The Empress seemed oblivious to the complex emotions of the madams, or perhaps she simply did not care. Fuyi’s presence kept her smiling throughout, and she only reluctantly let the girl go when the midday banquet approached.
“You’ve changed a lot.”
Fuyi, who had slipped away from the crowd, sat in a daze beneath a rockery when she heard the voice and turned to see who had spoken. “Miss Lu.”
Lu Yan carefully lifted the hem of her skirt and sat down on a stone next to Fuyi. She moved with an elegant grace, though she almost lost her balance near the edge. Fuyi reached out to steady her just in time.
“Be careful,” Fuyi sighed helplessly. Noticing the chill in Lu Yan’s fingertips, she took the shawl from Xiayu’s hands and draped it over Lu Yan’s shoulders. “It’s still cold in early spring. Why didn’t you dress more warmly?”
The Lu was a prestigious clan with a history spanning hundreds of years. Lu Yan’s father served as the Left Deputy Minister of Rites and had been bestowed with the honorific title of Grand Master Guanglu for his meritorious service in protecting the Emperor two years prior.
Fuyi, known in the capital for her carefree nature and troublemaking penchant, was quite the contrast to Lu Yan, whose reputation as a talented and refined young lady was widely known.
Lu Yan glanced down at Fuyi, who, despite her grumbling, was meticulously adjusting the cloak around her shoulders. She couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused chuckle. “I did bring extra clothing, but I got separated from my servant girl on the way.”
“Fine, fine.” Fuyi tightened the knot of the cloak and stood up. “It’s too windy here. Let me take you back.”
“There’re too many people over there. I’d like a bit of quiet,” Lu Yan replied, looking at Fuyi. “Will you sit with me for a while?”
With a resigned sigh, Fuyi sat back down on the stone.
“Three years ago, you wouldn’t have said those flattering words,” Lu Yan remarked, turning her gaze to the lotus pond beside them. The lotus leaves had yet to grow in the early spring, leaving the water’s surface barren and desolate.
“What flattering? I’d call them sincere sentiments,” Fuyi chuckled, her smile was as carefree as ever. “Making the Empress smile is a blessing for me.”
Lu Yan hesitated, recalling how her friends had quietly criticized Fuyi’s ingratiating behavior earlier. After a long pause, she said, “I worry that others might misunderstand you.”
“I’m just a carefree idler. I don’t care about having a good reputation, so why should I worry if others misunderstand me?” Fuyi glanced at Lu Yan’s pale face and gently pulled her up from the stone. “Now, now, the banquet is about to start. We should head back. Don’t dwell on things too much—overthinking is bad for your health.”
Lu Yan obediently followed behind Fuyi. As they approached the main hall, Fuyi let go of her hand. “You go in first. I need to have a word with Xiayu.”
“Alright,” Lu Yan nodded and went inside.
After she left, Xiayu looked curiously at Fuyi. “Miss, do you have any instructions?”
“That’s just an excuse,” Fuyi replied casually, raising an eyebrow. “Lu Yan’s friends are all well-educated, refined model young ladies who wouldn’t be caught mingling with the likes of me. If she was spotted spending time with me, what if they decide she’s no longer a suitable companion?”
“Then how about you inviting Miss Lu for an outing later?”
“Where could I possibly take her to? Listen to music? Or have her join me for horseback riding or ball game?” Fuyi adjusted her dress, making sure she was presentable enough, “Come on, let’s go in now.”
The banquet had not yet started, but fresh fruits and fine wine sent by the Palace Administration Department on the Emperor’s orders had already arrived, providing the Empress with great honor. Though Fuyi held no official rank or title, she had a place near the front due to her family’s status. Next to her sat Lin Xiaowu and the youngest daughter of another minister’s family.
Lin Xiaowu scooted her chair closer to Fuyi and whispered, “I didn’t expect Ning Wangfei1 to be so beautiful.”
“She comes from the prominent Lu clan in the northern Lingbei province. The late emperor himself arranged this marriage for Ning Wang before he passed away. Considering his affection for Ning Wang, it’s only natural that he selected a consort of both beauty and talent,” Fuyi commented, handing half of her tangerine to Lin Xiaowu. “Have a taste.”
“What a pity,” Lin Xiaowu said with some sympathy for Ning Wangfei. If the previous emperor were still alive, this would have been an excellent match. Even so, with the current Emperor on the throne and Ning Wang out of favor, the Lu clan would have had the opportunity to back out of the marriage.
Ning Wangfei carried herself with the utmost grace expected from her upbringing and status. Despite her awkward position, she managed to navigate among the other titled madams, never making a misstep. Yet, it was the women who came from the Lingbei Lu clan who treated her with the coldest indifference, maintaining distance despite their shared lineage.
Midway through the banquet, Lin Xiaowu tugged on Fuyi’s sleeve. “Fuyi, I need to use the powder room. Will you come with me?”
Fuyi set down her silver chopsticks, stood up, and left the hall with Lin Xiaowu. Halfway to their destination, they caught the sound of hushed conversations by the lake.
“As expected of the Lingbei Lu clan, they actually agreed to marry such an excellent daughter to Ning Wang.”
“A gentleman cultivates his heart with sincerity. A family known for their integrity like the Lu would never go back on their word.”
“Oh my, they truly embody the virtues of a noble family.”
“You go ahead, I’ll wait for you here,” Fuyi told Lin Xiaowu, pretending not to have heard the conversation.
“Alright, I’ll be back quickly.” Lin Xiaowu gathered the hem of her skirt and ran off in small steps.
Fuyi and Lin Xiaowu’s voices caused the gossiping people to panic and swiftly leave, using their sleeves to cover their faces.
Behind a rockery, there was a faint rustling sound, but Fuyi pretended not to notice and walked away.
“She knows I’m here.” Ning Wangfei stepped out from behind the rockery, gazing at Fuyi’s receding figure. It took her a while to collect herself, realizing that the girl had tactfully spared her from an awkward situation.
“Wangfei,” her servant girl said with concern, “Please don’t let the words of insignificant strangers weigh on your mind.”
“They praised the Lu clan for their integrity. What more could I ask for?” Ning Wangfei placed her hand on the servant girl’s, straightened her back, and descended from the rockery. “Let’s return to the hall.”
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Translator’s Note:
Extra chapter on Friday~
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