"According to palace protocol, Heir Lord Lu, you really should address me as Princess Changning!"
At the time of her birth, the *Treatise on People's Livelihood* written by Su Huaize was being implemented among the common people, receiving unanimous praise. The people were so grateful for the Emperor's boundless grace that Emperor Yongan was also universally lauded. Coincidentally, Noble Consort Yu in the palace had just become pregnant—a double blessing. Overjoyed, Emperor Yongan issued a decree conferring the title of Princess Changning upon the newborn. Thus, although she was merely the daughter of Chancellor Su, her status was far higher than that of most noble young ladies or gentlemen.
At Lu Jin'an's words, even Xiyin felt dissatisfied with him, casting a glance of disdain in his direction. She had previously accompanied her mistress to catch a glimpse of the Heir Lord, and from a distance, he had seemed like an elegant and refined gentleman. However, after the recent display by Li Wanqing at the Chancellor's Estate, combined with Lu Jin'an’s impropriety today, the little bit of favor she held for him vanished entirely.
In a public setting, to call her mistress by her given name with such intimacy, and to stare so brazenly—he was no different from a common lecher!
Seeing Su Jinhuan avoid him and hearing her speak this way, Lu Jin'an was momentarily stunned. *This shouldn't be,* he thought. *How could Jinhuan treat him like a venomous snake? In the previous life, everything should have proceeded smoothly for him to strike up a conversation with her. How could she hold him at such a distance?*
Then, he thought again: they were currently outside the palace gates in a public place, and he and Jinhuan were not yet on intimate terms. Addressing her with such familiarity was indeed inappropriate. Lu Jin'an cupped his hands in a salute, a look of apology on his face. "Indeed, it was my presumption. I hope Princess Changning will not take offense!"
The young man stood tall and graceful; as he lowered his head to apologize, he was quite a sight to behold. But Su Jinhuan ignored him, turned, and walked through the palace gates. She didn't know what kind of madness had seized Lu Jin'an, but it was just as well—she would simply pay him no mind. Out of sight, out of mind.
Lu Jin'an looked up to see that Su Jinhuan had already walked away. Yet, he was not annoyed. Watching her retreating figure, he smiled dreamily. The Jinhuan of this lifetime was so vivid. This was an expression he had never seen before, and it moved him even more. As for her attitude, he believed that since they were starting over, the fated path would not change. Jinhuan would surely fall for him again.
At that moment, Lu Qingge chimed in at the wrong time. "Brother, Su Jinhuan is so overbearing, why do you keep fawning over her? Didn't you see? She didn't even want to acknowledge you, and you were there lowering yourself, but she turned and left without a word! Mother was right—this Su Jinhuan is arrogant, ignorant of etiquette, and looks down on everyone!"
Unexpectedly, Lu Jin'an's expression darkened. "Hold your tongue! You don't understand her. Besides, we are outside the palace gates; if someone with ulterior motives hears you speaking like this, it will be detrimental to the Anping Marquis Estate!"
Lu Qingge actually wanted to retort, *And you understand her?* But seeing Lu Jin'an’s gloomy expression, she dared not say another word. Deep down, however, she felt full of grievances. She had only been speaking up for her brother out of indignation at how Su Jinhuan had treated him. To have her brother be so harsh to her for the sake of a Su Jinhuan—it was truly hateful. Her mother was right: this Su Jinhuan was nothing but a vixen who seduced men, having completely ensnared the soul of a brother who used to dote on her.
Once inside the palace, Su Jinhuan was led by a young eunuch to the Imperial Garden, where the Spring Flower Banquet was being held. Many people had already arrived—renowned young talents and noble ladies of the capital. Seeing her approach, they cast curious glances her way. She nodded and smiled in response to those she recognized.
Upon seeing the various princes and princesses, she bowed. "First Prince, Third Prince, Fourth Princess, Fifth Prince!"
Shen Shiheng waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Rise and take your seat, sister."
The air in the palace was warmer than outside, and with the flowers in the garden specially tended, they were already in full, brilliant bloom. Once at the banquet, male and female guests were seated separately. Under the guidance of a maid, Su Jinhuan took the third seat in the front row.
Emperor Yongan had five sons and three daughters. The eldest daughter was already married and did not live in the palace, and the youngest was born to a low-ranking concubine and lacked imperial favor, so she was not at the banquet. Thus, only Fourth Princess Shen Zhiyun attended, seated at the head of the ladies. Following her was Ji Wantang, daughter of the Grand Marshal and niece of the Empress. Next came Su Jinhuan. Below her sat Song Xiangwan, daughter of the Minister of the Secretariat. Song was cute and delicate, a famous talented woman in the capital, though among this crowd of noble ladies, she seemed somewhat eclipsed.
Seated at the head of the male guests was the true protagonist of the banquet, First Prince Shen Shiqian. He favored Emperor Yongan, with a cold, stern brow and phoenix eyes that held an inherent authority. Behind him was Third Prince Shen Shiheng, the son of her aunt. He and Su Jinhuan were close in age, but he had already grown quite tall and grinned at her warmly when he saw her.
Sitting opposite Su Jinhuan was Fifth Prince Shen Shiming. He had a gentle demeanor, wore white, and appeared somewhat slender, possessing the air of a mild-mannered, jade-like gentleman. Noticing her watching him, he smiled at her. Su Jinhuan looked at him and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Shen Shiming was the result of a night of imperial folly and similarly lacked the Emperor's favor. Now raised by the Empress, he was nothing more than a pawn being used to help Shen Shiqian ascend the throne.
Hardly had Su Jinhuan sat down than the Lu siblings arrived, offered their salutations, and took their places. Lu Qingge was on good terms with Song Xiangwan, and they soon began whispering together, while Lu Jin'an’s gaze remained fixed on Su Jinhuan.
Moments later, the Empress arrived, accompanied by Noble Consort Yu and Noble Consort Shu. The Empress wore a polished smile, though in her heart, she was cursing the two consorts behind her. Originally, she was to host the banquet, and the only prince expected was her own. But after they learned she had sent out invitations, they had descended upon the Phoenix Palace, spouting nonsense about the harmony of the princes, ultimately forcing their way in along with the Third Prince and Fourth Princess.
Refusing to show her frustration, she took her seat, followed by the two consorts. Once settled, the Empress glanced toward the lower seats and caught Su Jinhuan’s eye, nodding slightly. After the collective bowing and greeting, the banquet officially began.
Before the festivities, the Empress gave a routine opening speech: "I have observed that the spring weather is bright and the blossoms in the garden are in full bloom, so I invited you all here to enjoy them together. You are all kin to the noble families of the capital; do not stand on ceremony while in the palace, so that we may uphold the grace between sovereign and subject! Begin."
Exquisite delicacies were served one after another, accompanied by the melodious sound of string and wind instruments. Yet, Su Jinhuan noticed that the seat below Shen Shiming remained empty.