The First Prince had sent several invitations, all of which Xiao Tingyi had declined, citing ill health. Yet, he appeared today at the Wei family's banquet. A flicker of unease crossed the First Prince's mind, but seeing no hint of triumph on Duke Wei's face, he couldn't quite decipher if any consensus had been reached between them.
He ventured a question, "Imperial Uncle, are you also here today for the happy occasion of Little Ninth and Miss Wei?"
The imperial decree for marriage had already been issued and would soon arrive at the Wei manor. Those present were already privy to the news, so no one expressed surprise.
"Duke Wei has acquired a new chessboard made of warm jade. I've come to feast my eyes."
Not here to offer congratulations, that was good. The First Prince's worried expression eased, and a desire to curry favor surfaced in his eyes. "I've long known of Imperial Uncle's fondness for collecting various chessboards. My own residence recently received a magnetic chessboard crafted from meteoric iron, quite intriguing. If Imperial Uncle is interested, I shall personally deliver it to you another day. What do you say?"
Again? Yang Zhao, his attendant, maintained a calm demeanor, but inwardly, he scoffed at these imperial relatives. If their prince didn't command such a formidable military force, would these so-called nephews even spare him a glance? Suppressing the disdain in his eyes, he lowered his head and followed Xiao Tingyi, offering no response.
Xiao Tingyi cast a playful glance at the First Prince and said lightly, "You are too kind."
The First Prince frowned. Was that an acceptance or a refusal? He couldn't tell. The Ninth Prince, however, disliked such insincere exchanges and interjected.
"Grandfather, I heard the manor has a good collection of fine wines. I've come today precisely to sample them, especially the Soul Sobering brew. I've heard of it for ages but never had the chance to taste it."
With the topic diverted, the First Prince found it difficult to press further. The Sixth Prince, always the peacemaker, a prince whose maternal family lacked power and who was not favored by the emperor, naturally chimed in.
"I've heard that only ten jars of Soul Sobering exist in the world, personally brewed by the former dynasty's wine sage, Du Zhuo. To have the opportunity to taste it today would indeed be my fortune." His tone, like a gentle breeze, somewhat eased the tense atmosphere of their exchanges.
Wei Lanxuan's heart fluttered when she saw her grandfather bring this Prince Ding. Just a few days ago, her grandfather had a long talk with her. The Wen and Liang families had both pledged their allegiance to Duke Wei's influence, and their daughters were naturally to be married into the Ninth Prince's faction to strengthen his power. Thus, the two young ladies were dressed grandly today, and among the many guests invited were their future intended husbands. However, her grandfather had suddenly invited Prince Ding; perhaps he wanted Wen Yuwei or Liang Luo to try and win his favor?
Considering this, Wei Lanxuan spoke, "Please excuse me, Imperial Uncle and Your Highnesses. I shall fetch the wine immediately." With that, she exchanged a look with Duke Wei, bowed, and left the waterside pavilion.
Wen Yuwei was surprised to see Prince Ding at such an occasion, her heart filled with excitement and a blush on her cheeks. Even if he was nearing the end of his days, she didn't care. It was merely a marriage of convenience for power. Since she had to marry anyway, why not try to marry someone whose power and status were undeniable? The thought of Wei Lanxuan and others treating him with such deference made her imagine that if she became Princess Ding, others would be fawning over her at future banquets. The more she thought about it, the more a sense of vindication filled her, and her gaze towards Prince Ding burned with intensity.
Not long after leaving the waterside pavilion, Yue Jian, Wei Lanxuan's maid, glanced around to ensure they were alone and whispered in her ear, "Young Master Liang has been sent back to his room. Miss need not worry."
Worry? Wei Lanxuan gave a bitter smile. In what capacity could they worry about each other? One was soon to be the son-in-law of Elder Xu's family, the other a pawn to be married into royalty. Their youthful affection could only be buried deep in their hearts, becoming a bitter memory of the past. "The imperial decree for marriage will arrive soon. From now on, he and I will go our separate ways. All that has passed is but a fleeting dream. Do not mention it again. And you, be careful and discreet, lest someone find fault."
"Your servant understands." Yue Jian was aware of their mutual feelings but knew such affection could not see the light of day, or the first to perish would be she, the maid who had helped relay messages. Thus, she kept her lips sealed, not daring to utter a word.
As the mistress and servant walked towards the outside of the waterside pavilion, they passed a rockery and saw Bai Sihan's furtive figure rushing towards the Mufeng Pavilion. Wei Lanxuan felt a suspicion. This girl had been too obvious just now, clearly trying to climb the social ladder. Wei Lanxuan wanted to see which young master she was trying to latch onto this time! Signaling Yue Jian to tread lightly, the two followed stealthily.
In the Mufeng Pavilion, a tall man indeed stood. Dressed in a water-blue long robe, with a silver-grey fur cloak draped over it, he exuded an air of refined elegance. Bai Sihan's heart leaped upon seeing the figure. Young Master Wen must have feelings for her too, otherwise, why would he have secretly summoned her here right after they parted? She must have captured his heart. Elation clouded her judgment, and she failed to notice that the person was not Wen Mengsheng but Young Master Liang, who should have been resting in his room. Their figures were similar, and the color of their cloaks today was also alike. Bai Sihan hadn't seen clearly, but Yue Jian, who was beside Wei Lanxuan, did.
She gasped softly, "Miss, it's Young Master Liang!"
"What! How can he be here!" Yue Jian shook her head in astonishment. She didn't know either.
Wei Lanxuan's anger flared. Before understanding the reason, she had already condemned them both for secretly meeting. So, Liang Pan, with his bitter demeanor at the banquet, had tugged at her heartstrings, making her feel that fate was unfair, forcing them into separate marriages. Little did she know, it was a case of the prince willing, but the princess unwilling! After discarding her, they were meeting in secret! Was this a ploy, a feint? Seeing her own opportunity gone, they were seeking pleasure elsewhere? The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't let go of her resentment. She lifted her skirt and hurried towards the Mufeng Pavilion, with an air of catching them in the act.
However, in her haste, she stepped on dry leaves on the ground, slipped, and with a splash, fell into the nearby pond, pulling Yue Jian in with her.
"Help! Help!" Neither of them could swim, and their winter clothes were heavy. They struggled incessantly after falling into the pond.
In the Mufeng Pavilion, Liang Pan's expression was somber. The thought of the woman he adored about to marry another filled him with unbearable pain. He had told his father that he wanted to break off the engagement with the Xu family, but before he could explain, his father had berated him loudly and confined him for half a month. His father constantly mentioned his deceased mother, as if he wouldn't rest in peace if Liang Pan didn't marry into the Xu family.