Chapter 5
The girl nodded busily in agreement. A Luo smiled at her two older sisters and softly said, "Sisters, don't worry, I will be back shortly."
Qing Luo smiled and said: "Aunt, no one knows that I am the third young lady of the Xiang residence, right? Everyone's attention is focused on my elder sister and second sister. Why not just say that I am a maid from the household? Look, I do look the part."
The lady hesitated slightly: "What if there is an offense in the event of a clash? After all, you are the daughter of a noble family."
The three factions intertwined, and the national princess proposed to hold a peach blossom banquet, intentionally allowing the daughters of the three families to make their appearances, clearly indicating a desire for a public competition. The Ning Wang has always favored the Crown Prince and has also indicated that the Crown Prince's preferences should be taken as the standard. Thus, the peach blossom banquet had ulterior motives that everyone was aware of, all waiting to see the three maidens compete for a husband
The carriage set out heading east and traveled for nearly two hours before coming to a stop. Under the stern watch of the matron, the three sat upright, with Qingluo seemingly practicing yoga. Upon disembarking, her legs felt somewhat numb. It was unclear how Qinglei and Qingfei had cultivated such poise, as they alighted from the carriage as gracefully as butterflies.
Juan'er was so anxious that she was about to cry. Seeing that Qingluo had already entered the water, she reached out her hand to hold her. Taking a deep breath, she imitated Qingluo's appearance, except for her shoes and socks, and placed the basket on her head, holding Qingluo's hand as she stepped forward. Just as they were about to reach the shore, Juan'er stepped on a stone and stubbed her foot, causing her body to sway, and the basket, which contained her shoes, socks, and flowers, fell into the water. Unable to help herself, she shouted: "Basket!"
As soon as the words were spoken, Qing Luo made a move. The man had never expected that this girl, who almost fell into the water, would possess such skills, and with such finesse. He tilted his body and was about to fall into the stream. In mid-air, he twisted his body several times, and with one hand, he slapped the water, soaking half of his sleeve. However, he used the force to flip himself and landed safely on the opposite bank without falling into the stream.
There is a saying in Wind City about the Five Young Masters. They are Crown Prince Liu Jian of the Ning Wang, Fourth Prince Liu Fei, Liu Jue, the son of the Anqing King, Cheng Siyue, the newly appointed top scholar, and Gu Tianxiang, the son of the Left Chancellor. It is said that they are all handsome and charming young men around the age of twenty. Most of the young women in Wind City become starry-eyed when they mention the Five Young Masters
Madam Qi heard that A Luo was also going to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet, and a sparkle appeared in her eyes. Upon returning to the Tang Courtyard, she embraced A Luo and said: "A Luo, although you are only twelve years old, you are not inferior to your sisters. Almost all the noble young masters of Ningguo have been invited to this banquet. Pay close attention, as it may be beneficial for your future."
Qing Luo, under the pretext of presenting flowers in the name of the Prime Minister's wife, secretly observed Gu Xiang's daughter Tian Lin and Wang Taiwei's daughter Yan Hui. Of course, she also took the opportunity to glance at the men in the nearby pavilion.
Qing Lei and Qing Fei immediately blushed and scolded her: "When did you become so naughty!"
Listening to the words of the madam, Qing Lei and Qing Fei could not help but glance across. There was no one in the cool pavilion, so they looked left and right. The light gauze obscured their view, and they could vaguely see a few women, but their faces were not visible, which left them somewhat disappointed and anxious. Qing Luo chuckled and said, "Madam, may I go and gather some information?"
He pointed to the pavilion opposite and said, "That is the Crown Prince's pavilion. Next to it is the Fourth Prince's." Then he whispered, "To our left is the pavilion of the Gu family, and to our right is the pavilion of the Wang Grand Minister. I have heard that Miss Zilin and Miss Yanhui have already arrived.
