  This phrase sounds harmless at first, but upon closer reflection, one can find a sharp edge.

  "He Lian said, 'Since it's the Xi family's place, then who the young master of Xi likes to lend it to is naturally his own business.'"

  "It's none of your business to meddle in other people's affairs when you haven't even gotten married yourself." Xue Hui furrowed her brow, hiding her discontent, and said calmly.

  Dongfang Niushen subtly pulled at Meng Duo's hem, but Meng Duo still had that innocent look on her face as she said: "It's not what you're saying, some people and some things. Even if it looks like nothing, when the time comes to avoid suspicion, one must still avoid suspicion. The whole city knows about Eldest Sister Cheng's unusual relationship with Young Master Xu, and yet she still invited Sixth Sister He to attend a banquet at Young Master Xu's Apricot Blossom Garden. Don't you think that's going too far?"

  Although the words seemed to be speaking up for her, they were actually sowing discord. He Le An hadn't been foolish enough to jump into the trap, and smiled: "If Sister Cheng didn't invite me to dinner today, that would be suspicious. She's so upright and honest, why should I use a petty person's mind to measure a gentleman's intentions?"

  Before Meng Doujiao could speak, Dongfang Niang hastily said: "Alright, everyone knows that Sister Cheng Yi has always been open and honest. As she is about to go to the capital as a concubine, before leaving Fengzhou City, as friends, Xǔ Shǎozhǔ borrowed her Apricot Flower Garden for a banquet, which is also reasonable."

  Cheng Shuwei didn't invite Meng Duo, today this cousin insisted on following her over, unexpectedly she turned out to be a scene-stealer, now it's impossible to drive her away, can only bear with it herself. Try not to offend her, otherwise the entire Fengzhou City's young ladies will be offended as well.

  At this time, however, Zhong Sunsi, who had been calm and collected all along, suddenly said: "He Liu, even if your fiancé had indeed had something to do with Cheng Yi, could you really bear no grudge and still chat and laugh with Cheng Yi today, calling each other sister and brother?"

  "Of course, after all, this is one Zhū's master and not another Zhū's master."

  He Le'an gazed intently at his fourth son, Zhong Sun, and smiled softly: "It's the will of our parents, the words of the matchmaker, Eldest Sister Cheng has already been betrothed to be a imperial concubine in the capital. What use is there for me to still hold onto those past grievances?"

  "Why not let it go and turn into beautiful dust? As the saying goes, letting others off is also setting oneself free. Why should I bother myself with other people's business and make myself unhappy? There are so many fun things to do, but I'm busy, where's the time to waste on this broken thing?"

  Upon hearing this, Xue Hui couldn't help but laugh and say: "Being able to see through the ways of the world so clearly, it's no wonder you're always studying Buddhist scriptures." As soon as she finished speaking, everyone around her looked at each other in surprise. It was indeed rare for someone of their age to be willing to spend time reading those dull Buddhist scriptures. Even if there were elderly people in their families who occasionally sought enlightenment or had superstitions, they would only show respect and avoid them, without joining in the discussion.

  Jiǎng Sūn sì showed a very faint smile: "It's probably that there are not many people in the world who can see through their own heart demons. It's hard to be happy, it's easy to be unhappy, and it's even harder to be indifferent." A sentence from parents' orders and matchmaking words, how much is beyond help? Anyway, she was destined to not be as open-minded as He Liu in this life.

  The atmosphere gradually became a bit heavy, Xue Huiyu couldn't help but comfort: "Time is long, and a thought of demon is just a thought of Buddha." It's just a matter of understanding one thought, but some people can't understand it for their whole life. However, we can still strive to move forward.

  They arrived at the Apricot Blossom Garden on the slope, where the maid of Wen Yibo's mansion, who was guarding the gate, welcomed them into a small courtyard where a banquet was being held. Among the lush apricot blossoms, many noble ladies had already gathered and were chatting with Cheng Shuwei, whose elegant attire could not conceal her captivating charm. As they approached, each lady greeted them warmly, and the gentle spring breeze, carrying the scent of sunshine, blew down a carpet of pure white petals.

