Tian Jinglan only learned about the incident at the Wei family after returning home.
She came from a good background and had a gentle temperament. Combined with her natural softness and amiability, she had first-rate popularity within the noble circles, even the proud Liu Mingzhu had once regarded her highly.
So as soon as she returned home, she received many guests.
Everyone had come for the same matter.
Tian Jinglan gave a surprised “Ah,” set down the hand warmer in her hands, and raised her brows. “How could something so serious happen for no reason? Qingyang doesn’t seem like someone so muddle-headed.”
Since the sun was out today, Tian Jinglan invited her friends to view the narcissus flowers in the covered gallery.
The narcissus were now in full bloom, and everyone chatted back and forth about the incident involving Wei Qingyang.
After all, they had played together before, and with such a major matter spreading everywhere, everyone treated it as fresh gossip.
Thus Tian Jinglan quickly understood what had happened.
She frowned slightly, showing some reluctance. “Qingyang really… how could she fail to think things through like this?”
Commandery Princess Luochuan arrived late and happened to hear this. She raised her brows and sneered. “Probably read too many storybooks and watched too many operas, so she became foolish.”
Otherwise, how could she take a liking to a scholar from a merchant background?
Tian Jinglan sighed. Seeing the disdain on Commandery Princess Luochuan’s face, she said gently, “Commandery Princess, say less. She’s already pitiful enough after something like this.”
Commandery Princess Luochuan snorted but did not continue.
Seeing the atmosphere stiffen, everyone quickly changed the topic.
Someone suddenly said, “Oh right, I heard the eldest young lady of Yongping Marquis Manor has returned.”
Hearing this, Commandery Princess Luochuan turned to look at the speaker, tightened her grip on the hand warmer, then looked toward Tian Jinglan.
Tian Jinglan lowered her eyes, concealing the expression in them.
Qi Yuan has returned?
No wonder.
She sneered softly inwardly.
She now understood why Wei Qingyang had suddenly failed, it turned out Qi Yuan had returned.
But it didn’t matter. Returning was fine.
Once Yongping Marquis Manor’s eldest daughter was mentioned, the girls all began discussing animatedly.
“Wasn’t she sent back to her hometown?”
“Yes, wasn’t it said her fate was bad, that she was a lone star of calamity? Why has she returned again?”
Everyone spoke over each other.
Someone, upon hearing the phrase “lone star of calamity,” retorted, “What lone star of calamity? The people who said she was a lone star also said Feng Caiwei had the fate of a phoenix, didn’t they?”
At the mention of Feng Caiwei, everyone thought of the dog-yard incident. Instantly, they all fell silent, feeling somewhat awkward.
After all, Tian Baoci had once been Commandery Princess Luochuan’s fiancé.
And Tian Baoci had died too.
Moreover, it had some connection to Qi Yuan.
Commandery Princess Luochuan’s expression cooled, and she frowned in irritation. “Do you have nothing else to talk about?”
Commandery Princess Xianning coughed lightly. “Speaking of which, isn’t the Eldest Princess’s residence going to hold a plum-blossom appreciation banquet?”
The topic was changed, and everyone couldn’t help but relax.
Commandery Princess Xianning then asked Tian Jinglan, “Jinglan, are you going?”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to.” Tian Jinglan remained gentle as always and explained softly, “Her Majesty the Empress Dowager cannot do without me. I came out to accompany my mother for a while, but I still have to return to the palace.”
It was well known that the Empress Dowager favored Tian Jinglan. Because of that favor, Tian Jinglan, though from the maternal relatives, had been granted the title of county lady and enjoyed boundless prestige.
She didn’t need to attend these various banquets, because even if she didn’t go, she would still shine.
Everyone understood this tacitly and couldn’t help but feel a little envious.
Tian Jinglan did not care about their envy. While drinking tea, she privately said to Commandery Princess Luochuan, “What’s past is past, you should also look forward.”
Commandery Princess Luochuan paused, her expression dark as she gave a cold laugh.
After Tian Baoci died, her engagement naturally ended.
Although everyone said Tian Baoci had many faults, when he treated her, he had truly shown respect and flattery.
And she had never expected a lifetime of exclusive devotion anyway.
For people like them, wasn’t a husband’s respect enough?
Talking about love would only seem ridiculous.
What made her even more ridiculous, however, was Qi Yuan.
After the dog-yard incident, Tian Baoci died, and she directly became Tian Baoci’s “widow,” placing her in an awkward position.
Zhou Wangfei cursed Qi Yuan countless times at home every day.
It was said she cursed even more on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, wishing Qi Yuan would suddenly die.
Listening to it daily, Commandery Princess Luochuan felt her ears were nearly calloused.
Now that it was mentioned again, her resentment surged uncontrollably.
She heavily set her teacup on the table with a bang.
Tian Jinglan was not startled. Leaning back in her chair, she sighed softly. “Commandery Princess, take advantage of the Eldest Princess’s plum-blossom banquet this time and settle your marriage soon.”
Commandery Princess Luochuan narrowed her eyes at her. “What have you heard?”
“Nothing in particular.” Tian Jinglan held Commandery Princess Luochuan’s hand and lowered her voice gently. “It’s just that you should plan for yourself earlier. You already came of age last year, if you delay longer, there may not be many people worthy of you.”
Commandery Princess Luochuan felt extremely annoyed.
At home, Zhou Wangfei worried about this matter every day as well.
But finding a properly matched marriage was not so easy.
And in the end, all of this was because of Qi Yuan.
No matter where Qi Yuan went, she became the center of attention.
Everyone only saw her and revolved around her.
Ever since she had astonished everyone at the polo match, she had changed the fate of many people.
Given Commandery Princess Luochuan’s status, she wouldn’t be unable to marry just because Tian Baoci died, but the trouble Qi Yuan caused her was very real.
Why did everyone have various difficulties, yet Qi Yuan could succeed smoothly in everything?
How could someone be so fortunate?
By now, the slight goodwill Commandery Princess Luochuan once had toward Qi Yuan because of her riding skills had long vanished, leaving only disgust.
Yet Tian Jinglan frowned slightly and reminded her, “Commandery Princess, don’t clash with the eldest young lady of Yongping Marquis Manor out of momentary anger. She is greatly favored by the Imperial Grandson. I’ve heard that once he returns, the imperial decree of marriage will be issued.”
Commandery Princess Luochuan suddenly raised her head to look at Tian Jinglan. Her grip tightened unconsciously, nearly crushing the teacup.
What?
Did that mean Qi Yuan might even become the Imperial Grandson Consort?!
Why?!
She, a commandery princess, had her marriage ruined by Qi Yuan and was now in an awkward situation, yet Qi Yuan was about to soar upward and become the future heir consort?
How could there be something so absurd in this world?!
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 20+ chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
