Chapter 82: Wang Pingting Returns – The Purpose of the Flower Appreciation Banquet

Two days had passed since their heartfelt conversation. Although Luo Jin’an still hadn’t found an opportunity to finish what he wanted to say, he could clearly feel that Xu Nian no longer avoided his gaze when they were together.

Originally, the plan for today was for Xu Nian to accompany him to visit the estate. However, the arrival of Madam Guan and Wang Pingting disrupted their plans. Luo Jin’an glanced at the three little troublemakers bombarding him with endless questions and resigned himself to his fate, beginning to explain the texts to them—after all, they were Xu Nian’s younger brothers.

Qingteng Pavilion

Wang Pingting carefully displayed the gifts she had brought for Xu Nian one by one.

“I bought all these for you in Lingfeng City. You won’t find them in Wansheng County. So? Aren’t I the best sister ever?”

Looking at the table filled with all sorts of trinkets, Xu Nian looped her arm around Wang Pingting’s and said playfully, “Sister treats me so well! I’m so touched I almost want to offer myself to you!”

“Ugh, you shameless girl! You dare say anything, don’t you? Let’s see if I let you off today!” Wang Pingting pounced on her and started tickling her mercilessly, pinning her against the couch by the window.

Xu Nian, already physically weaker than Wang Pingting, couldn’t break free. She laughed so hard that tears streamed down her face and had no choice but to beg for mercy. “Sister, spare me! I was wrong! I won’t say it again!”

Seeing Xu Nian lying there with her hair in disarray and her eyes brimming with tears, Wang Pingting finally let her go.

Xiu’er came in with a basin of water and helped her mistress freshen up and fix her hair. Wang Pingting, watching Xu Nian’s reflection in the mirror, casually asked, “I heard you’ve had some distinguished guests at your home and have been keeping them company. Did I interrupt anything by coming today?”

Xu Nian met Wang Pingting’s gaze in the mirror and, hearing the slightly jealous tone in her voice, teased, “What are you talking about? It’s all because someone was gone for almost a month, giving me time to spend with others.”

She then turned and asked with a smirk, “Didn’t you say you’d be back in just over ten days? What took you so long?”

Wang Pingting fidgeted, walked over to the dressing table, and played with the hairpins in the jewelry box. In a low voice, she replied, “My coming-of-age ceremony is next month. Mother said there aren’t many suitable young men in Wansheng County, so she and Grandmother were looking for potential matches for me in Lingfeng City.”

Xu Nian’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “So? How did that go?”

“Oh, come on! How am I supposed to answer that?”

Xu Nian pulled Wang Pingting over to sit on the couch and coaxed her, “Just tell me, was there anyone among them that you liked?”

Wang Pingting twisted the handkerchief in her hands and said softly, “I only met them briefly. How could I say whether I liked them or not? I’ll just follow my parents’ arrangements.”

Xu Nian eyed her suspiciously, not convinced that she was telling the whole truth.

“So, have Uncle and Aunt already chosen someone?”

“Mm, they have. It’s the third son of the Tongzhi family in Lingfeng City. Mother said that after my coming-of-age ceremony, the Wei family will formally propose marriage.”

“And what do you think of this Third Young Master?”

“Aiya!” Wang Pingting covered her face with both hands, peeking at Xu Nian through her fingers. Seeing Xu Nian’s serious expression, she hesitated before pulling her down onto the couch and whispering, “I was too nervous that day, so I only remember that he was wearing a sky-blue robe and that he always chuckled softly while talking to my mother. His voice sounded very gentle.”

“Sigh,” Wang Pingting let out a soft sigh. “Mother said he is two years older than me and has already passed the imperial exam to become a scholar. He is humble and well-mannered, making this a good match.”

Seeing the troubled look on Wang Pingting’s face, Xu Nian asked in confusion, “Sister, are you unhappy with this engagement? I don’t think Aunt would force you if you didn’t want it.”

