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Chapter 7 – Seduction

Today’s Spring Banquet was held on a grand scale. The First Madam was too busy to handle everything on her own, so the Second Madam helped, and even the usually ignored Third Madam appeared all smiles as she greeted guests.

Indeed, the moment the Marchioness of Yongchang arrived, the Third Madam immediately pulled Xie Xiuyun forward to present her attentively.

The Yongchang Marquisate held a hereditary title, and moreover, the eldest daughter of their household was currently the favored Consort Shu in the palace. How could the Third Madam not be envious?

If Xie Xiuyun could marry into the Marquisate, becoming the heir’s wife, then at last the Third Madam would have her moment of glory! In the Xie household, no one would dare look down on her again!

But although the Third Madam fawned tirelessly, the Marchioness’s response remained indifferent. The Third Madam stewed in her frustration, forced to keep smiling.

“First Madam.”

At the maid’s announcement, the First Madam entered the garden.

Feigning surprise, the Third Madam asked, “Oh? Has Yan-ge’er (Xie Xianyu) returned?”

The First Madam shot her a cold glance, making the Third Madam shut her mouth in embarrassment.

The First Madam herself wasn’t in a good mood—Xie Xianyu still hadn’t returned. Even those sent to Dali Temple couldn’t get past the gates.

Still, she forced a composed smile:
“There was urgent business in the palace. The case he is working on is of great importance and cannot be delayed. He had to leave early this morning, and truly has no time to return.”

“The Eldest Young Master shoulders grave responsibilities now. Naturally, state affairs must come first. Today’s banquet is merely for admiring flowers. It matters little if he does not attend.”

The speaker was a young lady dressed in a delicate layered pink gown embroidered with pearls. Her refined face carried a soft smile, her voice light and gentle yet poised.

The First Madam, comforted, patted her hand:
“Such thoughtfulness from you, Xuejun.”

Jiang Xuejun smiled, personally serving her tea:
“Aunt, you’ve worked hard today. Please rest and have some tea.”

The First Madam’s heart warmed. After a long, tiring morning, she gratefully accepted and sipped.

The Jiang family was also of gentry stock, though not as prestigious as the Xies. Still, their families had been close for generations. The First Madam had watched Jiang Xuejun grow up and knew her to be steady and sensible since childhood. She was very fond of her.

Now, as various noble families extended proposals for Xie Xianyu’s marriage, the First Madam had weighed them carefully—and found Jiang Xuejun the most suitable.

Sensible, dignified, educated and graceful—she was a perfect match for her son.

The First Madam’s smile deepened.
“Good child, come sit by me.”

Jiang Xuejun obeyed, sitting at her side. The other guests tactfully averted their eyes, but inwardly they understood well enough.

It seemed the position of the future Young Madam of the Xie family was all but decided.

---

Meanwhile, in the peach grove, the examination candidates wandered in groups of twos and threes toward the Ouxiang Pavilion in the western courtyard, where the men were to be received.

As a scholarly household famed for its integrity, the Xies invited even poor scholars to such banquets, displaying their noble reputation.

For these humble candidates, stepping into such a refined estate was rare; they admired the scenery and conversed eagerly along the way.

“Lord Xie, despite his high office, still favors us poor scholars. Truly lofty and virtuous!”

“Indeed, the Xies are a family of pure repute, unlike those arrogant noble clans.”

“Of course. If I should pass the exams this year, I vow to serve and follow Lord Xie.”

“Ha, easier said than done. Year after year, many of us never succeed. Some may spend their whole lives waiting in vain.”

“True enough. Look at the Eldest Young Master of the Xie family—he passed the palace exam as zhuangyuan (top scholar) at just seventeen. I’ve read his essays—sharp and brilliant, far beyond our reach.”

“Such heaven-gifted talent is not for the likes of us to compare with…”

They sighed in unison.

At the rear of the group, one scholar fell silent, his steps slowing. With a faint sigh, he happened to glance sideways—and froze.

