This wasn’t the first time Second Madam Qi accompanied Qi Yuan on an outing, and she was already quite used to it.
But this time was different—she felt completely at ease.
Qi Yuan had gone out twice in a row without causing any trouble; at the Feng family’s birthday banquet, she even saved Duchess Cheng!
And this time, they were headed to the Eldest Princess’s gathering. She smiled and asked Qi Yuan, “Ah Yuan, do you like watching opera? The troupe performing today at the Eldest Princess’s estate is Desheng Troupe. They’re doing a Yue opera.”
Qi Yuan was somewhat familiar with it. “Yue opera? Then they must be performing Butterfly Dream, right?”
The Second Madam looked at Qi Yuan with newfound admiration. Hearing her guess the play correctly proved that Qi Yuan truly understood the art.
She nodded with a smile. “Yes, Butterfly Dream is Desheng Troupe’s specialty.”
Then she chuckled. “I especially like the lyrics when Tian Xiu bids farewell—‘I’ll remember the fated meeting, but not hold a grudge.’”
Not hold a grudge?
Qi Yuan let out a light laugh.
She knew that scene well—when Tian Xiu left, she sang:
“Let each sorrow heal in its own time. From now on, we drift apart like letters and dreams. I’ll always remember your kindness. I’ll always think of the quiet South Mountain.”
But Qi Yuan wasn’t the type to repay wrongs with kindness.
When they got off the carriage, Second Madam Qi saw Jiang Mama personally waiting at the inner gate.
Jiang Mama had served the Eldest Princess for many years—though technically a servant, she was like family. For her to come in person showed just how much the Eldest Princess valued Qi Yuan.
She quickly led Qi Yuan forward.
Jiang Mama’s face lit up when she saw her. “Her Highness has been asking about you nonstop. ‘Why hasn’t the young lady arrived yet?’ she said. Come, quickly!”
The Eldest Princess was chatting with Duchess Cheng and Zhou Wangfei and Duan Wangfei.
Over the years, as her son Lu Jintang had been hunted, he’d remained unmarried despite being older than the Crown Prince.
Now that they were in the capital, the Eldest Princess had started arranging a marriage for him.
This banquet was partly for that purpose—she had her eye on several eligible ladies.
When Qi Yuan entered, the Eldest Princess immediately smiled and beckoned. “Ah Yuan, come over here to me!”
The fondness in her tone was unmistakable.
The Feng family arrived shortly after. The Eldest Princess remained polite, exchanged a few pleasant words with Madam Feng, and handed out identical gifts to the Feng daughters.
Then, she playfully tapped Qi Yuan’s nose. “You little rascal. My estate isn’t some far-off place—come visit more often! Spare me from seeing that dull rock Jintang every day!”
Zhou Wangfei’s expression shifted subtly.
She disliked Qi Yuan—not only because of her headstrong nature, but also because the Liu family had been destroyed because of her.
Yet the Eldest Princess clearly favored her.
Madam Feng’s smile grew a bit stiff.
She now knew that Qi Yuan was likely the one the Imperial Grandson fancied. It made her dislike the girl even more.
First, she had ruined their plans at the Feng family banquet, and now she was stealing all of Caiwei’s spotlight…
She couldn’t help glancing at Feng Caiwei.
Feng Caiwei was also staring at Qi Yuan.
Why her?
Based on the close ties between Empress Feng and the Eldest Princess, any favor should have gone to her, not Qi Yuan.
Yet here the Eldest Princess was, lifting Qi Yuan up like a star.
She suddenly recalled her brother, Feng Jun.
Before leaving that morning, he’d mysteriously told her not to worry about Qi Yuan—he had a plan…
She knew her brother well. When he said something, he meant it.
She was momentarily lost in thought when Madam Feng nudged her. She looked up in confusion.
Madam Feng whispered, “The Eldest Princess said you girls could go play in the back garden.”
The Eldest Princess’s estate had been built to princely standards. It was vast—its back garden alone was the size of another noble’s mansion.
There were rockeries, trellises, and an abundance of well-kept flowers and plants, making it feel like spring in full bloom.
The noble girls who had arrived earlier were already chatting in groups. When they saw Feng Caiwei approach, some exchanged knowing glances.
Clearly, they still wanted to gossip about what happened at the birthday banquet.
Feng Caiwei ignored them and went with her younger sisters to a spot near the water to fish.
She didn’t glance at Qi Yuan at all—nor did she bother pretending to be friendly anymore.
Qi Yuan didn’t mind in the slightest. She hadn’t come to play anyway.
Just then, Wang Chan came flitting over like a butterfly. Her eyes sparkled as she saw Qi Yuan. “Ah Yuan! You’re here!”
Qi Yuan smiled. “Is Ah Rong not here again today?”
“Don’t even mention it,” Wang Chan sighed and leaned in to whisper, “She’s meeting a potential match! I heard it’s that young master from the Feng family…”
The Xiang family was an old scholarly clan. The Feng family, on the other hand, were newly minted nobles. If the match went through, it would boost the Fengs’ standing.
Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow.
As she chatted with Wang Chan, a maid approached with lowered eyes, holding a tray. “Ladies, please have some tea.”
Wang Chan casually reached for the cup on the left, but the maid gently warned, “That one’s hot, miss—careful not to burn yourself.” She handed her the one on the right instead.
Wang Chan didn’t think much of it and continued chatting. “Ugh, it’s so boring. Once the marriage talks begin, I won’t be allowed out for a while.”
Qi Yuan watched as the maid placed the remaining teacup in front of her. She looked completely unfazed as she picked it up and took a sip.
The maid silently slipped away.
Qi Yuan’s expression didn’t change, but inwardly, she sneered.
It wasn’t poison—but the tea had a stimulant mixed in.
If she was right, they had more tricks up their sleeve.
How interesting, she thought.
Just then, another maid quietly approached. “Miss Qi, His Highness is here. He’s waiting for you by the rockery and would like to see you.”
So that’s their move.
Qi Yuan smiled and nodded. “Alright. I don’t know the way—please take me.”
The maid noticed how calmly she responded, without a trace of hesitation, and scoffed inwardly.
Clearly used to seeing the Imperial Grandson in private, huh? Not even flustered…
She smirked and answered quickly, “This way, miss.”
Wang Chan hadn’t heard what was said. Seeing Qi Yuan stand up, she grabbed her hand. “Where are you going?”
Qi Yuan leaned in and whispered, “I have something to take care of. I’ll be back soon. You go on ahead.”
Wang Chan didn’t press. She waved her off. “Alright, but come back quickly. They’re planning to play a game later—I want you in my team!”
Qi Yuan smiled and said okay, then followed the maid around the pavilion, down a winding path.