  In the midst of laughter and conversation, He Le'an deliberately observed Meng Duojuo and found that she was disdainful of Cheng Shuwei, which was a genuine dislike from the bottom of her heart. However, she didn't want to expose it, as if she was jealous but desperately suppressing it, and also afraid that others would find out. After confirming that she wasn't intentionally targeting herself when they were walking uphill, He Le'an slightly put her mind at ease. Just then, a girl suggested playing a game of pairs, and everyone echoed in agreement.

  Cheng Shuwei smiled and said, "I know that there is a wine garden in Xinghua Garden, where all the wines are made from apricot flowers or apricots. They have different flavors for different years, and they are priceless. Let's go get some to use as prizes!" She looked at He Le'an as she spoke, her intention couldn't be clearer.

  "Since we're already here, I think it's only polite that our host offers us a few jars of wine to taste." He Lian smiled and stood up with ease, while Xue Huiyu strongly requested to choose the ones she liked. Meng Duo Jiao expressed her desire to see more of the beauty of Xinghua Garden, so she also quickly got up. Seeing this, Dongfang Niangxiang had no choice but to follow along as well.

  The Jiuyuanzi was not far from the Xinghua Temple where the banquet was set, but Meng Duojuan wanted to take a look at the scenery again. Cheng Shuwei took them on a detour, about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, and the gentle breeze brought waves of rich, thick, and slightly sweet wine fragrance. After turning around a small courtyard, they saw an ancient house with a lingering charm. Meng Duojuan smiled sincerely:

  "Have you arrived? Xinghua Garden is like Sister Cheng's home, turning around and around can still find the place, it's really amazing!"

  The implication is 'you must have come here with Xiangxiang before, right?', and upon hearing Xue Hui's words that were meant to drive a wedge between them, Meng Qi immediately said without hiding his dissatisfaction: "Meng Qi, if you have something to say, then say it, don't pretend to be stupid and annoying. Today we are here to see off Mei sister in all seriousness, if you don't want to attend the banquet, then leave on your own!"

  Meng Duo Jiao looked like a frightened little mouse, with an innocent and wronged expression, saying: "How could Sister Xue think this way? I've always spoken like this, without any intention of being sarcastic or hurtful. I really do think that Sister Cheng is very impressive."

  Xue Huiyu was about to speak again. Cheng Shuwei held her hand and stopped her, smiling: "Hmm, I've always had a good memory, so coming back to a place I've been before won't get me lost. And with such strong wine fragrance, even if I do get lost, I can follow the scent to find my way. Let me tell you another secret..." She playfully winked at everyone and said, "My nose is also very keen."

  With just this one sentence, He Le'an knew that Meng Duo Jiao was no match for Cheng Shu Huan. If Cheng Shu Huan really wanted to counterattack, Meng Duo Jiao would definitely not be able to take it. She mediated by saying: "Everyone is still waiting for us, let's hurry up and choose the wine to go back."

  Before she had even finished speaking, she took the lead and walked forward. Just as she was about to push open the bamboo door, a strange gust of wind came from all directions, causing her vision to blur. Several dark shadows jumped over from the wall, their gleaming long swords pointing menacingly at them. The sound of Meng Duo Rou and Dong Fang Ni Xiang's frightened cries filled the air, only to be silenced by the masked black-clad figure's cold command: "Shut up!"

  Dongfang Niuniang and Meng Duo'jiao trembled with fear, the black-clad man at the front secretly sized up the four people in the courtyard, his eyes falling on He Le'an under the eaves. He hesitantly asked: "You... are you Cheng Shuwei?"

  "It turned out that the assassin was here for Cheng Shuwei. He Lian's heart was anxious, but his face remained calm and silent. At this time, no one admitted to being the best, yet someone had to be foolish, either eager for Cheng Shuwei to die, like Meng Duojuan who repeatedly found fault with her. Her trembling slender hand pointed at Cheng Shuwei beside Xue Huiyu, saying decisively:"

  "She! She is Cheng Shuwei!"