Count Jingwen sat in the main seat with a jubilant expression, his gaze resting on the two daughters standing before him.
The second daughter, though not a ravishing beauty, was a charming girl-next-door; she possessed a classic oval face, a pair of amorous peach-blossom eyes, fair skin, and a slender frame—altogether alluring and delightful.
The third daughter, however, was a true stunner. With hair as black as lacquer and skin like jade, her almond eyes held the spirited sparkle of a young deer in the woods. Sitting there, she resembled a portrait of a classic beauty.
"Ahem." Count Jingwen cleared his throat. He glanced at his third daughter, who was frowning at him, and his second, who wore a look of displeasure, before declaring in a booming voice, "The annual Spring Banquet is about to begin. Princess Rongjia has sent invitations for the ladies of the Count's Estate to join in the grand event. Mingyue is traveling to Shuzhou for your cousin’s wedding and will not return in time, so the two of you shall go instead."
As he spoke, his gaze swept between Fu Jing'an and Fu Yingzhi. He saw a flush of coy shyness spread across the former's face, while the latter remained composed and indifferent.
Count Jingwen straightened his expression and added sternly, "Both of you are approaching your coming-of-age ceremony. At the Spring Banquet, remember to be careful with your words and actions. Do not disregard the rules or lose decorum in the presence of nobility."
Seeing his daughters step forward in unison to offer a respectful and perfectly executed bow, Count Jingwen nodded in satisfaction, feeling a sense of inward relief.
Madam Wen, playing the part of a benevolent mother, smiled at the pair and summoned Mammy Zhou. "Go and bring over the brocade dresses sent by the Xiuluo Pavilion for the two young ladies."
Shortly after, two young maids entered carrying exquisite boxes made of gold-threaded, bird-and-flower-patterned satin.
Opening the boxes, they revealed two gowns: one rose-red and the other light blue. Both were intricately embroidered and shimmered with a brilliant sheen.
As Fu Yingzhi’s eyes landed on the light blue dress, she froze. Memories of the original owner surged into her mind like a tidal wave.
She remembered!
In the original novel, the Xiuluo Pavilion had sent two bolts of fabric: one rose-red and one light blue. The original owner had originally chosen the rose-red, but after hearing through Second Young Master Xiao’s wet nurse that Xiao Yu preferred "gentle and refined young ladies," she threw a tantrum, complaining that the red was garish, and demanded to swap with Fu Jing'an.
Fu Jing'an, playing the role of one who "suffers in silence for the sake of peace," magnanimously gave the light blue dress she had already taken to her courtyard to Fu Yingzhi.
This gesture earned Fu Jing'an universal praise within the estate, while Fu Yingzhi was condemned by everyone as "willful and unreasonable," causing her reputation to plummet.
But in reality, it was a trap meticulously orchestrated by Madam Wen and Fu Jing'an. Even the "wet nurse" had been bribed by them. The true reason was that they had secretly discovered the light blue dress was the same color as the gown Princess Qinghuan would be wearing. Fearing that she would anger the Princess, Fu Jing'an devised this scheme to make Fu Yingzhi "snatch" the misfortune that was meant for her. This way, she not only avoided disaster but also made Fu Yingzhi the target of everyone’s ire.
In her previous life, having attended the banquet in that light blue dress, Fu Yingzhi had been thoroughly targeted by Princess Qinghuan and suffered a humiliating public spectacle.
"They’ve taken every advantage!" At this thought, Fu Yingzhi clenched her fists under her sleeves. Maintaining a serene expression, she reached out and took the box with the rose-red dress.
After a few more minutes of idle chatter in the Main Hall, the group dispersed.
No sooner had Fu Yingzhi returned to her courtyard than Mammy Xia hurried toward her. With a sycophantic smile, she pushed aside Qinxin, who was standing near Fu Yingzhi, and whispered into the young lady’s ear.
Seeing Fu Yingzhi’s puzzled look, the woman added ingratiatingly, "Now that this old servant is in your courtyard, I am, of course, entirely on your side. Rest assured, by the time of the Spring Banquet, you will surely have the Second Young Master firmly in your grasp."
"Oh? I have already taken the dress. What does Mammy think I should do now?" Fu Yingzhi looked at Mammy Xia with a playful, enigmatic glint in her eyes.
