The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet was held at Shenshi (3-5 PM). After having lunch, Lanqin took a nap before getting up. Supported by Cui Niang's hand, and followed by Nianxue and Xicha, they went to the garden together.

Halfway there, they met Ms. Song, who had also come to attend the chrysanthemum banquet.

"Qin'er, you're pregnant now, so don't bother with anything when you go. Just take a look and then go back," said Madam Song.

"Sister, you're just like Cui Niang, too nervous. Tampering with food is the easiest way to get caught. The Fujin wouldn't dare to do something so blatantly now, would she?" Lanqin said dismissively.

“She could easily use someone else to do it. Lady Nian might not be under her direct control, but there’s also Lady Wu and Lady Yehe, both of whom have secret dealings with the Fujin. If they are also acting on the Fujin’s orders, they could do something to my sister, and it would be impossible to guard against them,” said Lady Song, holding Lanqin’s hand.

"From what I can see, Wu seems to have gone quiet ever since Yin passed away. She doesn't seem like the Wu Ruyue of the past. I always feel that Wu seems to know something about Yin's matter, but she has chosen to remain silent. Yehe has been constantly trying to curry favor with me lately, and she seems quite good. Moreover, she comes from a prestigious family. It would be a real pity if she were willing to be driven by the Fujin (wife of the princess)," Lanqin said.

"I hope it's just a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet, and I hope we're overthinking it," said Madam Song.

The two women, each accompanied by their maids, entered the garden. Upon reaching the chrysanthemum garden, they found a space in the center with tables and chairs already set out, each bearing a covered plate. The chrysanthemums around them were in full bloom, displaying a vibrant array of colors: yellow, white, purple, orange-red, pink, and even two-tone varieties. There were many different kinds: slender cosmos, short and small daisies, and delicate, needle-like snow chrysanthemums—a breathtaking spectacle of beauty.

Lanqin took Song's hand and walked into the sea of ​​flowers. There, chrysanthemums were in full bloom, some more beautiful than snow, some more graceful than fairies. They were truly worth admiring.

Then, Lady Nian, Lady Wu, and Lady Geng arrived. It was rare for them to be together, and they had probably bumped into each other on their way here, chatting as they walked. From the other side, Lady Yehe also arrived. This was the first time these women had gathered together since Lanqin returned to the manor, except for the day the eldest princess got married.

"This concubine greets Consort Lanqin!" Lady Nian bowed to Lanqin, and the others followed suit.

"No need for formalities. Today is just for appreciating chrysanthemums, there's no need for so much ceremony," Lanqin said.

The servants brought out trays of pastries and tea, but the Princess Consort had not yet arrived. Everyone was captivated by the chrysanthemums before them, and no one had any appetite for the pastries; they lingered among the chrysanthemums.

Lanqin discovered a patch of chrysanthemums with two colors, which she found quite unusual. She took Cui Niang's hand and walked over to them. Looking down at the chrysanthemums, she was astonished to find that they were naturally colored, not artificially created.

At this moment, the Fujin finally arrived late. She wore a chrysanthemum-shaped headdress and a light autumn-colored qipao. Holding Lingxiu's hand, she seemed to have shaken off her previous unhappiness and regained her former charm.

"This concubine greets the Fujin!" Everyone bowed to the Fujin. At this moment, all the women present and their maids bowed and paid their respects to the Fujin.

"No need for formalities. Today, I've invited you ladies here to admire the chrysanthemums, so there's no need for such formalities. The pastries on the table were all made by the kitchen using various fresh flowers; those who are interested are welcome to try them," the Princess Consort said dignifiedly.

"Thank you, Madam!" The crowd bowed again.

The Fujin then began to admire the chrysanthemums from the outermost edge. Lady Nian and Lady Wu accompanied her for a while, followed by Lady Geng and Lady Song. Only Lady Yehe, who was with Lanqin, had not yet gone to the Fujin's side.

"Princess Ye, since the Fujin (princess) has arrived, why don't you go and keep her company for a while? As a concubine, it's your duty to accompany the Fujin," Lanqin said calmly. She knew that although she was now a secondary Fujin, she was still a concubine. It wouldn't be too late for her to go after they had all finished talking and admiring the flowers with the Fujin. Although the Fourth Prince had already informed the Fujin and exempted her from the morning and evening greetings, Lanqin knew that in this situation, she would still have to go and say a few words to the Fujin.

"Since Sister Nian and the others are keeping you company over there, I'll stay here with Consort Ye and enjoy the flowers." Yehe kept trying to curry favor with Lanqin and make her presence known, making Lanqin feel a little embarrassed to refuse her kindness.

"It is said that Princess Yehe plays the zither very well. Why don't you play a piece for her? There are beautiful women and scenery here, but it's a pity that there is no beautiful music," Lanqin said.

"You truly understand Yun'er, Consort. I brought the zither with me, hoping to add some elegance for you and Consort later," said Yehe.

Lanqin nodded and followed Yehe out of the chrysanthemum bushes.

“I’ve heard that Sister Yehe is quite skilled at playing the zither. Why don’t we have her perform a piece to bring some joy to the Fujin and all the other sisters?” Lanqin said as she approached the Fujin.

"A brilliant idea. Sister Yehe's zither skills surpass those of everyone here," the Fujin praised.

Lady Nian glanced at Lady Yehe, but she didn't care at all. However, seeing that the Fujin and Lanqin had both said so, she simply turned her head away and refused to look at Lady Yehe any longer.

Yeheshi chose a table and gestured for Taohua to place her zither on it. She then moved gracefully behind the table and sat down in the sandalwood chair.

Everyone stood among the chrysanthemums, when they heard an ancient melody gradually begin to play as Yeheshi's fingers moved.

Yehe's slender hands seemed to dance on the strings of the zither. She played with utmost seriousness, and the music that flowed out was indeed melodious and lingering.

"Sister Yehe's zither skills are indeed outstanding," Lanqin said unconsciously.

"It is said that she caught the master's attention with her excellent zither playing. Even Madam Nian was jealous of her talent," said Madam Song, standing beside Lanqin.

"Yehe is intelligent and kind-hearted. If she had met someone else, she might not have had to worry about being favored. It's just a pity..." Lanqin thought to herself.

Lanqin and Song Shi strolled among the chrysanthemums, admiring the flowers as they went. The others also walked and stopped frequently among the chrysanthemums.

Lanqin was discussing with Madam Song her plans for raising grain for the Fourth Master, and for a moment she did not notice Madam Wu walking up behind her.

Suddenly, Song felt a sharp shove from behind, and she stumbled towards Lanqin, who was walking in front of her. Lanqin was completely unprepared and was hit in the back by Song's sudden attack, causing her to fall forward.

"Qin'er!" Madam Song cried out in alarm when she saw that she had bumped into Lanqin.