Chapter 83: Luo Jin’an Accompanies the Banquet; Han Xiyin Stirs Up Trouble Again

Huifeng Manor occupied a vast area. Although Xu Nian had passed by several times, she could only see the tall courtyard walls and had never been able to take in its full appearance. Therefore, she was quite looking forward to attending today’s flower appreciation banquet.

Luo Jin’an had originally intended to conceal his identity and attend the banquet with the Xu family, but Xu Nian did not agree. Although she did not know how he had been injured, the increased number of guards around him indicated that he had encountered danger.

Thus, today, Huifeng Manor’s main gates were wide open. Madam Han and Shang Jinzhi stood outside to welcome their esteemed guest—the Prince.

“Your Highness, we humbly greet you.”

“You may rise.”

Madam Han felt an overwhelming excitement as she watched the Prince step down from the carriage. Never had she imagined that such a simple flower appreciation banquet would attract such a noble guest.

“Our humble abode is modest. I hope Your Highness will forgive any shortcomings. Please, do come inside.”

Luo Jin’an stood with his hands clasped behind his back but did not enter.

“I am merely accompanying a friend today. Madam and Young Master need not be overly concerned.”

After speaking, Luo Jin’an turned toward the carriage behind him and softly said, “Nian Nian, we’ve arrived.”

Xu Nian was, of course, aware that they had arrived. She had merely been waiting for His Highness to step down first. Yet, she had not expected him to make such a spectacle of it.

Since they could not remain at an impasse, and with other guests’ carriages arriving one after another, Xu Nian had no choice but to step out to avoid drawing attention. She took Luo Jin’an’s arm as she descended from the carriage but secretly shot him a sharp glare.

Luo Jin’an pretended not to notice, inwardly pleased with himself.

Madam Tian led Xu Nian, the three Xu brothers, and Madam Han to pay their respects. Madam Han, being perceptive, immediately recognized the close relationship between this county magistrate’s family and the Prince. Thus, she personally escorted them to the banquet.

As Xu Nian stepped into the manor, she curiously examined her surroundings. A crystal-clear stream flowed gently, encircling the buildings. Under the sunlight, the water shimmered with tiny golden flecks. Willow trees swayed along the banks, their tender green branches dancing in the breeze, occasionally brushing the water’s surface and creating gentle ripples.

Seeing her keen interest, Shang Jinzhi approached and softly explained, “This is where I host the ‘Floating Goblets on Winding Stream’ gathering each year. Unfortunately, I will soon be returning to Shengdu. Otherwise, I would have certainly sent you an invitation, Miss Xu.”

“It is indeed a wonderful place,” Xu Nian remarked. “But I regret that my poetic talent is rather mediocre. Even if I were invited, I’d probably just come to enjoy the food and drinks.”

Shang Jinzhi was momentarily stunned before chuckling, “Miss Xu is quite straightforward.”

Seeing them chatting and laughing, Luo Jin’an felt a surge of jealousy. He called Xu Ji over.

“Young Master Shang, this is my second brother. He has long admired your talent. Why not take this opportunity to offer him some guidance?”

Shang Jinzhi glanced at the composed young boy standing beside him and smiled. “It would be my honor.”

Luo Jin’an, satisfied with his little scheme, felt an inexplicable sense of joy—so much so that even the scenery before him seemed brighter. However, his satisfaction was soon met with another eye-roll from Xu Nian.

Since this was a flower appreciation banquet, the gathering was held in the garden. At the center of the garden was a vast grassy field, where long tables had been arranged, already filled with many guests.

Wang Pingting, upon seeing Xu Nian arrive, waved excitedly but was quickly silenced by a sharp look from her mother.

Noticing Wang Pingting’s desperate glances, Xu Nian immediately understood and turned to Madam Tian. “Mother, this is my first time attending a flower appreciation banquet. There are many things I don’t understand, so I would like to sit with Sister Wang. That way, I can ask her if I have any questions.”