"Naturally, you must go and demand it from the Second Young Lady! The Side Consort has always favored you. If the Second Young Lady refuses to give it up, just go and make a scene before the Side Consort; it will surely be done!" Mammy Xia said with wild excitement, even giving Fu Yingzhi a nudge, looking as if she couldn't wait.
"Mammy, have you finished sweeping the courtyard today?" Fu Yingzhi asked unhurriedly, lifting her teacup to take a gentle sip before speaking again.
Mammy Xia was momentarily struck dumb, the smile on her face freezing.
"Go on and sweep, Mammy. It will be lunchtime soon. If you don't finish, don't blame me for being a harsh mistress." Fu Yingzhi set down her cup and smiled at Mammy Xia.
"Pfft." Qinxin, standing to the side, couldn't help but chuckle.
She had been worried that her mistress would be bewitched by Mammy Xia again and act impulsively, inviting trouble. Seeing her mistress respond with such poise, she felt a wave of relief.
Mammy Xia’s face turned from red to white, and she retreated in defeat.
Once the woman was gone, Qinxin could no longer contain her excitement. "Miss, you were truly brilliant just now!"
"Was I?" Fu Yingzhi looked at the still-naive young girl with a smile.
"Because this time, you weren't led astray by Mammy Xia," Qinxin replied earnestly.
"Since they want to trick me into swapping dresses, they will surely try again," Fu Yingzhi said calmly, blowing the tea leaves floating in her cup.
"Then what should we do?" Qinxin and Qinyin asked in unison.
"Then I’ll swap," Fu Yingzhi said, putting down her cup, a flash of cunning in her eyes. "I have my own ways of dealing with them." Her tone was relaxed, as if everything were entirely under her control.
...
Inside Yaxiang Courtyard, Fu Jing'an was pacing back and forth in agitation, twisting her handkerchief tightly between her fingers. She looked toward the gate from time to time, calculating the time. *By now, Fu Yingzhi should be nearly at the gate. Why is there still no sign of her?*
The longer she waited, the more anxious she became. She ordered her trusted maid to go and investigate. Before long, Zhengxian hurried back, speaking cautiously: "Second Young Lady... I don't think the Third Young Lady is coming."
Hardly had the words left her lips when a sharp *clatter* rang out. Fu Jing'an swept a teacup off the table; the sound of shattering porcelain exploded in the quiet Yaxiang Courtyard as tea splattered across the floor. Her face turned pale with rage, and she grit her teeth: "How could she not come! She must have found something out!"
"So impatient—what can you possibly accomplish?"
A shrill female voice sounded from the doorway. Madam Wen, supported by Mammy Zhou, walked into the room. She glanced at the broken porcelain on the floor and frowned.
"How can I stay calm!" Fu Jing'an spun around to face Madam Wen, her voice rising an octave. "The Spring Banquet is almost here, and I don't want to be wearing the same dress as Princess Rongjia! If something goes wrong, my reputation will be ruined!" She spoke with increasing agitation, her voice trembling. "It must be that Mammy Xia. She must have changed sides, otherwise why wouldn't Fu Yingzhi come!"
Seeing this, Madam Wen’s frown deepened. She stepped over the shards of porcelain, walked to Fu Jing'an’s side, and pulled her toward the daybed by the window.
"Don't worry. The rose-red dress was tailored to your measurements from the start. Mother has her own ways of making her return it to its rightful owner." A trace of ruthlessness flashed in Madam Wen’s eyes. "That girl cannot escape my grasp. If she won't listen obediently, I have plenty of ways to make her pay."
***
**Chapter 12: The Dress Swap Storm**
At noon, the sun was bright. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling onto the rosewood chair carved with phoenix patterns. A breeze drifted in, carrying the faint fragrance of hibiscus.
Just as Fu Yingzhi was drifting into a light slumber, she heard Qinxin’s voice outside: "Mammy Zhou is here, but the Miss is taking her nap. Please wait a moment."
As soon as she finished speaking, a hoarse, sycophantic voice rose up: "Qinxin, you had better wake the Miss quickly. This old servant can wait, but the Count cannot!"
Hearing this, Fu Yingzhi frowned, a wave of displeasure rising in her heart. She bit her lip to suppress her irritation and called out in a cool voice: "Come in."
The door opened, and the two entered.
