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.
On stage, the host announced that the competition could begin once three groups were assembled. Zhu Nanxi called down to the audience, “Anyone else joining?” Her gaze landed on Wu Zhixuan. “Wu Zhixuan, dare to participate?”
Provoked by Zhu Nanxi’s challenging look, Wu Zhixuan blurted out, “Why not?!”
But when the competition started, and she saw the wooden board covered in blocks of words, Wu Zhixuan immediately regretted it. Such a large board would require several verses to piece together the shape of a butterfly. But how was she supposed to know any poetry?
Before her aunt became the empress dowager, Wu Zhixuan had lived as the daughter of an ordinary merchant. Her family’s education for girls only extended to basic literacy, bookkeeping, and arithmetic, while most of her time was spent immersed in cosmetics and fashion. Even after her family’s dramatic rise in status, three years as the third daughter of a marquis household had not afforded her the depth of education or experience that true high-born young ladies possessed. With her superficial literary ability, composing even one butterfly-related verse on the spot was challenging, let alone several.
But if she couldn’t come up with even a single line, rumors would undoubtedly spread, and she once again would become the joke of the circle.
Wu Zhixuan was considering pretending to be ill to get out of the situation when a melodious voice softly recited beside her, “Gracefully through fragrant paths, in pairs over short walls. Unaware of their illusory nature, yet deeply in love with the scent of flowers.” (Quoted from “Two Butterflies” by Song Dynasty poet Yang Gongyuan.)
Startled, she turned to see the stunning beauty smiling at her, casually picking out a few words from the pile. “Don’t just stand there, hurry up.”
Wu Zhixuan was puzzled. “Why are you helping me? Don’t you want the prize?”
The woman smiled. “I already have that hairpin,” she said, shaking her head slightly. “The one I’m wearing is inlaid with kingfisher feathers, while the prize uses mother-of-pearl, the same as the one I have at home. I just think this competition is interesting,” she sighed. “I haven’t been back to the capital for years and didn’t expect such fun activities to have sprung up.”
She glanced at Wu Zhixuan. “But it’s quite fun to participate. Hurry up, or they’ll assemble the butterfly before you. If you need more verses, I’ve got plenty.”
Her tone carried no condescension about Wu Zhixuan’s lack of knowledge in poetry, as if she genuinely wanted to simply watch the men compete in the challenge. Seeing how effortlessly the woman picked out verses from the pile of words, Wu Zhixuan instinctively started evaluating her: someone who hasn’t been in the capital for years, doesn’t care for treasures like the Flying Butterfly Hairpin, acts freely, even Nanxi Xiangjun shows her deference, and is highly talented—she must be a di-born daughter of some prominent clan.
Having been the empress dowager’s niece for three years, Wu Zhixuan deeply understood the importance of connections, especially with these long-lasting influential clans. What’s more, the woman was extending kindness toward her…
With the intention of forming a friendship, Wu Zhixuan no longer hesitated. As she picked out words from the wooden blocks, she asked, “Which family are you from? How should I address you?”
The woman laughed. “Just call me A’Wan. I choose my friends by instinct, and you’re beautiful. I like you.”
Mu Wan wasn’t deliberately flattering her. The Empress Dowager Wu, as the daughter of a merchant family, had nothing but her looks when she first joined the late emperor’s inner palace. Naturally, the Wu family’s genetics were excellent. Among the young women of marriageable ages in the capital, Wu Zhixuan’s appearance was definitely one of the best, a fact she was proud of. It was also why she believed she could win over Xie Heng.
The corners of Wu Zhixuan’s mouth couldn’t help but curl up. Being praised for one’s beauty was always delightful, especially when the compliment came from such a gorgeous woman. The coincidence that the ‘Wan’ in A’Wan shared the same character as the ‘Wan’ in Mu Wan did not even cross her mind.
How could someone like Mu Wan, an ignorant good-for-nothing, effortlessly compose so many verses? Besides, this A’Wan was accompanied by a fiancé…
“Hey, it looks like your fiancé has found the butterfly. Quickly hand him the words—let’s see if my man can beat yours,” A’Wan said as she handed her completed verses to the elegant young man, then enthusiastically cheered from the sidelines.
Wu Zhixuan, infected by A’Wan’s pure excitement, began cheering for Li Yining. Zhu Nanxi wasn’t about to lose either—her group had the man finding verses while she assembled the butterfly.
The competition grew intense, with even the onlookers gasping and exclaiming as the suspense built. When the host announced the countdown, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, but all three groups were just a bit short of completion, as the final pieces were placed too high to reach.
Wu Zhixuan felt regretful but accepted the result—it wasn’t realistic to expect to win on the first try. However, she suddenly heard A’Wan say to her gentleman, “After all that effort, she gets to win the prize. Let’s help Li Qilang, shall we?”
Wu Zhixuan was stunned. “Help me? Why?”