Qing Luo quietly watches over the princess, who is dignified and beautiful, at the age of thirty, exuding grace and nobility in her every gesture. This is a temperament cultivated since childhood. Looking around, two rows of small pavilions have been set up in this open space, surrounded by light gauze for the guests. However, the gauze in front of the pavilions designated for women is drawn down. Numerous ladies and young girls are seated in a scattered manner, dressed exquisitely and beautifully, having put thought into their appearance before arriving. Looking around again, two rows of small pavilions have been set up in this open space, surrounded by light gauze for the guests. However, the gauze in front of the pavilions designated for women is drawn down. Numerous ladies and young girls are seated in a scattered manner, dressed exquisitely and beautifully, having put thought into their appearance before arriving.
He heard that all five young masters of Fengcheng would attend this peach blossom banquet, including three from the royal family, all of whom are unmarried. Recently, Prince Ning hinted that he has taken a liking to the eldest daughter, Qing Lei, and if nothing unexpected occurs, she will likely be the candidate for the crown princess. Prime Minister Li was deeply grateful. It was also heard that the Empress Dowager favored the daughter of the Left Chancellor, Gu Tianlin, a woman who is renowned alongside Qing Lei as one of the two exceptional beauties of Fengcheng, yet he felt uncertain about this.
This is her first time stepping out of the Xiang residence in this alternate time and space. Along the way, she couldn't help but lift the curtain of the bridge to look outside. The matriarch coughed twice and said, "A Luo, your father instructed you before leaving to be mindful of your status as a young lady from a respectable family. You must not bring him shame today, otherwise, you will face the family rules. Just look at A Lei and A Fei, and then look at yourself. Old Seven really cannot change his ways and has even passed them on to his daughter!"
The lady urgently summoned Qing Lei and Qing Fei to step forward
Aloxi only smiled and did not respond
Upon entering the gate, there was a soft bridge waiting, carrying them inside. After walking for half an hour, a sea of pink appeared before them, as they arrived in a valley. The terrain here was flat, with shallow streams meandering gently through the peach blossom forest, a blend of natural and artificial beauty. Petals occasionally floated on the water's surface, carrying an intoxicating floral fragrance. A Luo sighed, what an unpolluted paradise beyond the world!
The Peach Blossom Banquet is the most grand event of spring in Wind City. The Princess of the Protectorate, originally the sister of Prince Ning, married General Chen and soon became a widow. This Peach Blossom Banquet is a private gathering held in the spring at the Shicui Mountain Villa, where she spends her leisure time. Whenever the flowers bloom at the villa, invitations are extended to the royal family, relatives, and the wives of ministers to enjoy the flowers together. Gradually, it also began to include the charming young talents of Wind City, ultimately evolving into a high-class matchmaking banquet
Alo's heart skipped a beat: "Mother, I am only twelve years old!"
Aloai sighed: "I can't bear to part with my mother. Is it possible to postpone the engagement?"
Qingfei's expression was one of shyness. The madam then spoke: "The princess is very fond of Qinglei and Qingfei, saying that she will specially invite the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince to bring flowers later."
The two individuals hurried towards the direction where white gauze was floating. They could see that they would be able to return shortly. However, the stream in front of them had widened. Qingluo picked up a branch and poked it into the water; the depth barely reached her thighs. Yet, as they searched for a way, they were also concerned about the time. Qingluo looked around; it was very quiet, and she could faintly hear the sounds of laughter coming from the pavilion nearby. She decisively began to remove her shoes and socks, rolling up her pant legs: "Now that no one is around, hurry up, Juan'er, it will be troublesome if someone sees us."
Alo scrutinized Li Qinglei, who wore a light blue strapless bodice with a white skirt, intricately embroidered with silver thread depicting gnarled plum branches and buds ready to bloom, standing gracefully with a delicate oval face and an air of calm, exuding an unparalleled cold elegance. Then she looked at Li Qingfei, who donned a jade-colored strapless bodice over a light red gauze dress, with the hem and cuffs embroidered with deeper silk threads adorned with numerous blossoms. Among the three, she was the tallest, already measuring 1.67 meters at the age of fourteen. As the wind blew, her gauze dress fluttered, resembling a startled swan. Then she looked at Li Qingfei again, who wore a jade-colored strapless bodice over a light red gauze dress, with the hem and cuffs embroidered with deeper silk threads adorned with numerous blossoms. Among the three, she was the tallest, already measuring 1.67 meters at the age of fourteen. As the wind blew, her gauze dress fluttered, resembling a startled swan.
