Chapter 84: The Banquet Competition – Competing for the Prize

“You… you all…” Sun Ruyu was furious and was about to step forward to argue, but Han Xiyin stopped her with a firm grasp.

Han Xiyin’s goal today was to humiliate Xu Nian, not to get into a verbal spat with her.

“Miss Xu, we have had some misunderstandings in the past. Since we are all gathered here at this flower appreciation banquet, it would be a great opportunity to clear them up.

I’ve heard that Miss Xu is highly knowledgeable and skilled in craftsmanship, even receiving praise from Her Highness the Princess Consort. Since we have such a grand gathering today, why not have a friendly competition?”

Xu Nian truly had no interest in competing with a group of young ladies, but Wang Pingting beside her was clearly displeased.

“Compete? Fine! How do you want to compete? Swords, spears, or halberds—take your pick.”

Han Xiyin covered her lips with a delicate smile. “Miss Wang, how amusing. We all know that you are the daughter of a military general, but must you always speak of swords and weapons?

As young ladies, we value virtue, poise, speech, and skill. Why not compete in ‘skill’ today?”

Wang Pingting scoffed. She had thought it was something serious, but it turned out to be embroidery.

“Miss Han, you are quite interesting. We are not professional embroiderers—what’s the use of honing embroidery skills to perfection?”

Hearing this, Han Xiyin reached out and took the tray from the maid beside her, lifting the red cloth covering it.

Xu Nian and Wang Pingting curiously leaned forward, and when they saw what was inside, their eyes widened in shock.

Han Xiyin, pleased with their astonished expressions, smiled smugly.

“This item is called rope weaving. Perhaps neither of you have seen it before. This piece here is something I crafted within half an hour—’A Hundred Flowers in Bloom.’ Why don’t we compete to see whose craftsmanship is superior?”

Wang Pingting lowered her head, trying hard to suppress her laughter. She never expected Han Xiyin to present something that was actually invented by Xu Nian herself. This was no different from willingly walking into a trap.

Xu Nian was only surprised for a moment before her expression turned calm. She glanced behind Han Xiyin but did not see Shen Yan anywhere.

“Miss Han, I assume someone must have taught you this rope weaving technique. Out of respect for Madam Han, I offer you some advice—take your companions back to your seats and enjoy the banquet properly. There’s no need to insist on competing with me. We have no personal grudge, so why make things difficult for yourself?”

Han Xiyin failed to perceive the warning in Xu Nian’s words. Instead, she assumed Xu Nian was showing signs of retreat and became even more arrogant. “Could it be that Miss Xu is afraid?”

It is said that kind words are wasted on those who refuse to listen. Today, Xu Nian finally understood that. Since Han Xiyin was so insistent, she saw no point in further discussion. Instead, she gestured for Han Xiyin to take charge of the competition.

At the banquet, aside from the noble ladies, most of the attendees were young men and women of similar age. Upon hearing that Miss Han was organizing a competition, they all became excited and eagerly gathered around.

Even Luo Jin’an, who had been indifferent until now, strolled over and spoke up, “Since this is a competition, will the participants be wagering anything as a prize?”

Upon hearing that the one asking was Prince Chang, the crowd immediately chimed in in agreement: How could there be a competition without a prize? Every participant should contribute something.

Han Xiyin didn’t want to be looked down upon. After a moment of hesitation, she removed the jade pendant from her waist and placed it on the table.

“This jade pendant was a reward personally bestowed by the Prince of Zhenbei to my father for his meritorious service in disaster relief. On New Year’s Day, my father gifted it to me. Today, I will use it as the prize. If anyone’s rope-weaving piece surpasses my Hundred Flowers in Bloom, this prize will belong to them.”

As soon as she finished speaking, all eyes turned to the jade pendant. Not only was it extremely valuable, but its symbolic significance made it even more extraordinary.

Seeing the eager gazes fixed on her pendant, Han Xiyin felt a tinge of regret. However, recalling how difficult it had been for Shen Yan to weave, she reassured herself that no one here would be able to master the skill so quickly. She regained her usual arrogance and turned to Xu Nian. “Miss Xu, do you have anything worthy enough to wager?”

Xu Nian gave a gentle smile and removed a pearl hairpin from her hair. “This hairpin may not be as precious as Miss Han’s jade pendant, but it holds great sentimental value for me. It was the first thing I bought for myself after earning my first silver tael in Lingshan County. I shall use it as my stake.”

Han Xiyin had been ready to mock Xu Nian’s meager offering, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she urged the other young ladies to present their stakes as well.

With a loud thud, another jade pendant landed on the table. Luo Jin’an spoke casually, “Since I’m here to witness this competition, I might as well contribute a prize.”

The participating young ladies blushed with excitement. If they could win the prince’s jade pendant, wouldn’t that be…?

Seeing this, the young men present also took out their most valuable possessions as stakes, and before long, the table was piled high with prizes.

Luo Jin’an leaned slightly toward Xu Nian and said with feigned grievance, “Nian Nian, you must win this competition. If my jade pendant falls into someone else’s hands and they come pestering me, what shall I do?”

Xu Nian took a step forward, widening the distance between them. “I’m not falling for that.”

“Since everyone is ready, let’s begin now. The time limit is half an hour. The winner will be determined by the majority vote of those present,” Han Xiyin announced.

At her command, several maids stepped forward, carrying trays filled with all the necessary materials for rope weaving.

Xu Nian did not start immediately. Instead, she considered which pattern would allow her to win while still preserving Madam Han’s dignity. Seeing that Xu Nian hadn’t moved, Han Xiyin felt even more confident.

Suddenly, inspiration struck Xu Nian. She selected blue, gold, and red threads and began working. Initially, Han Xiyin dismissed her choice of colors as too simple, but as soon as she saw Xu Nian’s nimble fingers and swift movements, she became alarmed.

She had watched Shen Yan struggle to weave a single flower, but in Xu Nian’s hands, it seemed as if the flower effortlessly blossomed from her palms.

The other young ladies, who had been struggling to manipulate the threads, were also drawn to Xu Nian’s work. They curiously observed the intricate blue flowers forming under her fingers—many of which they had never seen before.

When Xu Nian finally set down her work, they assumed she was finished. However, to their surprise, she removed the pearl ornament from her hair, carefully plucking out the pearls and weaving them into the floral centers. The already exquisite piece instantly gained an added touch of elegance and luxury.

“Miss Xu, what is this creation of yours?” one of the young gentlemen asked.

Xu Nian held up the woven piece and placed it on her head. “This is a rope-woven headband. I call it A Hundred Flowers Bestowing Auspiciousness.”

Then, she placed the headband on a tray and instructed a maid, “Please deliver this to Madam Han, along with this message: The garden is filled with spring’s intoxicating beauty, yet the peach blossoms still smile at the spring breeze.“

“Brilliant! What a wonderful line—‘The peach blossoms still smile at the spring breeze.’”

“Miss Xu is undoubtedly today’s champion.”

“…”

Listening to the voices of admiration around her, Han Xiyin’s face turned pale. How… how could this have happened?