As Xiao Xiang left, the Crown Prince saw Xue Kun standing by, still soaking wet, holding a woman's cloak and frowning with displeasure. He immediately ordered, "Take your master to change his clothes at once."
"Yes. Young Master, this servant will escort you to change," the servant said.
Xue Kun, like a stunned goose, could only follow the servant. As they walked away, he couldn't resist looking back twice.
Strange, why did he jump in to save her?
The people present had intended to make a big fuss, but unfortunately, Xiao Man was ruthless. She had thrown someone into the lake and even dared to lie and chase people away in front of the Crown Prince. Thus, they immediately gave up their intention to cause trouble, but their gazes towards Xiao Man became more hostile.
After such a farce, the Wen family, fearing someone else might fall into the water, moved the flower viewing party to the garden.
Chu Qingge hooked Xiao Man's arm: "Sister Xiao, you are truly something. I'm immensely impressed."
"What's there to be impressed about? I envy you, having no messy people at home," Xiao Man said slowly.
The Protector General's mansion had too many people, especially too many women.
It should be said that the Protector General's mansion was dominated by women. Her father and brother were not at home, leaving only women.
These women, having no opportunity to vie for favor, had too much energy to vent, so they racked their brains to scheme against others. Little did they know that in the end, their elaborate plans would backfire. Su Dan Novel Network
"Since you've come of age, once you're married, you won't have to worry about them anymore," Chu Qingge said happily. "Among those present today, apart from the Crown Prince, everyone else is an unmarried young talent. Is there anyone you like?"
Xiao Man glanced at Chu Qingge: "Sister Chu, are you really eager to marry? It's true, you're two years older than me, and you should be married. Do you have someone you like? If so, tell your sister, and your sister will snatch him back for you as a bandit chief's husband!"
Chu Qingge choked and immediately retorted: "Then does Sister Xiao have someone in mind? Why don't you say it, and your sister will immediately snatch him back for you as a bandit chief's husband!"
Xiao Man smiled enchantingly: "I think His Highness the Prince of Qin is exceptionally handsome. Why doesn't Sister help me snatch him back?"
Chu Qingge stumbled, almost falling. If Xiao Man hadn't quickly supported her, she would have made a fool of herself.
"You win!" Chu Qingge said in a low voice.
How would she dare to snatch the Prince of Qin? She feared that before she could make a move, she would be beaten to death by the Prince of Qin's guards!
The Prince of Qin, who was being spoken of, happened to overhear this. His eyes flickered, and a half-smile played on his lips. Was he craving his face?
***
At the flower viewing party, the men and women were separated. The flowers for viewing were placed in the center, covered by bamboo curtains. Only through the gaps between the pots could a glimpse of their beauty be caught.
"Mo Han, it's already the end of April. Where did you find so many fresh flowers?" the Crown Prince asked gently.
He had come to the flower viewing party purely to watch the show.
In court, everyone knew that the Prince of Qin, with his foreign blood, had no chance of succeeding to the throne.
However, the Prince of Qin held military power and was a pawn for the other princes to leverage.
But the Prince of Qin never attended banquets or associated with court officials.
He was usually indifferent, restrained, and seemed to have no desires, making it impossible to find any weakness.
The Crown Prince firmly believed that a person without weaknesses was very frightening.
He wanted the Prince of Qin's support, but he was afraid that the Prince of Qin's intentions were unpredictable and might harm him.
"April is the season when all flowers are in bloom. Finding flowers is not difficult. Among these, this pot of spring peach blossoms is the rarest. I searched many places to find it," Wen Mo Han said with a smile. "Your Highness, why don't you guess which one it is?"
The Crown Prince's gaze swept across the pots of flowers in front of him. He casually pointed to a pot of peach blossoms that still had buds: "It should be this one."
Wen Mo Han clapped her hands in praise: "Indeed, it is this one. Most of the peach blossoms have already withered, and only this pot, found in the deep mountains, still has buds. However, the weather in the lower mountains is warm, so it will likely wither in a day or two."
"What is the theme of today's flower viewing party?"
"Since it's a flower viewing party, the theme is naturally flowers," Wen Mo Han replied gently. "However, today we'll try something new. The male guests will pose questions for the female guests, and the female guests will pose questions for the male guests. I will have someone post the male guests' questions to the female guests, and the female guests will choose the questions they like to answer. The male guests will do the same."
"This way of playing is quite novel," the Crown Prince looked at Nangong Yu. "Fourth Brother, have you thought of a question?"
"No," Nangong Yu's voice was as cold as his demeanor.
At this moment, he was listlessly drinking clear wine. He didn't like peach blossoms and was looking at the only pot of pear blossoms.
A gust of wind blew, and pear blossoms fell from the branches, inexplicably casting a shadow of melancholy over his heart.
***
Even Xiao Man found it boring.
If she had known it was such a dull matchmaking event, she would never have come.
Moreover, the clear wine tasted bland, and appreciating flowers offered no pleasure. It was more interesting to read military books at home.
Soon, the participants in the male guest section finished writing their questions. The servants collected the questions, posted them, and sent them to the female guest section.
A moment later, someone delivered the questions from the female guest section, allowing everyone to choose.
Nangong Yu's gaze fell upon a question.
Because this question was exactly the same as the one he had written: "Flower is not flower." And the handwriting was also familiar. This was a question written by Xiao Man.
"Miss Xiao."
Wen Mo Yu called out several times before Xiao Man heard her. She turned her head to look at her: "Miss Wen, is there something?"
"Nanny Sheng is a renowned etiquette tutor in the capital, and many young ladies present were also tutored by Nanny Sheng. However, the only one who received Nanny Sheng's praise was Miss Xiao," Wen Mo Yu said with a gentle smile. "I believe everyone present is very curious about Miss Xiao's talent. Why don't we start with Miss Xiao for the first selection today?"
Here it comes, just as expected.
Xiao Man knew that Wen Mo Yu's invitation to this small banquet was not well-intentioned!
Xiao Man's gaze fell on the posted questions, and her eyes landed on a slip of paper: Flower is not flower.
Someone had given her the same question!
Seeing Xiao Man hesitate to choose, someone immediately sneered: "Miss Wen, don't make it difficult for Miss Xiao. In the entire capital, if it comes to fighting, Miss Xiao is undoubtedly number one. But when it comes to composing poetry, Miss Xiao probably can't even make it to the end of the list."
Soon, discussions arose.
"Nanny Sheng praised her talent as surpassing that of immortals. She must have some literary talent, right?"
"Some literary talent? Don't make me laugh. I don't know what underhanded means she used to deceive Nanny Sheng. Everyone in the capital knows that Miss Xiao is an unlearned good-for-nothing. Am I wrong, Miss Xiao?" Li Zhaoyao, who had been embarrassed by Xiao Man earlier, finally found a chance to retaliate.
"Nanny Sheng has always been upright and honest. I naturally believe Nanny Sheng would not lie. Since Nanny Sheng praised Miss Xiao's talent as surpassing that of immortals, it must be true."
As soon as she finished speaking, Wen Mo Yu smiled gently: "Miss Xiao, have you chosen a question?"