Not long after, the Empress Dowager held a flower-viewing banquet in the Imperial Garden of the palace, which was quite grand.

Without exception, all eligible young ladies and gentlemen from families of officials of the fifth rank or above in the capital received invitations.

This banquet was not only a grand event for appreciating flowers, but also a contest for fame and fortune. Everyone had their own calculations and was preparing to fight for a place at this banquet.

Jiang Yunjiao has been very well-behaved these days, practicing various musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting at home. Lu Baimei has been nodding in approval and praising her.

After careful selection, Lu Baimei finally found an ideal son-in-law – Du Yi, the deputy commander of the Jinwu Guard.

Du Yi was young, just turned twenty, and was handsome and had an extraordinary demeanor.

He was Empress Dowager Du's cousin, deeply trusted, and had always held the position of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, making him a true favorite of the Emperor. Such a status undoubtedly pleased Lu Baimei.

What pleased her even more was that Du Yi's parents had passed away early, so he didn't have to deal with complicated family relationships. Moreover, with his years of salary savings, he had already purchased a spacious house in the capital and was quite wealthy.

Lu Baimei thought that such a family would not only be simple and worry-free, but her daughter Jiang Yunjiao would also not have to be restrained by her parents-in-law after marrying into the family, and her life would naturally be comfortable.

In Lu Baimei's view, Du Yi was undoubtedly a perfect match. If the marriage could be successfully arranged, Jiang Yunjiao would surely live a life of luxury and carefree happiness.

Therefore, she was determined to make this a happy occasion, and she also took the opportunity to talk to her niece, Consort Lu, about it during this trip to the palace.

Lu Baimei kept nagging and advising Jiang Yunjiao, earnestly planning her future. However, Jiang Yunjiao was absent-minded, her mind preoccupied only with whether her hair ornaments were exquisite, whether her dress was appropriately colored, and whether she could attract Xie Yizhi's attention.

Faced with her mother's earnest admonitions, she merely gave a perfunctory reply, nodding occasionally in agreement, but she didn't take those words to heart at all, letting them go in one ear and out the other.

In the Imperial Garden, an autumn breeze caresses the face, and sunlight shines on the golden chrysanthemums, their petals dappled with sunlight, dancing lightly.

The entire garden is filled with a delicate fragrance, and the golden, white, and purple chrysanthemums complement the surrounding green leaves beautifully.

The crape myrtle flowers beside them resembled clusters of fiery red sunset glow, dotting the landscape.

The osmanthus trees, stretching as far as the eye can see, stand silently, their branches laden with golden blossoms. A gentle breeze carries their intoxicating fragrance. Occasionally, a few butterflies flutter among the flowers, adding to the lively scene.

Inside the Imperial Garden, the spacious courtyard was filled with exquisite tables and chairs, and the tables were laden with a dazzling array of fruits, pastries, wines and snacks.

Soft sunlight streamed onto the table, and maids and eunuchs served with poise, gracefully guiding the guests.

Having just left Consort Lu's quarters, Lu Anrou took Yao Shiyu with her to Empress Dowager Du's palace. Today, she had to make sure everything was arranged properly.

Although she herself was not proficient in medicine, if Yao Shiyu could cure Xie Zhichen, the credit would naturally go to her.

To ensure everything went smoothly, she decided to discuss it with the Empress Dowager and Consort Lu first.

Empress Dowager Du had a dignified expression, but she doted on Princess Lu Anrou, and even her daughter-in-law, Consort Lu, received special favor from her.

Consort Lu was the most favored concubine in the harem. With the support of the Empress Dowager, all the concubines in the harem were afraid of her.

Lu Anrou has a favored concubine older sister, so she often acts recklessly and arrogantly in the capital. Since Xie Yizhi is the person she has her eye on, she is determined to get him.

Empress Dowager Du specially scheduled the flower-viewing banquet for a day off, inviting not only noble ladies and gentlemen, but also court officials and noblewomen.

Everyone understood that Empress Dowager Du was intentionally taking the lead in using this opportunity to let the young men and women of various families get to know each other, and at the same time to select a suitable concubine for Xie Yizhi.

Jiang Luoluo has always disliked the cutthroat world of fame and fortune, but she has no choice but to attend this banquet today.

It was at the flower-viewing banquet hosted by Empress Dowager Du that Lu Anrou secretly drugged Xie Yi, but he discovered her scheme. Xie Yi immediately drew his sword and stabbed Lu Anrou to death.

The Prince of Yan was heartbroken at the loss of his beloved daughter and fainted on the spot. It was this incident that earned Xie Yizhi a reputation for being cruel, bloodthirsty, and indifferent to human life.

After the incident, the Prince of Yan, together with his ministers, submitted a memorial to the emperor, criticizing Xie Yizhi's behavior.

Ultimately, Empress Dowager Du made the final decision to strip Xie Yizhi of his title of Prince Yi and demote him to a commoner.

The emperor pleaded and begged to preserve Xie Yizhi's title of Prince Yi, but in the end, Empress Dowager Du still made Xie Yizhi hand over the military power of the Flying Eagle Army in exchange.

Guests arrived one after another, and Xiao Yunwei was among those invited.

Although she has never liked such lavish banquets, she decided to accept the invitation to prevent anyone from bullying Jiang Luoluo on the spot.

After most of the guests were seated, Jiang Luoluo slowly walked into the Imperial Garden.

Today, she wore a lake-green dress that flowed lightly like waves, swaying gently with her steps, as if the entire warm autumn sun was enveloped by the gentle aura emanating from her.

The tassels of her cape swayed gently with each step, her dark hair was piled high in a bun, with a few strands falling naturally, and her skin, as smooth as jade, radiated a soft glow in the sunlight.

The jade hairpin in her hair, with its smooth, translucent green color, was a gift from Xie Yizhi himself.

The moment she appeared, everyone's attention was drawn to her, as if the brilliance of the entire Imperial Garden was concentrated on her, making it impossible to look away.

The guests couldn't help but turn their heads to look, some with amazement in their eyes, others whispering to themselves, and even Gu Boyuan, who was talking quietly with someone, looked over.

Jiang Yunjiao, standing to the side, was so angry that her face changed slightly. She clenched the handkerchief in her hand tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white. Her jealousy surged like a tide.

Lu Anrou, standing under the pavilion, grew increasingly cold and sinister, her eyes filled with barely concealed resentment and malice.

She gave a cold laugh, her tone sharp and sarcastic: "So the person who stood up for that little monster that day was Jiang Luoluo! Daring to challenge this princess, she's practically asking for death."

Yao Shiyu stood next to Lu Anrou, silently watching Lu Anrou's posture as if she wanted to tear Jiang Luoluo apart immediately, and she was secretly delighted.

Jiang Luoluo walked slowly to Xiao Yunwei's side and sat down. Before she even sat down, Xiao Yunwei warmly took her hand, her tone light and friendly: "This banquet is rather uninteresting."

"But the pastries are quite nice, Luo Luo, you should try some." As she spoke, she pushed a plate of pastries in front of Jiang Luo Luo.

Jiang Luoluo smiled slightly, nodded and accepted it, then picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.

The pastries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet but not cloying, with a subtle floral fragrance. They are indeed the masterpiece of the imperial chef.

Paired with a sip of sweet fruit wine, the flavors complement each other perfectly, making you want to eat a few more pieces.

The two exchanged a smile and were enjoying their meal when they saw a figure in frost-red robes slowly approaching.

Lu Anrou walked slowly with a slight smile on her face, but her whole being exuded an aggressive aura.