Mammy Zhou walked in hurriedly. Seeing that Fu Yingzhi had risen, she stepped forward to offer a respectful bow, urging, "Third Young Lady, the Madam requests that you bring the brocade dress and head to Yaxiang Courtyard immediately." Fu Yingzhi sighed softly, looked at Mammy Zhou, and probed, "You said just now that Father is there as well?"
Receiving an affirmative answer, she reluctantly prepared herself, sighing inwardly. *When will life in this Count's Estate ever be peaceful?*
Once ready, led by Mammy Zhou, Fu Yingzhi finally left her courtyard.
Qinyin followed closely, holding a cape and carefully trailing at Fu Yingzhi’s side.
The group passed through winding corridors and navigated past rockeries and ponds, quickly arriving at Yaxiang Courtyard.
Stepping through the gate, the scenery opened up; bamboo forests surrounded the courtyard, with rockeries, flowing water, and blooming flowers that made it feel like a fairyland.
Fu Jing'an’s room was also opulently decorated with silk curtains, fine porcelain, and intricately carved furniture, exuding an air of elegance and wealth.
Stepping inside, Fu Yingzhi couldn't help but frown. This room was a stark contrast to the original owner’s boudoir; one was simple and pure, the other extravagant, even verging on garish. Thinking of Fu Jing'an herself, Fu Yingzhi couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head.
"Jing'an is here!" Madam Wen emerged from the inner room and hurried to greet her, enthusiastically grabbing Fu Yingzhi’s hand and pulling her inside, saying softly: "Quick, try on your dress and see if it fits."
Fu Yingzhi was confused but didn't say much, allowing the maids and mammies to help her into the rose-red dress.
Just as she was dressed and had barely stood steady in the main room, a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside.
"Father! Look! Those fools at the Xiuluo Pavilion must have mistaken the measurements!" Fu Jing'an, dressed in the light blue dress, stormed in, her voice sharp and her face full of indignation.
Seeing this, Fu Yingzhi frowned and looked down, discovering that the rose-red dress she was wearing reached only to her ankles, while the hem of Fu Jing'an’s light blue dress dragged significantly on the floor, clearly much too large.
*So this is the game,* Fu Yingzhi thought with a cold sneer, though she kept her expression calm.
She lifted her gaze to Count Jingwen and saw him furrowing his brow, evidently displeased by the chaos.
Madam Wen stepped forward quickly, casting an imperceptible glance at Fu Jing'an.
She then looked at the two sisters, her brows knitted slightly, and said gently: "Jing'an’s dress is fine; if we ask a tailor to take in the hem, it can still be worn. But Yingzhi's dress..." She paused, her face showing a hint of difficulty, then turned to Mammy Zhou, her tone suddenly turning much sharper: "Go and bring those fools from the Xiuluo Pavilion here! If they can't even get the measurements right, I want to know if they still want to do business with our Count's Estate!"
"Forget it, forget it." Count Jingwen waved his hand impatiently, a note of irritability in his voice. "The third girl is a bit taller than the second. If they swap dresses, won't they both fit?"
Hearing this, Fu Jing'an’s eyes brightened with triumph, though she quickly hid it, replacing it with a gentle smile as she looked at Fu Yingzhi: "Third Sister, what do you think?"
Seeing Fu Yingzhi remain silent, Madam Wen’s expression chilled, and she signaled Mammy Zhou.
Understanding, Mammy Zhou immediately went into the inner room and soon emerged holding a set of exquisite gold-gilded, blue-sapphire-encrusted jewelry.
The eyes of everyone in the room were instantly drawn to the sapphires. Fu Yingzhi heard Fu Jing'an beside her gasp, her eyes burning as she stared at the headpiece; the sapphires shimmered with a cold, ghostly brilliance under the sunlight, truly magnificent.
"This... isn't this part of your dowry? Why bring it out now?" Count Jingwen’s eyes widened as he looked at Madam Wen, his tone full of surprise and confusion.
Madam Wen lowered her eyes, putting on a virtuous and modest air, and whispered: "I know Yingzhi is reluctant to swap, but this Spring Banquet is the face of our Count's Estate! We cannot have two young ladies attending in ill-fitting clothes!" With that, she stepped forward to take Fu Yingzhi’s hand and added, "How could I bear to see the Third Young Lady suffer? Let Yingzhi wear this precious set for the Spring Banquet."
Count Jingwen was deeply moved and nodded with satisfaction: "I am truly fortunate! The Side Consort is so virtuous and thinks of the estate at every turn. Third girl, why don't you thank your mother!"