Her words served as a reminder to Madam Tian. “You’re right, Nian’er. I shall also go and seek guidance from your Aunt Guan.”

As soon as Xu Nian took her seat at the table, Wang Pingting practically “flew” over like a lively butterfly.

“You always have a way, little sister! If not for you, I would have been suffocated by now.”

“Then how do you plan to thank me?”

“Shall I… devote myself to you?”

“Hahaha…”

Shen Yan sat quietly with Madam Liu in a secluded corner. Hearing the faint sound of laughter drifting from the main gathering, she clenched the handkerchief in her hands.

Ever since Wang Pingting had confronted her last time, this was their first meeting. Yet, when she had gone to greet her just now, Wang Pingting had completely ignored her.

Lowering her head further, Shen Yan concealed the turbulent emotions in her eyes. Today, she was determined to reclaim everything that rightfully belonged to her.

This banquet was hosted according to the customs of Beijiang, so there were no dividing screens between men and women. All Shen Yan had to do was lift her gaze slightly to see the figure who haunted her thoughts.

Similarly, Luo Jin’an, seated at the head position on the right, only had to lift his eyes to see Xu Nian chatting happily with her close friend. He was enjoying the sight when a figure suddenly blocked his view.

“Your Highness, I humbly greet you. I wonder if…”

Luo Jin’an frowned. Before the young man in front of him could finish speaking, a guard had already stepped forward to block his path. The young man dared not approach further and had no choice but to bow and retreat.

With this as an example, the others who had been eager to step forward and strike up a conversation also gave up. However, the three Xu brothers unexpectedly became the center of attention, as many had noticed that the Prince had arrived at the banquet with the Xu family.

Now undisturbed, Luo Jin’an leisurely sipped his tea while admiring the radiant smile of the person he cared for the most.

Madam Han had initially wanted to have her daughter formally greet the Prince, but she had also noticed the scene just now—it was clear that His Highness did not wish to be disturbed. However, weren’t there still the Xu family’s ladies?

“Yinyin, go and accompany Miss Xu. You’re of a similar age and should have plenty of common topics to discuss.”

“I’m not going,” Han Xiyin refused outright. She was already frustrated that she couldn’t deal with Xu Nian today, and now her mother wanted her to play host? No way.

“I said go. Do you still want to see your cousin off?”

“You keep telling me not to get involved with Cousin, yet you use him to threaten me every time. Hmph—”

“What are you mumbling about?”

Han Xiyin hesitated for a moment but ultimately surrendered to her mother’s authority and made her way toward the lower banquet seats. However, a sudden thought occurred to her—she had just found a way to teach Xu Nian a lesson.

Xu Nian, unaware that someone was plotting against her, was currently dealing with Wang Pingting’s interrogation.

“When did you and the Prince first meet? Why do I get the feeling that he has ulterior motives toward you? Just look at him—since he sat down, his eyes haven’t left you once. He’s practically making it obvious for everyone to see!”

Xu Nian glanced in his direction and, sure enough, met Luo Jin’an’s gaze. The moment he saw her looking, he even raised an eyebrow at her. Before she could avert her eyes, a sneering voice reached her ears.

“People like that—ambitious beyond their station yet as fragile as paper—are simply laughable. A Prince is of such noble status; how could a mere common girl dare to dream of him?”

Xu Nian turned her head and saw Han Xiyin standing at the table with a group of young ladies. The one who had just spoken was the girl in green who had confronted her at the teahouse before.

“And who might this be?” Xu Nian asked, unfazed.

“My father is the esteemed Master Sun, a highly respected figure in the county. My uncle is the Vice Minister of the Prefectural Court,” the girl in green declared proudly.

Xu Nian smiled at Wang Pingting. “Sister, this is the first time I’ve heard such a unique self-introduction. Did you understand it?”

Wang Pingting stroked her chin as if deep in thought. “From the sound of it, she must be Miss Sun. But it’s a pity—I’ve never even heard of this so-called ‘highly respected’ Master Sun.”