“I don’t know either,” Wang Pingting replied after some thought. “Mother said that scholars prefer quiet and graceful women, so she wants me to learn proper etiquette and read more books. But you know me—I can’t stand those pretentious poems.”

Xu Nian recalled their previous study sessions and couldn’t help but chuckle. Indeed, such a requirement would be difficult for Wang Pingting.

“So, what are your plans, Sister?”

“Plans? Marriage is decided by our parents and the matchmaker. Of course, I can only comply. But the third young master of the Wei family will come to Wansheng County for my coming-of-age ceremony, so I’ll take the opportunity to get to know him better.” Wang Pingting’s eyes suddenly lit up, and she turned to Xu Nian with a suggestion. “Why don’t you help me judge him when the time comes?”

“Huh?” Xu Nian was taken aback. Was that even an option?

“Don’t worry,” Wang Pingting assured her. “I’ll organize a horse-riding event and invite more people. You can observe him and see what kind of person he is. Right now, I trust your judgment the most.”

Seeing Wang Pingting’s eager expression, Xu Nian had no choice but to nod in agreement. However, the mention of a banquet reminded her of the flower appreciation gathering the next day.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be accompanying Mother to Huifeng Manor for the flower banquet. Are you going as well, Sister?”

“My mother received an invitation as soon as she returned, so of course, we’ll be attending. I heard from her that this banquet was specially arranged by Madam Han for Young Master Shang. Now that his mourning period is over, it’s time for him to consider marriage.”

Xu Nian couldn’t help but admire Madam Guan’s knack for gossip—she had only just returned and already knew everything. At the same time, Xu Nian was puzzled. Why would Shang Jinzhi be looking for a wife in a small place like Wansheng County?

Han Xiyin was just as confused. She had initially thought the flower banquet was simply being held because her cousin had finished his mourning period, but she had just learned that it was actually meant to find him a wife.

Fuming, she stormed off to confront Madam Han, her mother. With tears in her eyes, she asked bitterly, “Mother, is tomorrow’s banquet really meant to find a wife for Cousin?”

Madam Han looked at her daughter, who was crying in distress, and sighed helplessly. How could she not know her daughter’s feelings? But Jinzhi and Xiyin were not meant to be.

“Xiyin, I’ve told you before—you must not have inappropriate thoughts about your cousin. You’re still young, and in the future, I will find you a perfect match.”

“I don’t want that! I don’t want anyone else! I only want Cousin!”

“Han Xiyin!” Madam Han’s expression turned stern as she scolded her. “With your blunt personality and foolishness, if you were to marry into the Xuanping Marquis Manor, within three months, your father and I would have to go to Shengdu to collect your body! There is no room for discussion in this matter. If you dare to cause trouble at tomorrow’s banquet, I will make sure you regret it!”

Han Xiyin trembled at the harsh reprimand. Remembering her mother’s strict ways, she dared not cry any louder. Still, she muttered under her breath, “Someone as noble as Cousin should be matched with an esteemed lady from Shengdu. How could you be so cruel as to pick him a wife from these small households? If Aunt were still alive, she surely wouldn’t—”

Madam Han’s sharp glare made Han Xiyin shut her mouth immediately.

“I have my reasons for making this decision. Explaining them to a foolish girl like you would be pointless. Now, go back to your room and prepare for tomorrow’s banquet.”

Despite her fear, Han Xiyin stomped her foot in frustration before turning to leave. However, just as she was about to step out of the room, Madam Han’s voice rang out again.

“Make sure to rein in your spoiled temper tomorrow. I tolerate your behavior on normal days, but if you ruin the banquet, you’ll have more to worry about than just a scolding.”

Han Xiyin panicked for a moment, thinking her mother had somehow found out about her plan to teach Xu Nian a lesson. Feeling guilty, she quickly responded with a meek, “I understand,” before rushing out of the room.