Entering the flower forest, Qingluo felt a sense of relaxation returning to nature, gazing at the expanse of crimson, with lush green grass underfoot and the fragrant stream flowing nearby. She smiled at the cuckoo and said, "It is truly beautiful here"
The Seventh Lady said: "My daughter, I cannot bear to part with you, but you cannot stay with me for a lifetime. If you can meet someone good, it is far better than marrying someone haphazardly in the future. I only want you to carefully observe at the banquet, and if you see someone appealing, they can be considered as one of your potential choices in the future"
Later, it was heard that the queen had intentions for her own niece, Miss Wang Yanhui, to become the daughter of the Grand Chancellor. It is said that Miss Yanhui is exceptionally strategic and extraordinarily intelligent. Although her appearance may not match that of Gu Tianlin and Li Qinglei, she is still considered beautiful, and her family background cannot be underestimated.
Juan'er, with a distressed expression, could not answer. Qingluo glanced at the shadow of the sunlight and recalled the scene in the cool pavilion at that time. She led Juan'er towards the northwest. After walking for a while, Qingluo became cheerful: "Juan'er, look, that place is the resting spot!"
Qingluo released Juan'er’s hand and went to scoop. She grabbed the basket but lost her balance. Just as she was about to fall into the water, an unknown figure flew in and embraced Qingluo, pulling her out from the surface of the water
The delighted Qingluo was taken aback, turned around to take a look, and saw that the flowering trees had all grown similarly. Where is the cool pavilion in that direction? She became anxious: "Oh no, Juan'er, if we return late, Mother will surely scold us. Which direction did we come from?"
The Princess of the Protectorate's Shicui Mountain Villa is built against the mountains, and one can vaguely see a corner of a flying eave peeking out from the trees on the slope, revealing a hint of pink wall. A Luo couldn't help but exclaim that in that society, it is all the wealthy who live in villas
Li Xiangsi pondered back and forth, feeling uncertain in her heart, anxiously pacing in the study. The first lady smiled gently and said, "Sir, why not let all three daughters attend the banquet? Isn't it true that all five young masters from Wind City will be present?"
After a while, the madam returned to the pavilion, her face glowing with health and carrying two small tomatoes. Qingluo was very curious and kept asking Qingfei what the Princess of the Protectorate had just said.
Alo felt a surge of anger in her heart, retracting her curious gaze, sitting up straight, and thinking to herself, that one day, when I have the ability to protect myself, I will definitely take my beautiful mother and move out of the Xiang residence!
Qing Luo chuckled softly, fortunate that there was a breeze today. As the wind blew, the light gauze fluttered, revealing the beauty of the women unmistakably, captivating the young talents who sat upright yet gradually stretched their necks, glancing furtively.
As He Juan and her companion stepped out of the pavilion, they carried a basket and made their way into the flower grove. This peach blossom banquet hosted by the Princess of the Protectorate was uniquely designed to allow guests to freely pick flowers. If one happened to notice someone of interest, they could attach a poem or literary piece to the bouquet as a gift, adding a touch of romance. If there was no one appealing, there were also bouquets available for enjoyment within the pavilion, thus avoiding the awkwardness of receiving no flowers. Furthermore, among the ladies, it was customary to exchange bouquets as a gesture of goodwill and courtesy. If there was no one appealing, there were also bouquets available for enjoyment within the pavilion, thus avoiding the awkwardness of receiving no flowers. Additionally, among the ladies, it was customary to exchange bouquets as a gesture of goodwill and courtesy.
The lady reminded Li Xiang with a single sentence. If she cannot become the crown prince's primary consort, then being a secondary consort is also inevitable. If either of the other two daughters can win the favor of any one of the five young masters of Fengcheng, it would not be a loss. Unconsciously stroking his beard, he smiled and said: "The lady truly has a far-sighted vision"
Only then did the man realize that he had turned his back. Qingluo saw his back tremble and knew he was secretly laughing, which made her curse inwardly. Juan'er had already come ashore, and the two hurriedly tidied themselves up. Only then did Qingluo slowly say to the man: "Thank you for earlier, but please do not turn around, we are not dressed yet. Originally, I should have properly thanked you, but..." Qingluo changed her tone: "Who told you to look around so indiscriminately?!"
