Chapter 23

To celebrate the birthday of the Old Madam of the Cheng’en Estate, Madam Li brought Nianxi to extend their congratulations.

The Old Madam’s youngest daughter was a favored imperial concubine, Consort Shu, who had enjoyed unwavering favor in the palace for two decades. The Emperor, in his affection for her, had bestowed numerous rewards upon her family in recent days.

The Cheng’en Estate hosted a three-day banquet in her honor. Today was the main day of celebration, attracting many prominent families of the capital. The entire Cheng’en Estate was adorned with festive decorations, with intricate carvings and vibrant lanterns, and its gates were crowded with carriages and guests.

But Nianxi remembered that it wouldn’t be long before Consort Shu passed away, and the Cheng’en Estate would fall into decline. The grandeur and magnificence of today would only make its future desolation more poignant.

Nianxi respectfully bowed to the Old Madam and was then praised at length by the estate’s lady, Madam He, who held her hand warmly.

Madam Li laughed and said, “Don’t overpraise her. This child is spoiled by her father and me. Besides reading a few more books than others, she doesn’t have much to boast about.”

Nianxi quietly stood by, maintaining the composed demeanor of a young lady from a distinguished family. On occasions like this, it was enough for her to blend into the background with proper decorum. Yet, as they say, one’s environment and status subtly shape their demeanor and bearing. In her previous life, after ten years as Madam Pei, Nianxi carried herself with a poise that made her stand out, even among the many noblewomen at Jingxiu Hall.

Madam He asked with a smile, “Have you had your coming-of-age ceremony?”

Nianxi nodded, neither shy nor reserved, and replied with poise, “I turned fifteen earlier this year.”

Madam He’s smile deepened. Turning to Madam Li, she remarked, “With such grace and beauty, I imagine few young men in the capital would easily win her favor.”

This was clearly a subtle inquiry about Nianxi’s marriage prospects. Madam He’s youngest son was close in age to Nianxi.

Recently, Madam Li had considered arranging a marriage for Nianxi. However, Nianxi protested, saying, “I’m still young, and my brother hasn’t married yet. There’s no rush for me.”

Madam Li was unconvinced, believing that a young lady’s life only feels secure after her marriage is settled. Nianxi had to feign helplessness, saying, “You always tell me that once I’m someone else’s wife, I won’t be able to live as freely as I do now. Since Duke Zhen is still at the northern frontier, why not let me enjoy a bit more freedom?”

Her words perfectly aligned with Wen Yuanqiao and Wen Qingheng’s sentiments. With the whole family, except for Madam Li, on board, Madam Li had no choice but to explain to Madam Wang of Duke Zhen’s household personally. She stated that Nianxi was still too young, and the family couldn’t bear to part with her, suggesting that marriage discussions be postponed until the Duke returned to the capital.

Madam Wang, being a reasonable woman, found this entirely acceptable and agreed on the spot. Thus, the two families reached an understanding.

Now, when Madam He inquired about Nianxi’s situation, Madam Li tactfully replied, “Her opinions carry more weight than mine. We must listen to her wishes.”

From this, it was clear to all that Nianxi likely already had someone in mind. Everyone in the room was perceptive enough to drop the topic. Madam He quickly shifted the conversation.

Marchioness Pingyang also arrived, and Nianxi used a pause in the conversation to exchange a glance with her cousin, Wang Muyi. Now married, Wang Muyi had to serve her mother-in-law in public and could only be free when her mother-in-law dismissed her.

Nianxi left the main hall first. Since her encounter with Pei Jian at the side gate, Nianxi had decided to take life more seriously. Recently, she’d been planning to open a tea and fragrance shop. However, the costs of opening a shop were too high. Despite her best efforts to reduce expenses, she couldn’t afford a storefront on her own. Thus, she decided to involve her cousin as a business partner.

Today, Nianxi planned to discuss the business idea with her cousin, Muyi. As she walked out of the main hall, following the garden path and passing clusters of flowering trees, she suddenly heard the name “Pei Shizhang” coming from the other side of the trees. The sound filtered through the overlapping branches and leaves.

