While Zhu Nanxi was relishing the prospect of exciting drama, Wu Zhixuan and Li Yining had just stepped down from the ‘Brightening Powder’ competition platform. Wu Zhixuan held the prize in her hands, a smile of satisfaction on her face.
Li Yining, curious, asked, “Brightening Powder? What is it used for?”
Wu Zhixuan, in a good mood from their successful teamwork in winning the prize, suddenly found Li Yining much more agreeable. With a bright smile, she explained, “It’s a product from the south, said to improve skin tone. But it’s a bit complicated to use. I’ll have to study it later.” She handed the Brightening Powder and the thick stack of instructions to her servant girl, then suddenly remembered something and asked, “Did they find her yet?”
Just as the servant girl was about to speak, the sound of gasps and exclamations erupted from the courtyard ahead, immediately drawing Wu Zhixuan’s attention. Li Yining possessed a sharper eyesight and caught sight of the sign at the entrance to the courtyard: “Flying Butterfly Hairpin?” he murmured.
Qingfeng Pavilion prepared more than a dozen competitions in both east and west areas this year, each held within a separate courtyard to prevent interference. The prize for each was displayed prominently at the entrance.
Hearing the name from Li Yining, Wu Zhixuan instantly dashed forward, completely forgetting about her inquiry just now. “Hurry! That hairpin is one of a kind!”
Li Yining sighed in relief and quickly followed. Upon entering the courtyard, he saw the host of the competition standing on the central platform, displaying the prize for the eager crowd. Li Yining finally understood why the crowd had gasped so audibly. The hairpin was stunning, even captivating for him, a man. The base was made from pure gold, intricately entwined with floral branches. But what made it so stunning were the two exquisitely crafted butterflies on the top, which moved elegantly. The movement was completely unlike the vibrations caused by springs, but graceful, lifelike flutters. Even more astonishing was the material of the wings, a thin, translucent layer that shimmered in iridescent colors under the sunlight, making the hairpin truly eye-catching.
The host walked around, showcasing the ‘Flying Butterfly Hairpin’ to ensure everyone had a clear look before explaining the competition rules. “This challenge is called ‘Seeking the Butterflies.’” She pointed to a massive wooden wall at the front of the platform, covered in a chaotic tangle of colorful lines. “Hidden among these lines are five butterflies. Then,” she gestured to a long table at the edge of the platform, which held thousands of square wooden tiles inscribed with words, “one person must piece together poetry or wordplay about butterflies using these tiles. They then hand the tiles to their partner, who must embed the words into the correct lines on the wall to form the image of a butterfly. Successfully forming a complete butterfly within a quarter of an hour1 counts as a victory.”
After the host finished explaining the rules, the crowd erupted in murmurs.
“That wall is about three or four people tall, isn’t it? What if some of the lines are at the top? How will anyone embed the tiles there?”
“And don’t forget, there are five spots for embedding. That means multiple groups will be working at the same time. If two groups overlap on the same lines, they’ll have to fight for them…”
In short, it was no easy task.
“Well, this Flying Butterfly Hairpin is ranked as the third-best prize today. Of course it’s going to be challenging.”
The host, seeing that her audience understood the rules, began inviting participants. “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves! The first round of ‘Seeking the Butterflies’ will start in a quarter of an hour. Those who wish to challenge the stage may step forward now.”
Many hesitated. The complexity of the challenge was pretty evident, so the majority wanted to observe others first. Wu Zhixuan wasn’t in a hurry either. She knew that joining the challenge later often provided an advantage. Just as she was about to discuss some butterfly-related poetry with Li Yining, she overheard a nearby woman talking to her husband.
“Let’s try it out first, just for fun. After this, we can leave. Honestly, I’m more interested in the glass cup.”
Her husband replied, “If we can’t win this, how could we possibly win the glass cup?”
“It’s not about winning,” the woman said, clearly in the mood to watch live drama. “I just want to see the rumored future Marchioness of Zhenbei. I heard she’s coming to Qingfeng Pavilion today to compete with Second Miss Mu for the glass cup… I’m so curious about what kind of person she is.”
The comment immediately reminded Wu Zhixuan of her initial objective. She quickly turned to her servant girl. “Any news from the west area? Has Mu Wan arrived yet?”
The servant girl shook her head. “No. Just now, Second Miss Du sent word saying they’ve stationed people at the entrance and outside each stage, but there’s still no sign of her.”
Wu Zhixuan frowned, her irritation growing. “Are you sure the information is accurate? Is she coming or not?”
Li Yining said helplessly, “Maybe she didn’t come at all? Let’s just focus on the competition.”
The servant girl hesitated before adding, “But her carriage definitely left the house and arrived at Qingfeng Pavilion.”
Wu Zhixuan gritted her teeth. “Hiding again? Such a coward. Gather more people!” she said angrily. “I don’t believe we can’t find her!”
Just as Li Yining was about to persuade her again, a gentle voice rang out, “Found it! Over here.”
Everyone instinctively turned their heads and collectively held their breath.
“My goodness, who is that?”
“Could it be Miss Xu?”
“The capital’s number one beauty truly lives up to her name…”
Li Yining and Wu Zhixuan also widened their eyes, staring at the two couples entering through the gate together. Although there were four of them, all gazes uncontrollably fell on the person leading the group.
She was dressed in a pomegranate-red chest-high skirt with a matching shirt and a pale apricot gauze overlay. A peony silk flower adorned her waist. Though her attire was vibrant and striking, it couldn’t overshadow the young woman’s radiant beauty. Even the sunlight seemed to retreat before her brilliance, scattering into a gentle glow upon touching her face. Her beauty was otherworldly, reminiscent of an alluring spirit who enticed unsuspecting travelers in many folktales. Yet, her composed steps and dignified demeanor, coupled with her cat-like gaze sweeping across the crowd, exuded an untouchable aura, deterring any improper thoughts.
“We’re here,” said the gentleman beside her. The crowd recognized his voice as the one speaking earlier and shifted their focus to him.
In contrast to the woman’s striking beauty and imposing air, the man wore a simple black-and-white robe. Tall and handsome, he had an air of refined elegance. The same style of peony silk flower at his waist might have seemed overly flamboyant, but on this occasion, it only emphasized his indulgent affection for the woman.
At that moment, another voice came from the couple trailing behind them. “We’re joining too!”
The spirited female voice snapped the crowd out of their daze. Many recognized her—it was Nanxi Xiangjun. A red plum silk flower adorned her arm, matching the one on the delicate-looking young man by her side. It was evident he was her fiancé.
Watching how deferentially Nanxi Xiangjun acted toward the woman, some grew curious. “When did Nanxi Xiangjun become so close to Miss Xu?”
Someone familiar with Miss Xu clarified, “That’s not Eldest Miss Xu. Eldest Miss Xu has a cool and ethereal beauty. This one has an entirely different style.”
“Then who is she? If she’s from the capital, it’s impossible no one knows her. And to have Nanxi Xiangjun so attentive, her status must be significant…”
“Wait, look at her hairpiece! A flying butterfly hairpin.”
As the woman ascended the stage, the butterfly hairpin in her bun moved slightly and then began to gently flutter its wings. Aside from the butterflies being inlaid with kingfisher feathers, it was identical to the Flying Butterfly Hairpin the host had just showcased.
Wu Zhixuan, who had been pondering the woman’s identity, was also drawn in by the hairpin and unconsciously approached the stage.
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