Hearing this, Madam Wen’s maternal smile deepened. She carefully took the jewelry set from Mammy Zhou and handed it to Fu Yingzhi.
A thin layer of mist welled in her eyes, and she said, "Third girl, take it! I only hope you can dazzle everyone at the Spring Banquet and find a good match." As she spoke, a single tear slid down her cheek, and her voice choked slightly: "If you can have a good home, I am willing to pay any price."
Count Jingwen sat in the main seat, watching this display of maternal kindness and filial piety, and remembering how he had scolded Madam Wen in front of everyone earlier, his heart stirred. He walked over, gently draped his arm around Madam Wen’s shoulders, his eyes full of admiration and emotion.
Fu Yingzhi accepted the jewelry with both hands, her face full of gratitude. Faking intense delight, she bowed respectfully: "Thank you, Mother, for your deep love. I knew you were the one who cared for me the most; even Second Sister doesn't have such a blessing." Her tone was sincere, yet she clearly saw the meaningful glint in Madam Wen’s eyes as she took the jewelry.
She lowered her gaze, her fingertips brushing against the cold sapphires. Recalling the affectionate couple standing before her, the chill in her heart deepened.
After leaving Yaxiang Courtyard, Fu Yingzhi pondered and formulated a counter-strategy.
Using the excuse of going out to shop, she left the estate with Qinyin. The two of them first bought some seasonal snacks at Taoyuan Pavilion, but instead of returning the same way, they bypassed the main streets, took cover in the bustling crowd, and slipped into a quiet alleyway.
Relying on her memory, Fu Yingzhi navigated the complex maze of streets, shaking off the "tails" following her behind the cover of the busy crowds. After turning several corners, she stopped before an inconspicuous door and tapped the ring gently.
Before long, there was a rustling sound inside. After a moment, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman peeked out...
***
**Chapter 13: Visiting the Prince Jing's Estate**
When the door creaked open again, the middle-aged woman was now looking at Fu Yingzhi with a smile, her eyes filled with reverence and gratitude. She bowed slightly and attempted to salute again, only to be gently supported by Fu Yingzhi.
"Madame, there is no need for such formalities," Fu Yingzhi said with a soft smile. "You may return now."
At these words, a flicker of emotion crossed the woman’s eyes. Her lips parted as if to say something, but in the end, she simply nodded and watched as Fu Yingzhi turned to leave.
By the time they emerged from the alley, the sun was high in the sky. Sunlight spilled onto the stone pavement like golden silk, illuminating the surroundings. A light breeze drifted by, carrying the fresh scent of distant flowers, which was refreshing to the spirit.
Fu Yingzhi’s mood was just as radiant as the sunshine.
Qinyin held a rosewood box tightly in her arms. Carved with complex cloud patterns, it looked both rustic and tinged with a mysterious nobility. Her gaze constantly followed Fu Yingzhi’s back, her eyes filled with admiration and joy.
"Miss, are we returning to the estate?" Qinyin broke the silence and asked softly.
"We are going to Prince Jing's Estate." Hearing this, Qinyin’s heart skipped a beat, her pupils widening in surprise. *When did Miss and Prince Jing become this close?*
Passing through the streets and alleys, the two quickly reached the Zhuque Street.
The street was broad, lined with shops and bustling with pedestrians. However, the most eye-catching sight was the grand, imposing estate at the end of the street. The vermilion main gate stood majestic, the bronze door rings glinting in the sunlight. Above the lintel hung a golden plaque with the words "Prince Jing's Estate" written in a bold, sweeping calligraphy—said to have been inscribed by the Emperor himself.
Qinyin looked up at the golden plaque, feeling a sense of reverence.
As she was lost in thought, a gatekeeper in plain cloth hurried over, eyeing them with a serious expression. His tone was respectful but distant: "Which family’s young ladies are you? This is Prince Jing's Estate. If you have no official business, please leave at once."
Fu Yingzhi smiled and declared loudly: "I am here to see Prince Jing."
The gatekeeper was stunned, clearly not expecting a young girl who hadn't even come of age to be so bold.
He was about to drive them away, but seeing the visitor’s calm and composed demeanor, he hesitated. *The Prince has a fiery temper and never likes to be disturbed by outsiders, especially a young girl. If I report this rashly, I’ll be punished. But if I ignore her and she truly is an acquaintance...*
Between his hesitation, cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.
