Chapter 25: Exposing the Truth 1

The news that Old Madam Han of the Marquis Qingyuan’s residence was hosting a Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet spread rapidly among the noble families of the capital. Lin Wanyue, naturally, attached great importance to this opportunity to show her face. For the past two days, she had remained at home, either memorizing medicinal herbs or inviting her close circle of friends to the estate to admire the flowers. Led by Xu Jiaojiao, these noble young ladies, who were fond of composing poetry, arrived at the Marquis’s residence dressed in their finest, most dazzling attire.

Altai, of course, had learned of this event from Minister Xu. Ka Man, following behind him, asked, "Your Highness, the people of the Central Plains place the greatest importance on elaborate etiquette. Since the Marquis’s residence is holding a banquet, should I prepare a generous gift for the young prince to send over?"

The Northern Rong were a people raised on horseback, and because of this, they were often mocked by the Central Plains people as being "barbarians who drink blood and eat raw meat," lacking in refinement. Ka Man suggested this because he did not want his Prince to be gossiped about behind his back.

Unexpectedly, Altai had no such intention. "A generous gift? How generous is 'generous'? We have already conceded so much in these negotiations that the Emperor of Dayong must have surely rewarded the other side. Once three days have passed, we will set off for Northern Rong; let us not invite any more trouble."

Just as he finished speaking, Aruolang emerged from the room. "No, Father. Since it was Miss Wanyue who saved me, I must visit her in person! I have already prepared the gifts; please, just let me go and see her!"

Altai asked, "Where did you get the money to prepare such generous gifts?"

"I found it in your wardrobe, of course!"

Altai was speechless. *My own son has stolen every bit of my private stash!* However, since the gifts were already prepared, he relented, "Then go."

But Ka Man interjected, "The Marquis’s residence has not sent us an invitation. According to their customs, would it not be improper to arrive unannounced? Should I go and present a formal visiting card first?"

"Presenting a visiting card is a custom of the Central Plains," Aruolang replied, wanting to surprise Lin Wanyue. "Let’s just go as we are." He truly wanted to see the young lady who had saved him, thank her in person, and eventually take her back to Northern Rong as his bride.

***

Meanwhile, at the Marquis Qingyuan’s residence, the potted green chrysanthemums were being moved out for display.

Lady Bai, fearing her daughter would feel slighted, had ordered a gown of Shu brocade for Lin Zhaozhao first thing in the morning. A young maid styled Zhaozhao’s hair into a flower-bud bun. Lady Bai felt joy looking at how beautiful her daughter appeared, but the thought of Wanyue soured her mood.

"Zhaozhao, your father and eldest brother have wronged you this time. But rest assured, I will keep a close eye on your father and urge him to work harder. We must secure a title of County Princess for you!"

Easier said than done; such titles were not easily obtained. Not wanting to distress her mother further, Zhaozhao only smiled and comforted her, "It is just a title, Mother. Do not worry; I have not taken it to heart."

In truth, all she had ever wanted was money. But since Lin Wanyue insisted on flaunting her success to disgust her, she would not hesitate to retaliate in kind. "The banquet in the front hall should be ready. Mother, let us head out!"

"Yes, yes, of course!" Seeing that her daughter was not overly upset, Lady Bai prepared to lead the way. However, just as they reached the entrance to the main hall, they ran into Nanny Zhao, who served under Lady Han.

"Madam, Fifth Young Miss!" Nanny Zhao bowed formally to Lady Bai, then turned a sharp gaze toward Lin Zhaozhao. "Fifth Young Miss, are you intending to join the banquet? The Old Madam has said that since you did not grow up in the Marquis’s residence, you are unfamiliar with these refined gatherings. Today, the estate is filled with young ladies from noble families. To avoid any unnecessary embarrassment, it would be best if you returned to your quarters immediately."

It wasn't about embarrassment; it was simply that Lin Wanyue feared Lin Zhaozhao would be provoked into blurting out the truth and claiming the credit for herself. That was why she had asked her grandmother to keep Zhaozhao away.

Lady Bai’s expression shifted instantly. "With so many young ladies visiting today, Zhaozhao should be allowed to broaden her horizons and converse with her peers. For Mother to do this—"

Before she could finish, a mocking voice cut in. "Aunt Bai, that is not right. We came to the Marquis’s residence today for Wanyue’s sake. If you force someone with no learning to join the banquet, would that not bring shame upon the house?"

Xu Jiaojiao, flanked by her circle of friends, looked at Zhaozhao with defiance. She had always been closest to Wanyue. Since Wanyue disliked this younger sister from the countryside who always bullied her, Xu Jiaojiao felt the same. She crossed her arms and looked Zhaozhao up and down, deliberately insulting her: "In all the capital, who doesn't know of your poor reputation? This banquet is to honor Wanyue; the glory of the Marquis’s residence was earned by her. Yet here you are, acting out. One might think the Emperor was planning to grant you the title of County Princess instead!"

Why had Zhaozhao come to the front hall? It was obvious she was trying to bask in Wanyue’s glory. How shameless!

Lin Zhaozhao found the sight of Xu Jiaojiao laughable. "How are you so certain it is she who will be granted the title and not me?"

Xu Jiaojiao was stunned. *Has she gone mad?* "You must be delusional! You weren't the one who saved him, yet you talk of being a County Princess! Aunt Bai, you had better take your daughter away and have her brain checked!"

Nanny Zhao added, "Madam, it is the Old Madam’s wish that she leave. Please do not make things difficult for this old servant."

***

Meanwhile, in the front hall, Lin Wanyue was busy entertaining guests alongside Lady Han. She had risen early to dress, wearing a gold lock necklace that outshone her face and the jade bracelet gifted by the Emperor. Her poise and striking appearance captured everyone’s attention the moment she stepped out.

"As expected of a legitimate daughter of the Marquis Qingyuan. Look at her—she is beautiful enough to make one’s heart melt!" one lady exclaimed, admiring Wanyue. "She is truly more beautiful than I was at that age! I wonder if she might be a match for my son."

"Your son? Don't even think about it. You don't really think you were invited here just to look at flowers, do you? My husband said that the Emperor is so pleased that the negotiations with Northern Rong were settled thanks to this Fourth Miss, that he is already preparing to grant her the title of County Princess!"

"You mean to say the negotiations were resolved because of her?"

"Exactly!"

"It is no wonder they call her the lucky star of the Marquis’s residence. Born to the same family, one has to wonder why Lin Wanyue’s fate is so blessed!"

Lin Wanyue listened to the praise, her heart filled with satisfaction. Noticing the absence of Lin Qingwu, she turned and asked, "Where is my eldest brother?"

A young maid hurried over, "It seems someone arrived at the estate, and the eldest young master was called to the gate to receive them. The young master followed him when he saw his brother leave."

Lin Wanyue’s heart skipped a beat, a sudden, inexplicable sense of foreboding washing over her. But she quickly dismissed it, thinking to herself, *It is just receiving a guest. Everything is already settled; nothing could possibly go wrong now.*