The sky was clear and bright. Though the air still carried a biting chill, the sun was out, and golden sunlight poured through the trees, bathing the house in a warm glow.
Baizhi and Baiyin had pressed Qi Yuan’s garments ahead of time. Now they were dressing her, and seeing her radiant appearance, they couldn’t help but break into smiles.
Lianqiao’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her. “Miss, you look so beautiful!”
Qi Yuan glanced at the mirror. The person in the mirror was also looking back at her. As their gazes met, she heard Han Yue’e’s voice from outside the room: “Big Sister, are you ready yet?”
The second and third branches of the family were cautious by nature. Qi Jin had mysteriously “fallen ill” and been removed from the household, and the Xiang family had sent people to break off the engagement.
So even though today was the recognition banquet, none of the young masters and ladies from the other branches had come over to ask Qi Yuan anything in advance.
In contrast, Han Yue’e’s enthusiasm in showing up early was a bit much.
Still, Qi Yuan didn’t let anything show. Seeing that Han Yue’e had come uninvited, she merely smiled. “You’re here early today, Sister Yue’e.”
Han Yue’e patted the back of her hand. “How could I possibly miss Big Sister’s big day?”
As she spoke, she circled Qi Yuan, clapping her hands in admiration. “Big Sister, this Sichuan brocade dress looks absolutely stunning on you! Truly, stunning!”
Qi Yuan seemed a little uncomfortable and tugged at her skirt.
Just then, Han Yue’e asked innocently, “Big Sister, I heard you actually know the Eldest Princess, and she’ll be attending your recognition banquet today—is that true?”
…
Qi Yuan was instantly on alert, but her expression didn’t change. She simply smiled and nodded. “Yes, I specially invited Her Highness the Eldest Princess. I wanted to thank her personally for her guidance. But I’m not sure if she’ll actually come.”
Han Yue’e immediately lit up with excitement, asking repeatedly what the Princess looked like, what kind of attendants she had around her—like an innocent young girl filled with curiosity.
But Qi Yuan knew that was certainly not the case.
As a pawn groomed by Qi Wang, Han Yue’e never did anything without a strong motive.
For her to ask these things again and again—this wasn’t just possible, it definitely meant Qi Wang had taken notice of her.
Why, though?
Was it because Qi Jin was gone?
But Qi Wang’s attention usually focused on Qi Zhen. Would he really concern himself with the daughters of the Qi family?
A thought struck her.
Could it be that… she drew attention because she was different?
If it was merely about Qi Zhen, and Qi Jin had lost her value, so they were now trying to approach her—then it didn’t matter.
But if they were truly interested in her…
Then things could get very dangerous.
She calmly handled Han Yue’e’s seemingly innocent questions until someone from Madam Wang’s courtyard came to summon her. Only then did Han Yue’e excuse herself and return to her own courtyard to change.
Once she was gone, Lianqiao leaned in and whispered, “Miss, I found out—Miss Han went to the eldest young master’s courtyard before she came here.”
The reason this could be discovered wasn’t because Han Yue’e’s movements were easy to track.
It was because Qi Yunting’s place had no secrets.
So Han Yue’e had gone to him first—then came here?
Qi Yuan’s eyes flickered slightly. She softly instructed Lianqiao, “Keep a close eye on the eldest young master. Let me know right away if anything happens.”
Lianqiao quickly agreed.
Qi Yuan treated her servants differently from others, which earned her their full loyalty.
Especially Lianqiao, who was born into the household—no one was better at sniffing out information from within the family.
Shen Mama smiled as she helped Qi Yuan make her way to Madam Wang’s courtyard.
Madam Wang was already inexplicably tense. This time, she showed an unusual amount of patience. She gave Qi Yuan instructions: “When the guests arrive, I’ll entertain the married women. As for the young ladies around your age, you’ll have to take them to the garden to socialize, understand?”
The guests today were all friends and family. Of course, they wouldn’t just sit and watch a recognition ceremony. There would be entertainment and a banquet—that was how you showed respect when inviting people to witness such an occasion.
Though Madam Wang didn’t like Qi Yuan, she also didn’t want any mishaps today. She had to answer to Qi Zhen and the old marquis and marchioness.
Qi Yuan didn’t go against her. This time, she obediently nodded.
Soon, the guests began to arrive.
First to come was Madam Wang’s natal family—the Madam Wang family from Count Dingyuan’s household.
Her sister-in-law, Madam Lu, was the one who came. Upon seeing Qi Yuan, she eagerly called her over. After giving her a good once-over, she beamed. “They said it was a switched-at-birth case—I didn’t believe it! When I heard you’d been brought back, I spent days wanting to come see you. And sure enough—it really was a mistake!”
She turned to Madam Wang with delight. “Lanniang, she’s really your daughter! Her features—just like yours and your husband’s. And all the good parts, too!”
Madam Wang’s response was noticeably more forced. She gave a stiff smile. “Yes, well, she’s just a child. She only just got back and isn’t too refined yet. Sister-in-law, please don’t mind her.”
“What nonsense are you saying?” Madam Lu frowned, clearly displeased. “This child spent over ten years in the countryside—we can’t even imagine how much she suffered. Who cares about refinement? That’s all learned over time.”
Qi Yuan was genuinely surprised.
She had thought that all aristocratic families in the capital judged others based on strict hierarchy and status.
Since returning, only the old marchioness had mentioned her hardships in the countryside.
Now, Madam Lu became the second.
Madam Wang remained unmoved. Just then, members of the Lu family arrived as well, and she hurried over to greet Madam Lu.
Madam Lu was the wife of the Grand Commander of the Five Armies, and she carried herself with great pride. When she saw Qi Yuan, she simply had her bow, handed her a token gift, and said nothing more.
Madam Lu patted Qi Yuan’s hand in silent support.
Qi Yuan smiled. If she let every slight bother her, she would have died of anger long ago. There was no way she’d still be standing today.
Madam Lu turned to Madam Wang. “I heard the Eldest Princess will be here today? I can hardly believe it! Her Highness hasn’t returned to the capital in years.”
Madam Wang’s heart skipped a beat, and she glanced at Qi Yuan.
To be honest, she wasn’t confident either.
Privately, she didn’t believe that Qi Yuan had the ability to invite the Eldest Princess.
But Qi Zhen believed it wholeheartedly—and had even sent out word to others.
If the Eldest Princess didn’t show up today, the Qi family would be utterly humiliated.
She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, but she kept her smile on the surface. “Are you saying you only came today because of the Eldest Princess?”
Madam Lu half-joked, waving her hand warmer. “You’re not wrong. I really did come because of Her Highness the Eldest Princess.”