Just as they were at a stalemate, a familiar voice came from behind: "Third Young Lady?"
Fu Yingzhi turned slightly toward the sound.
The golden sunlight filtered through the old locust tree in front of the Prince's Estate, casting dappled shadows like crushed gold onto Fu Yingzhi’s face.
The young girl’s long lashes fluttered, her eyes as clear and bright as deep, tranquil water. Seeing Mosong, her lips curved into a soft smile, and she looked for all the world like a fairy stepping out of a painting, unimaginably beautiful.
Mosong froze for a moment, a blush spreading across his face. He hurried to step back half a step, bowed deeply, and said with a mix of panic and respect: "Third Young Lady, are you here to see the Prince?"
Fu Yingzhi nodded, saying solemnly: "Yesterday, the Prince personally came to the estate to prove my innocence, so I must reciprocate. This morning, I specially prepared some restorative medicine to bring to him."
"Cough, cough, cough—" Mosong was so choked by the words "restorative medicine" that he coughed repeatedly, nearly laughing out loud.
He struggled to contain his amusement, his mind racing: *If the Prince knew this Third Young Lady had come all the way here at midday to bring him medicine, I wonder what he would think?*
Mosong cleared his throat, did his best to suppress the smile at the corner of his mouth, and put on a serious face. Respectfully and politely, he said: "Third Young Lady, the Prince is busy with official business today and is not currently at the estate. Would you like to come in and sit for a cup of tea?"
No sooner had Mosong finished speaking than he heard Fu Yingzhi respond cheerfully: "That would be lovely!"
With that, the young girl lifted her hand to signal Qinyin to follow, and walked into the estate with an air of complete composure.
Seeing this, Mosong was shocked, inwardly lamenting: *I was only being polite—how did she actually take me up on it?* Though he didn't show it on his face, he felt uneasy and could only bite the bullet and lead them toward the Main Hall.
The Prince's Estate was silent; the few servants who passed by lowered their heads, not daring to speak, and hurried away as soon as they saw the group.
The estate was decorated with great elegance: winding corridors, upturned eaves, and intricately carved beams that exuded a rustic sense of wealth. Rockeries and ponds were arranged with care, and exotic flowers bloomed in competition, creating a scene like a painting.
In the courtyard stood a beautifully restored pavilion adjacent to a clear pond. The water surface rippled, reflecting the sky and clouds, as transparent as a piece of jade.
"Third Young Lady, the Prince is truly not in the estate. Please move to the Main Hall and wait a moment; I will send someone to inform him."
"No need to go to that trouble; it’s nothing urgent," Fu Yingzhi said casually while appreciating the scenery.
Her gaze wandered until it settled on the pavilion. The young girl’s lips curved upward, and she pointed a slender, elegant finger toward it, her tone casual and contented: "I won't go to the Main Hall. Sitting there will do just fine."
Mosong followed her gaze and was shocked. That pavilion was the place the Prince loved to linger the most. He hadn't expected the Third Young Lady to take a liking to it as well. Their tastes were so perfectly aligned; it was a rare stroke of fate. At this thought, the corners of his mouth twitched, though he remained respectful and stepped aside to lead the way: "Please follow me, Third Young Lady."
At the pavilion, after Mosong respectfully asked about her preferences for tea, he hurried off to prepare it.
Watching him leave, Fu Yingzhi found the sunniest spot, grabbed a cushion, and leaned lazily against the railing to admire the scenery of the Prince's Estate.
Copper wind chimes hung from the four corners of the pavilion; as a light breeze blew, the chimes rang out, crisp and pleasant to the ear. The railings were made of fine red wood, carved with intricate patterns and highlighted with gold thread, adding to the air of luxury. Outside, several koi swam leisurely in the pond, looking perfectly at ease.
Fu Yingzhi looked into the distance when suddenly, a splash of red caught her attention.
In the sun-drenched courtyard, there was a sea of flowers. Each red bloom opened amidst the shifting light and shadow; the petals were as fine as red velvet, beautiful and elegant. As the breeze blew, the branches swayed, emitting a faint, lingering fragrance.
Fu Yingzhi was mesmerized. But the next second, a modern formula appeared in her mind. A devilish smile graced the young girl’s lips. She lifted her skirt and ran toward that sea of red...