Nianxi instinctively slowed her steps.

“…Once he drinks the wine, lead him to the west wing,” said a voice.

Another hesitant voice replied, “Princess, are you sure you want to do this?”

“What else, then?” came the first voice, sharp and clear. “How many invitations has this princess sent to that Pei Jian scoundrel, and when has he ever responded? If not for the Old Madam’s birthday and our familiarity with the Cheng’en Estate’s layout, how would we ever get such an opportunity? Make sure Yan Qing acts carefully.”

“I noticed that Guard Yan seems a little unwilling,” the hesitant voice added.

“He’s just a guard! Does he think he can defy me? Once I succeed with Pei Jian, you’ll all be richly rewarded.”

By this point, Nianxi had a solid guess about who was speaking behind the trees—Princess Wen Shu, the daughter of Consort Shu, Xiao Nanxi.

It seemed they were planning to drug Pei Jian.

Quietly and carefully, Nianxi slipped away without drawing any attention.

The Cheng’en Estate bustled with people coming and going. Nianxi changed her route and continued waiting for her cousin.

After a while, Wang Muyi finally arrived, her pretty face filled with frustration. Before Nianxi could say anything, Wang Muyi launched into a rant: “Sometimes I envy how carefree being a girl is. I wish I could always cradle my mother-in-law in my hands! Even though we’re not in our own house, she insists on me personally serving her tea and snacks.”

“Finally, when she let me go for some free time, guess who came in? Pei Shizhang. Now, he’s the talk of the town, the most sought-after bachelor in the capital. My little sister-in-law’s feelings were written all over her face. Nobody else had even said or done anything yet, and she was already panicking—spilled tea everywhere and made a fool of herself. I had to clean up the mess before I could escape.”

Wang Muyi let out a sigh. “Pei Shizhang really knows how to cause trouble—it’s bad enough that Xu Wanxin is completely lovestruck, but now there’s a whole new crowd.”

“You don’t know, do you? Xu Wanxin is practically a laughingstock in the capital now.”

Nianxi, unaware of the latest gossip Wang Muyi had picked up, curiously asked, “What happened?”

The two made their way to a pavilion, where Wang Muyi sat down and sipped some tea before continuing, “Do you remember when we saw Pei Jian and Xu Wanxin together at the West Market? After that, rumors started spreading in the capital that Pei Jian would propose to the Xu family after his success in the palace examination. Even Xu Wanxin herself hinted at such an idea.”

Nianxi asked, “Did he break his promise?”

Wang Muyi shook her head. “Not exactly. After all, he never personally said he would propose.”

“But Xu Wanxin couldn’t wait any longer. She’s getting older, and it’s not ideal for her to keep delaying. Minister Xu had no choice but to send an intermediary to deliver the message. However, Pei Jian flatly replied, ‘The engagement has already been annulled—there’s no recovering spilled water. Let’s not bring it up again.'”

He had outright rejected Xu Wanxin.

Nianxi was stunned. Wang Muyi observed her expression and laughed. “Right? It’s such a ruthless thing to say. Otherwise, the intermediary wouldn’t have spread it around.”

Nianxi, bewildered, asked, “How can anyone still like him when he’s so unfeeling?”

Wang Muyi clapped her hands and chuckled. “It’s just irrational, isn’t it? But everyone says the eldest son of the Pei family has this ‘character and integrity!’ Back when the Xu family kicked him while he was down, they even dug up old scandals about his second uncle, Duke Zheng, and his wife. Yet now, he’s the talk of the town.”

Nianxi was momentarily speechless. She had assumed that without her interference, Pei Jian and her cousin Xu Wanxin would have ended up together as a loving couple. Could it be that his mindset had changed after being reborn?

Nianxi couldn’t figure it out. But what did any of this have to do with her?

With a light smile, Nianxi brushed these thoughts aside, letting them drift away.