Behind a peach tree, a slender figure walked slowly, the hem of her pale green dress brushing fallen blossoms, light as though she were a fairy.

He stared, forgetting to move until he lagged behind.

The young lady turned slightly, her profile emerging from the blossoms. Her head tilted upward, as though admiring the flowers. Her half-loosened hair flowed down her back, stirred gently by the breeze.

She carried a bamboo basket brimming with peach blossoms. When the wind lifted, petals danced into the air, making her seem almost otherworldly.

She glanced around and, turning, suddenly met his gaze.

Startled, he dropped his eyes quickly, stammering:
“L-lady… I…”

Wanru tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes.
“Do you know how to get out?”

“Huh?” He blinked, then, seeing her lost look, flushed scarlet.
“Have… have you lost your way, miss?”

She nodded softly.
“I didn’t know the grove was so large. I came in and can’t find the way out.”

“I—it’s also my first time here, but I came from that direction. If you follow the path and turn left, you should reach the exit.”

She looked uncertainly in the direction he pointed, then back at him.
“Where exactly do I turn left?”

“…”

“Perhaps… I could guide you out, miss?”

Wanru smiled sweetly.
“Many thanks, sir.”

That smile dazzled him, and for a moment he forgot himself. Then he scolded himself inwardly—how improper!—and hurried forward.

“Please, follow me.”

He walked ahead, his steps unusually tense, not knowing why his heart raced. Wanru followed half a pace behind.

To ease the silence, he asked,
“Miss, are you also a guest here today?”

Wanru shook her head.
“No. I came here a year ago. After my father passed, my aunt took me in. But this is my first time in the peach grove.”

“So you are a cousin of the household. Then why not join the banquet?”

Wanru lowered her head slightly, her voice soft.
“I am but a dependent. It wouldn’t be proper for me to attend.”

His heart stirred with pity, feeling a sense of kinship.

“And you, sir? You are here as a guest?”

“I am Lin Han, a candidate for this year’s imperial examinations. By good fortune, I was invited here.”

Wanru curved her lips in a smile.
“Lin-gongzi.”

He looked back at her bright eyes, his heart pounding so hard he had to glance away.

Just as he was about to speak again, she exclaimed,
“Oh! We’ve really come out.”

He lifted his eyes—the grove had indeed ended. A pang of regret struck him. He should have walked more slowly.

Wanru smiled and bowed slightly.
“Thank you, Lin-gongzi.”

He hurriedly cupped his hands in return.
“It was nothing, a small favor.”

“I’ll take my leave then.” Wanru nodded, then turned away.

Lin Han watched her departing figure in a daze, lips parting but no words coming out. When she disappeared, regret washed over him for not calling her back.

Just then, he noticed something on the ground—her scented sachet, embroidered with camellias, faintly fragrant with medicinal herbs. She must have dropped it.

Treasuring it like a precious relic, he tucked it carefully into his sleeve.
Next time… if fate allows, I must return it to her with my own hands.

---

Wanru emerged from the grove, her steps light. She considered quietly.

Lin Han’s plain robe and simple cloth hair tie, with even frayed cuffs, revealed his poverty.

Yet he was courteous and restrained, never staring rudely, always keeping distance—a gentleman’s bearing.

He was a licentiate (juren). Though he held no office yet, he already possessed scholarly rank. In the hierarchy of society, this was more than enough to outshine the Xu family.

Wanru’s lips curved faintly.
Yes. He will do.

Suddenly, a maidservant rushed over breathlessly.
“Miss Cousin! Terrible news!”

Wanru halted at once.
“What happened?”

“Just now, Young Master fell into the pond while playing near the waterside pavilion! He was rescued, but it was too late—he’s still unconscious!”

Wanru’s face changed at once.
“Where did he fall in? Has he been saved?!”

“At Ting Shui Pavilion. He was pulled out, but… he hasn’t woken up yet…”

Wanru dropped her basket in panic and ran.