***
**Chapter 14: Giving You Medicine, Borrowing Some Flowers**
When Mosong rushed back with the tea, he nearly dropped the tray in his hands at the sight before him.
Fu Yingzhi was crouching in the sea of red flowers, using both hands to pluck the blossoms without mercy. Her movements were decisive and swift, and her expression was entirely calm and collected.
Qinyin stood to the side, trembling, her hands twisted together, watching her surroundings nervously.
The servants in the estate were gathered in small groups not far away, whispering and stealing glances at her.
This sea of red flowers had quite the reputation! They were exotic flowers called Mandalas that Prince Huan had gone to great lengths to obtain from the Western Regions. They were extremely delicate and difficult to raise. Ordinarily, the estate’s gardeners pampered them with the utmost care—watering them to perfection, ensuring they received the right amount of light, and even fertilizing them with extreme caution for fear of damaging their roots.
If the servants needed to pass by this area, they would rather take a long detour than risk walking by the flowerbeds.
Once, a gardener had accidentally broken a few blossoms and was punished with three months' salary and twenty lashes. Ever since then, everyone in the estate knew these flowers were the apple of Prince Jing’s eye, and they stayed as far away from the Mandalas as possible.
Now, the entire field of Mandalas had been almost completely plucked bare by this noble guest. Where was their former splendor?
Mosong stomped his feet in anxiety and rushed over, his voice pitched so high it sounded as if he were being strangled: "Third Young Lady, stop! These are the Prince’s favorites!"
Fu Yingzhi, who had been burying herself in her work, looked up at the sound of his distorted cry. Seeing Mosong’s face twisting in agony, she let out a peal of laughter.
She brushed the dirt from her hands and laughed, saying, "Guard Mosong, if you raise your voice any higher, I’m afraid even the palace eunuchs would have to hang their heads in shame! Don't fret, don't fret. Just tell your Prince that I’ve borrowed these flowers, and I’ll be sure to remember his kindness."
Upon hearing this, Mosong nearly fainted. He wailed inwardly, "Borrowed? The way you're 'borrowing,' you've practically uprooted the entire garden! When the Prince returns, will my head still be attached to my shoulders?"
The young girl before him had curved eyes and a radiant smile, but in Mosong's current eyes, she was no beauty—she was a lawless little tyrant.
Looking at the wreckage, Fu Yingzhi stretched her waist, which had grown sore from bending over for so long, feeling quite satisfied. She waved for Qinyin to come and help.
Qinyin walked into the flower beds, trembling, and whispered, "Miss, these are the flowers of Prince Jing's Estate. If we do this... will we really be alright?"
Fu Yingzhi laughed dismissively and patted Qinyin on the shoulder. "Don't worry. If the sky falls, I'll be the one to hold it up. Let's go; we have more important things to do back at the estate!" She then turned to look at Mosong. Seeing his miserable expression, she blinked her bright, almond-shaped eyes and said, "Guard Mosong, do you have pen and paper here? I need to leave a message for your master."
Mosong felt like crying, but he dared not refuse, so he hurriedly fetched ink and paper.
Fu Yingzhi took the brush, made a few swift strokes to finish the note, sealed it, and handed it back to Mosong. She gave a sly wink and said, "Guard Mosong, thanks for your hospitality! We’re off!"
Mosong took the letter, which felt like a burning coal in his hand. He watched Fu Yingzhi’s dashing retreating figure and glanced at the garden, now picked clean and barren. His heart felt desolate. With a mournful face, he couldn't help but shout after her, "Third Miss, why don't you just take me with you!"
Fu Yingzhi didn't even look back. She simply waved a hand, her laughter carrying on the wind: "Guard Mosong, rest assured!"
Looking at the bare stems on the ground, Mosong felt his future looked even more desolate than the garden.
...
Fu Yingzhi carried the flowers back to the Count's Estate with a swagger. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she bumped into Mammy Xia.
"Third Miss, where have you been?" Fu Yingzhi shot a side-glance at Mammy Xia, thinking to herself: *Is she about to stage a repeat performance of the old drama?*
Mrs. Xia was silenced by that glare, though her eyes remained fixed on the flowers in Fu Yingzhi's arms, as if trying to discern their origin.
Seeing this, Fu Yingzhi rolled her eyes, lifted her chin, and spoke in a clear, crisp voice: "These were a gift from Prince Jing himself! Well, aren't they beautiful?"
