Chapter Thirteen: The Flower Viewing Gathering

“Your Highness, as you know, I have an elder sister. She was once engaged to you, but now you are my betrothed. Yet, because she holds the title of the legitimate eldest daughter, if Your Highness could help me ruin her reputation, the position would naturally fall to me. Then, when I marry into the Crown Prince’s household, it would bring you no small prestige.”

The meaning behind Su Baizhi’s words was clear—she wanted Yun Fengxiao to help her get rid of Su Lilu. Yun Fengxiao had no desire to meddle in the affairs of the Su family; whether Su Baizhi became the legitimate eldest daughter had little to do with his own honor. But Su Baizhi deliberately tied the two together, clearly hoping to persuade him.

“Baizhi, I do not care whether you are the legitimate eldest daughter—” Yun Fengxiao began, but was cut off at once as Su Baizhi, fearing he might refuse to help, hurriedly added, “Your Highness, as long as I become the legitimate eldest daughter, my father will surely give you his full support. Why worry then about ascending to the highest position?”

Yun Fengxiao’s eyes were deep and inscrutable, leaving Su Baizhi unable to guess his thoughts. She could only suppress her fear and look at him steadily, waiting for his answer.

After weighing the benefits, Yun Fengxiao was at last swayed by the advantages she promised and nodded in agreement. “Wait for my good news, Baizhi.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Su Baizhi curtsied, unable to hide the smile that danced on her lips as she watched him leave.

Three days later, the Su household received an invitation from the Grand Princess’s residence. Upon inquiring, Yao Ruoshui learned that nearly every prominent family in the capital had been invited for this occasion.

The invitation stated that the young ladies of each household were to attend a flower viewing. Yao Ruoshui summoned the girls to the main room. Because of her recent miscarriage, Su Baizhi was her obvious favorite; the moment she entered, Yao Ruoshui seated her at her side, while the others sat below on pearwood chairs.

“There is but one matter for which I’ve called you,” said Yao Ruoshui. “Today, we received an invitation from the Grand Princess. In three days, there will be a flower viewing at her residence. Are you interested in attending?” As she spoke, her gaze rested on Su Lilu and the two younger daughters.

Su Lilu’s expression was calm, betraying none of her thoughts regarding the flower viewing. Su Shan’er, on the other hand, was both nervous and delighted, unable to hide her joy. The youngest, Su Dongxuan, was still a child; though she was happy, she knew she was only there to see the world, with little say in the matter.

“Mother, I wish to go,” said Su Baihan, rising to her feet at the prospect of such a fine opportunity. Now that Su Baizhi was engaged to the Crown Prince, her own marriage prospects could not fall short by comparison. The flower viewing banquet would be an excellent chance to meet the capital’s influential young men.

“Mother, I am not yet fully recovered. I would rather stay home and keep you company,” Su Baizhi replied in a frail voice, coughing before she could finish. Yao Ruoshui immediately had a maid bring water, and only after some fuss did she settle down.

“If you do not wish to go, Baizhi, so be it. Lilu, you may take your sisters. Remember, mind your words and behavior outside. Do not bring shame to the Su family,” Yao Ruoshui said, her face cold towards the younger daughters. If not for Su Shan’er’s usual deference to the legitimate sisters, Yao Ruoshui would have found reason to discipline her long ago.

“I understand,” answered Su Lilu, though she would have preferred to forgo this seemingly golden opportunity. Su Baizhi, however, tugged at Yao Ruoshui’s sleeve, and with the matter settled, Su Lilu could say nothing more.

With her instructions given, Yao Ruoshui dismissed the girls, who each returned to their courtyards to prepare for the banquet.

Three days passed quickly, and the day of the Grand Princess’s flower viewing arrived. Su Lilu was roused at dawn by Liu Zhu and Liu Ying to be dressed and groomed. Staring at her own plain face in the bronze mirror, she stopped Liu Zhu from applying more powder.

“There’s no need for elaborate dressing—I have no intention of standing out. It’s late enough already; let’s just change clothes and go,” Su Lilu said. Just then, a maid announced that the third and fourth young misses were waiting. Su Lilu urged her maids to hurry.

When Su Lilu and Liu Zhu reached the gate, Su Baihan and the others were already finely dressed, looking rather anxious. Upon seeing Su Lilu, their expressions eased a little.

“You’re so slow. If we’re late and the Grand Princess is displeased, who will bear the consequences?” Su Baihan scolded.

Su Shan’er nodded. “Indeed, it’s late. Let’s get going, Han’er, lest we miss our chance.” Her mind was already at the banquet, hoping to find her ideal match.

Su Dongxuan stood aside, nearly invisible. Su Lilu noticed that Su Baihan wore a pink gown and Su Shan’er a pale yellow one—both eager to shine at the gathering.

“Let’s board the carriage, sisters. We mustn’t delay,” Su Lilu said, her enthusiasm far less than that of the others, having no interest in making a mark at the banquet.

Only one carriage had been arranged for the journey. No matter how reluctant Su Baihan and Su Shan’er were, they had to share it with Su Lilu. Inside, the air was stifling, with the two whispering to each other while Su Lilu remained silent. The journey passed quickly, and soon they arrived at the gates of the Grand Princess’s residence.

Led by the princess’s maids into the garden, Su Baihan quickly pulled Su Shan’er and Su Dongxuan aside. “Su Lilu, go explore by yourself. Pretend you don’t know us,” she sneered, making her disdain clear. The three joined another circle of guests, leaving Su Lilu alone and at ease, content to find a quiet corner to admire the flowers in solitude.

Before long, a commotion swept through the garden—the Crown Prince and Prince Yi had arrived. The young ladies’ hearts fluttered, cheeks flushed, but Yun Fengxiao and Yun Yan Yi did not linger, heading inside to greet the Grand Princess.

Su Lilu found a pavilion and sat down. A maid approached with tea. “Miss, please have some tea.”

“Just leave it,” Su Lilu replied, sitting alone in the pavilion, pleased with the solitude.

Suddenly, she felt a chill—a teacup had tipped, soaking the waist and abdomen of her gown with dark stains.

The maid dropped to her knees. “Please forgive my carelessness, miss. Your clothes are soiled—why not let me take you to the rear courtyard to change?”

Seeing the wet patch on her dress, Su Lilu found it uncomfortable and nodded. “Lead the way.”

The maid quickly rose, set the teacup aside, and guided Su Lilu out of the garden.