Looking at herself again, she wore a cyan single coat and a deep cyan skirt, with two small hair buns, and the bangs that hung down were just cut by Xiaoyu, covering half of her small face. She inserted two silver hairpins and stood next to Qinglei and Qingfei, not only shorter than the two of them but also resembling the little maid they brought along. Qinglei and Qingfei glanced at Qingluo and burst into laughter. The matriarch frowned slightly, thinking that Qingluo was still young, and today was mainly about the eldest and the second, so she did not call for Qingluo to dress up again.
Li Xiang looked at his three daughters. Li Qinglei was reserved and steady, Li Qingfei was cheerful and lively, and Li Qingluo was petite and graceful. Each of them excelled in their own way, with the spring orchid and autumn chrysanthemum showcasing their strengths. Except for A Luo, who lacked exceptional skills, the other two daughters truly satisfied him to the core.
The girl, only about thirteen or fourteen years old, was at the age of playful curiosity. Following Qingluo, she admired the scenery and the flowers, gradually straying far from the resting place. After walking for an unknown duration, when she turned around, she could no longer see the pavilion; all that met her eyes were flowering trees, and she couldn't help but feel anxious: "Miss San, have we lost our way?"
After steadying himself, the man turned around and couldn't help but chuckle upon seeing the two individuals running clumsily while carrying a basket. He then shook his sleeves and thought to himself, that spoiled girl raised in that household! As long as you are at this banquet, how could I possibly not find you?
Qing Luo was taken aback; this person possessed the legendary martial arts! She hurriedly grabbed Juan Er and fled in panic
Upon hearing the announcement of Lady Li's arrival, the Princess of the Protectorate stood with a smile to greet her. After exchanging formalities and taking their seats, the Princess of the Protectorate asked the matriarch, "I have long heard that Lord Li has two daughters who are exceptionally talented and as beautiful as celestial beings. Please allow me to have a good look at them."
Alo got off the carriage and, having seen the square sky of the mansion, now found her vision broadened. She thought to herself how wonderful it would be to be free. When would she be able to travel freely and at ease?
The seventh lady laughed and said: "In Ningguo, girls can marry at thirteen and consummate the marriage at sixteen. My A Luo can secure a good match, and it is not too late to marry when she grows up"
The madam's eyes sparkled with amusement: "This idea is good; today, it truly seems that no one knows that the third miss of the Xiang residence has also arrived. It is hard to say whether people even know that there is a third miss in the Xiang residence. You should go and take a look at those two young ladies, and listen to what others are saying. " She then instructed the waiting maid, Juan'er, beside her: "You accompany the third miss; do not cause any trouble."
Alo is sweetening her voice to please: "Eldest sister and second sister, you both look beautiful today. Alo will gladly serve as your maid and carefully help you choose a suitable husband."
On the seventh day of March, with the spring breeze caressing the face and the warm sun shining brightly, it was indeed a splendid day. The matron brought her three daughters to the Peach Blossom Banquet. This was also the place where she felt most satisfied, for only she could proudly stand alongside the noble ladies of Ningguo. Today, she had specially styled her hair in an upright bun, adorned in a dark golden dress embroidered with the character for 'blessing', complemented by a golden peony flower ornament, a beaded hairpin, and jingling accessories. Her plump figure, accentuated by her hairstyle and attire, showcased the dignity of the Prime Minister's wife.
Qing Luo let out a sharp scream, and in the next moment, her feet were firmly planted on the shore. Still shaken, Qing Luo widened her eyes and stared at the person in front of her. It was a tall and handsome young man, who was smiling at her. Qing Luo's face flushed as she lowered her head, noticing that he was looking at her thighs and bare feet, which ignited a fire in her heart: "Turn around, young man, I need to put on my shoes"