Mrs. Xia froze on the spot, her mouth dropping open wide enough to fit an egg, unable to close it for a long time.
Fu Yingzhi gave a faint smile and walked straight into the courtyard, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. She hadn't said this just for Mammy Xia's benefit; the servants passing by had already pricked up their ears and taken in every word.
Sure enough, within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the news that Prince Jing had sent flowers to the Third Miss had taken wing and spread throughout the estate.
Wenxin Pavilion.
Count Jingwen was sipping tea at his desk when he heard the servant's report. He leapt to his feet, not even bothering to wipe away the tea that had spilled onto his clothes. He widened his eyes and his voice rose an octave: "Is this true?"
The servant stood respectfully before the Count, hands hanging low, and lowered his head. "Everyone in the estate is saying so."
"Utter nonsense!" The Count's expression darkened. He furrowed his brows, a flicker of uncharacteristic panic flashing in his eyes as he pondered. After a moment, he looked up at the servant and commanded sharply, "Go! Tell everyone in the estate that this matter ends here. If I hear even half a word of gossip again, do not blame me for being heartless!"
Jinxiu Courtyard.
Fu Jing'an happened to be chatting in Madam Wen's courtyard when she heard the news. She stood up abruptly, grabbed a teacup from the table, and smashed it fiercely against the floor.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" A few more sharp cracks echoed as the floor became a mess.
"I’ve told you how many times: you must be calm when encountering trouble!" Madam Wen was startled by the sudden commotion and scolded her with a frown.
"Calm? How can you tell me to be calm!" Fu Jing'an's eyes were red, her voice sharp enough to pierce the roof. "That bitch—by what right? How could Prince Jing possibly fancy her? She’s nothing but a wild girl with no mother to raise her!"
Madam Wen sighed, walked over to Fu Jing'an, and gently stroked her back. She said softly, "Isn't the Spring Banquet soon? How much longer do you think she can act so wildly?"
Fu Jing'an finally composed herself. She took a deep breath, and a hint of a smile flashed in her tear-filled eyes. She clenched her hands so tightly her nails dug into her palms, her eyes filled with malice as she muttered, "That's right, the Spring Banquet... I want to see how much longer she can be so smug!"
...
Song Xiuyuan, dressed in dark robes, walked into the estate with a hurried gait and a deeply furrowed brow. The matters discussed with the Emperor in the Yangxin Hall were still swirling in his mind. Beining was showing signs of restlessness lately, and that was never a good omen.
He strode through the long corridor toward the gazebo, but despite his pace, he felt something was different about the estate today. He looked back to see Moyan, whose face had gone pale, looking nervously toward a certain spot.
Song Xiuyuan followed his gaze and caught sight of a bare, empty patch of land. His steps faltered, his brow furrowed even deeper, and an expression of disbelief crossed his face. If he remembered correctly, his favorite mandalas used to grow there. The garden that once bloomed so seductively now looked as if it had been ravaged by a cyclone, with only a few broken branches and withered leaves hanging miserably.
"Mosong!" A vein throbbed on Song Xiuyuan's forehead, his voice cold as ice.
Mosong trembled as he emerged from a corner, his face whiter than paper, and collapsed to his knees with a loud thud.
Song Xiuyuan narrowed his eyes and asked coldly, "Did we have intruders?"
Mosong swallowed hard and whispered, "It... it was the Third Miss." He then cautiously looked up at Song Xiuyuan's face and tremblingly pulled a letter from his pocket. "She left a letter for you."
As soon as Song Xiuyuan heard it was the work of the Third Miss, the inexplicable fire in his chest abruptly extinguished. He massaged his forehead in resignation, laughing inwardly at the thought that this had turned out to be an increasingly poor trade. He shook his head and took the letter.
After reading it, his face turned livid, and the vein on his temple throbbed even more violently.
Moyan, burning with curiosity, crept closer and saw the bold, flourishing script:
*"Your Highness, I have borrowed your flowers. I present you with some supplements as a gesture of gratitude. Take them three times a day, and they will surely restore your masculine vigor! — Fu Yingzhi"*
"Pfft," Moyan couldn't help but let out a laugh.
Prince Jing turned around with a face as black as ink. Moyan shrank his neck in terror and bowed his head. When he looked up again, he saw the Prince striding toward the study, his back as straight as a pine, though his steps seemed much lighter than before.