A’Wan smiled. “Of course we’ll help you. I already have that hairpin, and I gave Nanxi one as well. I’ll help you win this one. As for how to help, leave it to my man—he’ll know what to do.”
Sure enough, the refined gentleman who accompanied A’Wan whispered something to Li Yining. Li Yining looked surprised at first, then glanced at Wu Zhixuan and nodded. He stepped back a few paces, preparing to jump. He had tried this earlier but failed due to a lack of support. This time, with a running start, the gentleman gave him a boost, and at the last moment, Li Yining slotted the final two pieces into place, successfully forming a butterfly.
Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Wu Zhixuan felt a rush of excitement. She happily threw herself toward Li Yining. Caught off guard by the sudden hug, the young man’s face reddened. Realizing her own impulsiveness, Wu Zhixuan blushed as well and, to escape the awkwardness, quickly thanked Mu Wan. “Thank you, A’Wan, for your help. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”
Mu Wan smiled. “No need to thank me—it’s your fiancé who’s amazing. If it were someone else, even with help, they might not have managed it.”
Hearing this, Wu Zhixuan felt a surge of pride and began to see Li Yining in a more favorable light.
The host presented the Flying Butterfly Hairpin, and Mu Wan encouraged Li Yining to place it in Wu Zhixuan’s hair.
Although shy, Wu Zhixuan accepted Mu Wan’s suggestion.
Zhu Nanxi watched helplessly as, within just a short half an hour, Wu Zhixuan began to develop feelings for Li Yining and came to regard Mu Wan as a confidante.
After that, the group continued to challenge a few more competitions together. Some were for the prize, while others were simply for fun. They had a great time. During this, Mu Wan even shared a wealth of knowledge about cosmetics and personally used the Brightening Powder Wu Zhixuan had won earlier to give the girl modern-style eye makeup.
Looking at her reflection in the small bronze mirror, Wu Zhixuan was delighted. “I never realized there were so many techniques for eye makeup. A’Wan, you’re amazing.”
Mu Wan smiled. “I have too much free time and just dabble in these things. If you like, I can invite you to my house next time so you can see my collection.”
Wu Zhixuan became even more convinced of Mu Wan’s extraordinary background. She had heard that old-time clans with a deep history often had secret knowledge when it came to diet, fashion, and self-care. Meeting Mu Wan now confirmed those rumors. Overjoyed, she quickly agreed. “Remember to send me an invitation then, A’Wan.”
Mu Wan chuckled. “I’ll get married soon and am very busy with preparation, so it might take some time. Once it’s over, I’ll send you an invitation, and I hope you’ll honor me with your presence.”
Wu Zhixuan said without hesitation, “It’s a promise.”
Zhu Nanxi could barely hold back her laughter. Mu Wan inviting Wu Zhixuan to the Zhenbei Marquis Manor—what an idea! She could already imagine Wu Zhixuan panicking and not daring to show up when she learned Mu Wan’s true identity.
She could hardly wait to see Wu Zhixuan’s reaction when she eventually learned Mu Wan’s true identity—it was sure to be a pricelessly awkward moment!
…
As the evening fell and lamps were lit throughout Qingfeng Pavilion, the group, tired from all their games, headed to their final destination—the Mianfeng Tower in Qingfeng Pavilion.
Situated at the very center of the establishment, it was also the location for the final competition for the Lotus Glass Cup. Visitors in both east and west areas would eventually gather here.
As soon as they entered, a servant girl hurriedly came forward. “Third Miss!”
Seeing her, Wu Zhixuan finally remembered her supposed main objective today, “Did you find her?!”
The servant girl shook her head in frustration. “No, we’ve searched everywhere, but we couldn’t find her. Perhaps the information was false, and she never came.”
Wu Zhixuan frowned, clearly annoyed.
Mu Wan leaned her head slightly, genuinely curious. “Who are you looking for, Xuanniang1? Want me to help?”
Seeing her, Wu Zhixuan’s irritation immediately softened into a smile. “It’s nothing, just a coward. Forget it, I won’t let her ruin the mood today. There’s always time to deal with her later.” She then turned to the servant girl. “Where’s Ruiniang?”
The servant girl pointed to a prime spot on the second floor. “She’s been waiting for you there.”
Mu Wan looked up to see two girls leaning on the railing, waving eagerly at Wu Zhixuan.
Wu Zhixuan excitedly grabbed Mu Wan’s hand. “A’Wan, you probably don’t know many people in the capital, right? Come on, I’ll introduce you to some new friends!”
Mu Wan smiled brightly. “Sure, that sounds great~~”
Zhu Nanxi: “…”
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Author’s Note:
Mu Wan: “What a pity. If you’d just asked me, I could’ve found her for you instantly~”
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Love this! Turning the enemy into a friend. Gawd, this chapter is comedy gold.
Interesting, so interesting…. haha! Can’t wait for more.